Gospel Highlight

And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and He healed them. And great crowds followed Him … (Matthew 4:23-25a)

 

Have you ever looked at the content of your prayers and felt guilty? I know I have. Somewhere, long ago, someone said to me it was wrong to pray so much for healing and practical help with my life. They said that this was just using Jesus, and that Christians should mostly say prayers of praise and gratitude and quit asking so much.

But now I think they were wrong. For in this story we see people all over Galilee and Syria coming to Jesus;—why? Because they are sick! Because they are suffering with demons, or they are in pain, or they love someone who is dying. They aren’t coming to Jesus for high-minded spiritual reasons; they’re coming because they’re desperate.

And Jesus helps! He doesn’t complain, and He doesn’t turn anyone away. His attitude seems to be, “Come to Me and I will give you real, everlasting life. I don’t care why you come to Me;—just come!” And when they come, He gives them even more than they asked for;—through His life, suffering, death, and resurrection.

Jesus says this to us, too, doesn’t He? “Just come.” Don’t worry about your reasons for coming. God is calling you, and He doesn’t mind if you are using Him. Let Him bring you near.

 

(This Devotion Courtesy of Lutheran Hour Ministries)

JESUS CONNECTIONS
Learning & Memorizing the 
3rd & 4th Commandments 

Jesus Connections is continuing to learn about the 10 Commandments—God’s loving guide for how we live, love, and care for one another. This coming week, children will learn and begin memorizing the Third and Fourth Commandments: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy—gladly hearing and learning God’s Word—and Honor your father and your mother—serving and obeying them and cherishing them with love. Through age-appropriate lessons and meaningful activities, kids will see how God’s commandments shape our daily lives at home, church, and beyond.

Learning to Love God and Others

FMI on upcoming Jesus Connections events and learning, 
reach out to Teacher Stephanie

Fellowship for Sunday, Jan. 25
All Muffins Matter

Remember the old Pillsbury DoughBoy ads proclaiming "Nothing says lovin' like a fresh-baked muffin"? Whatever muffins you choose, we hope you bake, serve, and eat them with love and joy!

Muffins: they’re just younger brothers of a really good cake.

 

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

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 and leave fed. No RSVP required - But Pants are!

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

Aaron Byers - Diagnosed with Metastatic Melanoma. Prayers for continued treatment.

Helen Cantrell - Health issues, pray for comfort as she continues treatment.

Eddie Henson - Prayers of thanks for a successful surgery.

Tana Doerr - Thankful for coming home again!  It's been a long road, but God is good!

Mathew Eisinger - Prayers for Pastor Jake & Alyssa’s son, Mathew Eisinger, as he deploys with the Army to Poland Sept. 16th, for 9 months. May the lord keep him safe on his deployment & return safely home.

Sara Kalaveras – Her surgery went well, and she is home. May God give her strength and patience during her recovery.

Carol Doerr –  Surgery was a success! May God be with her during the healing process.

Sharon (Julie F.’s sister-in-law) - Has been diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the doctors as they determine the best treatment, and for peace, strength, and relief from stress for her and her loved ones during this time.

Kathy Parker (Diana Dubois's sister-in-law) - Peace and Strength during a difficult time in her life.

St. Mark Lutheran Preschool - Staff and Leaders as they discern and making challenging decisions for the greater good of the school and the proclamation of Jesus to the Littles of our community.

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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