During this Sunday’s worship service we will be challenged to grow as we put scripture into practice, to apply it into our daily lives. Our focus will be on Phil. 4: 4-8, and we will hear from four members of our congregation as to their spiritual walk and growth as they strive to put these commands of Paul into daily action.
However, God’s desire is that all of His Word would become an integrated part of the fabric of our lives. What is it that God is teaching you? What steps is He calling you to take as you continue to grow?
Over these past months we have been challenged with the issues of injustice and racism in our world. This is not a new issue, and the following word of God spoken through the prophet Isaiah could very well apply to our lives today
Here is a portion of Isaiah 58 (you may wish to read the complete Chapter)
6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness[a] will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
Prayer: (Voices Together)
Living Christ, in these times when we fear we are losing hope and feel that our efforts are futile, let us see in our hearts and minds the image of your resurrection,
and let that be our source of courage and strength.
With that, and in your company, help us face challenges and struggles
against all that is born of injustice. Amen
Prayer Requests:
· Thank you for praying for the many spouses, children, and family members of our church community who are grieving the death of a loved one. Invite God to bring these individuals to your mind; invite Him to guide as to how you may reach out with support, care and love. Pray for God’s peace and presence to reign.
Pray for our Households of Faith during this next week.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth….” Psalm100:1
Pastor Clare