When I used to fly an airplane, I enjoyed taking off and flying out east of Cincinnati. If I followed the Ohio River, I would often be heading in the same direction as US 50; I could watch cars getting ready to pass other cars. I wished I had a radio to speak with the drivers; because if I saw a truck coming when a car pulled out to pass another car, I could have warned them!
That’s how God sees your life. He sees the beginning of your life. He sees the end of your life. He sees everything in between. We read in Psalm 139:16, “. . . in your book were written every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them.” God knows the plans He has for you!
We read in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God has plans for your welfare and not for evil. Sometimes, we have a hard time with verses like that. Why would God want US to prosper when there are people in other parts of the world that have absolutely nothing? Why should we want to get blessed when there are so many people who don’t even have what we have now?
These are good questions to ask. However, when we speak about God prospering us, we are not talking about everyone in church winning the Virginia Lottery. We are talking about enjoying the everyday blessings of God that are mentioned in verses 4-6 of Jeremiah 29 – a place to live; food to eat; families to love; and communities to pray for. All of these things are a sign that we are experiencing God’s plans for our welfare and not for evil.
As we approach 2021 may we acknowledge that God has a plan for us that is full of hope! And, may we give thanks especially for the hope we have in Jesus Christ who came into the world to save sinners . . . like you and me and our neighbors near and far!!
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be at 5:00 p.m. at 2910 West Main Street.
Since seating is limited due to COVID-19, we ask that you make a reservation for Christmas Eve so that we can arrange seats accordingly. Thank you.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY is the FOURTH Sunday in Advent. We will meet at 2910 West Main Street once again for our worship service at 9:30 a.m. We will Live Stream the service on Facebook and our website.
Pastor Glen will continue the Advent series entitled, “A Time to . . .” This Sunday’s sermon is “A Time to Plan,” based upon Proverbs 16:1-9. Please read this text in preparation for worship!
We will expect individuals and families to follow appropriate social distancing guidelines. We want to be respectful of our brothers and sisters. You will need to bring and wear protective masks while entering and moving about the building. We will not pass an offering plate (an offering plate will be available for your tithes and offerings). Online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Children are welcome but families must sit together.
DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS
If you are interested in growing in your faith, please contact Pastor Glen or Mike Adams about joining a Discipleship Triad or Quartet. These groups provide an opportunity for you to grow exponentially in your faith through intimate, accountable relationships centered on the essentials of God’s Word! PLEASE consider reaching out to participate in this type of group. During COVID-19, these groups could be held virtually.
BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS: Ron Layne (December 18th); Kate King (December 21st); Cliff Scott (December 28th)