God of All Creation,
We find comfort in the routine of daily living. Life is always easier when we know what to expect, but surprises and changes are also a part of our journey. We are sustained by our faith and trust in You, O God, because You are there when the pace of life is normal, and You are there when the unexpected occurs. We seek to live lives that make a difference. May our witness to Your love and grace prevail during the sameness and during the surprises. We ask this in Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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Please continue to pray for the family of Jacob Burrell. We hosted a large number of people from his memorial service yesterday, as well as a large number for the family meal. A special thanks to the Funeral Committee for their “over and above” generosity in reaching out to a family that had no church home.
Shera Shirley’s funeral is Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Please pray for her family and friends.
Elbert Wheeler and Sue McClendon are both in St. Mary’s hospital. Jackie Batchelder is having knee surgery today at the Surgery Center. Tim Simpson is having back surgery on Monday. Please pray for all these members and friends.
The Elders will meet at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Dell home 217 Deer Run.
The scripture for today is Romans 8:18-30:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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