O Lord our Lord,
We know that the life of faith is a journey. What a wonderful and amazing journey it is. You know us from birth and walk alongside us as we take new steps. You are present in our baptism, our growing, our questioning, our learning, even our doubting. You call us to serve others along the way, to share life and love, to nurture and support those we know and even the stranger in our midst. It is a grand adventure and we give You thanks, O Lord. We also know there are times when we are afraid and we forget You are there. There are times when the path is dark and we rely solely on our own judgment, making wrong turns and straying. Forgive us, we pray. Bring us back to You, O God. Illumine our way. Embrace us in palpable ways. Draw us once again into this amazing journey of life and faith. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord, AMEN.
_____________________________________________________
Abe Preston is our only hospitalized member. He is in the VA Hospital in OKC.
Connie Baker’s sister who lives in Los Vegas fell at work and hit her head. She has had brain surgery and is in very critical condition. Connie and Lindy are with her. Please pray for them all.
Tomorrow our schedule is back to normal. We had a wonderful Easter celebration. May God’s Sprit continue to move us as we gather to worship and rejoice in the presence of the Living God.
Today’s scripture is 2 Samuel 11:1-15:
2 Samuel 11:1-15
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. It happened, late one afternoon, when David rose from his couch and was walking about on the roof of the king’s house, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. David sent someone to inquire about the woman. It was reported, “This is Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”So David sent messengers to get her, and she came to him, and he lay with her. (Now she was purifying herself after her period.) Then she returned to her house. The woman conceived; and she sent and told David, “I am pregnant.”
So David sent word to Joab, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah came to him, David asked how Joab and the people fared, and how the war was going. Then David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house, and wash your feet.” Uriah went out of the king’s house, and there followed him a present from the king. But Uriah slept at the entrance of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house. When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “You have just come from a journey. Why did you not go down to your house?”Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah remain in booths; and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field; shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do such a thing.”Then David said to Uriah, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day. On the next day, David invited him to eat and drink in his presence and made him drunk; and in the evening he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house.
In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah. In the letter he wrote, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, so that he may be struck down and die.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Prayer for Today, Friday, April 29
O God of the Past, Present and Future,
You have a history with us and it is one of continued reaching out, making covenants, forgiving and redeeming. We are unworthy, O Lord, yet You continue to desire a relationship with Your human family. Forgive us when we allow race, ideology, class or even religion to separate us from one another and ultimately from You. It seems we live in a violent world, yet that is not the world You created or that You desire. May our hearts desire peace. May we be agents of love and forgiveness. We know that You are able to do far more abundantly than all we could ever ask or think by Your power that is at work within us. Use us, O Lord, so that Your kingdom my come on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Chester Ross’s back procedure is this morning at St. Mary’s hospital. He just had a consultation yesterday. Please pray for Chester.
Today Austin Wade is to be released from the hospital. Please lift Austin up in your prayers.
This morning is Byrtle Gifford’s graveside service. Please pray for her family.
Stephanie Ezzell’s sister is in Mercy Hospital in OKC with a blood clot.
Paula Knowlton, Arielle and Brae McLemore’s other grandmother is in St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. The family must decide whether to do surgery on a brain tumor. Please pray for Stephanie’s sister and Paula Knowlton.
Tri State is in its third day. The church is really “hopping”.
The scripture for today is 2 Samuel 9:1-13:
David asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and he was summoned to David. The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “At your service!” The king said, “Is there anyone remaining of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Ziba said to the king, “There remains a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, and fell on his face and did obeisance. David said, “Mephibosheth!” He answered, “I am your servant.”David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan; I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you yourself shall eat at my table always.”He did obeisance and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?”
Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat; but your master’s grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so your servant will do.” Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants. Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he always ate at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You have a history with us and it is one of continued reaching out, making covenants, forgiving and redeeming. We are unworthy, O Lord, yet You continue to desire a relationship with Your human family. Forgive us when we allow race, ideology, class or even religion to separate us from one another and ultimately from You. It seems we live in a violent world, yet that is not the world You created or that You desire. May our hearts desire peace. May we be agents of love and forgiveness. We know that You are able to do far more abundantly than all we could ever ask or think by Your power that is at work within us. Use us, O Lord, so that Your kingdom my come on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Chester Ross’s back procedure is this morning at St. Mary’s hospital. He just had a consultation yesterday. Please pray for Chester.
Today Austin Wade is to be released from the hospital. Please lift Austin up in your prayers.
This morning is Byrtle Gifford’s graveside service. Please pray for her family.
Stephanie Ezzell’s sister is in Mercy Hospital in OKC with a blood clot.
Paula Knowlton, Arielle and Brae McLemore’s other grandmother is in St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa. The family must decide whether to do surgery on a brain tumor. Please pray for Stephanie’s sister and Paula Knowlton.
Tri State is in its third day. The church is really “hopping”.
The scripture for today is 2 Samuel 9:1-13:
David asked, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and he was summoned to David. The king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “At your service!” The king said, “Is there anyone remaining of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?” Ziba said to the king, “There remains a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”The king said to him, “Where is he?” Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. Mephibosheth son of Jonathan son of Saul came to David, and fell on his face and did obeisance. David said, “Mephibosheth!” He answered, “I am your servant.”David said to him, “Do not be afraid, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan; I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you yourself shall eat at my table always.”He did obeisance and said, “What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?”
Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat; but your master’s grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king commands his servant, so your servant will do.” Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king’s sons. Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. And all who lived in Ziba’s house became Mephibosheth’s servants. Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, for he always ate at the king’s table. Now he was lame in both his feet.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Prayer for Today, Thursday, April 28
O Lord of Life and Love,
We are now post-Easter people. We know the story. Help us, Dear God, to live the story. Forgive us when we do not do our part. Forgive us when we reduce the faith to a series of beliefs. Your love and grace precede everything, but it is our decision to open our hearts to You. You are there, but only we can swing wide the door to our souls. Come to us, we pray. We yearn to experience You and to love You. Our hearts are open. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Please pray for Chester Ross. He is having an injection this afternoon to repair a broken vertebrae.
Tomorrow there will be a graveside service for Bertyl Gifford at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. Please pray for her family. She lived a long and good life of 103 years.
The scripture for today is 2 Samuel 7:18-28:
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD; you have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come. May this be instruction for the people, O Lord GOD! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have wrought all this greatness, so that your servant may know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD God; for there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Who is like your people, like Israel? Is there another nation on earth whose God went to redeem it as a people, and to make a name for himself, doing great and awesome things for them, by driving out before his people nations and their gods? And you established your people Israel for yourself to be your people forever; and you, O LORD, became their God. And now, O LORD God, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, confirm it forever; do as you have promised. Thus your name will be magnified forever in the saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is God over Israel’; and the house of your servant David will be established before you. For you, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’; therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant;
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We are now post-Easter people. We know the story. Help us, Dear God, to live the story. Forgive us when we do not do our part. Forgive us when we reduce the faith to a series of beliefs. Your love and grace precede everything, but it is our decision to open our hearts to You. You are there, but only we can swing wide the door to our souls. Come to us, we pray. We yearn to experience You and to love You. Our hearts are open. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________
Please pray for Chester Ross. He is having an injection this afternoon to repair a broken vertebrae.
Tomorrow there will be a graveside service for Bertyl Gifford at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. Please pray for her family. She lived a long and good life of 103 years.
The scripture for today is 2 Samuel 7:18-28:
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD; you have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come. May this be instruction for the people, O Lord GOD! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have wrought all this greatness, so that your servant may know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD God; for there is no one like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. Who is like your people, like Israel? Is there another nation on earth whose God went to redeem it as a people, and to make a name for himself, doing great and awesome things for them, by driving out before his people nations and their gods? And you established your people Israel for yourself to be your people forever; and you, O LORD, became their God. And now, O LORD God, as for the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, confirm it forever; do as you have promised. Thus your name will be magnified forever in the saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is God over Israel’; and the house of your servant David will be established before you. For you, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house’; therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant;
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, April 27
O Lord,
There are times in our lives when we are angry at You, even question You. In the Christian instruction we have received from family, church, even the culture, it has been suggested that we are never to doubt You or be angry with You. Forgive our shortsightedness, Loving God. If we are truly in relationship with You then we understand You are bigger than our doubts, fears and anger. Your love is greater than any questions we may have. Your grace far exceeds our sin. Often our questions and anger come from life experiences, personal and universal, that cause us hurt or pain. Forgive us, Creator God, when we blame You. Help us to understand that You are always there with us, even in our doubts. We know this through the resurrection of Jesus who became the Christ and we pray in his name. AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Please continue to pray for George Oller and Austin Wade. They are in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Please pray for Abe Preston. He is in the VA hospital in OKC.
We have been asked to continue to pray for Kim Keithly Jones. She is working, but having difficult days.
We have also been asked to continue to pray for Joan Ingmire. She is very isolated and alone.
Byrtle Gifford’s funeral is today in Midland, Texas. Her graveside will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Tri-State begins today. We have a Pastor’s Cabinet tonight at 7:30 p.m. Note that we are back to the original time.
The scripture for today is 2 Samuel 7:1-17:
Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.”Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you.”
But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever. In accordance with all these words and with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
There are times in our lives when we are angry at You, even question You. In the Christian instruction we have received from family, church, even the culture, it has been suggested that we are never to doubt You or be angry with You. Forgive our shortsightedness, Loving God. If we are truly in relationship with You then we understand You are bigger than our doubts, fears and anger. Your love is greater than any questions we may have. Your grace far exceeds our sin. Often our questions and anger come from life experiences, personal and universal, that cause us hurt or pain. Forgive us, Creator God, when we blame You. Help us to understand that You are always there with us, even in our doubts. We know this through the resurrection of Jesus who became the Christ and we pray in his name. AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Please continue to pray for George Oller and Austin Wade. They are in St. Mary’s Hospital.
Please pray for Abe Preston. He is in the VA hospital in OKC.
We have been asked to continue to pray for Kim Keithly Jones. She is working, but having difficult days.
We have also been asked to continue to pray for Joan Ingmire. She is very isolated and alone.
Byrtle Gifford’s funeral is today in Midland, Texas. Her graveside will be Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Tri-State begins today. We have a Pastor’s Cabinet tonight at 7:30 p.m. Note that we are back to the original time.
The scripture for today is 2 Samuel 7:1-17:
Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.”Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you.”
But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever. In accordance with all these words and with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, April 26
O Divine Presence,
At times the complexities of the faith journey numb us. We seek a spiritual connection with You, one that sustains, comforts and empowers us. We also seek to understand You using our ability to reason and reflect. There are dominant voices that suggest the spiritual life is strictly emotional and is apart from reason. There are others who affirm that faith is a matter of intellectual assent to a series of doctrines. Forgive us, Loving God, when we are reduced to an either/or position. Help us realize our relation to You is a matter of heart and mind. Emotional responses to Your grace, without reason and critical reflection, are merely fluff. Thinking, discussing and debating issues of faith without a “warming of the heart” lead us to a cold, lifeless certainty where there is no transforming sense of awe or mystery. May we stand before You, O God, as the complete ones we were created to be. May we allow moments of ecstasy and moments of reason as we praise and honor You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________________
George Oller and Austin Wade are still hospitalized. Imogene has been dismissed. Please pray for these three.
There is a cabinet meeting tomorrow evening. It is currently scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Watch for an announcement (email or call) about a potential time change. Right now it is 7:30 p.m.
The scripture for today is 2 Samuel 6:1-15:
David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cartwith the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the LORD with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God. David was angry because the LORD had burst forth with an outburst upon Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. David was afraid of the LORD that day; he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come into my care?”So David was unwilling to take the ark of the LORD into his care in the city of David; instead David took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
It was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. David danced before the LORD with all his might; David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
At times the complexities of the faith journey numb us. We seek a spiritual connection with You, one that sustains, comforts and empowers us. We also seek to understand You using our ability to reason and reflect. There are dominant voices that suggest the spiritual life is strictly emotional and is apart from reason. There are others who affirm that faith is a matter of intellectual assent to a series of doctrines. Forgive us, Loving God, when we are reduced to an either/or position. Help us realize our relation to You is a matter of heart and mind. Emotional responses to Your grace, without reason and critical reflection, are merely fluff. Thinking, discussing and debating issues of faith without a “warming of the heart” lead us to a cold, lifeless certainty where there is no transforming sense of awe or mystery. May we stand before You, O God, as the complete ones we were created to be. May we allow moments of ecstasy and moments of reason as we praise and honor You. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________________
George Oller and Austin Wade are still hospitalized. Imogene has been dismissed. Please pray for these three.
There is a cabinet meeting tomorrow evening. It is currently scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Watch for an announcement (email or call) about a potential time change. Right now it is 7:30 p.m.
The scripture for today is 2 Samuel 6:1-15:
David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. David and all the people with him set out and went from Baale-judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the LORD of hosts who is enthroned on the cherubim. They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cartwith the ark of God; and Ahio went in front of the ark. David and all the house of Israel were dancing before the LORD with all their might, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck him there because he reached out his hand to the ark; and he died there beside the ark of God. David was angry because the LORD had burst forth with an outburst upon Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. David was afraid of the LORD that day; he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come into my care?”So David was unwilling to take the ark of the LORD into his care in the city of David; instead David took it to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.The ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.
It was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing; and when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. David danced before the LORD with all his might; David was girded with a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, April 25, 2011
Prayer for Today, Monday, April 25
Magnificent Creator God,
The earth has been refreshed with life giving rain and we are grateful. The celebration of the empty tomb has passed and we are renewed. Spring is leading us to summer and we are expectant. Bless us on this journey, O Lord. Forgive our iniquities and our limited vision. May the clarity we receive from Your love and Christ’s passion embolden us to proclaim and live the Good News. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
___________________________________________________
We had a wonderful Service of Resurrection. May the Holy Spirit continue to revive us.
Next weekend we are back on a regular schedule with our Saturday Service of Communion and three Sunday morning services of worship. This is a good time to invite family and friends to worship with us. Mother’s day is May 8th. Senior Sunday is May 15th.
Remember, our daily scripture readings will take us entirely through the New Testament and through most of the major events and personalities of the Old Testament in three years. Today we are in Week 22 of Year A.
The regular scripture reading for yesterday was 2 Samuel 1:1, 7-27:
After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.
David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan.(He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said: Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions’ daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 3:
O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.” Selah
But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people!
The scripture reading for today is 2 Samuel 5:1-12:
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Look, we are your bone and flesh. For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.”So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.
The king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, even the blind and the lame will turn you back” —thinking, “David cannot come in here.”Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion, which is now the city of David. David had said on that day, “Whoever would strike down the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack the lame and the blind, those whom David hates.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inwards. And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.
King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar trees, and carpenters and masons who built David a house. David then perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
The earth has been refreshed with life giving rain and we are grateful. The celebration of the empty tomb has passed and we are renewed. Spring is leading us to summer and we are expectant. Bless us on this journey, O Lord. Forgive our iniquities and our limited vision. May the clarity we receive from Your love and Christ’s passion embolden us to proclaim and live the Good News. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
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We had a wonderful Service of Resurrection. May the Holy Spirit continue to revive us.
Next weekend we are back on a regular schedule with our Saturday Service of Communion and three Sunday morning services of worship. This is a good time to invite family and friends to worship with us. Mother’s day is May 8th. Senior Sunday is May 15th.
Remember, our daily scripture readings will take us entirely through the New Testament and through most of the major events and personalities of the Old Testament in three years. Today we are in Week 22 of Year A.
The regular scripture reading for yesterday was 2 Samuel 1:1, 7-27:
After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.
David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan.(He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said: Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions’ daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished!
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 3:
O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.” Selah
But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
I cry aloud to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
Rise up, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
Deliverance belongs to the LORD; may your blessing be on your people!
The scripture reading for today is 2 Samuel 5:1-12:
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Look, we are your bone and flesh. For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The LORD said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.”So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.
The king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, even the blind and the lame will turn you back” —thinking, “David cannot come in here.”Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion, which is now the city of David. David had said on that day, “Whoever would strike down the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack the lame and the blind, those whom David hates.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.”David occupied the stronghold, and named it the city of David. David built the city all around from the Millo inwards. And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.
King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar trees, and carpenters and masons who built David a house. David then perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Prayer for Today, Easter Sunday, April 24
O God of New Life and Hope,
We come to You on this Easter day praising Your name and thanking You for the beauty, power and mystery of resurrection. We stand before the empty tomb and our hearts leap because we know Your love embraces us now and through all eternity. Bless the Church and our church today as Christian gather to celebrate new life and hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
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The scripture today is the Easter text for worship, I will resume the schedule tomorrow.
Matthew 28:1-10:
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.”So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We come to You on this Easter day praising Your name and thanking You for the beauty, power and mystery of resurrection. We stand before the empty tomb and our hearts leap because we know Your love embraces us now and through all eternity. Bless the Church and our church today as Christian gather to celebrate new life and hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
___________________________________________
The scripture today is the Easter text for worship, I will resume the schedule tomorrow.
Matthew 28:1-10:
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.”So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Prayer for Today, Saturday, April 23
O God our God,
It is hard for us to fathom the breadth and depth of Your love for us, even as we complete our Lenten journey and stand before the empty tomb tomorrow. In so many ways this journey has become routine. Surprise us, even shock us O Lord, that we might get a glimpse of Your glory and grace. Forgive our complacent attitudes. Forgive our “ho hum” approach to Easter where we are concerned about clothing, family meals and obligatory rituals. As we gather for worship tomorrow may the power and passion of Your love consume us. May our hearts race. May praises shout out from our depths. May the eternal spark within us explode into flames as we proclaim “Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!”. AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
George Oller was hospitalized yesterday. I mistakenly said it was someone else during morning prayers. Please pray for George and out other members who are hospitalized. Imogene Price and Austin Wade.
Today we will enjoy our All Church Picnic featuring an Easter Egg Hunt and games at the church. We will be inside if the weather is bad.
This afternoon Justin Blasier and Julie Hildabrand will be married in Bivins Chapel. I am officiating. Please pray for this young couple.
Please continue to pray for Chuck Crites’s family as they continue this journey through the valley of the shadow of death.
Tomorrow we will have one glorious Service of Resurrection in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m.
The scripture for today is Matthew 20:29-34:
As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!”Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?”They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.”Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
Hope to see you in church on Easter. Grace and peace,
John McLemore
It is hard for us to fathom the breadth and depth of Your love for us, even as we complete our Lenten journey and stand before the empty tomb tomorrow. In so many ways this journey has become routine. Surprise us, even shock us O Lord, that we might get a glimpse of Your glory and grace. Forgive our complacent attitudes. Forgive our “ho hum” approach to Easter where we are concerned about clothing, family meals and obligatory rituals. As we gather for worship tomorrow may the power and passion of Your love consume us. May our hearts race. May praises shout out from our depths. May the eternal spark within us explode into flames as we proclaim “Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!”. AMEN.
__________________________________________________________
George Oller was hospitalized yesterday. I mistakenly said it was someone else during morning prayers. Please pray for George and out other members who are hospitalized. Imogene Price and Austin Wade.
Today we will enjoy our All Church Picnic featuring an Easter Egg Hunt and games at the church. We will be inside if the weather is bad.
This afternoon Justin Blasier and Julie Hildabrand will be married in Bivins Chapel. I am officiating. Please pray for this young couple.
Please continue to pray for Chuck Crites’s family as they continue this journey through the valley of the shadow of death.
Tomorrow we will have one glorious Service of Resurrection in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m.
The scripture for today is Matthew 20:29-34:
As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!”The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!”Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?”They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.”Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.
Hope to see you in church on Easter. Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, April 22, 2011
Prayer for Today, Good Friday, April 22
O Love That Will Not Let Us Go,
We rest our souls in You. You, O God, are the source of love. May we experience Your love in the depth and breadth of human relationships. We cannot isolate ourselves from others, even when we try. We might think we can separate ourselves from You, but we can’t. Forgive us, O Lord, for our attempts to do so. You are always present with us, offering the hope, joy and love that comes only from You. The key is our hearts. You knock, but only we can open the door. On this Good Friday we remember and reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus who became the Christ. That is a powerful, loud and persistent knock. May we respond and be resolved this day, Loving Creator, to open our hearts, experience Your love and delve deeply into those relationship where You already are. We pray in the name of him who was crucified, Jesus. AMEN.
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Chuck Crites funeral is today at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please pray for Eileen and all for Chuck’s family and friends.
Tonight we will have a Tenebrae Service in the Chapel at 7:00 p.m.
Tomorrow is the last day of Lent. We will have our final Lenten Morning prayers at 7:00 a.m. in the Chapel.
Tomorrow is the All- Church Picnic featuring an Easter Egg hunt. All are invited. Festivities begin at 11:00 a.m.
The scripture for today is Matthew 20:17-28:
While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.”
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We rest our souls in You. You, O God, are the source of love. May we experience Your love in the depth and breadth of human relationships. We cannot isolate ourselves from others, even when we try. We might think we can separate ourselves from You, but we can’t. Forgive us, O Lord, for our attempts to do so. You are always present with us, offering the hope, joy and love that comes only from You. The key is our hearts. You knock, but only we can open the door. On this Good Friday we remember and reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus who became the Christ. That is a powerful, loud and persistent knock. May we respond and be resolved this day, Loving Creator, to open our hearts, experience Your love and delve deeply into those relationship where You already are. We pray in the name of him who was crucified, Jesus. AMEN.
________________________________________________
Chuck Crites funeral is today at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please pray for Eileen and all for Chuck’s family and friends.
Tonight we will have a Tenebrae Service in the Chapel at 7:00 p.m.
Tomorrow is the last day of Lent. We will have our final Lenten Morning prayers at 7:00 a.m. in the Chapel.
Tomorrow is the All- Church Picnic featuring an Easter Egg hunt. All are invited. Festivities begin at 11:00 a.m.
The scripture for today is Matthew 20:17-28:
While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.”
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.”He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Prayer for Today, Maundy Thursday, April 21
Loving Provider,
Today You gather us in the Upper Room with Your son. The Gospel of John tells us that it was there that Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist and washed his disciples’ feet. He gave us the purest example of the servant’s heart. Most of the time, Loving God, we would rather be served than serve others. Most of the time our needs supersede the needs of those around us. Forgive us, O Holy One. May we look to the example of the One who became the Christ for our model. We can’t perform his miracles and we certainly can’t die on a cross for the sins of the world, but we can love others as ourselves. We can serve. We can reach out to those who have been abandoned and bring the light of Christ to them as we seek to meet their physical, emotional as well as spiritual needs. Embolden us, Gracious Lord, to be courageous enough to choose to be last rather than first. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
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I received word yesterday that Tim Hart, the 51 year old grandson of Helen Hart, was critically injured in a horse riding accident in Houston. Please pray for Tim and his grandmother who is very concerned.
Please pray for the family and friends of Kathryn Schmidt. She died earlier this week. She was a member of the “Yes We Can” Civitan club.
Please also pray for the family of Byrtle Gifford who passed away at the age of 103. She was the aunt of Mary Beach and Winston Shipley. There will be a graveside service in Enid next Friday.
Chuck Crites funeral is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Tonight we will gather in the sanctuary for out Maundy Thursday service. It will include men reenacting the Last Supper. The service begins at 7:00 p.m.
The scripture for today is Matthew 20:1-16:
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o”clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o”clock, he did the same. And about five o”clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard. ‘When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first. ‘When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. ‘But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Today You gather us in the Upper Room with Your son. The Gospel of John tells us that it was there that Jesus wrapped a towel around his waist and washed his disciples’ feet. He gave us the purest example of the servant’s heart. Most of the time, Loving God, we would rather be served than serve others. Most of the time our needs supersede the needs of those around us. Forgive us, O Holy One. May we look to the example of the One who became the Christ for our model. We can’t perform his miracles and we certainly can’t die on a cross for the sins of the world, but we can love others as ourselves. We can serve. We can reach out to those who have been abandoned and bring the light of Christ to them as we seek to meet their physical, emotional as well as spiritual needs. Embolden us, Gracious Lord, to be courageous enough to choose to be last rather than first. In Jesus’ name we pray, AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
I received word yesterday that Tim Hart, the 51 year old grandson of Helen Hart, was critically injured in a horse riding accident in Houston. Please pray for Tim and his grandmother who is very concerned.
Please pray for the family and friends of Kathryn Schmidt. She died earlier this week. She was a member of the “Yes We Can” Civitan club.
Please also pray for the family of Byrtle Gifford who passed away at the age of 103. She was the aunt of Mary Beach and Winston Shipley. There will be a graveside service in Enid next Friday.
Chuck Crites funeral is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Tonight we will gather in the sanctuary for out Maundy Thursday service. It will include men reenacting the Last Supper. The service begins at 7:00 p.m.
The scripture for today is Matthew 20:1-16:
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o”clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o”clock, he did the same. And about five o”clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard. ‘When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first. ‘When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat. ‘But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, April 20
God of Tender Mercies,
This week we are invited to remember and relive Jesus entry into Jerusalem, His Passover meal with the disciples, His trial and crucifixion, His burial and ultimately His resurrection. Help us to enter the stories, Dear God. There is cause for celebration when we wave the palm branches, share the meal and stand at an empty tomb. Forgive us when we are more like the jeering crowd, the betraying Judas, the denying Peter and the doubting Thomas. We are not always rejoicing and we are not always denying, in fact, our actions betray the pendulum swings of our devotion. We seek Your mercy, O God. We confess our sin before You and we seek the new life that comes to us through an encounter with the Living Christ. Our hearts are open and our spirits are willing. Come to us, Lord Jesus, and fill us with Your love. AMEN.
________________________________________________________________
We were shocked to hear that Chuck Crites died yesterday morning. Please pray for Eilene, their daughters and the entire family. Chuck’s funeral will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Imogene Price is still in rehab at St. Mary’s. Austin Wade is showing improvement. Please pray for Imogene and Austin.
There are no WWNF activities this evening. Watch the Visitor for announcements about summer activities.
The Bell Choir will rehearse this evening at 5:30 p.m. The “actors” for our Maundy Thursday service will meet at 6:00 p.m. The Chancel Choir will also rehearse this evening.
Tomorrow evening our Maundy Thursday service will be in the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m.
There will be a Good Friday Tennebrae service in the chapels on Friday at 7:00 p.m.
May your journey through Holy Week be spiritually uplifting and profound.
The scripture for today is Matthew 19:16-30:
Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?”Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?”But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
This week we are invited to remember and relive Jesus entry into Jerusalem, His Passover meal with the disciples, His trial and crucifixion, His burial and ultimately His resurrection. Help us to enter the stories, Dear God. There is cause for celebration when we wave the palm branches, share the meal and stand at an empty tomb. Forgive us when we are more like the jeering crowd, the betraying Judas, the denying Peter and the doubting Thomas. We are not always rejoicing and we are not always denying, in fact, our actions betray the pendulum swings of our devotion. We seek Your mercy, O God. We confess our sin before You and we seek the new life that comes to us through an encounter with the Living Christ. Our hearts are open and our spirits are willing. Come to us, Lord Jesus, and fill us with Your love. AMEN.
________________________________________________________________
We were shocked to hear that Chuck Crites died yesterday morning. Please pray for Eilene, their daughters and the entire family. Chuck’s funeral will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Imogene Price is still in rehab at St. Mary’s. Austin Wade is showing improvement. Please pray for Imogene and Austin.
There are no WWNF activities this evening. Watch the Visitor for announcements about summer activities.
The Bell Choir will rehearse this evening at 5:30 p.m. The “actors” for our Maundy Thursday service will meet at 6:00 p.m. The Chancel Choir will also rehearse this evening.
Tomorrow evening our Maundy Thursday service will be in the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m.
There will be a Good Friday Tennebrae service in the chapels on Friday at 7:00 p.m.
May your journey through Holy Week be spiritually uplifting and profound.
The scripture for today is Matthew 19:16-30:
Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?”Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?”But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, April 19
Loving and Gracious God,
The beauty of springtime affirms Your presence in all creation. The power of Easter affirms Your love for all the world. As we walk though the rituals of Holy Week may they be more than rote actions. May the power of Your Holy Spirit elevate our experience in morning prayers, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter morning. May our spiritual journey be enhanced thereby providing the opportunity for complete emersion in the depths of Your love. May we rise as new creations in Christ. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Birdene and Willo are still in the recovery process at their homes. Please pray for them.
I received the following email from Tammy Skaggs:
Rev. McLemore,
Thank you so much for your prayers for our family. Fred lost his battle with cancer last night about 10:40pm. He was in the hospital having a procedure to drain the fluid that his body was retaining. The procedure was successful, but his kidneys began failing over the weekend. The doctors thought he would have a few more days, but mercifully the Lord ended his suffering and took him home. We had prayed for a miracle, and we got one, it just wasn't the one we were asking for. Fred was the kind of guy that once you met him, you felt like you had known him forever. We will treasure the memories of his sense of humor and kind nature. Thanks again. Tammy Skaggs
Please pray for the family of Fred Haddad.
A group of Young Adults plus Harry Hammonds and yours truly went to Laura Deatherage’s home, yesterday evening, with mowers, weed eaters and rakes. We got her yard mowed and cleaned. John Wheeler will make a run to the city dump with a pickup load, he will then return to load additional materials that can be taken to the salvage yard. Laura was exceedingly grateful. Thanks to all who helped. We “got dirty for Jesus”.
The scripture for today is Matthew 19:1-15:
When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he cured them there.
Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?”He answered, “Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female, ‘and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”They said to him, “Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?”He said to them, “It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery.”His disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”But he said to them, “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”
Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
The beauty of springtime affirms Your presence in all creation. The power of Easter affirms Your love for all the world. As we walk though the rituals of Holy Week may they be more than rote actions. May the power of Your Holy Spirit elevate our experience in morning prayers, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter morning. May our spiritual journey be enhanced thereby providing the opportunity for complete emersion in the depths of Your love. May we rise as new creations in Christ. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
___________________________________________________
Birdene and Willo are still in the recovery process at their homes. Please pray for them.
I received the following email from Tammy Skaggs:
Rev. McLemore,
Thank you so much for your prayers for our family. Fred lost his battle with cancer last night about 10:40pm. He was in the hospital having a procedure to drain the fluid that his body was retaining. The procedure was successful, but his kidneys began failing over the weekend. The doctors thought he would have a few more days, but mercifully the Lord ended his suffering and took him home. We had prayed for a miracle, and we got one, it just wasn't the one we were asking for. Fred was the kind of guy that once you met him, you felt like you had known him forever. We will treasure the memories of his sense of humor and kind nature. Thanks again. Tammy Skaggs
Please pray for the family of Fred Haddad.
A group of Young Adults plus Harry Hammonds and yours truly went to Laura Deatherage’s home, yesterday evening, with mowers, weed eaters and rakes. We got her yard mowed and cleaned. John Wheeler will make a run to the city dump with a pickup load, he will then return to load additional materials that can be taken to the salvage yard. Laura was exceedingly grateful. Thanks to all who helped. We “got dirty for Jesus”.
The scripture for today is Matthew 19:1-15:
When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he cured them there.
Some Pharisees came to him, and to test him they asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause?”He answered, “Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female, ‘and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”They said to him, “Why then did Moses command us to give a certificate of dismissal and to divorce her?”He said to them, “It was because you were so hard-hearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery.”His disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”But he said to them, “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”
Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, April 18, 2011
Prayer for Today, Monday, April 18
God of Grace and God of Glory,
Palm Sunday has passed and we are now moving through Holy Week. This is nothing new for us. We have been here many times before. The stories are very familiar to us and we know what to expect. Startle us with Your Divine Presence, we pray. May the scriptures we read and the rituals we perform take on new meanings for us. Place us, O Lord, at the Passover meal, in the garden, at the trial, on Golgotha, and at the empty tomb. May we be in the accounts and may they live in us. Forgive our complacency, Loving God. May the true power and wonder of the Holy Week story bring us to new depths in our spiritual journey. Guide us, O Lord, and keep us in Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Birdene Schoonover is at home. Her son from Kansas was here over the weekend. Please pray for Birdene.
Please continue to pray for Joan Ingmire and reach out to her.
Austin Wade and Imogene Price are still hospitalized. Please life them up in your prayers.
We have over 65 people experience the Journey to the Cross. It was a profound experience for many. A special thank-you to Sally Wheeler for planning and setting it up.
The chancel Choir did a wonderful job yesterday, providing music that honored God and inspired the entire congregation. It was a great day.
Our Maundy Thursday service will be in the sanctuary this year. It begins at 7:00 p.m.
The scripture reading for today is Matthew 18:23-35:
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Palm Sunday has passed and we are now moving through Holy Week. This is nothing new for us. We have been here many times before. The stories are very familiar to us and we know what to expect. Startle us with Your Divine Presence, we pray. May the scriptures we read and the rituals we perform take on new meanings for us. Place us, O Lord, at the Passover meal, in the garden, at the trial, on Golgotha, and at the empty tomb. May we be in the accounts and may they live in us. Forgive our complacency, Loving God. May the true power and wonder of the Holy Week story bring us to new depths in our spiritual journey. Guide us, O Lord, and keep us in Jesus name, AMEN.
______________________________________________
Birdene Schoonover is at home. Her son from Kansas was here over the weekend. Please pray for Birdene.
Please continue to pray for Joan Ingmire and reach out to her.
Austin Wade and Imogene Price are still hospitalized. Please life them up in your prayers.
We have over 65 people experience the Journey to the Cross. It was a profound experience for many. A special thank-you to Sally Wheeler for planning and setting it up.
The chancel Choir did a wonderful job yesterday, providing music that honored God and inspired the entire congregation. It was a great day.
Our Maundy Thursday service will be in the sanctuary this year. It begins at 7:00 p.m.
The scripture reading for today is Matthew 18:23-35:
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Prayer for Today, Palm Sunday, April 17
O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth. Today we shout “Hosannas”. We remember Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Life is good because he will bring power and glory to our side. Tomorrow things change. The power of the Messiah is not experienced in might, influence, wealth, or driving out the “Romans”. The power of the Christ is love, bringing evil to the light of day, speaking truth to power, and extending God’s grace and forgiveness to all. Is it possible we could be among those who, later this week, shout “Crucify him” because he is not what we wanted or expected? Forgive us, we pray. May the true glory of this day be made manifest in our hearts. May our journey through this Holy Week prepares us to celebrate resurrection and new life. We offer this prayer in the name of the One who was nailed to a cross, Jesus, our Lord. AMEN.
______________________________________________________________
Please pray for our hospitalized: Imogene Price, Birdene Schoonover, and Austin Wade.
Please continue to pray for Fig Newton as he recovers from hand and elbow surgery.
Please continue to pray for Kathy Stocksen and Mary Beth Cassody as they mourn the death of loved ones.
Please pray for Willo Clark and Laura Deatherage that they might gain strength each day.
We have an all-church brunch this morning at 9:15 a.m. in the Loggia prior to our combined service of worship where the choir will lift up their voices in praise to God by singing “The Seven Last Words”. Then, after the worship, we will turn to the balcony to have the all-church picture taken. It will be a GREAT DAY!
The scripture for today is Matthew 18:15-22:
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 103:1-14:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The LORD works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.
For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
How majestic is Your name in all the earth. Today we shout “Hosannas”. We remember Jesus entry into Jerusalem. Life is good because he will bring power and glory to our side. Tomorrow things change. The power of the Messiah is not experienced in might, influence, wealth, or driving out the “Romans”. The power of the Christ is love, bringing evil to the light of day, speaking truth to power, and extending God’s grace and forgiveness to all. Is it possible we could be among those who, later this week, shout “Crucify him” because he is not what we wanted or expected? Forgive us, we pray. May the true glory of this day be made manifest in our hearts. May our journey through this Holy Week prepares us to celebrate resurrection and new life. We offer this prayer in the name of the One who was nailed to a cross, Jesus, our Lord. AMEN.
______________________________________________________________
Please pray for our hospitalized: Imogene Price, Birdene Schoonover, and Austin Wade.
Please continue to pray for Fig Newton as he recovers from hand and elbow surgery.
Please continue to pray for Kathy Stocksen and Mary Beth Cassody as they mourn the death of loved ones.
Please pray for Willo Clark and Laura Deatherage that they might gain strength each day.
We have an all-church brunch this morning at 9:15 a.m. in the Loggia prior to our combined service of worship where the choir will lift up their voices in praise to God by singing “The Seven Last Words”. Then, after the worship, we will turn to the balcony to have the all-church picture taken. It will be a GREAT DAY!
The scripture for today is Matthew 18:15-22:
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 103:1-14:
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The LORD works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.
For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Prayer for Today, Saturday, April 16
Merciful God,
We love You and seek to follow the teachings of Jesus and at the same time we are aware of our sin and those things that separate us from You. We are never completely one way or the other. In the midst of these contradictions we experience life. We pray that Your forgiving Spirit will wash over us and we know that it does when we turn into Your embrace. We are in a constant state of becoming more than we have been. Help us, O Lord, to grow in the faith. Help us, Loving God, to trust in You. You are the potter and we are the clay. You are at work in the world and much if that work is to be done by us. Strengthen us for the road ahead. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
Birdene Schoonover is in Saint Mary’s Hospital. Please pray for Birdene.
Ryan O’Banion has been dismissed from the hospital and is recovering at home.
Imogene Price and Austin Wade are still hospitalized. Please pray for them both.
The Journey to the Cross continues today. It is open at 10 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m. Come at any time. It is a spiritual experience that will enhance your entry into Holy Week.
Tomorrow is our Palm Sunday Brunch beginning at 9:15 a.m., our one service for the choir cantata at 10:15 a.m. and the all-church picture immediately after worship.
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 24:1-22:
When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.”Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to look for David and his men in the direction of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. He came to the sheepfolds beside the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. The men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” Then David went and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s cloak. Afterwards David was stricken to the heart because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s cloak. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to raise my hand against him; for he is the Lord’s anointed.”So David scolded his men severely and did not permit them to attack Saul. Then Saul got up and left the cave, and went on his way. Afterwards David also rose up and went out of the cave and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.
David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of those who say, ‘David seeks to do you harm’? This very day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you into my hand in the cave; and some urged me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not raise my hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed. ‘See, my father, see the corner of your cloak in my hand; for by the fact that I cut off the corner of your cloak, and did not kill you, you may know for certain that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you are hunting me to take my life. May the LORD judge between me and you! May the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you. As the ancient proverb says, ‘Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness’; but my hand shall not be against you. Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A single flea? May the LORD therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you. May he see to it, and plead my cause, and vindicate me against you.”
When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. Today you have explained how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the LORD put me into your hands. For who has ever found an enemy, and sent the enemy safely away? So may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. Now I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not wipe out my name from my father’s house.”So David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home; but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We love You and seek to follow the teachings of Jesus and at the same time we are aware of our sin and those things that separate us from You. We are never completely one way or the other. In the midst of these contradictions we experience life. We pray that Your forgiving Spirit will wash over us and we know that it does when we turn into Your embrace. We are in a constant state of becoming more than we have been. Help us, O Lord, to grow in the faith. Help us, Loving God, to trust in You. You are the potter and we are the clay. You are at work in the world and much if that work is to be done by us. Strengthen us for the road ahead. It is in Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
_______________________________________________
Birdene Schoonover is in Saint Mary’s Hospital. Please pray for Birdene.
Ryan O’Banion has been dismissed from the hospital and is recovering at home.
Imogene Price and Austin Wade are still hospitalized. Please pray for them both.
The Journey to the Cross continues today. It is open at 10 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m. Come at any time. It is a spiritual experience that will enhance your entry into Holy Week.
Tomorrow is our Palm Sunday Brunch beginning at 9:15 a.m., our one service for the choir cantata at 10:15 a.m. and the all-church picture immediately after worship.
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 24:1-22:
When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.”Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to look for David and his men in the direction of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. He came to the sheepfolds beside the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. The men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the LORD said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it seems good to you.’” Then David went and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s cloak. Afterwards David was stricken to the heart because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s cloak. He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to raise my hand against him; for he is the Lord’s anointed.”So David scolded his men severely and did not permit them to attack Saul. Then Saul got up and left the cave, and went on his way. Afterwards David also rose up and went out of the cave and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.
David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of those who say, ‘David seeks to do you harm’? This very day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you into my hand in the cave; and some urged me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not raise my hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed. ‘See, my father, see the corner of your cloak in my hand; for by the fact that I cut off the corner of your cloak, and did not kill you, you may know for certain that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you are hunting me to take my life. May the LORD judge between me and you! May the LORD avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you. As the ancient proverb says, ‘Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness’; but my hand shall not be against you. Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A single flea? May the LORD therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you. May he see to it, and plead my cause, and vindicate me against you.”
When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. Today you have explained how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the LORD put me into your hands. For who has ever found an enemy, and sent the enemy safely away? So may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. Now I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. Swear to me therefore by the LORD that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not wipe out my name from my father’s house.”So David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home; but David and his men went up to the stronghold.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, April 15, 2011
Prayer for Today, Friday, April 15
Gracious God,
Come to us in our weakness. Come to us in our strength. We pray we may feel Your Presence all around us. We know, O Lord, that Your word to us through the prophets of old and through Jesus the Christ, calls us to be present to others, to see the needs of those around us, and to respond with love and grace. May the insights of scripture bring us to understand that it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is loving that we are loved. So regardless of our life circumstances, our needs are met as we strive to meet the needs of others. Open our eyes, Loving God, to these profound visions of truth You have for us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________
Birdene Schoonover is in St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Birdene.
The Journey to the Cross begins at 5:00 p.m. this evening. It will be open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. today, 10:00 a.m. until 6 p.m. tomorrow, and from 2:00 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Please consider setting aside 45 minutes to an hour to make this spiritual walk to various stations around the church.
Dortha Immel’s 90th Birthday Reception will be tomorrow from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited.
REMEMBER: there is no Saturday service this week or next. This Sunday, Palm Sunday, we will have a brunch at 9:15 a.m. in the Loggia. Then we will all move into the sanctuary for a wonderful Palm Sunday worship featuring our choir cantata.
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 17:32-49:
David said to Saul, ‘Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine. ‘Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth. ‘But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God. ‘David said, ‘The LORD, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.’ So Saul said to David, ‘Go, and may the LORD be with you!’
Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, ‘I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.’ So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.
The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, ‘Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field. ‘But David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hand.’
When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly towards the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Come to us in our weakness. Come to us in our strength. We pray we may feel Your Presence all around us. We know, O Lord, that Your word to us through the prophets of old and through Jesus the Christ, calls us to be present to others, to see the needs of those around us, and to respond with love and grace. May the insights of scripture bring us to understand that it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is loving that we are loved. So regardless of our life circumstances, our needs are met as we strive to meet the needs of others. Open our eyes, Loving God, to these profound visions of truth You have for us. In Jesus name, AMEN.
___________________________________________
Birdene Schoonover is in St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for Birdene.
The Journey to the Cross begins at 5:00 p.m. this evening. It will be open from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. today, 10:00 a.m. until 6 p.m. tomorrow, and from 2:00 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday. Please consider setting aside 45 minutes to an hour to make this spiritual walk to various stations around the church.
Dortha Immel’s 90th Birthday Reception will be tomorrow from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited.
REMEMBER: there is no Saturday service this week or next. This Sunday, Palm Sunday, we will have a brunch at 9:15 a.m. in the Loggia. Then we will all move into the sanctuary for a wonderful Palm Sunday worship featuring our choir cantata.
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 17:32-49:
David said to Saul, ‘Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine. ‘Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth. ‘But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep sheep for his father; and whenever a lion or a bear came, and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth; and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and bears; and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God. ‘David said, ‘The LORD, who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will save me from the hand of this Philistine.’ So Saul said to David, ‘Go, and may the LORD be with you!’
Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, ‘I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.’ So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine.
The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistine said to David, ‘Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field. ‘But David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s and he will give you into our hand.’
When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly towards the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Prayer for Today, Thursday, April 14
Lord,
We want to be faithful to You, but we often fail. Free us, Dear God, from those things that separate us from You. Strengthen our resolve to serve You with our whole hearts. We can’t do it alone. We need Your Spirit to sustain us. Our hearts are open, Gracious One, fill them, we pray, to overflowing with Your Divine Presence. We pray in Jesus name. AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Beth Cassody on the death of her brother, Roger Hays.
I received an email form Tammy Skaggs. Mike and Tammy have recently been visiting Central; she said:
“If I could, I would like to request someone in my family to be put on the prayer list. My niece's husband, Fred Haddad, was been diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer which apparently is rare, and usually not found until it has spread to other organs and there is not much they can do for it. It has progressed much faster than the doctors anticipated and at this point they have been told to call in hospice because his liver could fail at anytime. They live in Norman and he is only 55 years old. He was only diagnosed about a month ago. My niece's name is Leslie Haddad. She and Fred are people of strong faith and I know they would appreciate all the prayer that they can get. Thank you so much! We will see you in church on Sunday. Mike and Tammy Skaggs”
Please pray for Fred and his family.
Betty Unruh’s great granddaughter has been released from the hospital. They still aren’t sure of the cause of her illness.
Ryan O’Banion was doing much better. He will likely be released from St. Mary’s today.
Willo Clark’s daughter, Shannon, is coming back to Enid to be with Willo for a few days. Her recuperation at home will be ongoing.
The “Journey to the Cross” begins tomorrow evening at 5:00 p.m. and will also be open Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Plan to come and be moved by the experience.
The scripture reading for today is 1 Samuel 16:14-23:
Now the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. And Saul’s servants said to him, “See now, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord now command the servants who attend you to look for someone who is skillful in playing the lyre; and when the evil spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will feel better.”So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me someone who can play well, and bring him to me.”One of the young men answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a warrior, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence; and the LORD is with him.”So Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David who is with the sheep.”Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a kid, and sent them by his son David to Saul. And David came to Saul, and entered his service. Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.”And whenever the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand, and Saul would be relieved and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We want to be faithful to You, but we often fail. Free us, Dear God, from those things that separate us from You. Strengthen our resolve to serve You with our whole hearts. We can’t do it alone. We need Your Spirit to sustain us. Our hearts are open, Gracious One, fill them, we pray, to overflowing with Your Divine Presence. We pray in Jesus name. AMEN.
____________________________________________________________
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Beth Cassody on the death of her brother, Roger Hays.
I received an email form Tammy Skaggs. Mike and Tammy have recently been visiting Central; she said:
“If I could, I would like to request someone in my family to be put on the prayer list. My niece's husband, Fred Haddad, was been diagnosed with stage 4 bile duct cancer which apparently is rare, and usually not found until it has spread to other organs and there is not much they can do for it. It has progressed much faster than the doctors anticipated and at this point they have been told to call in hospice because his liver could fail at anytime. They live in Norman and he is only 55 years old. He was only diagnosed about a month ago. My niece's name is Leslie Haddad. She and Fred are people of strong faith and I know they would appreciate all the prayer that they can get. Thank you so much! We will see you in church on Sunday. Mike and Tammy Skaggs”
Please pray for Fred and his family.
Betty Unruh’s great granddaughter has been released from the hospital. They still aren’t sure of the cause of her illness.
Ryan O’Banion was doing much better. He will likely be released from St. Mary’s today.
Willo Clark’s daughter, Shannon, is coming back to Enid to be with Willo for a few days. Her recuperation at home will be ongoing.
The “Journey to the Cross” begins tomorrow evening at 5:00 p.m. and will also be open Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Plan to come and be moved by the experience.
The scripture reading for today is 1 Samuel 16:14-23:
Now the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. And Saul’s servants said to him, “See now, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord now command the servants who attend you to look for someone who is skillful in playing the lyre; and when the evil spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will feel better.”So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me someone who can play well, and bring him to me.”One of the young men answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a warrior, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence; and the LORD is with him.”So Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me your son David who is with the sheep.”Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a kid, and sent them by his son David to Saul. And David came to Saul, and entered his service. Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.”And whenever the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand, and Saul would be relieved and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, April 13
Dear God,
We seek depth in a veneer world. Most everything we see is mass produced and is glitzy and glamorous, but these “things” do not fill the deep recesses of our souls. Forgive us, Loving Creator, particularly as we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross, a journey which opened the gates of heaven and showed us the depth of Your love. We long for You. Our spirit cries out to You. Fill us, we pray, with the abundance of your grace. Heal us and make us one, with You and with the beauty of Your life giving creation. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
________________________________________________________
Ryan O’Banion is in St. Mary’s hospital after a day in the ER yesterday. Please pray for Ryan.
Willo Clark is home. We celebrate her recovery and pray for increased strength for her each day.
Laura Deatherage has decided against surgery. Her arm will continue to be restrained for at least three more weeks. Please pray for Laura.
Tonight is the last WWNF for the spring. Come and join us for the meal, chapel and the last discussion on the spiritual life. Of course the children, and youth will meet and the chancel choir will be putting the finishing touches on their cantata.
Remember: No Saturday service for the next two weeks, no 8:00 chapel service on Palm Sunday and Easter, and the Revive and Renew Service will join with the sanctuary service these two weeks as well. There is a brunch this Sunday beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the loggia and we will take our “All-Church” picture after the cantata.
The logo contest is over and a logo was picked. It was # 3.
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 16:1-13:
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. ‘Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.”Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.”But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.”Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.”Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.”Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We seek depth in a veneer world. Most everything we see is mass produced and is glitzy and glamorous, but these “things” do not fill the deep recesses of our souls. Forgive us, Loving Creator, particularly as we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross, a journey which opened the gates of heaven and showed us the depth of Your love. We long for You. Our spirit cries out to You. Fill us, we pray, with the abundance of your grace. Heal us and make us one, with You and with the beauty of Your life giving creation. This is our prayer in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
________________________________________________________
Ryan O’Banion is in St. Mary’s hospital after a day in the ER yesterday. Please pray for Ryan.
Willo Clark is home. We celebrate her recovery and pray for increased strength for her each day.
Laura Deatherage has decided against surgery. Her arm will continue to be restrained for at least three more weeks. Please pray for Laura.
Tonight is the last WWNF for the spring. Come and join us for the meal, chapel and the last discussion on the spiritual life. Of course the children, and youth will meet and the chancel choir will be putting the finishing touches on their cantata.
Remember: No Saturday service for the next two weeks, no 8:00 chapel service on Palm Sunday and Easter, and the Revive and Renew Service will join with the sanctuary service these two weeks as well. There is a brunch this Sunday beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the loggia and we will take our “All-Church” picture after the cantata.
The logo contest is over and a logo was picked. It was # 3.
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 16:1-13:
The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. ‘Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.”Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?”He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.”But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.”Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.”Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.”Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, April 12
Eternal Mystery,
Your Son, Jesus the Christ, gives us a glimpse of Your unending grace. As we move toward Palm Sunday, may our spirits and hearts be open to You. Likely we would have been with the ones waving palm branches celebrating his entry into Jerusalem. Likely we would also have been among those who understood his ‘kingship” as it was characterized by earthly power and might. He was a miracle worker. He was a faith healer. He was a doer of “signs”, yet they, and often we, saw only those things. May Your abiding Presence be made known to us, in part, as it was fully made known in Him. May your love for the world live in us, in part, as it was fully made manifest in Him. May the power and majesty of Christ’s “kingship” be understood as it was revealed in His vulnerability and forgiving spirit. Your eternal grace, as it was and is present in the Christ, evokes a power beyond our wildest imaginings. We give You thanks and offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
_______________________________________________________________
Please pray for Kathie Stocksen. Her aunt, Ruth Porter, who Kathie cared for these last few years, died.
Please pray for Jason Jarnigan. He is responding well to cancer treatments. Jason is a former member of Central and his mother-in-law is Maxine Shepherd.
Betty Unruh’s great-granddaughter who is 20 months old is undergoing continuing tests. She has been hospitalized for over a week. Please offer prays for this child.
The Journey to the Cross begins this Friday. Be sure to set aside an hour on Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday afternoon to participate in this spiritual experience.
Sunday is Palm Sunday. We will have an All-Church Brunch beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the Loggia. There will be no Saturday Service nor an 8:00 a.m. Chapel Service so we can all join together for the choir cantata at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Be sure to invite family and friends to join us.
The scripture for today is I Samuel 8:4-20:
Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah,and said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.”But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to govern us.” Samuel prayed to the LORD, and the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only—you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”So Samuel reported all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. He will take one-tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers. He will take your male and female slaves, and the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the LORD will not answer you in that day.”But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; they said, “No! but we are determined to have a king over us, so that we also may be like other nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Your Son, Jesus the Christ, gives us a glimpse of Your unending grace. As we move toward Palm Sunday, may our spirits and hearts be open to You. Likely we would have been with the ones waving palm branches celebrating his entry into Jerusalem. Likely we would also have been among those who understood his ‘kingship” as it was characterized by earthly power and might. He was a miracle worker. He was a faith healer. He was a doer of “signs”, yet they, and often we, saw only those things. May Your abiding Presence be made known to us, in part, as it was fully made known in Him. May your love for the world live in us, in part, as it was fully made manifest in Him. May the power and majesty of Christ’s “kingship” be understood as it was revealed in His vulnerability and forgiving spirit. Your eternal grace, as it was and is present in the Christ, evokes a power beyond our wildest imaginings. We give You thanks and offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
_______________________________________________________________
Please pray for Kathie Stocksen. Her aunt, Ruth Porter, who Kathie cared for these last few years, died.
Please pray for Jason Jarnigan. He is responding well to cancer treatments. Jason is a former member of Central and his mother-in-law is Maxine Shepherd.
Betty Unruh’s great-granddaughter who is 20 months old is undergoing continuing tests. She has been hospitalized for over a week. Please offer prays for this child.
The Journey to the Cross begins this Friday. Be sure to set aside an hour on Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday afternoon to participate in this spiritual experience.
Sunday is Palm Sunday. We will have an All-Church Brunch beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the Loggia. There will be no Saturday Service nor an 8:00 a.m. Chapel Service so we can all join together for the choir cantata at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Be sure to invite family and friends to join us.
The scripture for today is I Samuel 8:4-20:
Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah,and said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.”But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to govern us.” Samuel prayed to the LORD, and the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only—you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”So Samuel reported all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. He will take one-tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers. He will take your male and female slaves, and the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the LORD will not answer you in that day.”But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; they said, “No! but we are determined to have a king over us, so that we also may be like other nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, April 11, 2011
Prayer for Today, Monday, April 11
Guiding Spirit,
Life is a balancing act and sometimes we get out of balance. We try to stay upright but the spinning overwhelms us and we fall. Often, O Lord, our decisions are what cause the turmoil and unsettledness. Forgive us when we look to other places than You for stability. Forgive us, Loving God, when we are lured away from You to the glitzy merry-go-rounds of life that, after a while, aren’t merry. You are our Rock and Redeemer. May we be rooted in the faith of Jesus and the security of Your embrace. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
________________________________________________
Our prayers are with the family of Madge Loomis. Here memorial service is today at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
Chuck Crites is continuing his recovery at home. He was released from the hospital yesterday. Please pray for Chuck.
Betty Unruh’s great- grandchild has been hospitalized for over a week. The baby’s father also had an emergency appendectomy. Please pray for Betty and her family.
The scripture for today is I Samuel 3:1-20:
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!”and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.”Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Then the LORD said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.”Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.”Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.”So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him.”
As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the LORD.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Life is a balancing act and sometimes we get out of balance. We try to stay upright but the spinning overwhelms us and we fall. Often, O Lord, our decisions are what cause the turmoil and unsettledness. Forgive us when we look to other places than You for stability. Forgive us, Loving God, when we are lured away from You to the glitzy merry-go-rounds of life that, after a while, aren’t merry. You are our Rock and Redeemer. May we be rooted in the faith of Jesus and the security of Your embrace. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
________________________________________________
Our prayers are with the family of Madge Loomis. Here memorial service is today at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
Chuck Crites is continuing his recovery at home. He was released from the hospital yesterday. Please pray for Chuck.
Betty Unruh’s great- grandchild has been hospitalized for over a week. The baby’s father also had an emergency appendectomy. Please pray for Betty and her family.
The scripture for today is I Samuel 3:1-20:
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was. Then the LORD called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!”and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.”Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Then the LORD said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.”Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.”Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.”So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him.”
As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the LORD.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Prayer for Today, Sunday, April 10
O God of All Time and All Places,
We come before You this day in reverence and with praise in our hearts. This is the Lord’s Day and we are rejoicing. May our words and actions show a faithful witness to the world, today and all days. O Lord we never know who is watching us. It could be a neighborhood child, a person on the street, a young person in trouble, someone in need, a class member, a visitor in church, or a friend. We are the picture of the Christian faith to them. May the things we say and do reflect Your grace and love. May we show a love that is supportive and accepting, not a love that is judging and rejecting. Forgive us, O Lord, when we fail. Strengthen the goodness You have placed within us so that it may flourish. In Jesus names was pray.
________________________________________________________________
Madge Loomis’ funeral is tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
Chuck Crites will likely be released from the hospital today.
Please continue to pray for Laura Deatherage. She will get word on Tuesday if she is to have surgery.
Please try to send Austin Wade a birthday email. His birthday is today and he is in St. Mary’s hospital, Room 201. The email address is https://www.stmarysregional.com/Home/e-Patient. Be sure to mention that you are from Central Christian Church.
Be sure to vote today for the new church logo. The display and ballot box is in the Loggia.
The Women’s’ Walk to Emmaus is continuing through today. The Sooner’s Class will meet in the Chapel. Jack Weston’s class will meet in the Fellowship Hall.
Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and we will have only one combined service at 10:15 a.m. choir is presenting their cantata. We will also have an all-church brun ch at 9:15 a.m. Some Sunday School Classes will dismiss after roll call, announcements and a brief devotion to participate. All are welcome. Please plan to join us next Sunday. Then after church we will take our total church picture. Please plan to be present.
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 1:21-2:10:
The man Elhanan and all his household went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and remain there forever; I will offer him as a azurite for all time.”Her husband Elhanan said to her, “Do what seems best to you, wait until you have weaned him; only—may the LORD establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son, until she weaned him. When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephod of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh; and the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is given to the LORD.” She left him there for the LORD.
Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory.“There is no Holy One like the LORD, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed.”
The Psalm for the week is Psalm 84:
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Selah
Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed.
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We come before You this day in reverence and with praise in our hearts. This is the Lord’s Day and we are rejoicing. May our words and actions show a faithful witness to the world, today and all days. O Lord we never know who is watching us. It could be a neighborhood child, a person on the street, a young person in trouble, someone in need, a class member, a visitor in church, or a friend. We are the picture of the Christian faith to them. May the things we say and do reflect Your grace and love. May we show a love that is supportive and accepting, not a love that is judging and rejecting. Forgive us, O Lord, when we fail. Strengthen the goodness You have placed within us so that it may flourish. In Jesus names was pray.
________________________________________________________________
Madge Loomis’ funeral is tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
Chuck Crites will likely be released from the hospital today.
Please continue to pray for Laura Deatherage. She will get word on Tuesday if she is to have surgery.
Please try to send Austin Wade a birthday email. His birthday is today and he is in St. Mary’s hospital, Room 201. The email address is https://www.stmarysregional.com/Home/e-Patient. Be sure to mention that you are from Central Christian Church.
Be sure to vote today for the new church logo. The display and ballot box is in the Loggia.
The Women’s’ Walk to Emmaus is continuing through today. The Sooner’s Class will meet in the Chapel. Jack Weston’s class will meet in the Fellowship Hall.
Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and we will have only one combined service at 10:15 a.m. choir is presenting their cantata. We will also have an all-church brun ch at 9:15 a.m. Some Sunday School Classes will dismiss after roll call, announcements and a brief devotion to participate. All are welcome. Please plan to join us next Sunday. Then after church we will take our total church picture. Please plan to be present.
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 1:21-2:10:
The man Elhanan and all his household went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and remain there forever; I will offer him as a azurite for all time.”Her husband Elhanan said to her, “Do what seems best to you, wait until you have weaned him; only—may the LORD establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son, until she weaned him. When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephod of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh; and the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is given to the LORD.” She left him there for the LORD.
Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory.“There is no Holy One like the LORD, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world.“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. The LORD! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed.”
The Psalm for the week is Psalm 84:
How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. Selah
Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed.
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the LORD withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Prayer for Today, Saturday, April 9
Divine Presence Who Draws Us Unto Yourself,
We seek peace, O Lord; peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, peace in our land, and peace in our world. Help us to realize peace comes with a cost and it is not easy to achieve. There is so much violence in our media, the games our children play, and in our language. It is no wonder violence is a reality in the larger venues of life. Forgive us, Dear God, when we assume that violence leads to peace. Help us to follow Jesus’ model of love and forgiveness, yet not backing down from the profound issues of the day. May we bring violence and the myth of redemptive violence to the light of day and expose its flaws. May we allow Your peace to enter our hearts and may we truly be peacemakers in the world. It is in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Madge Loomis’s memorial service is at 11:00 a.m. on Monday in the Sanctuary. Please pray for her children and friends.
Imogene Price and Willo Clark are continuing to improve after surgeries. Lift them up in your prayers.
Austin Wade is in Room 201 at St. Mary’s hospital. Tomorrow is his 79th birthday. Austin is a widower and the Saturday Service and the Tuesday Noon Bible Studies are his primary connections outside his home. You can send Austin a birthday wish at https://www.stmarysregional.com/Home/e-Patient . Even if you are not personally acquainted with Austin, I encourage you to send a message. Be sure to note that you are a member of Central Christian Church.
The scripture for Today is Matthew 18:10-14:
“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We seek peace, O Lord; peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, peace in our land, and peace in our world. Help us to realize peace comes with a cost and it is not easy to achieve. There is so much violence in our media, the games our children play, and in our language. It is no wonder violence is a reality in the larger venues of life. Forgive us, Dear God, when we assume that violence leads to peace. Help us to follow Jesus’ model of love and forgiveness, yet not backing down from the profound issues of the day. May we bring violence and the myth of redemptive violence to the light of day and expose its flaws. May we allow Your peace to enter our hearts and may we truly be peacemakers in the world. It is in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
______________________________________________________
Madge Loomis’s memorial service is at 11:00 a.m. on Monday in the Sanctuary. Please pray for her children and friends.
Imogene Price and Willo Clark are continuing to improve after surgeries. Lift them up in your prayers.
Austin Wade is in Room 201 at St. Mary’s hospital. Tomorrow is his 79th birthday. Austin is a widower and the Saturday Service and the Tuesday Noon Bible Studies are his primary connections outside his home. You can send Austin a birthday wish at https://www.stmarysregional.com/Home/e-Patient . Even if you are not personally acquainted with Austin, I encourage you to send a message. Be sure to note that you are a member of Central Christian Church.
The scripture for Today is Matthew 18:10-14:
“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Friday, April 8, 2011
Prayer for Today, Friday, April 8
Loving and Gracious God,
We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses and we humbly reflect on the legacy we have received. The influence of those forebearers of faith in our family, in our church, and in our community is far reaching. The courage and witness of faithful Christians through the centuries provides the foundation upon which we stand. May we honor them, O Lord, as we seek to grow in our faithfulness toward You. May their strength and fortitude be an example for us to follow. Forgive us when our shortsightedness and self-centeredness causes us to adversely influence those who look to us for an example of a Christian life. Help us to realize our words and actions influence not only this generation but future generations. May we receive the gifts of those who have gone before us. May we make them our own and may we share them for the benefit of future generations of followers of Jesus. This is our prayer in His name. AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Our dear Madge Loomis died yesterday evening with her children around her. The memorial service will likely be on Monday. Please pray for Madge’s family and friends.
Chuck Crites is making an amazing recovery. He was sitting in a chair and conversing with his family yesterday.
Barbara Whinery had surgery in OKC yesterday and should be home today.
Imogene Price had hip replacement surgery yesterday at St. Mary’s hospital.
Please pray for Chuck, Barbara, and Imogene.
Please continue to pray for Laura Deatherage and also for Willo Clark.
We are hosting the NW Oklahoma Womens’ Walk to Emmaus this weekend. Please pray for the success of this spiritual retreat.
The scripture reading for today is Matthew 18:6-9:
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!“If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses and we humbly reflect on the legacy we have received. The influence of those forebearers of faith in our family, in our church, and in our community is far reaching. The courage and witness of faithful Christians through the centuries provides the foundation upon which we stand. May we honor them, O Lord, as we seek to grow in our faithfulness toward You. May their strength and fortitude be an example for us to follow. Forgive us when our shortsightedness and self-centeredness causes us to adversely influence those who look to us for an example of a Christian life. Help us to realize our words and actions influence not only this generation but future generations. May we receive the gifts of those who have gone before us. May we make them our own and may we share them for the benefit of future generations of followers of Jesus. This is our prayer in His name. AMEN.
_________________________________________________________
Our dear Madge Loomis died yesterday evening with her children around her. The memorial service will likely be on Monday. Please pray for Madge’s family and friends.
Chuck Crites is making an amazing recovery. He was sitting in a chair and conversing with his family yesterday.
Barbara Whinery had surgery in OKC yesterday and should be home today.
Imogene Price had hip replacement surgery yesterday at St. Mary’s hospital.
Please pray for Chuck, Barbara, and Imogene.
Please continue to pray for Laura Deatherage and also for Willo Clark.
We are hosting the NW Oklahoma Womens’ Walk to Emmaus this weekend. Please pray for the success of this spiritual retreat.
The scripture reading for today is Matthew 18:6-9:
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!“If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Prayer for Today, Thursday, April 7
O Lord,
We look around and see the assembly of family and friends who care for us and support us. We realize their care and love pales in comparison to what we receive from You. We are grateful, Loving God. Help us to realize there are those, perhaps near to us, who do not have the comfort and support of others. Life circumstances have caused separations, divisions and alienation. Empower us, Gracious God, to be agents of peace and reconciliation. Empower us, Divine Presence, to embody an element of Your grace that knows no separation. May we bridge the gaps that create loneliness and despair and may Your love flow through us. It is in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
_______________________________________________________
Imogene Price will have hip replacement surgery today. She is on “standby” status and they will work her in.
Barbara Whinery will have surgery today at Mercy Hospital in OKC at 12:30. Please pray for Imogene and Barbara.
Chuck Crites has had complications from his surgery. At first they thought it was a massive stroke. Now the doctors believe it is metabolic. He is in ICU at Bass Hospital. The family says he is showing improvement during each hourly visit.
I was told this morning that Austin Wade is in St. Mary’s hospital.
Willo Clark is continuing to improve.
Please pray for all our hospitalized.
I just received word that Madge Loomis is in a rapid decline. Please offer special prayers for Madge and her family today.
J. Curtis Huckleberry, Sally Wheeler and I recorded a Community Talk segment yesterday. If you have cable, watch Community Talk and let us know how we did.
Remember: we are voting on the logo this Sunday. There is a display in the Logia. Also remember: The All-Church Picture will be made on Palm Sunday after the choir cantata.
The scripture for today is Matthew 18:1-5:
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We look around and see the assembly of family and friends who care for us and support us. We realize their care and love pales in comparison to what we receive from You. We are grateful, Loving God. Help us to realize there are those, perhaps near to us, who do not have the comfort and support of others. Life circumstances have caused separations, divisions and alienation. Empower us, Gracious God, to be agents of peace and reconciliation. Empower us, Divine Presence, to embody an element of Your grace that knows no separation. May we bridge the gaps that create loneliness and despair and may Your love flow through us. It is in Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
_______________________________________________________
Imogene Price will have hip replacement surgery today. She is on “standby” status and they will work her in.
Barbara Whinery will have surgery today at Mercy Hospital in OKC at 12:30. Please pray for Imogene and Barbara.
Chuck Crites has had complications from his surgery. At first they thought it was a massive stroke. Now the doctors believe it is metabolic. He is in ICU at Bass Hospital. The family says he is showing improvement during each hourly visit.
I was told this morning that Austin Wade is in St. Mary’s hospital.
Willo Clark is continuing to improve.
Please pray for all our hospitalized.
I just received word that Madge Loomis is in a rapid decline. Please offer special prayers for Madge and her family today.
J. Curtis Huckleberry, Sally Wheeler and I recorded a Community Talk segment yesterday. If you have cable, watch Community Talk and let us know how we did.
Remember: we are voting on the logo this Sunday. There is a display in the Logia. Also remember: The All-Church Picture will be made on Palm Sunday after the choir cantata.
The scripture for today is Matthew 18:1-5:
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Prayer for Today, Wednesday, April 6
Lord of all Creation,
The birds are chirping. There is a gentle breeze from the south. It will be a good day. It is the day You have made. As we bask in the beauty of Your creation help us to be good caretakers, Dear Lord. All of nature and all that we have belongs to You. We are called to be good stewards of that which has been entrusted to us. Forgive us, Loving God, when we fail to take this responsibility seriously. Forgive us, Lord of All, when we collectively say, “It’s ours and we can do with it as we choose”. May we be empowered to be the voice of reason and responsibility, protecting Your creation for future generations. This we pray in Jesus name. AMEN.
_______________________________________________________________
Chuck Crites had heart bypass surgery yesterday (5 bypasses). He is recovering in Bass Hospital.
Imogene Price fell yesterday and has a broken hip. She will have hip replacement surgery sometime today at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Jean Long’s surgery, scheduled for yesterday, was postponed.
Barbara Whinery will have surgery tomorrow at Mercy Hospital in OKC.
Please pray for Chuck, Imogene, Jean and Barbara.
I listed the wrong telephone number for Joan Ingmire yesterday. The correct number is 237-6889. Please give her a call or send her a card.
WWNF is tonight. The Bell Choir is also rehearsing at 7:30 p.m.
CORRECTION: The all church picture, originally scheduled for this Sunday, has been moved to Palm Sunday. We are having one combined service on Palm Sunday so it is a good time for a large group picture. That is the Choir Cantata Sunday. Plan to attend.
The scripture for today is Matthew 17:24-27:
When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?”He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?”When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
The birds are chirping. There is a gentle breeze from the south. It will be a good day. It is the day You have made. As we bask in the beauty of Your creation help us to be good caretakers, Dear Lord. All of nature and all that we have belongs to You. We are called to be good stewards of that which has been entrusted to us. Forgive us, Loving God, when we fail to take this responsibility seriously. Forgive us, Lord of All, when we collectively say, “It’s ours and we can do with it as we choose”. May we be empowered to be the voice of reason and responsibility, protecting Your creation for future generations. This we pray in Jesus name. AMEN.
_______________________________________________________________
Chuck Crites had heart bypass surgery yesterday (5 bypasses). He is recovering in Bass Hospital.
Imogene Price fell yesterday and has a broken hip. She will have hip replacement surgery sometime today at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Jean Long’s surgery, scheduled for yesterday, was postponed.
Barbara Whinery will have surgery tomorrow at Mercy Hospital in OKC.
Please pray for Chuck, Imogene, Jean and Barbara.
I listed the wrong telephone number for Joan Ingmire yesterday. The correct number is 237-6889. Please give her a call or send her a card.
WWNF is tonight. The Bell Choir is also rehearsing at 7:30 p.m.
CORRECTION: The all church picture, originally scheduled for this Sunday, has been moved to Palm Sunday. We are having one combined service on Palm Sunday so it is a good time for a large group picture. That is the Choir Cantata Sunday. Plan to attend.
The scripture for today is Matthew 17:24-27:
When they reached Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the temple tax?”He said, “Yes, he does.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke of it first, asking, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their children or from others?”When Peter said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. However, so that we do not give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook; take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a coin; take that and give it to them for you and me.”
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Prayer for Today, Tuesday, April 5
God of Abundant Mercies,
We life our hearts up to You because You are our God and we are your faithful ones. You reach out to us and we respond. You call us by name and send us forth to proclaim the Good News to all the world. You empower us to be agents of peace, reconciliation and love. Forgive us, Loving God, when we miss the mark. Forgive us when we hear the call and turn the other way. Forgive us, we pray, when we turn our backs on those in need. . .family, friends, neighbors, even strangers. Help us to understand that in so doing we turn our backs on You. We desire, Divine Presence, to commune with You. May our hearts be open and our self centeredness subdued so that we can see the way You call us to follow. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Chuck Crites is having heart bypass surgery this morning at Bass Hospital. Please pray for Chuck and his family.
Jana Davis has asked that we keep her mother, Joan Ingmire, in our prayers. She broke her tailbone as a result of a fall in February and she is very isolated. If you are so inclined, please give her a call or send her a card. Joan Ingmire 3701 Bland Drive, Enid 73703 233-9938. Also, keep Joan in your prayers.
Henry Stuever, son of Jason and Jill, had a chest x-ray yesterday to check for RSV. Please keep the Stuever’s in your prayers.
Please continue to pray for Laura Deatherage, Maggie Bartlett, and Willo Clark.
The scripture for today is Matthew 17:14-23:
When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.”Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.”And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
We life our hearts up to You because You are our God and we are your faithful ones. You reach out to us and we respond. You call us by name and send us forth to proclaim the Good News to all the world. You empower us to be agents of peace, reconciliation and love. Forgive us, Loving God, when we miss the mark. Forgive us when we hear the call and turn the other way. Forgive us, we pray, when we turn our backs on those in need. . .family, friends, neighbors, even strangers. Help us to understand that in so doing we turn our backs on You. We desire, Divine Presence, to commune with You. May our hearts be open and our self centeredness subdued so that we can see the way You call us to follow. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN.
________________________________________________
Chuck Crites is having heart bypass surgery this morning at Bass Hospital. Please pray for Chuck and his family.
Jana Davis has asked that we keep her mother, Joan Ingmire, in our prayers. She broke her tailbone as a result of a fall in February and she is very isolated. If you are so inclined, please give her a call or send her a card. Joan Ingmire 3701 Bland Drive, Enid 73703 233-9938. Also, keep Joan in your prayers.
Henry Stuever, son of Jason and Jill, had a chest x-ray yesterday to check for RSV. Please keep the Stuever’s in your prayers.
Please continue to pray for Laura Deatherage, Maggie Bartlett, and Willo Clark.
The scripture for today is Matthew 17:14-23:
When they came to the crowd, a man came to him, knelt before him, and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.”Jesus answered, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to me.”And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”
As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised.” And they were greatly distressed.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Monday, April 4, 2011
Prayer for Today, Monday, April 4
Precious Lord,
Take our hands and lead us on. The way, at times, seems unclear and the road is difficult. We pray for Your comfort and guidance. Forgive us, O Lord, when our arrogance and self righteousness blind us to the power and truth of Jesus’ message to us. Forgive us, Loving God, when our understanding of the faith is misguided and is used as motivation for separating ourselves from those in need. Their speck is always bigger than our log. We stand before You as sinners. We pray for forgiveness. May Your love live in us as we share it with others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________________________________
Kim Price has been released from Mercy Hospital in OKC and is recovering at home.
Willo Clark is showing continued improvement.
Maggie Bartlett will likely be dismissed from St. Mary’s in the next few days.
Chuck Crites is in Bass Hospital undergoing tests and observation.
Laura Deatherage fell in church yesterday. There is a broken bone but it is immobilized and she is home with pain medication. Laura will need a lot of assistance over the next few weeks.
Please pray for all our sick and hospitalized.
Next Sunday we will vote on a new logo for the church. We will also take a congregational picture after the 10:15 a.m. services.
The scripture for today is Matthew 17:1-13:
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”And the disciples asked him, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.”Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Take our hands and lead us on. The way, at times, seems unclear and the road is difficult. We pray for Your comfort and guidance. Forgive us, O Lord, when our arrogance and self righteousness blind us to the power and truth of Jesus’ message to us. Forgive us, Loving God, when our understanding of the faith is misguided and is used as motivation for separating ourselves from those in need. Their speck is always bigger than our log. We stand before You as sinners. We pray for forgiveness. May Your love live in us as we share it with others. In Jesus name, AMEN.
____________________________________________
Kim Price has been released from Mercy Hospital in OKC and is recovering at home.
Willo Clark is showing continued improvement.
Maggie Bartlett will likely be dismissed from St. Mary’s in the next few days.
Chuck Crites is in Bass Hospital undergoing tests and observation.
Laura Deatherage fell in church yesterday. There is a broken bone but it is immobilized and she is home with pain medication. Laura will need a lot of assistance over the next few weeks.
Please pray for all our sick and hospitalized.
Next Sunday we will vote on a new logo for the church. We will also take a congregational picture after the 10:15 a.m. services.
The scripture for today is Matthew 17:1-13:
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!”When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.”And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”And the disciples asked him, “Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”He replied, “Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.”Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Prayer for Today, Sunday, April 3
Come to us Lord Jesus,
You are the personal face of God. In You we find our comfort and hope. You are our brother and together we are joint heirs as children of God. Bless us with Your Spirit as we open our hearts to You. AMEN.
______________________________________
I received the following email from Eilene Crites:
Chuck went to Bass Hospital ER, Fri. eve. with aorta and ventricular arrhythmia which caused his heart to stop. After a lot of work in the ER by some wonderful medical professionals, he is alive but tired. He is still undergoing tests to try to find the reason for this sudden onset. He is in room 227. Please pray for Chuck’s healing & my stamina. Thank you, Eilene
Please offer special prayers for Chuck.
Willow Clark is continuing to improve. Shannon reported they have removed the NG tube and she is drinking clear liquids. Please pray for her continued recovery.
Today is the Blood Drive and the Horn of Plenty food drive.
The scripture for today is Matthew 16:21-28:
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 131:
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.
O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time on and forevermore.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
You are the personal face of God. In You we find our comfort and hope. You are our brother and together we are joint heirs as children of God. Bless us with Your Spirit as we open our hearts to You. AMEN.
______________________________________
I received the following email from Eilene Crites:
Chuck went to Bass Hospital ER, Fri. eve. with aorta and ventricular arrhythmia which caused his heart to stop. After a lot of work in the ER by some wonderful medical professionals, he is alive but tired. He is still undergoing tests to try to find the reason for this sudden onset. He is in room 227. Please pray for Chuck’s healing & my stamina. Thank you, Eilene
Please offer special prayers for Chuck.
Willow Clark is continuing to improve. Shannon reported they have removed the NG tube and she is drinking clear liquids. Please pray for her continued recovery.
Today is the Blood Drive and the Horn of Plenty food drive.
The scripture for today is Matthew 16:21-28:
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? “For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
The Psalm for this week is Psalm 131:
O LORD, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.
O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time on and forevermore.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Prayer for Today, Saturday, April 2
Beneficent God,
Create in us a clean heart, O God. And renew a right spirit within us. The words of love and forgiveness easily roll off our tongues, but the actions are more difficult. It is easy to identify and criticize the sins of others. It is easy to stand in judgment, but may we always be reminded of Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee recounts all his righteous acts in his prayer and thanks You, O God, that he is not a sinner like the tax collector. The tax collector simply prays for mercy because he is a sinner. Jesus said the tax collector went away justified, not the Pharisee. Forgive us, O Lord, when we presume our righteous acts place us above the known sinner. Humble us, Dear Lord, to realize our actions show others: the unchurched, the marginalized, and the “sinners” the nature of our Christianity. May our words, thoughts and deeds draw them closer to You, not drive them away. May we exhibit the true nature of the Christian faith rooted in the life of Jesus. It is in His name we pray. AMEN.
__________________________________________
Both Barb Lund and Gene Brintnall had outpatient surgery yesterday. They are recovering in their homes.
Maggie Bartlett and Willo Clark are improving.
Please pray for all our hospitalized.
The men’s Walk to Emmaus is progressing nicely.
Please bring a friend to church with you tomorrow.
The scripture reading for today is Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17:
Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.”
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the LORD made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
Create in us a clean heart, O God. And renew a right spirit within us. The words of love and forgiveness easily roll off our tongues, but the actions are more difficult. It is easy to identify and criticize the sins of others. It is easy to stand in judgment, but may we always be reminded of Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee recounts all his righteous acts in his prayer and thanks You, O God, that he is not a sinner like the tax collector. The tax collector simply prays for mercy because he is a sinner. Jesus said the tax collector went away justified, not the Pharisee. Forgive us, O Lord, when we presume our righteous acts place us above the known sinner. Humble us, Dear Lord, to realize our actions show others: the unchurched, the marginalized, and the “sinners” the nature of our Christianity. May our words, thoughts and deeds draw them closer to You, not drive them away. May we exhibit the true nature of the Christian faith rooted in the life of Jesus. It is in His name we pray. AMEN.
__________________________________________
Both Barb Lund and Gene Brintnall had outpatient surgery yesterday. They are recovering in their homes.
Maggie Bartlett and Willo Clark are improving.
Please pray for all our hospitalized.
The men’s Walk to Emmaus is progressing nicely.
Please bring a friend to church with you tomorrow.
The scripture reading for today is Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17:
Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.”
So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the LORD made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse. The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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