July 2, 2008

SMLC Midweek Devotions

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Our Mission

Invite others to hear the gospel and together grow as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

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In this issue:

July 6th Lessons

Weekly Devotions

Quote of the Week

Chuckle of the Week

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Preaching

Eric Burtness preaching: N

First Lesson: Jeremiah 29:4-14

Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let the prophets and the diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams that they dream, for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, says the Lord.

For thus says the Lord: Only when Babylon’s seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfil to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Gospel: John 14:25-31

‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, “I am going away, and I am coming to you.” If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us be on our way.

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Weekly Devotion

by Laurie Christopher

Imagine yourself on a float in the middle of a swimming pool, tantalizing fragrances wafting from the grill, lots of laughter, music - your beloved friends and family all around you, enjoying the sunny day. That was my life in Arizona before I married. Early into the marriage it became apparent that Dan would have to relocate if he had any hopes of developing his career. Soon after we were married, I found myself living in a strange city far away from everyone I knew. Suddenly there was no backyard swimming pool, no dad at the grill, no mom bustling in the kitchen, no sisters and friends teasing me good naturedly - not even an old family dog to laze about the lawn. I missed them all terribly and hated where I was. I wanted to go home.

The Israelites who had been banished to Babylon wanted to go home, too. They didn't like this strange land; they wanted to be back in Jerusalem. They were so unhappy that they had stopped living.

When we first moved to Sacramento, we lived in an apartment rather than buying a house right away. And, our furniture wouldn't be delivered until we found a house. My jobs were short-term through a temporary staffing agency. Nothing about my life felt settled. But, that was fine with me. I didn't want to belong there. Deep down, I harbored hope that we'd be able to return to Tucson soon.

Zephaniah Shemaiah, a false prophet told the exiles what they wanted to hear and they seized upon this vain hope. But, after Jeremiah heard about this, he wrote them a frank letter, explaining the reality of their situation. He said, "Do not let the prophets and diviners who are among you deceive you." (Jer 29:8)

Similar to the Israelites, I was being deceived. Even though false prophets weren't misleading me, I was deceiving myself by hanging onto false hopes. And, I was no longer living.

What Jeremiah told the exiles is the message I eventually got, too. He said, "Build houses and live in them; plant gardens." (Jer 29:5)  After awhile, I had to look at reality and embrace my present life. We bought a house in Sacramento, my temporary job turned into a full time position, and we made lots of good friends. Had I continued feeling sorry for myself just because I wasn't in the situation where I wanted to be, I would have missed huge blessings including some wonderful friends who are still friends to this day.

Jeremiah had some not so good news in his letter. He told them "only when seventy years are completed" (Jer 29:10) would they be able to return to Jerusalem. But, he also made a point to reassure his people. "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." (Jer 29:11) Jeremiah's message wasn't that the exiles would get what they wanted right away. His message was that even though circumstances weren't exactly to their liking, things were still good. Life was still going to be good for them because God had plans for them. They weren't forgotten after all.

We are not forgotten, either. Even though we may not find ourselves in what we'd consider ideal circumstances, God reminds us that where He's placed us is according to His plan and it's good.

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Quote of the Week

I am nobody. Nobody is perfect. Therefore I am perfect. -- Author Unknown

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Chuckle of the Week

A blonde decides to try horseback riding, even though she has had no lessons or prior experience. She mounts the horse unassisted and the horse immediately springs into motion. It gallops at a steady and rhythmic pace, but the blonde beings to slip from the saddle.

In terror, she grabs for the horse's mane, but cannot seem to get a firm grip. She tries to throw her arms around the horse's neck, but she slides down the side of the horse anyway. The horse gallops along, seemingly ignorant of its slipping rider.

Finally, giving up her frail grip, the blonde attempts to leap away from the horse and throw herself to safety. Unfortunately, her foot becomes entangled in the stirrup and she is now at the mercy of the horse's pounding hooves as her head is struck against the ground over and over... As her head is battered against the ground, she is mere moments away from unconsciousness. To her great fortune, Bobby, the Wal-Mart greeter sees her and unplugs the horse.

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Invitation for a Friend ~ Please clip & deliver!

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                      St. Matthew Lutheran Church

                      10390 SW Canyon Road

                      Beaverton, Oregon 97005

                      (503) 644-9148                                                                                              

                      Sunday Services at 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 a.m.

                      Childcare available during all three services.

                      Visit us at: http://www.stmatthewlutheran.org/

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