Is it all in the wrist or in the reception?
And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow…”Matthew 13:3
Be extremely cautious at the intersection of…
…the visible world and how you invest your life in it, and…
… the invisible world and your “return on investment.”
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. Galatians 6:7
Should we be encouraged in faith that all that we do and say matters? Or should such a revelation strike holy fear in us?
Yes!
In a universe ruled by a Perfect Sovereign, this bombshell of a verse is a must if there really is such a thing as justice. This is really good news, for it means that evil will be dealt a final blow, all the crooked paths will be made straight, and beauty will eliminate ugliness. This is really frightening news, for we are not immune from this dispensation of perfect justice. In fact, Jesus says that all the things “done in secret” (yikes!) and even our very thoughts will be judged.
This is really amazing news: judgment occurred at the cross. In Christ, all things are made new. Kingdom rules apply. Sow your life for the Kingdom. Reap eternal rewards, for “if we only hope in Christ for this world, we are the most miserable of all people.” Find that verse. Digest it.
News & Announcements
- Advocate Bromenn Partners in PrayerSeptember
Cardiovascular Care Unit Located on the first floor, this brand new unit caters to cardiac patients. - The Magician’s Nephew
This, the first story in the chronology of the Chronicles of Narnia, will be the first story we read in our C. S. Lewis Reading Group this fall. Marking our 7th year, all who love reading and fellowship are invited. Questions? Hopes? Fears? Ask Pastor Dave. Opening night: Sept. 6 @ 7:00. - Study Groups for Gals and Guys
With the kids back in school, it’s time for the women and men of The Jake to get back to the fruitful discipline of study and fellowship together. The guys will pick up where they left off in the Gospel of John. The gals will launch a new study. This will be the perfect time to jump in! Ask Bob V. or Mia B.
“________ is the highest form of flattery.”
This scene depicts:
- Move-in day at ISU & IWU
- This generation’s version of “how many people can we stuff in a phone booth”
- Burdens being borne
Complete this phrase: “__________ is the highest form of flattery.”
The missing word above is the essence of these verses below. As this word relates to Christ, I believe this happens every day within our fellowship, inspired by the Spirit of God, embodied by you, His people.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (from Romans 15)
31So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (from I Cor. 10-11)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:34)
Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do which must be done, whether you like it or not. Being forced to work, and forced to do your best, will breed in you temperance, self-control, diligence, strength of will, content, and a hundred other virtues which the idle never know. – Charles Kingsley
News & Announcements:
- August Partner in Prayer @ Advocate/Bromenn > Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation – This unit serves patients living with and recovering from various cardiac and or pulmonary diseases. The goal is to maintain and improve cardiac and pulmonary function.
- Softball – 8:00 @ Champion Fields
- The Magician’s Nephew
This, the first story in the chronology of the Chronicles of Narnia, will be the first story we read in our C. S. Lewis Reading Group this fall. Marking our 7th year, all who love reading and fellowship are invited. (An IWU student remarked last week: “I like it when older people join us.”) Questions? Hopes? Fears? Ask Pastor Dave. - Study Groups for Gals and Guys
With the kids back in school, it’s time for the women and men of The Jake to get back to the fruitful discipline of study and fellowship together. The guys will pick up where they left off in the Gospel of John. The gals will launch a new study. This will be the perfect time to jump in! Specifics to follow…
The Forgotten Initiative
A Simple Way to Encourage Foster Children
A note from Sara Stickling:
The Forgotten Initiative (TFI) is a local Christian ministry that launched recently, and reaches out to those in the foster care community. They have done many great things, and one that is starting now is the Birthday Club.
When children are placed into foster care in this area, they now have the chance to sign up to be in the Birthday Club. That means that people like us will send them a birthday card, write them three other times a year, and commit to praying for them. As a foster parent, I have taken classes about and experienced children being taken from their home, from everything they know. How vulnerable. Please consider being the hands and feet of Jesus by writing these children. They need to know that God loves them and that people really do care about them.
Fourteen children have already signed up, and we don’t want to miss their birthdays! TFI asks that 3-5 volunteers volunteer to write to each child our church “adopts.” So far there are three of us willing to do it, so that is only one child. Can we support more? Read the information below if you are interested, and don’t worry about forgetting to write the children because I would be reminding you, and collecting the letters. Please contact me or see me at church if you have questions or want more information.
The Birthday Club
- Children (currently in foster care) join the club, through their local agency
- Agency notifies TFI
- TFI recruits Church Coordinators
- Church Coordinator recruits volunteer authors and praying church family (see volunteer form)
- Church Coordinator mails letters to agency
- Letters are given (by their caseworker) to children on their birthday and three others times per year
- A seemingly small act of service may be life-changing for a child who feels forgotten as well as for the church family who prays and writes the letters!
- Do not include your last name, address or any specific information about yourself or your family.
- Make sure your writing is easy to read.
- Keep your message brief such as…I hope you have a great day! You are special! I’m thinking of you!
- Avoid anything that references the child’s personal situation such as…I hope you are able to spend time with your family.
- Keep the spiritual references light such as…I am praying for you!
- Small gifts that can fit into the envelope are allowed such as… stickers or coloring pages.
- Do not send money or anything that has a monetary value.
- Pictures are permitted, but use discretion. IE) you are dressed appropriately, non-identifying information, not flaunting your lifestyle in them, etc.
- Letters should NOT be sealed before sending so letters can be read if caseworker feels it is necessary. (Although TFI has provided guidelines for the authors, they do not take responsibility for what is written).
- Please send letters in stamped envelopes (so they can easily be mailed to the youth at no direct cost to the agency)
Check these links if you want more info about TFI.
http://theforgotteninitiative.org/ | http://www.facebook.com/forgotteninitiative
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