This Week in Pew News

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And He [Jesus] told them many things in parables, saying, “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. … When anyone hears the Word of the Kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the Word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the Word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the Word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Just look at the sower in this story! He’s really moving fast. He isn’t digging individual holes and putting the seeds in one by one; he isn’t even watching where he throws it! This man is in such a hurry that he throws the precious seed everywhere;—even on the path, even into the weeds and rocks. If they had concrete parking lots in those days, you can bet this man would throw the seed there, too.

Why do that? What a waste of the precious seed! But the sower;—who is God;—doesn’t care. He’s got no time to waste and He wants the entire field;—the entire world;—to get the seed of the Gospel. And so He throws it everywhere;—into prisons and schools and homes, among the rich and the poor, the educated and the not;—to every human being. He tosses the story of Jesus across the world in books and movies and conversations, sowing the seed of faith with a generous hand.

This is what God wants every human being to know: That Jesus has given His own life on the cross to rescue us all from the power of evil, and that He has risen from the dead. Now anyone who trusts in Him will receive His overflowing love and mercy. We will become part of the harvest;—a forgiven, free, joyful child of God who reflects God’s own love and grace.

And you? It doesn’t matter if you are good soil or poor, thorny or rocky ground, or even a concrete parking lot! God’s power can remake you, too. “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself” (Acts 2:39).

This Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Let’s bring treats that are even sweeter with a dollop of Cool Whip on top! Now that sounds like summer fun!

Life’s too short to skip whipped cream!

Men of St. Mark! 

If your week runs on coffee, bacon, and brotherly encouragement, we’ve got good news.

Join us for men’s breakfast featuring:

Food that tastes better than it is good for you.

Coffee strong enough to forgive your sins. (Not even Close!)

Conversation ranging from Scripture to sports to “remember when…”

Fellowship without singing solos or being volunteered for anything. (Probably)

Come hungry, leave encouraged. No RSVP required - but pants are!

Lord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding… 

HEALTH

The Family of Ashley Bethke (Friend of Alison Byers) – who passed away on Saturday, 6/13. 

Marc Studer - Successful back surgery on 7/7 and is recovering well. Prayers for continued healing and recovery.

Pastor William Abbott - Pastor Abbott's wife, Sonya, passed away on Sunday, July 5th. Prayers for peace, strength, and understanding. 

MILITARY

Wyatt & Jake Bradford – Wyatt Bradford serves in the Navy in Okinawa, and Jake Bradford, U.S. Marines, serving in Camp Lejeune.

Jeffrey Byers (Jerry & Lori's nephew) – Is in the Marines & is being deployed to Iran.

We pray for God’s protection, guidance, and peace, for those away from home or in need, 
 as well as comfort and strength for their families during this trying time.

Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.

For prayer requests or changes to a current prayer, please email  stmarkelko@gmail.com.

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