Wayne Johnson opened our Sunday morning worship service with prayer, and special prayers were requested for MaryAnn, Rachael and Nathan.
"Don't Be Ashamed of Your Weakness" was the title of the devotional by Linda Abercrombie. Scripture was from 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, where the Lord tells us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Linda began by telling us that we all have weaknesses and the Bible's reliability is in the way it portrays its major characters. They, like us, didn't have it all together some times. The Bible displays their weaknesses that God worked with to make them great like Moses and Abraham. What are our greatest weaknesses? Ask God to help you face them honestly to help you become the person He wants you to be.
Tyrel Lett asked God's blessing upon the offertory, and he and Rick Lett served as ushers. Jerry Abercrombie and Wayne led the congregation in singing "Blessed Assurance" and "The King Is Coming." We were blessed with special music from Susan Cory who sang "One Day," and she referred to Matthew 1:21, which says, "And she will bring forth a Son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."
Brother Mark Hall brought us God's message from Luke 18:1-8. He began by telling us that this is a busy time of year and we need to slow down to hear God's word. We need to ask God to slow us down and help us focus on Him to keep His word. Verse 1 tells us that we always 'ought to pray and not lose heart.' Brother Mark told us that nothing is discussed more and practiced less in church today than prayer.
"It seems ridiculous that we don't pray more. We get caught up in the moment and the day and then later wonder why we didn't pray about it."
Brother Mark talked about three things dealing with prayer. First, why do we pray? Ephesians 3:14-21 gives us the answer. Brother Mark told us we pray so that we might be strengthened in our inner self through the Lord's spirit and that He may dwell in our hearts and we might know the love of Christ and be filled with the fullness of God. That's where faith comes from.
"The possibilities of prayer exceed our ability to ask or imagine. There is no limit to His power. He can do more than we can imagine."
Second, where do we pray? Matthew 6:5-6 tells us where. "But when you pray, go into your room and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
Brother Mark told us, "Jesus says to go to your private place, shut the door and focus on Him. Don't pray to look like a Christian; pray because you are a Christian."
Third, when should we pray? I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "pray without ceasing" in the words of Paul. Brother Mark told us we should always pray. It should be a lifestyle, not just something we do in case of emergency.
"But do pray in an emergency. Get busy and then thank God afterwards. God sees our yesterday, today and tomorrow."
In closing, Brother Mark reminded us that we should always pray and not lose heart as the Bible tells us to do and then give God the glory when our prayers are answered.
"God may be out of sight, but He is never out of reach. He is always just a prayer away."
Members of the congregation then shared praises to God for answered prayers.
Has God answered some prayers for you? Always pray and don't lose heart, and give Him the glory."
Our hymn of invitation was "Lord, I'm Coming Home," and Tom Sharp gave the benediction.
We will be participating in the SWC Christmas Parade Saturday with our float, "Come and See the Greatest Gift." There will be a luncheon/shower for Jamie and John immediately following worship service next Sunday, and our Christmas Program will be Sunday, Dec. 18, during our morning worship service.
We invite you to worship with us during this Christmas season and remember the real reason for the season. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11.
Mill Creek is located 3.5 miles east of Noel, just off Highway 90. Everyone is always welcome.
Religion on 12/01/2016