This week's worship service was held at the Washington County Fair. Our speaker for the service was Rev. Dave Mason. Many thanks to our musicians, Amy Hickman, Taylor Pastore, Dennis Taylor, Natalie West, and the joint choirs of Laboratory, North Buffalo and Taylorstown Presbyterian Churches for sharing their talents.
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Good morning!
We're so glad that you chose to join us today!
When we met in person, we shared our joys and concerns with each other. Take some time to think about the past week, and the joys and concerns you have. If you would like to share, you can leave a comment on today's lesson, and we can all pray. When you are ready, you can use the prayer below:
God,
Thank You for showing me the paths that lead to life. I am so grateful that I can experience joy in Your presence forever! Help me to live in a manner that is worthy of the calling to which You have called me by spending time in Your Word. I never want to forget that having access to Scripture is a gift. So please make me eager to read Your words. Reveal Your will to me as I spend time in Your presence. Teach me Your word, which is truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This week's lesson is on 1 Kings 22:15-23, 26-28.
fyi Ahab Was Killed at Ramoth Gilead This text can be difficult to follow. Israel is divided, Ahab is king of the Northern Kingdom that worships Baal. Jehoshaphat is king of the Southern Kingdom that worships the God of Israel. These opposites have made a military alliance and each is relying on their prophets for advice. Ahab has 400 prophets. Jehoshaphat has Micaiah. The center of the prophetic message is a call to repentance and change. Micaiah courageously spoke truth to powerful individuals who were unwilling, to acknowledge and act on that truth. Henry Blackaby says: It is sometimes tempting to avoid God’s guidance because we know He would not condone our decisions of plans. However, choosing our own course without praying or studying God’s work will ultimately lead to a state of sorrow and confusion. King Ahab is known for his miscarriages of justice and apathy toward God’s prophets. King Jehoshaphat, desired to please God but lacked consistent, faithful follow-through. All believers, from senior ministers to occasional pew-fillers, can find themselves walking in this king’s shoes. That happens when we are hesitant, for whatever reason, to execute a God-given plan. Any of us can find ourselves tempted as Jehoshaphat was. Micaiah was bound to speak the words of God. He did so in the face of a hostile crowd of 400 false prophets, 2 powerful leaders and in a climate of wickedness. Doubt and confusion are legitimate BUT we must always be aware of the possibility that our own confusion doesn’t interfere with God’s plans.
Prayer: God, we thank you for revealing your truth. Now we ask that your truth be revealed in our words and actions. Help us not only to be people knowledgeable of your Word, but also be people who make decisions that are consistent with your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Thought to Remember
Our commitment to truth is measured in our actions.
Benediction
The benediction this week is from the King James Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Isaiah 29:13-24.
Good morning!
We're so glad you've joined us today on Palm Sunday!
Today is Palm Sunday. If we were meeting in person, we would be making palm crosses to wear while we discussed the lesson. Take some time to think about your past week, and any joys or concerns you may have. You can share those in the comments as you feel comfortable. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started.
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