WHITE CHURCH PRAYER LIST

Barbara Atkins, Cecile Clark, Kathy Cygiel, Martha Drum, Cleo Erickson, Jerry Essig, JoAnn Estes, Kandy Floyd,
Marilyn Nolan, Dora Lee Schaefer, Brenda Robnett, Ron Seaton

Karen & Scott Salsbury Friends of Martha Mason
Patricia Carroll Friend of Jerry Sharp
Dale Sharp Brother of Jerry Sharp
Tanya Keller Cousin of Rose Likes
Don & Barb Salsbury Friends of Martha Mason
David Rose Grandson of David & Jonanne Rose
Clay Floyd Husband of Kandy Floyd
Ann Strauss Sister of Kandy Floyd
Kyle Schleicher Son of Paul Schleicher
Vergie Mother of Teresa Eller
Royce Bounds Son-in-law of John & Dorothy Kreiser
Linda Arvin Friend of Tiffany Bush
Marcie Reynolds Aunt of Tiffany Bush
Myke Beekman Upcoming surgeries
Vera Shaw Friend of Cyndi Huff
Rick Beard Son of Reva Beard
Donald Morlan Brother of Tiffany Bush
Robin Denham Daughter-in-law of Mickie Denham
Nancy Luikart Friend of Martha Mason
Majorie Toll Friend of Reva Beard
Jerry Mehl Classmate of Vickie Eaton
Teresa & Bob Herron Friends of Tiffany Bush
Richard Wagner Relative of Martha Mason
Henry Brooks Friend of Brad Burns
Brenda Phillips Friend of Pat Schleicher
Jessee Burton Son of Shirley Burton
Barbara Newby Friend of Martha Drum
Shirley Cox Niece of Jerry Essig
Brother of Janice Adamson Jerry Essig
Chelsea Gilpin Self
Adrian Ordorica Boyfriend of Laura Bynum
Doris Taylor Relative of Martha Mason
Shelbee & Sam McVey Friend of Laura Byrum
Baby Lauren Newborn friends of Dan & Tereasa
Floyd & Gloria Pearson Friends of JoAnn Estes
Pam Mitchell Friend of Linda Johnson

OUR HOMEBOUND & NURSING HOMES
Wilma Cicero, Maria Justice, Millie Lundine,
Martha Nill, Mary Rasdall, Goldie Smyth,
Goldie Zimmerli, Ruth Zimmerli,
Nettie Johnson – Mother of Pat Schleicher

OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Jason Chaney, Robert Chase, Clifford Clone, James T. Eaton, James Erickson,
Jr. Scotty Griffin, Andrew & Ronda Hedges, Matt Lile, Alex Payne, Trevor Petsch,
John Scott, Cpl. Karr Charles Stapleton, Stephen & Deanna Sheets, Donnie Stuart III,
Mykah Sibley, Kristian Payne, Cody Sibley,
Ensign Jordan Hopson U.S.C.G.

Depth of Insight – Discernment

Paul prays for his friends in Philippi in 1:9-11, asking that God’s work in their lives would abound more and more and lead to greater knowledge and depth of insight. This is a single word in the original text (aesthesis) and Phil. 1:10 is its only appearance in the New Testament. Many versions of the Bible use “discernment” as an alternative translation of this word.
the phrase jumped out at me and I wondered when I had last prayed for “abounding love and increased discernment” in the lives of my family and friends. I quickly realized that I really don’t pray for people like Paul prayed for the Philippians.

I started to wonder why Paul prayed in this way. What does discernment have to do with love? And why does Paul think it’s so important?

Then I started to think about my own life – the areas in which I struggle, the sins for which I repeatedly ask for forgiveness. Have you ever noticed the insidious power of sin to lead to more sin? We think or do the wrong thing the first time with a kind of shuddering reluctance, but it comes easier the second (and third, and fourth)
time. If we go on in this way, we’ll end up with no remorse at all. Our hearts have hardened; our sensitivity is gone.

Paul’s prayer is for a spoke in this wheel of self-destruction. He wants his friends in Philippi to have that quality of heart and mind which remains sensitive to that which is wrong; to be wise and perceptive in the conduct of our everyday life. Left to ourselves, we lack the wisdom and power to pursue things that lead to life. God, in his grace, gives us a “depth of insight.”
This is a worthy prayer.
And this is a new part of my prayer life for myself and all of you as I pray.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Dan

MAY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Wed 2nd T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Piper Seniors – 12:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 5th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 6th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Tuse 8th Rebekah’s – 5:30 pm
Wed 9th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Food Kitchen – 9:30 am
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Thus 10th C.W.F. – 10:00 am
Sat 12th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 13th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Tues 15th Growing Place Meeting – 6:00 pm
C.W.F. SPRING FLING 6:00 pm
Wed 16th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
GROWING PLACE
GRADUATION 6: 30 PM
Sat 19th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 20th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Board Meeting
Tues 22nd Rebekah’s – 5:30 pm
Wed 23rd T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 26th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 27th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Mon 28th MEMORIAL DAY – OFFICE &
DAYCARE CLOSED
Wed 30th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm

MAY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
2nd Johnny Harris
7th John & Dorothy Kreiser
16th Carolyn Riedel
17th Ruth Wright
Bennie & Judy Cashman
18th Teresa Eller – Marvin Clark
20th JoAnn Estes – Jeremy Gillip
24th Christy & Matthew Eker
25th Marvin & Cecile Clark
Sherman & Mary Ann Wiehe

FACTS AND FIGURES

03-04 SS 15 Wor 56 Off 3699.00 SS 15.00 KS 0.00
03-11 SS 22 Wor 43 Off 1816.00 SS 20.00 KS 1.30
03-18 SS 14 Wor 60 Off 3677.00 SS 7.00 KS .85
03-25 SS 19 Wor 59 Off 2365.00 SS 9.00 KS 1.30
Wed. Night Bible Study:
3-7(11), 3-14 (No BS), 3-21(10), 3-28(NBS)
Needed each week to meet budget $2803.60
Received as weekly average for the year $2783.65

APRIL ELDERS & DEACONS

April 1st
Elders – Jean Sheridan – Louie Riedel
Deacons – Carol Bigelow – Brad Burns
Dorothy Kreiser – Johnny Harris
Greeters – George & Carol Bigelow
Acolytes – Elders

April 8th
Elders – Trace Estes – JoAnn Estes
Deacons – Jerry Essig – Ron Seaton
Tiffany Bush – Volunteer
Greeters – Nellie & Tammy
Acolytes – Elders

April 15th
Elders – Jim Cllinkenbeard – Pat Schleicher
Deacons – Jody Vazzano – Duane Shaw
Karen Edrington – Marvin Clark
Greeters – Tiffany & Raeanna Bush
Acolytes – Elders

April 22nd
Elders – Louie Riedel – Jean Sheridan
Deacons – Kandy Floyd – Jerry Sharp
Shirley Calhoon – Volunteer
Greeters – Teresa Eller – Kandy Floyd
Acolytes – Elders

April 29th
Elders – JoAnn Estes – Trace Estes
Deacons – Christy Eker – Volunteer
Martha Drum – Volunteer
Greeters – Volunteers Needed
Acolytes – Elders

APRIL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Sun 1st Easter Sunday
Sunrise Services 8:30 am
Wed 4th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Piper Seniors – 12:00 pm
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 7th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 8th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Tue 10th Rebekah’s – 5:30 pm
Wed 11th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Food Kitchen – 9:30 am
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Thus 12th C.W.F. – 10:00 am
Sat 14th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 15th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Wed 18th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 21st Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 22nd Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Tue 24th Rebekah’s – 5:30 pm
Wed 25th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 28th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 29th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am

APRIL BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

2nd Raeanna Bush
3rd Cathy Richardson
Dan & Cathy Richardson
11th Rose Franz
14th Vickie Eaton – Vally Garrido

MAY ELDERS & DEACONS

May 6th
Elders – Pat Schleicher – Jim Clinkenbeard
Deacons – Carol Bigelow – Brad Burns
Dorothy Kreiser – Phil Estes
Greeters – George & Carol Bigelow
Acolytes – Elders

May 13th
Elders – Jean Sheridan – Louie Riedel
Deacons – Jerry Essig – Ron Seaton
Tiffany Bush – Volunteer
Greeters – Nellie & Tammy
Acolytes – Elders

May 20th
Elders – Trace Eses – JoAnn Estes
Deacons – Jody Vazzano – Duane Shaw
Karen Edrington – Marvin Clark
Greeters – Tiffany & Raeanna Bush
Acolytes – Elders

May 27th
Elders – Jim Clinkenbeard – Pat Schleicher
Deacons – Kandy Floyd – Jerry Sharp
Shirley Calhoon – Volunteer
Greeters – Teresa Eller – Kandy Floyd
Acolytes – Elders

WHITE CHURCH PRAYER LIST

Pastor DanBarbara Atkins, Cecile Clark, Kathy Cygiel, Martha Drum, Cleo Erickson, Jerry Essig,
JoAnn Estes, Kandy Floyd, Marilyn Nolan, Dora Lee Schaefer, Brenda Robnett,
Ron Seaton, Gene Walker

Karen & Scott Salsbury Friends of Martha Mason
Patricia Carroll Friend of Jerry Sharp
Dale Sharp Brother of Jerry Sharp
Tanya Keller Cousin of Rose Likes
Don & Barb Salsbury Friends of Martha Mason
David Rose Grandson of David & Jonanne Rose
Clay Floyd Husband of Kandy Floyd
Ann Strauss Sister of Kandy Floyd
Kyle Schleicher Son of Paul Schleicher
Vergie Mother of Teresa Eller
Karen Bond Cousin of Kandy Floyd
Dave & Ruth Ann Meredith Friends of Kandy Floyd
Royce Bounds Son-in-law of John & Dorothy Kreiser
Melanie Moore Niece of Jim & Vickie Eaton
Kathleen Vig Niece of Reva Beard
Linda Arvin Friend of Tiffany Bush
Marcie Reynolds Aunt of Tiffany Bush
Myke Beekman Upcoming surgeries
Vera Shaw Friend of Cyndi Huff
Rick Beard Son of Reva Beard
Donald Morlan Brother of Tiffany Bush
Robin Denham Daughter-in-law of Mickie Denham
Nancy Luikart Friend of Martha Mason
Majorie Toll Friend of Reva Beard
Jerry Mehl Classmate of Vickie Eaton
Teresa & Bob Herron Friends of Tiffany Bush
Richard Wagner Relative of Martha Mason
Henry Brooks Friend of Brad Burns
Brenda Phillips Friend of Pat Schleicher
Jessee Burton Son of Shirley Burton
Barbara Newby Friend of Martha Drum
Shirley Cox Niece of Jerry Essig
Brother of Janice Adamson Jerry Essig
Chelsea Gilpin Self
Adrian Ordorica Boyfriend of Laura Bynum
Doris Taylor Relative of Martha Mason
Shelbee & Sam McVey Friend of Laura Byrum
Baby Lauren Newborn friends of Dan & Tereasa
Floyd & Gloria Pearson Friends of JoAnn Estes

OUR HOMEBOUND & NURSING HOMES
Wilma Cicero, Maria Justice, Millie Lundine, Martha Nill, Mary Rasdall, Goldie Smyth,
Goldie Zimmerli, Ruth Zimmerli, Nettie Johnson – Mother of Pat Schleicher

OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Jason Chaney, Robert Chase, Clifford Clone, James T. Eaton, James Erickson,
Jr. Scotty Griffin, Andrew & Ronda Hedges, Matt Lile, Alex Payne, Trevor Petsch,
John Scott, Cpl. Karr Charles Stapleton, Stephen & Deanna Sheets, Donnie Stuart III,
Mykah Sibley, Kristian Payne, Cody Sibley,
Ensign Jordan Hopson U.S.C.G.

For the last 1,500 years, Christians have been using Psalm 95 as a call to worship. This psalm is sometimes referred to as the “Venite” (which is the Latin translation of the opening word, “come”) or the “Invitatory” because of its function as an invitation to worship.
I want to reflect a bit on Psalm 95 because it is a biblical description of what’s going on when we gather every week for worship. I notice at least three things about how we’re to set about this task of praising God.

First, we enter into worship deliberately: “Come” we’re told (95:1); “Let us come!” (95:2). Worship doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a movement, a turning from one set of preoccupations, one sphere of life and activity, towards another. Where do we turn? In the direction of the presence of God himself. This move isn’t natural – it can only be made with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit – but enabled by God, we are to place ourselves before his face.

Worship involves an urgent, deliberate turning towards God.

Second, worship is earnest. It has a measure of intensity. “Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our Salvation [and] extol him with music and song.” (95:1-2) Scholars debate whether Psalm 95 is an accurate picture of the services that took place in the Temple. If so, worship in ancient Israel was exuberant – a loud, undignified succession of voices and instruments. Wouldn’t it be great if our hearts were so full of joy in worship that we couldn’t help but shout our praise to God? Having said that I do believe there is a way of engaging with God that is quiet and non-demonstrative yet just as intense. What matters ultimately is that our worship arises from and gives voice to deep joy in God.

Deliberate. Earnest.

Third and finally, the worship into which Psalm 95 invites us is public, not private. It’s addressed to the people of God: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture.” (95:6-7) You might say worship is not the deliberate, earnest movement of one heart towards God, it’s the action of a community. This is not to deny that worship is also a private matter. The individual does business with God, and no one can do it for us. But God is my God (Psalm 63:1) only insofar as he is the God of his chosen people.

Deliberate. Passionate. Communal. May God help our worship express all that Psalm 95 describes.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Dan

APRIL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Sun 1st Easter Sunday
Sunrise Services 8:30 am
Wed 4th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Piper Seniors – 12:00 pm
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 7th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 8th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Tue 10th Rebekah’s – 5:30 pm
Wed 11th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Food Kitchen – 9:30 am
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Thus 12th C.W.F. – 10:00 am
Sat 14th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 15th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Wed 18th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 21st Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 22nd Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Tue 24th Rebekah’s – 5:30 pm
Wed 25th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 28th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 29th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am

APRIL BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
2nd Raeanna Bush
3rd Cathy Richardson
Dan & Cathy Richardson
11th Rose Franz
14th Vickie Eaton – Vally Garrido

UPCOMING EVENTS

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICES
MARCH 29TH AT 6:30 PM

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES
MARCH 30TH AT 6:30 PM

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICES
APRIL 1, AT 8:30 AM
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES
AT 10:00 AM

FACTS AND FIGURES

02-04 SS 11 Wor 47 Off 2948.00 SS 8.00 KS 0.00
02-11 SS 15 Wor 32 Off 2418.00 SS 9.00 KS 0.00
02-18 SS 17 Wor 56 Off 1855.00 SS 5.00 KS 1.50
02-25 SS 15 Wor 57 Off 2701.00 SS 11.00 KS 1.40
Wed. Night Bible Study:
2-7(11), 2-14 (No BS), 2-21(10), 2-28(10)
Needed each week to meet budget $2803.60
Received as weekly average for the year $2724.02

MARCH ELDERS & DEACONS

March 4th
Elders – Jim Clinkenbeard – Pat Schleicher
Deacons – Carol Bigelow – Brad Burns
Mickie Denham – Phil Estes
Greeters – George & Carol Bigelow
Acolytes – Elders

March 11th
Elders – Louie Riedel – Jean Sheridan
Deacons – Jerry Essig – Ron Seaton
Tiffany Bush – Charlie Stapleton
Greeters – Nellie & Tammy
Acolytes – Elders

March 18th
Elders – JoAnn Estes – Trace Estes
Deacons – Jody Vazzano – Duane Shaw
Karen Edrington – Marvin Clark
Greeters – Tiffany & Raeanna Bush
Acolytes – Elders

March 25th
Elders – Pat Schleicher – Jim Clinkenbeard
Deacons – Kandy Floyd – Jerry Sharp
Shirley Calhoon – Volunteer
Greeters – Teresa Eller – Kandy Floyd
Acolytes – Elders

MARCH EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Sat 3rd Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 4th Prayer Time – 8;30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Wed 7th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Piper Seniors – 12:00 pm
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Thur 8th C.W.F. – 10:00 am
Sat 10th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 11th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Tue 13th Growing Place Meeting -6:00 pm
Rebekah’s – 5:30 pm
Wed 14th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
Food Kitchen – 9:30 am
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 17th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 18th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Board Meeting
Wed 21st T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Sat 24th Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sun 25th PALM SUNDAY
Prayer Time – 8:30 am
Sunday Class – 9:00 am
Tue 27th Rebekah’s – 5:30 pm
Wed 28th T.O.P.S. – 8:00 am
After School Program – 2:00 pm
Choir Practice – 5:30 pm
Bible Study – 6:00 pm
Thur 29th Maundy Thursday – 6:30 pm
Fri 30th Good Friday – 6:30 pm

MARCH BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

1st Barbara Atkins – Mikey Este
2nd Rose Likes
4th Charles Clinkenbeard
9th Kennedy Likes
15th Trace Estes
17th David Rose
22nd Pastor Dan & Teresa Eller
29th Christy Eker

APRIL ELDERS & DEACONS

April 1st
Elders – Jean Sheridan – Louie Riedel
Deacons – Carol Bigelow – Brad Burns
Dorothy Kreiser – Johnny Harris
Greeters – George & Carol Bigelow
Acolytes – Elders

April 8th
Elders – Trace Estes – JoAnn Estes
Deacons – Jerry Essig – Ron Seaton
Tiffany Bush – Charlie Stapleton
Greeters – Nellie & Tammy
Acolytes – Elders

April 15th
Elders – Jim Clinkenbeard – Pat Schleicher
Deacons – Jody Vazzano – Duane Shaw
Karen Edrington – Marvin Clark
Greeters – Tiffany & Raeanna Bush
Acolytes – Elders

April 22nd
Elders – Louie Riedel – Jean Sheridan
Deacons – Kandy Floyd – Jerry Sharp
Shirley Calhoon – Volunteer
Greeters – Teresa Eller – Kandy Floyd
Acolytes – Elders

April 29th
Elders – JoAnn Estes – Trace Estes
Deacons – Christy Eker – Volunteer
Martha Drum – Volunteer
Greeters – Volunteers Needed
Acolytes – Elders

WHITE CHURCH PRAYER LIST

Pastor Dan
Barbara Atkins, Cecile Clark, Kathy Cygiel, Cleo Erickson, Jerry Essig, Kandy Floyd,
Dora Lee Schaefer, Brenda Robnett, Ron Seaton, Gene Walker

Karen & Scott Salsbury Friends of Martha Mason
Patricia Carroll Friend of Jerry Sharp
Dale Sharp Brother of Jerry Sharp
Tanya Keller Cousin of Rose Likes
Don & Barb Salsbury Friends of Martha Mason
David Rose Grandson of David & Jonanne Rose
Clay Floyd Husband of Kandy Floyd
Ann Strauss Sister of Kandy Floyd
Kyle Schleicher Son of Paul Schleicher
Vergie Mother of Teresa Eller
Karen Bond Cousin of Kandy Floyd
Dave & Ruth Ann Meredith Friends of Kandy Floyd
Royce Bounds Son-in-law of John & Dorothy Kreiser
Cody Grove Great nephew of Jo Ann Estes
Jimmy Dominque Buck Wright’s daughter’s boyfriend
Melanie Moore Niece of Jim & Vickie Eaton
Kathleen Vig Niece of Reva Beard
Linda Arvin Friend of Tiffany Bush
Marcie Reynolds Aunt of Tiffany Bush
Myke Beekman Upcoming surgeries
Vera Shaw Friend of Cyndi Huff
Rick Beard Son of Reva Beard
Donald Morlan Brother of Tiffany Bush
Robin Denham Daughter-in-law of Mickie Denham
Nancy Luikart Friend of Martha Mason
Majorie Toll Friend of Reva Beard
Jerry Mehl Classmate of Vickie Eaton
Teresa & Bob Herron Friends of Tiffany Bush
Richard Wagner Relative of Martha Mason
Henry Brooks Friend of Brad Burns
Ashley Nicole Parton & Family Friends of JoAnn Estes
Brenda Phillips Friend of Pat Schleicher
Jessee Burton Son of Shirley Burton
Barbara Newby Friend of Martha Drum
Shirley Cox Niece of Jerry Essig
Brother of Janice Adamson Jerry Essig

OUR HOMEBOUND & NURSING HOMES

Wilma Cicero, Maria Justice, Millie Lundine,
Martha Nill, Mary Rasdall, Goldie Smyth,
Goldie Zimmerli, Ruth Zimmerli,
Nettie Johnson – Mother of Pat Schleicher

OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Jason Chaney, Robert Chase, Clifford Clone, James T. Eaton, James Erickson,
Jr. Scotty Griffin, Andrew & Ronda Hedges, Matt Lile, Alex Payne, Trevor Petsch,
John Scott, Cpl. Karr Charles Stapleton, Stephen & Deanna Sheets, Donnie Stuart III,
Mykah Sibley, Kristian Payne, Cody Sibley,
Ensign Jordan Hopson U.S.C.G.

Overcoming Temptation
Occasionally, the more time I spend with a passage from Scripture, the less sure I am about what I think about it. Such has been my experience with the deceptively familiar request in the Lord’s Prayer: “Lead us not into temptation.” It turns out, confusion – a better word might be consternation – surrounding this phrase has been around for a long time. The African theologian Tertullian, writing about the Lord’s Prayer in A.D. 192, questioned whether God would ever truly tempt his children: “Far be the thought that the Lord should seem to tempt, as if He were either ignorant of [the limits] of someone’s faith, or else eager to overthrow [that faith].”
Much more recently, Pope Francis has considered changing the wording of this phrase in Roman Catholic liturgy to “let us not fall into temptation.” This suggestion has produced significant (and thoughtful) backlash.

I don’t know where I stand on the correct wording of the Lord’s Prayer. Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is what I do when faced with temptation (regardless of who is behind it). On this question, I find Martin Luther a helpful guide. He counsels us to recognize our powerlessness in the face of evil and turn to God in Christ for help.

A few verses from A Mighty Fortress is our God express this idea beautifully:
A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing;
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow’r are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not His equal

And tho’ this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph thro’ us;
The prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him

So too does the following promise from Scripture:
1 Corinthians 10:13. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be emptied beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
No matter the source of temptation, God will always provide for us all we need to overcome!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Dan