Bulletins

NEWS NOTES August 30, 2026

 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 NIV

 

Welcome to our service this morning.  Jay Graham is our speaker today and we will have a potluck lunch after morning services.

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers:

 

 

Seven Promises From God

Adapted from a talk by Douglas McKenzie 7/20/25

 

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.  For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Romans 6: 1-8 NIV

 

The Bible reveals God’s character to us, His children.  It contains His promises for those who earnestly seek Him.  Here are seven core promises.

NEWS NOTES  August 23, 2026

 

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation 6 I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:5-6 ESV

 

Welcome to our service this morning.  Next Sunday Jay Graham will be our speaker and we will have a potluck lunch. 

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers: 

 

 

Our Giving

Adapted from a table talk by Ryan Ingle 7/10/2016

 

And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, small plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.  Genesis 1:11-13 ESV

 

Jesus closes out his parable of the stewards with this statement about the final judgment: Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.  Luke 12:48b ESV. In other words, everyone will give an account to God, and those who had greater privilege, opportunities, knowledge, or blessings will be held accountable to greater expectations.

 

My family and I have been vacationing in California this week.  I was unprepared for the abundance of the San Joaquin Valley.  In Iowa where we live, we raise corn and soy beans.  That’s pretty much it.

 

I never saw such abundance and variety as the California Central Valley produces.  Mile after mile of vineyards and kiwi vines; orchards of citrus, summer fruits, and nuts; ground crops of tomatoes, carrots, onions, melons, potatoes, and broccoli. I never even knew how broccoli grew until this week.  You also grow alfalfa, silage corn, sorghum, and oats to feed your large dairy and livestock farms.

 

They say that in Southern California it takes anywhere from one to five days to get produce from a California farm to a grocery store table, and under 24 hours if bought directly from a farmers market or farm stand.  Compare that to the national average of five to 14 transit days for farm to table.  Such food abundance and riches you have here. 

 

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  II Corinthians 9:6-12 ESV

 

In the collection for the saints, God wants us to recognize our abundance and give willingly according to that abundance.  If you can’t give willingly, keep your money, and go home and examine your heart.

NEWS NOTES August 16, 2026

 

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, I Corinthians 15:3-4 ESV

 

Welcome to our service this morning. 

 

We are basking in so many blessings this morning.  Along with the joy of a risen Savior, we have the good news of a Christian sister with splendid surgery results,  a Christian brother about to celebrate his 103rd birthday, and three young couples announcing they will marry in the next few months.  

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers: 

 

 

“While We Were Still Sinners”

Adapted from a table talk by Michael Manning 6/2/2024

 

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8 ESV

 

On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan and his Secret Service detail were leaving a hotel when a gunman opened fire.  Two special agents immediately pushed Reagan into his limousine while a third used his body to shield the president from further shots.  In shielding Reagan, Special Agent Tim McCarthy was hit in the abdomen.  Fearless of the danger to himself, another agent dove across the street and jumped on the would-be assassin.  The duration of the gunfire lasted roughly three seconds with six shots fired.  Four men were hit, the president was the first rushed from the scene for treatment; the last one removed needing treatment was Agent Tim McCarthy.

 

It’s the sworn duty of a Secret Service Agent to be a human shield, if needed, to protect an important person like the president.  The agents also know anyone else injured will receive medical care ahead of an agent.  Still McCarthy arrived at the hospital within 15 minutes of being shot.

 

We were/are sinners, not morally righteous or doing great good, yet Jesus agreed with the Father to die for us - not a quick death, but an intentionally shameful, long, and painfully tortuous death.  The Romans usually reserved crucifixion for the lowest condemned - slaves, rebels, pirates, and especially-despised state enemies and criminals.  Jesus was none of these.  The Roman Governor Pontius Pilate declared, “I find no guilt in this man” (Luke 23:4).  Still Pilate agreed to crucify Him.

 

The Roman soldiers affixed the condemned to the cross in such a way for it to take days for them to die as their blood-supply drained away and their vital organs gradually failed from lack of oxygen.  Then the soldiers mutilated the body and left it hanging for the birds to eat.

 

Already weakened by repeated beatings, Jesus died within hours.  This was a surprise to Pilate.  Even more surprising was that a leading Jewish ruler - Joseph of Arimathea - wanted to give Jesus a proper burial (Mark 15:42-46).  Pilate, after confirming Jesus was indeed dead, granted the request.  Joseph together with another leading Jewish ruler Nicodemus wrapped Jesus’ body with spices fit for a king’s burial and put His body in a new tomb (John 19:38-42).

 

Wanting to show their own respect, the women followers arrived early on the first day of the week with more spices.  But Jesus wasn’t there; He had risen and left the burial wraps behind. Why did Jesus die for us?  Why did God want Him to do it?  In God’s eyes we are worth it - created in His image and loved so much He wants to save us.

 

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 ESV

NEWS NOTES August 9, 2026

 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV

 

Welcome to our service this morning. More of our regulars have returned home after long summer vacations and we are grateful to have them back.

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers:  

 

 

Commitment

Adapted from a lesson presented by Dace Hart 7/26/26

 

Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah 6:1-3

 

The book of Nehemiah opens with him learning of Jerusalem’s terrible condition.  Nehemiah prayed and fasted, asking God to forgive Israel’s sins and to give him success in leading the people to rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls and mend their own broken spirits.  Despite continual distractions and opposition from enemies, Nehemiah refused to give up or give in.  He was committed to complete both endeavors.

 

Self-improvement programs always assume commitment.  Without commitment nothing changes.  Yet it’s so easy in our culture to lack commitment.  Sport players, subscriptions, online purchases - everything can be easily changed, returned, or blocked.  With very little thought, we start and then leave things unfinished.

 

Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 ESV

 

God’s call for commitment is nonnegotiable.  Key verses in Luke 9:57-62 and Hebrews 10:23-25 call for full focus, devotion, and effort demonstrated in action regardless of circumstances.  Good intentions are not enough, we must follow with unswerving action.

 

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, and repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them. He will not be slack with one who hates him. He will repay him to his face. Deuteronomy 7:9-10 ESV

 

Christianity is a unique commitment.  It starts with a totally faithful creator who is committed to us.  Is your commitment covenant or convenient?  What do you spend your time and money on?  Those two measurements are a pretty good indicator of your commitment.

 

Every commitment has a cost.  The young ruler in Mark 10:17-22 had already given up some things.  But he was not willing to give up all.  On the other hand, Elisha when called to be a prophet, not only gave up farming, he literally burned up any back-out plan to return to farming.  In I Kings 19:19-21, Elisha sacrifices the oxen he had been plowing with, uses their yokes for fire wood, and then follows Elijah.

 

Full commitment is worth it.  Jesus promises: And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfoldand will inherit eternal life. Matthew 19:29 ESV

NEWS NOTES August 2, 2026

 

And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.  Matthew 4:18-22 NKJV

 

Welcome to our service this morning. 

 

Those who were able to attend the Ozark, MO Riverside Rd congregation Bible study had an inspiring, spirit-filled experience in the Word.  The presenters were well-studied and able to bring clarity to a range of current Biblical topics.  We thank the congregation and their eldership for all their careful planning and gracious hospitality.

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers:  

 

 

Follow Me

Adapted from a lesson presented by Emery Wright - March 2023

 

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.Gotherefore andmake disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I amwith you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV

 

Sometimes called the Great Commission, the Matthew 28 passage is one of the last things Jesus told his disciples before he returned to heaven.  Simply put, we are to find people and encourage them to follow Jesus.

 

Jesus began gathering followers by calling two sets of brothers, commercial fishermen, to change their trade to “fishing for men.”  Go after men as you have been going after fish, made a connection with their trade and their determination in pursuing it.

 

Matthew 10:1-7 Jesus sent them out on a “limited commission” to start fishing for people in their own community.  That’s a good place for us to start as well.  We can, everyone can, help lead others to Christ.

 

In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed them to broaden their horizons.  In Acts Jesus describes it like increasingly larger circles of people: “and you shall bewitnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea andSamaria, and to theend of the earth.” Acts 1:8

 

Bringing others to Christ starts with keeping ourselves anchored in Christ: Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

 

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:5-6 NKJV

 

Walking wholeheartedly (Matthew 8:18-22) with Jesus and sharing the joy of salvation with those we meet are truly the best things in this life and are just the beginning of what awaits us in heaven.

NEWS NOTES July 26, 2026

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

 

Welcome to our service this morning.  Jay Graham is our speaker this morning and afternoon.  Many are out of town today: several at the Bible Study hosted by the Riverside Road congregation in Ozark, MO.

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers: 

 

 

A HINT AT MOSES’ LEADERSHIP

Adapted from a message from Jay Graham

 

So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped.  Then he said, "If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance. Exodus 34:8-9

 

What stands out in the verses above?  Moses prayed this immediately following Israel’s sin at Mount Sinai.  Much of Israel had rebelled against the Lord’s laws even before receiving them in their entirety.  While Moses was on the mountain receiving the Lord’s Ten Commandments - which would be a foundation for the remainder of His Law - Israel fell into the darkness of idolatry and debauchery.  They had Aaron make a god of gold and they “rose up to play” (Exodus 32:6). When Moses discovered the people’s sin he threw down the Tablets the Lord had written on, destroying them out of anger and perhaps righteous indignation.  After he calmed down Moses pleaded for the Lord to be merciful to the people; he must have known the Lord was going to punish the people for their sin.  Exodus 34:8-9 highlight his pleading for the people and give us an interesting hint in regard to Moses’ leadership.

 

First, it says Moses “made haste” and worshiped the Lord.  This was not something that he took his time doing.  He knew the Lord was extremely angry at the people, and he tried immediately to mitigate that anger.  This was an emergency.  Then notice the pronouns and phrases he uses:  He urges the Lord to “go among us”, “we are a stiff-necked people”, “pardon our iniquity and our sin” and “take us as Your inheritance.”  Moses includes himself among the transgressors.

 

I do not think Moses was in any way guilty of those sins.  I do not know if the Lord considered him to sin when he seemed to lose patience at the people, at least there is no indication of such.  Yet, Moses still mentioned himself as among the transgressors.  This was part of Moses’ humility and willingness to take responsibility in regard to his leadership to the Lord’s people.

 

NEWS NOTES July 19, 2026

 

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Colossians 1:9-10 ESV

 

Welcome to our service this morning. 

 

La Verne congregation is hosting a potluck, songfest, and Charles Fry as their guest speaker.  If you would like a ride see Michael Manning.  Also, we will broadcast Charles’ message for our afternoon study.

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers:  

 

 

Worthy

Adapted from a lesson presented by Kyle Rhynerson 3/26/2023

 

For you know how, like a father with his children, 12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. I Thessalonians 2:11-12 ESV

 

Of our nation’s founding fathers, John Adams was probably the most prolific letter writer with over 1,100 letters preserved.  He often wrote to his grandsons about character, integrity, and remaining “worthy”.  In a letter to his grandson John Smith, he wrote, “Have you considered the meaning of the word ‘worth’?  Weigh it well...I had rather you should be worthy makers of brooms and baskets than unworthy presidents of the United States...”  Good advice Mr. Adams!  Every Christian must consider what it means to “walk in a worthy manner”. 

 

I (Paul) therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 ESV

 

Our “walk” is our calling to be a disciple of Christ: to be his follower in the sense that we are to resemble Jesus Christ. 

 

The Greek word for worthy (axiós) describes balancing “equal values” on two-armed scale.  Worth is used in other important words like “worthwhile”, “worthless”, and “trustworthy”.  Think of “trustworthy” on a balance scale.  One side of the scale is “I trust you” and the other side is “do you live up to that trust?”

 

We can’t walk perfectly.  Who gets to decide whether I am worthy? Of first importance, God decides as Jesus points out in parables such as Matthew 25:14-30.  Second, anyone in authority over you - work supervisor, teacher, coach, church elders, spouse, and parents all have the right to judge some aspect of your worthiness.

 

When are we considered worthy?   The American author H. Jackson Brown, Jr. coined it this way:  “Don’t work for recognition, but do work worthy of recognition.”  Doing something to get a pat on the back - that’s your reward.

 

I Corinthians 10:31 gives this highest of standards: So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

 

The Jewish leaders in Luke 7:1-10 thought a certain Roman centurion was worthy of Jesus healing his sick servant because of what the centurion had done for them.  The centurion thought the opposite - he considered himself unworthy to have the great teacher come to his house.  He realized we can never earn salvation on our own merits, we are always dependent on receiving God’s grace to make up what’s lacking in our worthiness. 

NEWS NOTES July 12, 2026

 

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 

 

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:28-31 NIV

 

Welcome to our service this morning.  We thank all who jumped in last Sunday morning for an unplanned, but needed parking lot clean-up, and to those who did repair work did during the week.

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers:  

 

 

Loving Our Neighbor

Adapted from a lesson presented by Michael Manning 6/18/2023

 

 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 NI

 

When Jesus responded to the teacher of the law in Mark 12, He was quoting the Old Law in Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.  The teacher recognized the wisdom of Jesus’ answer and added his own comment “to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (verse 33).  Jesus commended the man for his godly insight.  It didn’t seem any further “laws” were needed.

 

Then just before his crucifixion Jesus gave his disciples a new love commandment: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

 

What’s the difference between Christ’s new commandment and the existing ones?  We must love as Christ loves us! That’s a higher standard.  Jesus’s love for his disciples and for all humanity is optimistic, selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.  His love for the Father is total obedience, purpose, and unity in action.

 

We still have to have healthy self-love.  Not a prideful, self-centered “me-first” love; but a love that results in good care to our physical body, mind, and spiritual life as a first step in providing the same care to others.

 

Cain was the oppose of what we should be (Genesis 4:1-16).  He was angry with himself and God and jealous of his brother for being better.  So he takes it out on his brother.  At that moment he hated his life and even though God gave him a second chance, he instead did something worse - he killed his brother.  We have to rule over our emotions.  Jesus says if you hate, you are already a murderer (Matthew 5:21-22; I John 3:11-15).  If your life is a mess, you will have problems loving others.

 

God’s love reflects His nature and His expectations for His children. It is a love that transcends human limitations, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and manifested in the believer's life through selfless service and devotion to God and others.

 

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. I John 3:16-18 NIV

NEWS NOTES July 5, 2026

 

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Psalm 31:14-15 ESV

 

Welcome to our service this morning.  Starting with public fireworks shows on Friday evening, our nation celebrated Independence Day holiday with a bang this 250th anniversary.  We thank the Anaheim congregation for hosting a July 4th barbeque with great fellowship, food, and games.  God is gracious.

 

Copies of the July 2026 Gospel Message publication are available by the bulletin board in the front hallway.  Michael Manning wrote the featured article entitled Moving Mountains: and Other Hard Things for the Natural Human to Do.

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers:  

 

 

The Hands of Jesus

Adapted from a lesson presented 7/17/2016

 

 Then saith He to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. John 20:27 KJV

 

Look at the people around you; their hands, like their face, are constantly on view.  Our hands reveal intimate information about us and are capable of silently communicating complex information. All of your hand’s parts are elegantly adapted for independent function and for coordinated movement and sensing that makes our hands so beautiful and useful. 

 

The hands of Jesus were an integral part of His physical life on Earth: creating, healing, saving, providing, working, and soothing.

 

After Jesus resurrected from the dead, He began reconnecting with his disciples who had scattered at his death.  One poignant meeting He called for a skeptically Thomas to touch His freshly scarred hands and side.  Thomas’ doubt evaporated immediately and each of received a blessing. 

 

Jesus often touched people as he healed them (Matthew 8:14-15; 9:18-26; Mark 8:23-25).  We know from other miracles He could make people well without even being with them (John 4:46-54).  Yet touch in of itself is comforting; a sensory connection often stronger than words.  So Jesus touched people, even “untouchables” - like those with the dreaded leprosy (Mark 1:40-45), and they were healed inside and out. 

 

Jesus did ordinary things with his hands for extraordinary benefit.  He picked up little children and held them in his arms as He blessed them (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:16).  He unrolled the large scripture scrolls as He read in the synagogue of the fulfillment of God’s promises (Luke 4:16-21).  At the touch of Jesus’ hands food multiplied to feed thousands of hungry people who had listened to His words all day (John 6:1-14).  Jesus reached out with His hand to save a sinking Peter (Matthew 14:22-33). With the same hand He made a whip to clear out the Temple grounds (John 2:13-22) and wrote in the dirt (John 8:1-11) to dispel a mob.

 

Jesus used his hands for manual labor.  He washed his disciples feet (John 13:1-12), surely a servant’s job.  Even breakfast was produced and prepared by Jesus’ hands on the Galilean shore (John 21:1-14).

 

Jesus expects us to use our hands as a first step in getting our lives in order for God (Hebrews 12:12-13; James 4:8), for godly peace (I Timothy 2:8), and to work so we can provide for ourselves and share with others (I Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 4:28; I Thessalonians 4:11).

 

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 ESV

NEWS NOTES June 28, 2026

 

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Luke 12:22-23 ESV

 

Welcome to our service this morning.  We expect all our travelers to be back.  Jay Graham is our speaker today and loved ones, now living out of state, will be here.

 

For those you could attend, the Shaver Lake Bible Campout was such as blessing.  The weather was perfect and the lake and forests were at their finest.  We were awakened by the ravens in the morning and had a surprise visit of a bear at the Friday night Camp fire. In all, people from seven different states attended, ranging in age from five months to 84 years old.

 

Prayers for:  One of the young men attending the Shaver Lake campout was from Venezuela; he asks for prayers for rescue and relief to those impacted by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Wednesday June 25th.  While his immediate family is okay physically, others are unaccounted for and electricity, water, and communication systems have been cut off.

 

Upcoming events/guest speakers:  

 

 

Consider the Ravens

 

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Luke 12:24-26 ESV

 

In his analogy, Jesus could have used any wild bird or animal or just mentioned the animal kingdom in general.  Why pick a raven? Perhaps he was thinking of the ravens who fed Elijah the prophet.  Elijah often felt alone, afraid, anxious, and even depressed as he delivered God’s hard messages to King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.

 

Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

 

While ravens “neither sow or reap,” they are excellent scavengers, hunters, and hoarders.  Flexible omnivores, they consume anything from carrion to plant matter. They work together in groups to bring down larger prey while bickering amongst themselves over a morsel of someone’s discarded lunch.  Ravens are resourceful at using tools and remembering people.

 

The Bible doesn’t explain where the ravens got the bread and meat for Elijah.  Perhaps they were stealing it from King Ahab’s kitchen?  We will never know, but God saw to it that they both found daily food and took it to Elijah.  And unable to feed himself, Elijah had to rely on God’s provision.

 

God expects us to work to provide for our own needs (II Thessalonians 3:10-12) and the needs of others (Ephesians 4:28).  But we can work with the joy and expectation that God will see us through both times of bounty and hard times.  Worry is unnecessary.