Are we able to be found doing God's work without being tossed to and fro? Are we steadfast in what we believe?
As we began the July 26 service we were challenged by our Pastor to think on these questions.
Then we sang "Happy Birthday" to Noah and Barrett Cartwright, the two sons of Sean and Cassandra Cartwright. We were so glad to have this family including the wee one, a baby girl named Adelyn. Next we sang "Happy Anniversary" to Jody and Daniel Cartwright. We ask that God gives them many more blessed years.
We had a visit from Sister Linda's daughter, Elizabeth Gardner. So glad she was able to join in our worship service. A special song was sung by the Hope Singers, "Sheltered In the Arms of God." It blessed the congregation. Pastor Bob gave us the scripture 2nd Timothy 3:15 to begin a message about the importance of knowledge. We are told that from a young age we have had the good news of the scriptures to cause us to be wise in the things of the Lord.
In Acts 6:1-13, seven men who were of good report and full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom were picked and appointed to pray and minister the word. Among the seven there was one named Stephen. He was a devoted man full of faith and power, doing great wonders and miracles. Can we be described as one possessing these qualities?
In verse 9 there arose men who spoke lies against Stephen to discredit him. They declared that he spoke blasphemous words against Moses and God. When you step out to do the will of the Lord, Satan the accuser will always come against you. Their lies stirred up the people and they seized Stephen and took him before the council. Again they accused him of speaking against the holy place and the law.
In the next chapter we hear the High Priest ask, "Are these things true?" Stephen replied, the God of Glory appeared to our Father Abraham and said leave this country and come to the land which I shall shew thee. Verse 7 states that the Nation will serve God because of the faithfulness of Stephen. He was sent for a purpose his forefathers were rejected. Because he had the knowledge of the word of God he came to a world of lost people. There are many devoted Christians and it is so important that we all bind together and pray for the lives of those who are void of the knowledge of God's great love. We must evaluate ourselves and ask if we are walking in the fear and respect of the one who has all knowledge. God tells us that if we lack wisdom we have but to ask and we will receive.
Be careful lest you become puffed up and think that you do not need more wisdom than you now possess. It is so easy to feel we have the answer to life's problems and often we do not call on God until we have reached the bottom.
In closing Pastor gave us the passage in Psalms 44:1-8, here we find that we are found in the favor of God and he not only gives all good things, but he will fight our battles for us. We must remember it is not of our doing that we find victory but the mercy of our heavenly Father.
In the end Stephen willing gave his life for Christ and in his last words said, "I see Jesus standing at the Father's right hand."
He fought the fight and won the battle, he will be forever in His heavenly home, Praising God. If you have the knowledge and are looking for a place of worship, here the truth is spoken, come join us.
We are The Cove Mission of Hope in Lanagan, Mo. Service begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. We would love to have you visit us.
Religion on 07/30/2015