A COMFORTING LETTER
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11.
These exiles were unwilling to settle in the land to which they had been transported. They were always fretting and planning; talking of the past and contriving plans for returning to their own land and to the inheritance which they had forfeited. Therefore, this letter was sent, not only to them, but to all in similar circumstances.
Are you in captivity? Your circumstances are the restraint and fetters that hold you. No prisoner in a cell could be more helpless than you are. You cannot do as you would, but you can be. Be the best you can where you are and wait the Lord’s leisure. It is by fidelity in discharging present obligations that you become fitted for better work.
Consider the needs of those around you (Jeremiah 29:7). In this the story of Joseph is a remarkable example. When he was cast into prison, he set to work to minister to the prisoners there. What a light and comfort emanated from him, as he went to and fro among them, taking a personal interest in each–“Wherefore look ye so sadly to-day?” (Genesis 40:6, 7). In the peace of those to whom we minister, we shall find Our own peace.
Words of comfort and hope were spoken to the captives. Hard though their outward lot seemed, God was thinking thoughts of peace, not of evil, with respect to them. So, with us; we may be having a bad time; it may appear as though everything were against us, hard, comfortless, uninviting. But in His holy heaven God is thinking about you, and His thoughts are those of peace, and not of evil. Therefore, the horizon is flushed with hope. There is a good time coming, and you will forget this present, as waters that pass away. There is an allotted time to your present trouble. God will surely visit you and perform His good word towards you.
In the meanwhile, we must live a life of constant prayer. “Ye shall call upon Me, and I will hearken unto you; ye shall seek Me, and I will be found of you” (Jeremiah 29:12, 13, 14). We must live in a spirit of prayer and faith and converse with God. For all these things God will be enquired of, to do them.
– F. B. Meyer
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, December 29, 2019
No Sunday school today, classes will resume January 5th
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
4:00 p.m. Community Outreach
5:00 p.m. Session & Board Prayer Time
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Testimony & Praise Service
There will be light refreshments following the evening service for those who wish to stay.
Weekly Announcements
NO OTHER MEETINGS THIS WEEK (December 30th – January 3rd)
Advance Announcements
Sunday, January 5th
10:00 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages.
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
Communion service following the morning service.
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
Wednesday, January 8th
7:25 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting
Friday, January 10th
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
CHRISTMAS CARD
Each year, instead of exchanging Christmas cards among the congregation, we donate those funds to a worthy cause. This year we are supporting “Iglesia Cristiana El Redentor” (The Redeemer Christian Church), the Free Presbyterian work in Mexico City. Donations will go towards the purchase of a church building. If you would like to help with this special offering, please mark your offering envelope, “Mexico City”. Thank you!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL GIVING TO GOD’S WORK
So many have faithfully and sacrificially given to God’s work in this local church and the missionaries we support. The Lord promises to bless those who give their tithes and offerings to further His cause. Don’t miss out on that blessing!
FPCNA PRAYER REQUESTS
Each week we highlight one of our churches or mission fields for special prayer. Throughout this year we have covered each work in our weekly bulletins. Let us continue to hold up our brothers and sisters with the vital ministry of prayer.
BAPTISM
Anyone desiring to be baptized in obedience to the Lord, please contact Pastor Saunders. Our service is planned for January 29, 2020, during our week of prayer.
