Dear Friends and Family!
Yes, it was another wonderful day in the Lord, Sunday! This week Janie and I had our grandkids Johnathan (8) and Jenna (5) in our worship service. Jenna, as she often does, came to the front to sit with me during our singing. Steve and Sherry led us in powerful worship last week and as I often do, I raised my hands in praise to the Risen Christ, our Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit! Perhaps it’s a bit prideful but I was joy-filled when I looked over to see Jenna with her hands in the air, too! Was she just copying grandpa? Probably! But, it reminded me how important it is to set a good example to those around us! So, who is watching you? What are they watching you do? Will it lead them closer to or further from Jesus? I pray that it does! Amen? Amen!
Speaking of setting a good example, God’s message this week came from James 3:1-12 and titled, “Just a Little Thing.” James pulls no punches! If you’re Christian, then you ought to act differently than those around you, including your speech! He offers 3 different object lessons to illustrate the tongue. In verse 3, he likens the tongue to a bit in a horse bridle; in verse 4, he compares it to a rudder on a ship, and in verse 5, he likens the tongue to a spark that can create a fire.
Our tongues can be used to tell rumors, grumble, and say hurtful and caustic things that have the potential to destroy family peace, church unity, and office morale. Why might a person speak in a way that would destroy? Jesus said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
In essence, Jesus declares our speech reveals what we store in our heart. When we speak from the heart, it reveals our true self. If we are hard-hearted, scarred from abuse, or full of anger and resentment, our speech will reveal it! Likewise, if we are content and deeply love God and others our speech will reveal this, too! So, who are you? What is going on inside? Do you need healing?
James reveals a critical truth in 3:7-8: All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue…” (James 3:7-8a). Does James provide an excuse for salty language? I mean, if no man can ‘tame my tongue,’ then why should anyone expect me to sound like Mother Teresa, right? Wrong! While no ‘man’ can tame the tongue (including you by the way), God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can!
But, like a horse, we must accept the bit and bridle of our Father! Like a ship, our tongues must accept that our Father is the pilot who controls the direction of our conversation like a rudder! If you’re incapable of controlling your tongue, humble yourselves and give your tongue to God!
When you yield your life (and tongue) to the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, God will not only tame your tongue, He will give you a Spirit filled life worth living! Blessings Pastor Dan!
NEWS AND EVENTS
MISSION NIGHT THIS WEDNESDAY – 9/26
Join us and learn what Sherry has to tell us about what is happening with our missionaries! This will be at 6:30 PM (after a delicious dinner at 5:30 PM).
CHURCH WORK DAY – SEPT 29th
Meet at the church at 9 AM and help our church and property look a little bit better. See Larry with any questions. (There may even be doughnuts!)
Meet at the church on Saturday at 10:30 AM for a time of fellowship and getting to know each other a little better. There are usually snacks too! Any questions, feel free to contact Cherry.
NEXT CHURCH POTLUCK IS OCTOBER 14TH
It is soon time again to celebrate birthdays for October and November, as well as get together for much yummy food! This lunch will be after the morning service and in the basement of the church.
NEXT THIRD THURSDAY CHINESE LUNCH IS OCTOBER 18TH
Meet at Hibachi Grill off Alpine Avenue and have some good food. There is much conversation and time with others. For any questions, feel free to contact Tracy T.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER THIS WEEK
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:15 pm(before Bible study). Volunteers are needed to make main dishes, side dishes, or desserts. Please contact Cherry with any questions.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BIKE RIDES ANYONE?
Where: From Rogue River Park in Belmont to Rockford on the paved White Pine Trail (9 miles). Rogue River Park is located at 6300 Belmont Ave NE – Belmont, MI 49306
BOOTH PERSON STILL NEEDED:
The church is looking for someone who is interested in being a sound booth technician. You will need to be able to attend music practices Sunday morning at 9 AM. Let Janie know if you are interested at 616-204-2499 or hathjan@icloud.com.
GATHER BOX TOPS FOR NAZARENE INDIAN MISSIONS!
Thank you for collecting General Mills box tops! This program has provided PA equipment, computers, and even a 15-passenger van for the Native American Christian Academy. Questions and box tops should go to Fran S. or Sherry J.
CHURCH POSTCARDS ARE AVAILABLE!
Is there someone missing or would like to invite to church? Why not grab a few church postcards and send them out? A simple hand written note blesses everyone! You will find them on the table under the missionary bulletin board in the Annex.
DAILY DEVOTIONS – “REFLECTING GOD” IS AVAILABLE! FREE!!
“Reflecting God” is a daily devotional guide our church makes available free to anyone interested. The devotions provide a brief truth from the Bible every day. Reflecting God also has a section for reading the Bible in a year and praying for our missionaries! Feel free to take one! You’ll find them located on the table outside the sanctuary!
GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER REQUESTS:
Remember, to keep our prayer lists current, we only place requests in the newsletter and bulletin for 3 weeks without an update. If you want to keep your prayer request in the bulletin or newsletter, just keep filling out the tear off tabs and keep us informed!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept. 30 Sunday afternoon bike rides@ 2:30 PM – Rogue River Park
October 14 Church Potluck after AM service
October 18 Third Thursday Chinese Lunch at Hibachi Grill @ 11:30 AM
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