2021

 

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Today's Devotion, January 22, 2021

Moving Through Belief to Conviction

 

Read Exodus chapters 16 through 18.

 

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people. Exodus 18:11

 

Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, was a priest of God. (Exodus 3:1) He believed in Elohim, God as taught by Seth, Noah’s son, and Abraham. He lived in lands that claimed other gods. The basic beliefs of pagans were that if a group of people prospered then their god was powerful. The more powerful the group, the greater their god was. God (Elohim, Yahweh) was more of a personal God than for just a group of people. He was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This is the first time that God showed His power in ways that the pagans could accept. Understand that people can have a belief in God’s promises without having convictions in God. When something does not work out the way they think it should, they may doubt God’s help and grumble against God’s leaders. (Exodus 17:3) Faith must move from trust in God’s love and promises, to the conviction of God’s love and power. This is what happened to Jethro. He trusted God’s love for him and promise of help, but he was not sure of God's power in his daily life. It is interesting that Abraham’s and Jacob’s lives showed this progression of faith from belief to conviction. Once they had conviction, they knew God would use His power in their daily lives. This is reflected in their prayers. In belief one assents to knowledge about God and even trusts promises, but seeks their needs and desires. In conviction one believes God is on their side. They know that no matter what happens, God is with them and will help them face it. It won't always be easy, but life is better with God’s friendship. Conviction sees God's power and love active in daily life. This is always reflected by the way a person prays and what they pray for. For Jethro, the truth of Egypt’s defeat by God moved him to conviction, “The LORD is greater than all gods.” That is, no matter what others claim or what happens, the LORD is the true God.

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Readings for Sunday,

January 24, 2021

 

The Old Testament Lesson is from Jonah 3:1-10.

We read Psalm 62:1-12.

The Epistle Lesson is from 1 Corinthians 7:29-35.

The Holy Gospel is from Mark 1:14-20.

The Sermon Text is from Psalm 62:1-12.

1 For God alone my soul waits in silence;

  from Him comes my salvation.

2 He alone is my rock and my salvation,

  my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

 

3 How long will all of you attack a man

  to batter him,

 like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?

4 They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.

  They take pleasure in falsehood.

They bless with their mouths,

  but inwardly they curse. Selah

 

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

  for my hope is from Him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation,

  my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;

  my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in Him at all times, O people;

  pour out your heart before Him;

  God is a refuge for us. Selah

 

9 Those of low estate are but a breath;

  those of high estate are a delusion;

in the balances they go up;

  they are together lighter than a breath.

10 Put no trust in extortion;

  set no vain hopes on robbery;

  if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

 

11 Once God has spoken;

  twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God,

12   and that to You, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

For You will render to a man

  according to his work.

After a long hiatus, the Men’s Breakfast Group will have its first tasty breakfast this year at 8:30 a.m. TOMORROW, Saturday, January 23rd.

If you’re interested, please contact David Faudie at 255-5875 or dfaudie@yahoo.com

We will wear masks and follow social distancing protocol, so attendance is limited to 12.

How

Can

You

Help?

With a brand new year underway,

would you like to serve the church and be a Reader during either of our Sunday services? 

If so, please contact Susan Faudie at 255-5875 or sfaudie@yahoo.com .

Your willingness to help would be appreciated.

Some of our regular Beach Food Pantry Volunteers are unable to help right now,so we need NEW VOLUNTEERS!

If you could possibly help, please call Ann at 757-434-2200. Thank you!

The next voluneteer opportunity is TODAY, January 22, 2021, from 1:30-4:00 p.m.,

Call Ann Helwig at 757-434-2200

if you are able to help or

if you'd like more details.

For information on how to donate or to access the application to apply for food, please click on the Beach Food Pantry

website link.

NO paper bags are needed at this time.

2021 Grace Volunteer Dates

TODAY! Friday, January 22

Friday, February 19

Friday, March 19

Wednesday, March 31

Monday, April 12

Friday, May 21

No June Date Scheduled

Friday, July 2

Monday, August 16

Monday, September 27

Monday, October 18

Monday, November 22

Friday, December 3

Updated Prayer Requests

are sent weekly in the

Sunday Worship Service emails.