HOPE AND HAPPINESS

Hope is what we need right now in our country, in a world that seems out of control.  Joni Eareckson Tada writes: “The best we can hope for in this life is a knothole peek at the shining realities ahead.  Yet a glimpse is enough.  It is enough to convince our hearts that whatever sufferings and sorrows currently assail us aren’t worthy of comparison to that which waits over the horizon.”  RC Sproul writes: “Hope is called the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19) because it gives stability to the Christian life.  But hope is not simply a “wish” (I wish that such and such would take place). Rather it latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.”

During worship in August, we are going to look at what God says to us about hope as we discover relationships Jesus had with people. These people had their lives changed for the good. They went from despair to hope, from being alone to friendship and family. They received a new identity.  Their lives were transformed.

During the next few weeks, I would like to challenge you to do your own study on hope. I have made a list of Scriptures to meditate on for the next month.  They will be an encouragement to you.  Take time to read, reflect and write them out as you read them.  It is another way to help you to ponder God’s words. There are Scripture Sheets available at the church for you for your writings, and meditations. Enjoy the readings.  I will post on messaging the Scriptures and quotes from other Christians concerning hope. 

Love in Christ, Ilona

REFLECTION SCRIPTURES: July 27: Romans 15:13, July 28:1 Peter 1:3, July 29: Romans 12:12, July 30: Psalm 71:14, July 31: Lamentations 3:19-22, Aug. 1: Psalm 34:18, Aug. 2: Romans 5:3-5, August 3: Psalm 119:18, Aug.4: Psalm 119:166, Aug. 5: Romans 15:4, Aug. 6: Colossians 1:4-5, Aug. 7: Psalm 119: 147, Aug. 8: Acts 2: 25-26, Aug. 9: 1 Cor. 15:19-20, Aug.10: Titus 2:13, Aug.11: Psalm 65:5, Aug.12: James 2:16, Aug.13: Ps. 22:26, Aug.14: Ps. 119:147, Aug.15: 1 Thess. 2:19, Aug. 16: Titus 3:7, August 17: Hebrews 10:23, August 18: 1 Peter 1:13, August 19: 1 Peter 3:15, August 20: Ephesians 1:18 Aug. 21: Colossians 1:27, Aug.22: 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Aug.23: Psalm 42:1

Announcements:

FPC Farmers Market: Sundays from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. If you have produce to spare bring it to the church. We are sharing our bounty with our neighbors.  See David Bridgers for more information and how you can help.

Friday Small Groups: Starting Friday, August 14 at 10:00 am or 7:00 pm, “How Happiness Happens”. This is a six week dvd series by Max Lucado.  Come find out the secret to lasting JOY in a world of comparison, disappointment, and unmet expectations.

Sunday Small Groups for all ages at 10:00 am, Worship at 11:00 am

August 16^th at 12:00 pm, Covered Dish Dinner with Dessert Bake off Contest. Desserts will be judged on taste, creativity and clever name.

Prayer Requests: Lois (chemo Tuesday), Amy (recovering from surgery),AJ (Shrinkage of tumors, wisdom for him and parents regarding treatment), Maddison, Zach and Matt, Amanda’s Step Father (ICU blood pressure issues), hew (baby), Carole (Elaine’s sister), Loretta B (recovering from surgery, healing, freedom from pain), Todd and Pru (Missionaries)