Mt. Olive In-Person Worship - February 21, 2021 | UN-BROKEN SERIES

To view the In-Person worship from last Sunday click the link below. 

In-Person Worship-February 21, 2021

A Note from Pastor Al - Who Benefits?

When one person holds open the door for another, who benefits? It’s very possible that more than one individual benefits. The individual who showed kindness is extending the benefit of respect to the person allowed to walk through the door ahead of them. Those watching benefit when they realize there are still respectful people in this world. This example of politeness allows others to see that we all have a choice: me first or others first. This example of graciousness can change the whole mood of the room because goodness has been lifted up and smugness has, for a time, been pushed down.
In our series Un-Broken, focusing on Jesus’ miracles, we see Jesus creating gracious acts of kindness in the lives of individuals who were getting used to various systems of disrespect. The Romans showed open distaste for the Jews in all but a few examples in the Gospels (Matthew 8:5-13—the Roman Centurion—is one positive case). The Pharisees were egotistic; they considered many other Jews to be unworthy of their regal, religious attentions. When Jesus offers a dose of compassion, it quickly creates awe and spectacle among the crowds because it was out of the norm. This creates growing excitement. This stirs a fever of possibilities if God can demonstrate the reversal of human ills. Many benefit because they are now given hope.
Jesus does miracles in order to demonstrate both his unbounded power and his unquenchable love for broken humanity. He takes broken lives and broken hopes and he makes them un-broken in order to show the reversal of all that sin has touched since the beginning of time. This is his kingdom plan.
Let’s see who benefits from this very first miracle of Jesus.
His mother benefits. She is the first to be mentioned in the text, noting the dilemma. “When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine’” (John 2:3). She recognizes the social embarrassment that could be unleashed. She signals her son to give note. And she will experience Jesus’ power and love bringing a hasty conclusion to this bump in the road.
The servants benefit. Mary beckons them, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). They draw huge amounts of water and bend their backs to the task. They, alone, see that this water has now blushed at Jesus' instructions. Not even the master of this event bore witness to this first miracle. He only benefited. 
The master of the banquet benefits, because it is his role to ensure the guests are happy and filled with bubbly. His reputation was seconds away from being soiled but remains untarnished. 
The couple benefits from Jesus’ miracle. If Jesus had not stepped in, the wedding banquet would have been abruptly cut short, they would have been publicly humiliated from this day going forward. Never again would they enter a conversation without someone thinking of the time when this couple ran out of wine at their own wedding. Never again would they feel mutual respect from their neighbors. Instead, the neighbors might consider them stingy—a terse label deserved in a culture that highly prized hospitality at all costs. Others would view them as uncaring. Whether or not the moniker was deserved, Jesus’ miracle had reversed the day’s trajectory.
The crowd benefits from the supernatural display of love. They could continue their day’s long celebration. They would now enjoy the finest vintage ever reserved. They would sense the respect of the couple (even though it was Jesus who created this fine wine). No doubt the mood of the whole event shifted to even grander merriment.
And the disciples benefit from this first miracle. “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11). They placed their trust in him. Now they have a dose of God loving them too. They are mere bystanders. But they see that Jesus cares even though he is not obligated by anything other than his love. This may not be an immediate thought for them, but it will sizzle in their memory and melt their cold hearts toward greater and greater faith.
Once, as a spectator of kindness, I watched a young boy sitting patiently with some younger children, allowing them to tug at him and even be a mild nuisance to him; but he remained kind in his actions toward them. What I noted more-so was that others became more comfortable with the young boy because they saw how he treated others. 
This is one of the benefits that Jesus delivers to the disciples. This is a benefit that Jesus delivers to us throughout this whole series: his care is universal. He won’t stop. He won’t back down. His love drives him to one kingdom-act after another. He teaches with patience (“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” - Matthew 19:14)
And now that we get to see Jesus in action, we are nudged toward a greater trust in him. Let the unbroken desire of Jesus fill you with comfort and greater faith in your Creator, your Savior, your Redeemer, Jesus.
Blessings to you all!
Pastor Al

Encouragement

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." // Jeremiah 17:14

ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021 | UN-BROKEN SERIES

 The link below will get you to the Ash Wednesday Service, on February 17, 2021, if you weren't able to worship in person.

Ash Wednesday In-Person

Mt. Olive In-Person Worship - February 14, 2021

If you were unable to worship in person on Sunday, February 14th, click the link below.

In-Person Worship-February 14, 2021 

Encouragement

 

“I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them." // Hosea 14:4

UN-BROKEN - A Note from Pastor Al

Her name is Janine. She is a Christian with a deep, trembling faith. Janine fears (that’s the trembling part) and loves Jesus. Janine always had a very positive way of looking at life’s twists and turns; and Jesus became her bedrock reaction to anything that came her way.
On one particular Sunday, the sermon illustration was about the brokenness that comes from sin. To illustrate the point, I took a pane of glass and a hammer. The hammer won the fight and this resulted in a box full of glass shards. Janine was there listening and taking notes as usual.
Two or three Sundays later she brought a gift to church and asked me to open it up after the service. I like gifts; who doesn’t? But this gift was not only special; it also drove home a deeper thought that was stirring in Janine’s mind when she saw the shattered glass.
Janine’s life-history looked like those shards of glass, but she had experienced again and again Jesus’ redemptive presence in her life. She knew that Jesus was active not only in simple ways, not only in multiple ways, but Janine knew that Jesus was active in her life incessantly, to repair what was broken. The gift she now shared reflected that presence that the God-man brings when he touches broken lives.
With the packaging quickly removed, I folded back the white crepe paper and saw a stunning work of art. Janine had taken her deep love for Jesus, that box of broken glass, some lead channel, and she had colored the glass and then fashioned an impressive stained glass window. What she taught me in that instant was simple: Jesus takes brokenness and makes it beautiful again. Jesus takes broken lives and refashions them, reshapes them, and makes them un-broken.
Revelation 21:5 states, “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” (ESV)
When Jesus, the one seated on the throne spoke, he said that he was making all things “new.” “New” means new in quality or fresh in opportunity. Heaven provides for us that eternal “newness.” We have an eternity waiting for us to experience fresh and brilliant opportunities.
When Jesus came to earth to live and die and rise again, part of his work involved taking the brokenness of life and making it “un-broken.” He did this in many ways but the one way we are focusing on in this Lenten series is his miracles. His miracles demonstrate both his desire and his ability to reverse the curse of sin—to make the broken into the un-broken. With each supernatural event he is adding the “un” to the “broken” and providing color and sparkle and shine to our future.
He took the joy that was quickly being extinguished from the wedding at Cana (John 2) and he rebuilt it by changing water into wine. He took the heartbreak of the widow at Nain (Luke 7:11-17) and un-broke her tears. He promises, in each of his miracles, to reverse the curse, to turn back the suffering that this world brings, and to make all things new! Join with us in this exciting series of lessons on the miracles of Jesus.
As we view each one, the un-broken power of God will strengthen our torn and tattered faith. We will gain fresh confidence that our Savior cares about the hurting and the lonely; he cares about each of us. May his love be fully evident as we dive into each of these valuable lessons!
Blessings to you from the One who takes the broken and makes it un-broken!

SCLA - Save the Date: Virtual Gala 2021

 

Mark your calendars for the 2021 SCLA Gala on Saturday, April 10, 2021. The Gala will be virtual again this year, but with more fun twists and a playful theme! Watch for more information coming soon.

Would you consider donating an auction item or applying for a Thrivent Action Team to help cover some of our costs? Find out more here or contact Brian Shult.

SCLA -Free Zoom Event with Pastor Enter

 

Free Zoom Event with Pastor Enter SCLA's Pastor Jon Enter is the featured speaker for Awake and Alive's February Zoom event on Sunday, February 21. The event opens at 6:15 p.m. (CST) and begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration is free! This event will not be recorded so please register today for the live links and information. Awake and Alive is a unique ministry geared toward the 18-25 generation, but all are welcome to tune in. Share with the young adults in your life! Event Description Wandering. Worried. Wrecked. These are feelings that can easily overcome us. The world is unrelenting. The devil is prowling. But your Good Shepherd is gathering. He calls you; he comes after you; he cares for you. There are grace and guidance that await your heart through our study of Psalm 23. This Psalm is rightfully cherished but the depth of the word pictures is often unmined. You'll never see Psalm 23 the same again. Join King David as he marvels at the majesty of God's great love!

Register

Retirement Webinar Tonight offered by SCLA

 
Are you recently retired or planning to retire soon? Are you interested in the effect of the election on your current or future retirement? Register now for SCLA's free, interactive webinar, "Will the Election Outcome Impact my Retirement?" presented by father-son SCLA alumni Nathan ('91) and Andrew ('13) Tiarks of Tiarks, Becker, & Hackett Financial. Thursday, February 18, 
6:30-7:30 p.m.

33 Day Bible Reading Challenge-Day 32

 

Matthew 13:24-43

24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’
28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.
“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
34 Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:

“I will open my mouth in parables,
    I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”

36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”
37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

 

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Psalm 30

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David.

1 I will exalt you, LORD,
    for you lifted me out of the depths
    and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 LORD my God, I called to you for help,
    and you healed me.
3 You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
    you spared me from going down to the pit.

4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people;
    praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
    but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
    but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
    “I will never be shaken.”
7 LORD, when you favored me,
    you made my royal mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
    I was dismayed.

8 To you, LORD, I called;
    to the LORD I cried for mercy:
9 “What is gained if I am silenced,
    if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10 Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me;
    LORD, be my help.”

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

33 Day Bible Reading Challenge-Day 33

 

Matthew 13:44-58

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

53 When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

58 And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

 

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Psalm 31

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
    come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
    for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
    for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
    deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.

6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols;
    as for me, I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love,
    for you saw my affliction
    and knew the anguish of my soul.
8 You have not given me into the hands of the enemy
    but have set my feet in a spacious place.

9 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress;
    my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
    my soul and body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish
    and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
    and my bones grow weak.
11 Because of all my enemies,
    I am the utter contempt of my neighbors
and an object of dread to my closest friends—
    those who see me on the street flee from me.
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;
    I have become like broken pottery.
13 For I hear many whispering,
    “Terror on every side!”
They conspire against me
    and plot to take my life.

14 But I trust in you, LORD;
    I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands;
    deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
    from those who pursue me.
16 Let your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your unfailing love.
17 Let me not be put to shame, LORD,
    for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame
    and be silent in the realm of the dead.
18 Let their lying lips be silenced,
    for with pride and contempt
    they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

19 How abundant are the good things
    that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
    on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
    from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
    from accusing tongues.

21 Praise be to the LORD,
    for he showed me the wonders of his love
    when I was in a city under siege.
22 In my alarm I said,
    “I am cut off from your sight!”
Yet you heard my cry for mercy
    when I called to you for help.

23 Love the LORD, all his faithful people!
    The LORD preserves those who are true to him,
    but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
    all you who hope in the LORD.

33 Day Bible Reading Challenge-Day 31

 

Day 31/33   Matthew 13:1-23 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” 10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” 11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see;     though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;     you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;     they hardly hear with their ears,     and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes,     hear with their ears,     understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. 17 For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. 18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Psalm 29 A Psalm Of David.   1 Ascribe to the LORD, you heavenly beings,     ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;     worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters;     the God of glory thunders,     the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. 4 The voice of the LORD is powerful;     the voice of the LORD is majestic. 5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;     the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,     Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the LORD strikes     with flashes of lightning. 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert;     the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks     and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;     the LORD is enthroned as King forever. 11 The LORD gives strength to his people;     the LORD blesses his people with peace.

33 Bible Reading Challenge-Day 30

 

Day 30/33   Matthew 12:38-50 38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” 39 He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here. 43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” 46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”   Psalm 28 Of David.   1To you, LORD, I call;     you are my Rock,     do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent,     I will be like those who go down to the pit. 2 Hear my cry for mercy     as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands     toward your Most Holy Place. 3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,     with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors     but harbor malice in their hearts. 4 Repay them for their deeds     and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done     and bring back on them what they deserve. 5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD     and what his hands have done, he will tear them down     and never build them up again. 6 Praise be to the LORD,     for he has heard my cry for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;     my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy,     and with my song I praise him. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people,     a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. 9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;     be their shepherd and carry them forever.

33 Day Bible Reading Challenge-Day 29

 

Day 29   Matthew 12:22-37 Jesus and Beelzebul 22 Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. 23 All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.” 25 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. 30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. 33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”   Psalm 27 Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—     whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—     of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me     to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes     who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me,     my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,     even then I will be confident. 4 One thing I ask from the LORD,     this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD     all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD     and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble     he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent     and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted     above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;     I will sing and make music to the LORD. 7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;     be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”     Your face, LORD, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me,     do not turn your servant away in anger;     you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me,     God my Savior. 10 Though my father and mother forsake me,     the LORD will receive me. 11 Teach me your way, LORD;     lead me in a straight path     because of my oppressors. 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,     for false witnesses rise up against me,     spouting malicious accusations. 13 I remain confident of this:     I will see the goodness of the LORD     in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD;     be strong and take heart     and wait for the LORD.

Lenten Worship Schedule

 

Our Lenten worship services will be:  

Ash Wednesday service on February 17, at 6:30 PM, at St John

Lenten services each week on Wednesdays, at 6:30 PM, through March 24, at St John

Maundy Thursday service with communion on April 1, at 6:30 PM, at St John

Good Friday service on April 2, at 6:30 PM, at Mt Olive

Easter Sunday service at St John at 8:30 AM

Good Newsletter - February 2021

 

February 2021

 

Our God is…Love

 

 

“How much do you love me?” Brenda asked her two-year-old son. Jonah held out his hands about a foot apart and said, “I love you this much.”

 

Paul turned to Jonah’s twin sister and asked her, “Hannah, how much do you love me?” Hannah extended her hands as far apart as they would go. “I love you this much,” she said.

 

Four-year-old Kevin was watching closely. When Brenda and Paul asked him how much he loved them, they expected him to copy the actions of his younger brother and sister. Instead, he spread his arms out in front of him as wide as possible and then curled them down and behind his back until they met. Kevin said, “This is how much I love you, all the way around.”

 

Brenda and Paul looked at each other in amazement. Kevin understood that the greatest love is all-encompassing!

 

If your sweetheart asks you how much you love her on Valentine’s Day, you probably should not just stretch out your arms. You probably shouldn’t even curl them behind your back, unless you have a gift hidden there!

 

Yet, it is in the outstretched arms of Jesus that we know the love God has for us—all of us.

 

Perhaps you have seen pictures of Jesus with his arms spread wide on the cross. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

 

Valentine’s Day is a good day to express your love for the special people in your life. It is also a good time as Christians to remember that “We know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16).

 

Join us at church to celebrate more of God’s love.

 

 

 

Upcoming Events at St. John:

Worship Services: Sunday 11:30 AM.

Lenten services on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM starting on February 17

Adult Bible Study 10:30 AM.

 

Visit our website at stjohnev.net

For more information or to unsubscribe go to newsletter@stjohnev.net or call us at 651-771-6406

 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2021 | WONDER SERIES: EXPERIENCE

 If you were unable to attend church in person, you make click on the link below and watch the Mt. Olive in-person service.

In-Person Service, February 7th

RELAY - A note from Pastor Al

It was my Junior year in high school. The weather had warmed nicely and the Track and Field conference relays were taking place. Every race except one was finished. We were down to the final event of the night: the 4x400 meter relay. This was an event for four teammates to run in succession—each one running 400 meters. I was responsible for the first leg of the 4x400 relay. That meant I would run one time around the track as fast as I could possibly go and make a clean handoff to the next runner.  
The runners lined up and the gun went off. I bolted from the starting line along with seven other runners. With lungs heaving, we rounded the first turn and left almost 100 meters behind us. Every runner was hustling down the track as fast as their legs would carry them. The pace was good; I wasn’t first, but I wasn’t last. As I rounded the final turn and headed down the stretch to the handoff, there was pleasure in seeing that this would be a solid race. I was now within 10 meters of handing off the baton to the next runner, and somehow I stumbled and fell, losing the baton and disqualifying our team from the race.
I had never felt such a weight of disappointment. Not only had I ruined our possibility of placing well, but now we wouldn’t even be able to finish the race at all. 95% of my run was flawless. My last 10 meters was a sham. I hate to even relive this event, but I must for one specific reason. God calls us to pass on the faith to the next generation, to the next person, to one person or 10 people. I don’t want to make the mistake of botching up the handoff and disqualifying those who follow after me. So I use this example to propel my thinking forward to an even greater race: the race of faith to which we are called. 
Our high school track team gathered up all their equipment and headed to the bus. Several faces tried to be compassionate as I located my seat. But deep in my own mind I sensed what they were thinking. “You dropped the baton. You messed up! You blew the opportunity we had to finish well.” No one ever said it, but I felt it.
What about the spiritual race we are running and the next generation that will follow us? Do you feel the pressure? Do you sense that others are staring at you with longing eyes or disappointment on their faces? Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us that others are watching: “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” 
Whether this is a factual group of spectators or not, commentators vary on the matter. The point is more about the role of faith in the life of each competitor. By faith we are to fix our eyes on Jesus. By faith we are to run with strong intentions in order to pass on the faith to the next generation.
This is the command Jesus gives in Matthew 28 when he says, “Go and make disciples.” Pass on the baton to the next generation. You are part of the relay of faith. But the pressure is different. The pressure is actually on Jesus. Did you notice that he is called the pioneer and perfecter of our faith? Why is that? Because it would be easy for us to drop the baton and mess up the hand off. 
Jesus encourages us to run, and run by throwing off anything that tangles us up and hinders our performance. He calls us to throw off sin. Sin slows us down in the race. Sin makes us ineffective runners. Sin is the mainstay that gives us fatigue as we are running. Sin is the white lie or the error in judgment that shaves degrees off our friendships. Sin waylays good intentions and would cause us to wreck the whole race if it weren’t for the fact that Jesus already perfected the race for us.
Each participant listed in Hebrews 11 finished their race because Jesus pioneered their race of faith and he put the finishing touches on it also. The same now applies to us. We will pass on the faith to the next generation because Jesus starts the faith process in us, and he will make sure that every step that must be taken is run. It’s an interesting combination of his stealth and fortitude accomplished in our running.
He calls us to run, but the running is accomplished well by fixing our sights on him and realizing that he is perfecting each one of our steps. Now that’s a team event! So how well will we pass the faith on to the next generation? The focus of that question must shift slightly. How well will Jesus assist us in running this race of faith? Answer: with perfection.
May you be blessed as you turn your gaze toward the one who has begun your faith and is currently making your faith complete. Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Midweek Encouragement!

Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. // Psalm 26:2-3

33 Day Bible Reading Challenge-Day 28

 

Day 28/33
 
Matthew 12:1-21
12 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick some heads of grain and eat them. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” 3 He answered, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? 4 He entered the house of God, and he and his companions ate the consecrated bread—which was not lawful for them to do, but only for the priests. 5 Or haven’t you read in the Law that the priests on Sabbath duty in the temple desecrate the Sabbath and yet are innocent? 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here.7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. 

8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 9 Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10 and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to bring charges against Jesus, they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 11 He said to them, “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16 He warned them not to tell others about him. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed he will not break,and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. 21 In his name the nations will put their hope.”
 

Psalm 26
Of David.
1 Vindicate me, LORD,
    for I have led a blameless life;
I have trusted in the LORD
    and have not faltered.
2 Test me, LORD, and try me,
    examine my heart and my mind;
3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love
    and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
4 I do not sit with the deceitful,
    nor do I associate with hypocrites.
5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers
    and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence,
    and go about your altar, LORD,
7 proclaiming aloud your praise
    and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
8 LORD, I love the house where you live,
    the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
    my life with those who are bloodthirsty,
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
    whose right hands are full of bribes.
11 I lead a blameless life;
    deliver me and be merciful to me.
12 My feet stand on level ground;
    in the great congregation I will praise the LORD.
 

33 Day Bible Reading Challenge -Day 27

Day 27/33   Matthew 11:20-30 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”   Psalm 25 Of David.  In you, LORD my God,     I put my trust. 2 I trust in you;     do not let me be put to shame,     nor let my enemies triumph over me. 3 No one who hopes in you     will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those     who are treacherous without cause. 4 Show me your ways, LORD,     teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,     for you are God my Savior,     and my hope is in you all day long. 6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,     for they are from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth     and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me,     for you, LORD, are good. 8 Good and upright is the LORD;     therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. 9 He guides the humble in what is right     and teaches them his way. 10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful     toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. 11 For the sake of your name, LORD,     forgive my iniquity, though it is great. 12 Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?     He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. 13 They will spend their days in prosperity,     and their descendants will inherit the land. 14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;     he makes his covenant known to them. 15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,     for only he will release my feet from the snare. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,     for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 Relieve the troubles of my heart     and free me from my anguish. 18 Look on my affliction and my distress     and take away all my sins. 19 See how numerous are my enemies     and how fiercely they hate me! 20 Guard my life and rescue me;     do not let me be put to shame,     for I take refuge in you. 21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,     because my hope, LORD, is in you. 22 Deliver Israel, O God,     from all their troubles!