Weekly Devotional

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises …” 2 Peter 1:3-4. Perhaps you remember the song that goes, “Tell me lies, tell me sweet, little lies ….” That’s how I feel this political season as I turn on TV or scroll through social media. Jesus called the politicians of His day “whitewashed tombs” because on the outside they appeared beautiful but on the inside were full of “dead people’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). Not putting His trust in men because He knew what was in a man (John 2:24-25), Jesus rightly named their father ‘Satan,’ for he is the “father of lies” (John 8:44). It’s so much better to trust in God’s promises as He has proven Himself faithful in every one of them, equipping us with everything we need for there and here, “life and godliness.” To do that we must entrust ourselves to Him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23) just as Jesus did. And so, we must watch how we spend our time. Instead of turning on TV or scrolling through social media, how about opening your Bible?

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“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but the the temptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” 1 Corinthians 10:13. We are, most of us, influenced by the entitlement culture that we live in. Rather than seeing our personal responsibility to use common sense and not put ourselves in harm’s way, we look to blame the fast-food restaurant when we burn ourselves on hot coffee gotten at their drive-thru … unless they provided a warning on their cup. When I saw ‘May Contain Nuts’ on my jar of peanuts, I thought, “I hope so!” Rather than recognizing our lack of self-control or how we entertained temptation instead of fleeing from it, many of us blame God for temptation’s existence or letting us fall to it. The story of God’s people in the wilderness was recorded, we are told here, so that “we might not desire evil as they did.” We’re responsible for our own behavior, and yet God has not abandoned us. He gives us a way out … if we’ll take it. As the song goes, “I Need Thee Every Hour.” The more we keep our hearts & minds on things above the stronger we’ll be. 

SINGING WITH THE SPIRIT

Singing with the Spirit Seminar with Myron Bruce

September 21-22, 2024

Join us for a 2 day seminar to not only train men in the art of proficiently leading our congregational singing, but to teach each member the importance of understanding our songs.  We are called to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs...but do you know which of our songs are hymns?  What exactly, is a spiritual song?  How often do you sing from the psalms?  This seminar will answer these and other questions about our congregational singing.  Myron Bruce has served in the ministry for more than 40 years, working in Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma.

Schedule

Saturday, September 21

3PM Sing With Understanding

4PM Why We Sing Acappella (Part 1)

5PM  Area wide singing

6PM Fellowship with reception

Sunday, September 22

9:30AM  Why We Sing Acappella (Part 2)

10:30AM  Seven Reasons to Sing

11:45AM Potluck Luncheon

1:00PM Sing With Understanding

(***There will be no 6PM worship service just for this day.)

ONLINE GIVING IS NOW AVAILABLE (TITHE.LY)

We are now able to accept contributions and donations online. 

YOU CAN MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OR DONATION HERE:

https://tithe.ly/give?c=1322070

DO YOU HAVE A MEMBER ACCOUNT?

Attention:  36th Street Members

Our website contains much useful information for you as a member of the 36th street congregation.  We are updating and improving www.36thstreetchurch.com on an ongoing basis.

In order for you to take advantage of the full (members-only) benefits of the site, you need to set up a personal account on the site.  It's easy to do - just go to the homepage of the website and click on the 'MEMBERS' tab and select 'REGISTER' from the drop-down menu.  You will need to complete the form there and set up a username and password.  Your request will be forwarded to a web administrator, who will review the form and set you up in the system.

We encourage you to access the website and see how it can benefit you.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024