God of Joy,
Life is filled with so many opportunities for thanksgiving and joy. There are times, however, when our spirits are low and deflated because of circumstances, some of our own doing and others over which we have no control. Help us, Loving God, to see the joy, even in the small events of our journey. Help us to see beyond the present moment with its darkness and fear, to the dawn which is filled with light and hope. Advent always reminds us the world is in need of a Savior. May we open our hearts to the Spirit of the Christ, through whom You save us and bring us great joy. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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Randy Conrady has been moved into the ICU at Bass. Please pray for Randy.
Bert Sims has gone to the Commons to continue his recovery. Mary Ruth Cooper has gone to Greenbriar to continue her recovery. Please pray for Mary Ruth and Bert.
Helen Frost, Mary Jo Summers, and Clo Rine remain at St. Mary’s hospital. Please pray for them.
Floreine Oltmanns memorial service will be today in Crescent at 2:00 p.m. Please pray for her children, Connie and Suzan, and all her family.
We had a wonderful Board Christmas Dinner last night. Special thanks to Board Moderator, Devon McAnally for making all the arrangements, to the OBA students who sang for us, to the OBA students who helped with set up and clean up, and to many of our Young Adults who helped serve. It was a great evening.
Tonight the Genesis Class and the Adult Bible Study Class will have their respective Christmas parties.
There WILL BE a Saturday service tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.
The scripture for today is Job 23:1-17:
Then Job answered:“Today also my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy despite my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come even to his dwelling! I would lay my case before him, and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn what he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me. Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No; but he would give heed to me. There an upright person could reason with him, and I should be acquitted forever by my judge.
“If I go forward, he is not there; or backward, I cannot perceive him; on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him; I turn to the right, but I cannot see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured in my bosom the words of his mouth.
But he stands alone and who can dissuade him? What he desires, that he does. For he will complete what he appoints for me; and many such things are in his mind. Therefore I am terrified at his presence; when I consider, I am in dread of him. God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me; If only I could vanish in darkness, and thick darkness would cover my face!
Grace and peace,
John McLemore
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