Journey through Darkness with the Joy of Christ
Ever get lost on a dark country road? The directions might be vague or the streets are poorly lit or not lit at all. Yet you know the general direction of where you need to go so you keep driving, hoping to pick the right way.
Life is pretty similar to that sometimes. We get lost, depressed, ill or experience general malaise. And there are so many solutions, offers, quick-fixes that claim to cure what ails us.
But when it comes to spiritual matters, there is only one fix. One solution with a proven cure — Jesus! When we are doubting, feeling alone, angry at the world – we need only to look to Jesus.
Christ is our light in this dark world. He already traveled the dark road for us. He bore our suffering and grief and took the judgement for us all.
Look to Jesus! We find him in Scripture, for example Psalm 119 reminds us that “thy Word is a lamp unto my feet” and today’s sermon text from Isaiah 50 shares a similar message:
4 The Lord God has given me
the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with a word
him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens;
he awakens my ear
to hear as those who are taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious;
I turned not backward.
6 I gave my back to those who strike,
and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard;
I hid not my face
from disgrace and spitting.
7 But the Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame.
8 He who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who is my adversary?
Let him come near to me.
9 Behold, the Lord God helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
Behold, all of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.10 Who among you fears the Lord
and obeys the voice of his servant?
Let him who walks in darkness
and has no light
trust in the name of the Lord
and rely on his God.
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Announcements
Voters Meeting: Our next meeting will be Sunday, September 26th at 3:30 pm via Zoom. Agenda includes routine reports along with discussion of sharing an internet connection with the Grange.
Volunteers Needed: We need a few individuals who would like to be responsible for setting up & tearing down the coffee station. A few ladies from the church have cleaned out the kitchen cupboards and bought fresh items. Now we need a few folks who can take on set-up and tear-down. Please speak to Margaret if you are interested in helping.
Bible Study: You are invited to join us! We have two classes every week. The first one meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 am in person and is topical. The second meets Wednesday nights at 7 pm via Zoom and is covering the Book of Colossians. If you would like to attend the Zoom class, please let Pastor know and he will add you to invite.
Donations: Although we are slowly emerging from the pandemic, the expenses remain constant. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location.
LWML: Funds are still needed to support ongoing activities. Please send donations to Margaret Ebert. School kit season is here! See Margaret for a list of supplies if you would like to help.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.