O Divine Presence,
There is so much in life that we do not understand and cannot explain. Human behavior, experienced in overwhelming acts of goodness or horrendous acts of evil, is beyond our ability to comprehend. We seek to be agents of good and not harm, but our actions sometimes betray our good intentions. Forgive us, Loving God. May we be those who embrace the goodness in people’s hearts, even when it is beyond our understanding. May we also be among those who valiantly oppose the evil that is around us. In all things we trust in You, Dear God. As followers of Jesus, we pray for the strength and courage to make a positive difference in the lives of others. AMEN.
Larry Richey’s graveside service is this morning at 10:00 a.m. at Enid Cemetery. Please pray for Loretta and all of Larry’s family.
The funeral for James Watkins will be in our sanctuary on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. Suzy Floyd is preparing sandwiches for a late afternoon meal for the family. The Emmaus Community is bringing other food dishes.
Please pray for all those people who are affected by the wildfires in Oklahoma and elsewhere.
As we enter the last holiday weekend of the summer, please pray for our travelers.
The scripture for today is Ephesians 3:1-13:
This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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