Yesterday we had a little blip in our online service. I had just mentioned something about using Zoom and our broadcast stopped although I did not know that at the time so I just kept up on going for another 5 minutes or so. I hope you enjoyed the part you did get to hear. I’m still not sure what happened but thankfully we got to hear Jennifer’s beautiful song uninterrupted and most of the sermon.
Why do we meet week after week to hear the stories found in the bible? The way I see it, it is to build a spiritual tool box. There is something I learned a long time ago, “Without the proper tools and knowledge on how to use the the proper tools, any project that you undertake is going to be extremely difficult if not impossible!” And life is a huge undertaking with many complex projects.
When I was young, I was a do it yourself type of guy. I would take on any project whether it was putting on a new roof, tearing out a wall, wiring, plumbing, fixing a lawn mower, whatever it was I was going to do it. Back then, before I knew what I know now, I literally fought and struggled with almost every project I took on. Why? I lacked knowledge, I had very few tools, and the ones I did have were of poor quality. Today, I know what to take on and what to hire out. I have gained some wisdom. But any projects I do take on, I know the absolute necessity of having the correct tools and having the know how. When I look back over all the projects I struggled with in my life it always came down to these two things:
- Lack of knowledge
- Improper tools.
When we gather together on Sundays it has a purpose. We gather together to add the proper tools to our tool box and gain the spiritual knowledge necessary to face the many things that life will throw our way. We come to share our experiences and help one another on life’s journey. How many people do you know who are struggling and fighting with the issues of daily life? They have relational problems, boss problems, money problems, addictions, and many seem to be always trying to swim up stream in life. I have found through experience that knowing Jesus and His teachings has greatly eased the struggles of life. Becoming a Christian does not eliminate problems in life, and if anyone tells you different I want to know where in the world they found that in the bible!
Becoming a Christian is the beginning of an apprenticeship in a master handyman’s class that gives us the tools and spiritual knowledge on how to deal with the many problems life throws our way. Learning the teachings in the bible are like adding very high quality tools with knowledge on how to use them to a handyman’s tool box. Some of the tools may never be used and others may get used all the time. But like the old saying goes, It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!
Have a great week! Love, pastor kent
Our Prayer List Updates:
Barb Joiner, Barb went back to Barnes Thursday and ended up having another surgery on her hip. This is surgery number 4. She is back home now. Please lift Barb and Brad for complete healing and Gods peace and wisdom. Barb said that she appreciates the prayers and to please keep them coming.
The family of Gary White who passed away this past week. Asking for Gods peace and strength during this time of loss.
Mike Rodgers, Lori’s husband is now back home and is doing good considering the major surgery he had on his neck and spine. Lori said to tell everyone thank you for the prayers they are working!
Don and Lois Kruckeberg, Denise Reeders parents. Denise has brought her mom home and is currently taking care of her there. Her dad Don fell and ended up in the hospital the same day she brought her mom home. Don is doing better today and should be going back to Eden Care anytime. Caregiving is one of the hardest jobs on earth especially when it comes to family members so we ask for Gods strength, patience, and wisdom for Mark and Denise during these challenging times.
Jim DeClue, this is Jennifer Kaburick’s dad. He is very ill and we pray for God’s peace, strength and healing.
Russell Boster update, Russell is Jane Mckinney’s sister who has been battling ovarian cancer. She is continuing Chemo treatments. We continue to lift Russell up to the miracle maker. Health, peace, and strength.
Maryann Kavanaugh, Peggy Gains mother. Maryann is homebound and lives with chronic debilitating pain due to a dental procedure 7 years ago. We lift Maryann to our God of all possibilities.
Marie Mudd, Barb Joiner’s mother. Marie is in hospice at Cedar Hurst in Bethalto Il. We pray for God’s peace and strength.
Ben Stunkle, Ben has been moved to an acute care and is still in need of our healing prayers. Ben was struck by a car in Glen Carbon and sustained severe brain injuries. We lift Ben to God the healer and pray for Bens family. Strength, Peace and Healing.
All the caregivers and support personnel at Beverly Farm. Beverly Farm is where Krista Kell and Lori Rodgers work and where my son Ben lives. Beverly Farm like all care facilities are under extra pressure to keep everyone safe under these extraordinary circumstances. Please remember all the caregivers all over the country for their tireless work and dedication. We are proud of you Lori and Krista.
Praise Community Fellowship, the Church Without Walls. Edwardsville Il.