Wednesday, July 9th

“The Iniquity of the Fathers Undermines Security”

1 Kings 16

This message will be presented by Pastor Bob Claycamp

Service Time: 7:00 PM

Children’s Ministry:
“PrayKids” from 4 yrs. to 6th Grade - Bldg. F
Nursery and Toddler care from 0-3 yrs.: Bldg. C

Youth Ministry: Jr. and Sr. High meet separately in Bldg D

Sunday, July 13th

“Practical Daily Living for the Believer - Part 2″

1 Thes. 5:16-28

This message will be presented by Pastor Bob Claycamp

Service Time: 10 am

Children’s Worship:
10:00am – 10:15am
Nursery and Toddler care from 0-2 yrs.: Bldg. C
2 ½ yr. olds – Kindergarten – Bldg C
1^st – 6^th grade – Fellowship Hall – Bldg F

Children’s “Bible Teaching” Classes
10:15am-11:30am
Nursery and Toddler care from 0-2 yrs.: Bldg. C
2 ½ yr olds – Kindergarten – Bldg C
1^st – 6^th Grade – Individual classrooms of Bldg B

Youth Ministry: Jr. and Sr. High meet separately at 10 am in Bldg D

We are entering the second half of 2008. Most of the economic stimulus checks have been sent. The money has been spent. The needs grow larger by the day.

The temptation is to hunker down, become self-oriented and fearful. No more steps of faith. Just hording everything you’ve got and hoping for the best.

Listen, God has a greater goal for life than that scenario. When a door seems to be shut in one direction, many times it is God’s way of redirection for us. We get so used to how we’ve done things in the past that we like the security of sameness.

But it is in times of change and restriction that God opens our heart to new opportunities. Instead of being fearful, He desires that we seek Him in freshness and newness. But it will require a step of faith and courage on our part.

Faith always involves an element of risk. If we focus on the potential failure of the endeavor, chances are that is where we will end up. Do we understand that God is more concerned with the process than with the production? Our best efforts fall short of the least that He can do with one wave of His hand!

During the second half of 2008, let’s all open our hearts to new opportunities to help others in any way we can. For some, this may be frequently calling a friend that you know is going through a difficult time and being an encouragement.

Maybe it’s deciding to finally attend that home fellowship and opening your life to others on a more personal level. Possibly it is making a commitment to deepen your devotional time with the Lord through the Psalms. For some of you it may be stepping up to minister to the young children at church through the Children’s Ministry on either Sunday morning or Wednesday night.

How about taking $5 or $10 out of your paycheck and setting it aside. Put it in your car and ask the Lord to bring to you an opportunity to use it to bless someone in need that He brings to you. Be pro-active in your faith. Don’t let the current economic news stifle your outlook on how God can use you and provide for you.
Open your heart to new opportunities the next six months and see what the Lord will do with that.