St. Mark Lutheran Church and Preschool
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Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”
There are sometimes it’s just hard to believe. Days come when we are sad, grieving, frustrated, or upset, and all those good things God has promised us seem to vanish like smoke:
* “Your sins are forgiven for His Name’s sake” (1 John 2:12b).
* “Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 5:12a).
* “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never cast out” (John 6:37).
* “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
* “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26a).
* “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
We know these things are true; God said them, and we believe Him;—and yet there are days we just can’t bring ourselves to live as if they are actually true. The weight of our troubles overwhelms us. And then;—well, let’s confess it: we know we are not worthy; we see our own un-deservingness;—and we develop a kind of false humility that says, “Oh, that could never be true for me;—it’s true for everybody else, but not me;—it’s better for me to remember my place, and not get uppity.” And so, when we think like this, we act like slaves when we should be sons and daughters;—like outsiders when we are God’s beloved ones.
Against this, John says, “Whoever does not believe God makes Him a liar.” Ouch! That comes like a slap in the face. Is that what I’m doing with my false humility;—calling God a liar? Oh dear. I’d better rethink this!
Let’s be clear about this;—this verse is not God giving us one more thing to feel guilty about. It is a lot more like what you do when you see your spouse or child thrashing around in bed during a nightmare. You grab them by the shoulder, shake them, and say, “Wake up!” And how happy they are when they wake up and the bad dream is over!
If you are having this problem, this nightmare;—that God’s promises don’t apply to you;—here is your wakeup call. God really means it. He loves you, He calls you, and He forgives you;—all because of Jesus. He made you His own child through His death and resurrection.
Nothing can separate you from Him, not even the worst of your sins. Trust in Him.
This Devotion was written by Dr. Kari V
Bar desserts are always a favorite: they’re easy to make, portable, and always delicious! What can you bake for an easy bite treat?
Life is what you bake of it!
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!
LLord, provide healing, peace, strength, comfort, and understanding…
HEALTH
Diana Dubois – Peace, comfort, and understanding after the passing of her mother.
Daniel Hood – Peace and Encouragement as he seeks new employment.
Chris Kruger – Long-time member of St. Mark fell and broke her pelvis. She is recovering at home over the next 6-8 weeks. Anyone wishing to send her a note or card may do so. Her address is listed in the directory or may be obtained from the Church office.
The Family of Ashley Bethke (Friend of Alison Byers) – who passed away on Saturday, 6/13.
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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