Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
Each week that we meet in person, we take some time to share any joys or concerns we might have. Take some time to consider your past week. If you have any prayer requests to share, please add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Lord, today I place my trust in You with all my heart. I acknowledge that my understanding is limited, and I lean on You for guidance and wisdom in all I do.
Help me to rely not on my own understanding but on Your infinite knowledge and love. As I prepare to face the challenges and blessings of this day, I submit myself to Your will. I surrender my plans, desires, and ambitions to You, knowing that Your ways are higher and wiser than mine. I ask for the humility and strength to align my actions and decisions with Your divine purpose. Lord, please make my paths straight. Remove any obstacles that may lead me astray from Your righteous and loving path. Grant me the clarity to discern Your will and the courage to follow it, even when it may seem unclear or difficult. In every moment of this day, I seek Your guidance and presence. Whether in times of joy or trial, help me to remember Proverbs 3:5-6, and may these verses be a constant reminder of Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the assurance that as I trust in You, submit to Your ways, and seek Your guidance, You will lead me on a straight and purposeful path. With gratitude and love, I commit this day to You, trusting that You are always by my side. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Proverbs 3:1-8.
Lesson Context
The book of Proverbs is generally, mostly attributed to King Solomon. Its importance is in how it communicates what makes up a life of wisdom. All people can learn and apply the wisdom taught in the book of Proverbs. It is divided into five sections: an introduction to wisdom (Proverbs 1-9), the proverbs of Solomon (10:1-22:16; 25:1-29:27), the words of the wise (22:17-24:34), the words of Agur (Proverbs 30), and the words of King Lemuel (Proverbs 31). We know nothing about Agur or King Lemuel. The book has us listening to the teachings of a father to his son. With one exception, the poetic order of each pair of verses in today's scripture follows the same pattern. First, the father gives his son a negative command. Second, the father gives a positive command. Finally, the father concludes that section with a promise for his son.
One Law (verses 1-2)
This passage is set up as a father talking to his son. The son is told to "keep my commands in your heart." In the Old Testament, the heart refers to a person's inner being. The commands should become part of the son's volitions, emotions, and knowledge. A way to keep the commands would be to commit them to memory, and obey them. This reflects on the Law of Moses, where children are to honor their parents. A child who honors their parents is entering a life of wisdom. This will be a flourishing life, with relational harmony.
Two Virtues (verses 3-4)
Love and faithfulness are two key words in the Old Testament, especially regarding the attributes of God. Love frequently refers to God's loyalty and commitment to his people. Faithfulness conveys the idea of reliability. For the father speaking to his son, he wants to see his son's heart transformed. The son should do good actions that come from a heart oriented toward the virtues of mercy and truth. In the Old Testament, a person might bind something around their neck to show the importance and significance of that item to the wearer. The father's speech is interpreted as figurative language by our book. It is meant to highlight the extent that the son should go to in order to develop a life of love and faithfulness. The virtues are not to be hidden from the world. By having the virtues of love and faithfulness, the son will win favor. This means he will be held in high regard. Having a life of wisdom and character will not only win favor with God, but with other people as well. A good name and good reputation take time to develop. Not only do these things provide a personal benefit, but they are also avenues to honor God and reveal God to other people.
One Trust (verses 5-6)
Placing trust anywhere other than God can lead to futility or destruction. It does not lead to any lasting or eternal wisdom. Leaning on your own understanding can lead to pride. Only foolish people trust themselves more than the wisdom of the Lord. The Lord is worthy to be trusted because he is the source of salvation. To trust with all your heart is total commitment. It is all-encompassing. To submit to God means to know him and give him proper recognition for his activity in a person's life. It involves a willingness to yield to his will. God will all-knowing, all-present and all-powerful. We can trust that he will provide his people with a wise and righteous path. This is not a promise of an easy life. However, God has provided us with an avenue of peace through Christ Jesus.
Two Actions (verses 7-8)
The opposite of trusting and submitting to God is to consider one's wisdom as the final say. God is the source of wisdom. He desire to give his people wisdom through his Spirit. As a result, God's people should avoid lives of pride and arrogance. Instead, they should seek wisdom from God. The example of King Solomon provides us with a warning based on this verse. He received wisdom from God. However, he failed to follow God's wisdom. As a result, he experience heartache and the promise of consequences that would extend past his lifetime. To fear the Lord involves having an attitude of reverence, awe, wonder, faith, and trust in the Lord. It is impossible to be wise in one's own eyes and simultaneously fear the Lord. Instead, an attitude of humility is required. The last verse of the passage is difficult to translate because it is a Hebrew idiom. The King James Version translates the verse as, "It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones." Our book says that this is a more accurate translation of the original Hebrew. This may be a literary practice wherein one part of the body represents the whole. A life of humility, fear of the Lord and obedience to him results in the complete wholeness of a person. We know that a person's status in life does not correlate to the quality of a person's heart. While people may experience wholeness and health in part while on earth, scripture promises a time in the future when God, "will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away," (Revelation 21:4).
Conclusion
It is easy for believers to sy that we are seeking the wisdom of God when in actuality, other voices influence our lives and shape our perspectives. If we're filling our lives with human ideas rather than the wisdom of God, which will have more influence?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the inspired wisdom you have revealed to us in scripture. Help us to listen and follow your word. Show us how we can be more attentive to the direction of your Spirit so that we might have lives of wisdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the English Standard Version.
Next week's lesson will be on 2 Chronicles 20:13-20.
0 Comments
Today was our picnic with Upper Buffalo. Due to the rain, we were unable to meet at the park, and instead had worship and lunch at Upper Buffalo.
Our guest speaker was RE Sarah Angelo.
Announcements
We are blessed to have RE Sarah Angelo lead us in worship and Angelina Scott provide our music. Upper Buffalo's mission partner for the month of July is the Presbyterian Senior Care. Our loose offering today will be designated for the care of seniors at the Washington campus. You are invited to the Annual Presbytery Picnic this Tuesday evening July 11th from 4-8 pm at Shelter #4 Cross Creek Park (West Middletown side) Please call the Presbytery office to RSVP 724-222-1500 Please keep in prayer the evangelists from Southwest Bethel Synod in Ethiopia who have launched a five-week evangelism campaign in Ethiopia and the US. The head of the Southwest Bethel Synod, Rev. Lukas Cham, is currently visiting the Washington Presbytery. You are invited to join your friends and neighbors for the July Community Luncheon at Upper Buffalo on Wednesday, July 12th at noon. August Community Luncheon will be held on August 9th. Please plan on attending a Strawberry Social hosted by North Buffalo on Friday, July 21st from 5-8 pm. Enjoy dessert and good music! North Buffalo is holding VBS the week of July 31 from 6-8 pm. Church at the Fair will take place on Sunday, August 13th at 10 am. The Annual Faith & Family Night at the Wild Things is scheduled for Saturday evening, September 2nd. Tickets are free to churches but must be requested in advance.
Prayer Request
Washington Presbytery and the Southwest Bethel Synod in Ethiopia have been partners for over 30 years. The Presbyterian mission there was started in 1947 by Rev. Charles Haspels whose first church was Emanuel Presbyterian in 84 PA. The church in Ethiopia is growing by leaps and bounds and Southwest Bethel Synod now has over 500,000 members! Washington Presbytery has supported this vital mission over the years through the Pumpkins for Ethiopia Literacy Centers projects, establishing an endowed chair in Rev. Haspels' honor at the Seminary, and visits back and forth. To recognize our partnership Rev. Lukas Cham, head of the Synod, has arrived in the United States and will spend the next 6 weeks visiting churches in the Washington Presbytery. Our Ethiopian Partners have begun a 6 week evangelism and prayer campaign. Thirty young evangelists will be traveling throughout the Southwest Bethel Synod area to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We are asked to uphold these evangelists in prayer. They will first go out to the towns where they live. This is inspired by the directive from Jesus to go to Jerusalem, Samaria, and the ends of the earth; they decided to start near home and move each week into harder and stranger places. After we pray, we are encouraged to send an email message to essayendrias@gmail.com letting them know we prayed for their work in Biftu. We can raise their spirits with a hundred messages, possibly one thousand. Please remember to pray not only for the work in Ethiopia, but also for renewal, revival, discipleship, witness and growth in our American church. There is great power in prayer together. Knowing that you don't pray alone, and thousands in Ethiopia are also praying for us at this time.
This week's guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason.
Announcements
Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, "you give them something to eat." Mark 6:37. Please let Betty Fisher know if you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Vacation Bible School - "Rocky Railway" July 11 - 15 VBS will be held in the evening 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. There is a sign-up sheet on the back table for helpers and anyone willing to bring snacks - fruit, cheese, chips, cookies, etc. Please see Mary Hathaway or Lois Miller if you have any questions. Don't forget to mark your calendars for our second annual church picnic August 28th, located at the Cross Creek Park, West Middletown. Church service will be held there at 11:00 am. Come for the service and stay for the food, games and fellowship. Time for another picnic!! Join your Washington Presbytery community for a time of fellowship, worship, and a great meal on July 12th starting at 4:30 pm at Thomson Hill Park. Guests and children are welcome and there will be fun for all ages. Please RSVP by July 5th.
Joys and Concerns
Prayers for all our soldiers and those that have been deployed to help overseas. Prays for the Pulpit Nominating Committee (PNC) as they search for the appropriate person to serve our church. Please pray for Betty Anderson, Mary Hathaway's mother who is scheduled for surgery. Prayers for Wendy Liggett having surgery. Added to the prayer list is Marilyn Ward who has been experiencing sciatic nerve pain. Prayer request for Nelson Huffman. Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason. Our joys and concerns and announcements are shown beneath the video. BIRTHDAYS Lois Miller ANNIVERSARIES Carolyn and Dave Lozano JOYS AND CONCERNS: Jim Kuhn has been transferred to South Hills Rehabilitation Center, 201 Village Drive, Room 114, Canonsburg PA 15317. I am sure Jim would appreciate a card. Please keep Jim and Jean in your prayers. Added to our Prayer Chain this past week was Helen Wagner who had emergency surgery for a perforated intestine. Helen is Debbie Mary’s mother. The operation was successful and Debbie thanks everyone for their prayers. Also Hope Diedier, Betty Fisher’s daughter was in Magee Hospital overnight, starting her on an IV of strong antibiotics for infection. They released her to go home the next day and to see her doctor. SYMPATHY To The Family of John Obenour To The Family of Barbara Hatfield Continued prayers for Susan Schively, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Lisa Phillips, Dixie Avoila, Chuck Dicks, Randy Moore, Karen Eisiminger, Ed Horne, June and Keith McGill, Glenn Miles, Roger Riggs, Doug Ward, Deron Wood, Marge McWreath, Tim Knabenshue, Bill Stewart, Adam Moore, Frank Huffman, Nellie and Frank Baker, Michael Durila, Jr., Michael Durila Sr., Justin Hagon, Marlene Huffman, Betty Matthews, Cory Patrick, Tom Westfall, Mary Ann Durila and Donald Potts. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
REMEMBER OUR FOOD COLLECTION: And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:37. June’s collection is cereal bars and pop tarts, snack crackers, microwave mac and cheese and juice boxes. Please remember our food pantry is available to anyone in need. Replenish with your hands and listen for the need with your ears. Contact Becky Phillips with any need in the community or to donate.
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Call to Worship This morning we are on a path to our God. Winding through the ordinary, weaving through the busyness, overcoming roadblocks and detours. A way to go home, leaving the past in the past and moving from darkness to light. Advent is a path to our God that provides an opportunity to hear God's voice.
All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service.
Hymn: O Day of Rest and Gladness
Call to Worship Lord we come this morning with open hearts and open minds. We come looking for guidance as we make tough decisions that affect our lives in ways that we cannot imagine. And in the process of making those decisions we recall how important our relationship with You can be. As life's problems continue to confront us, help us to be prepared for what is ahead. Please Lord, give us a great sense of comfort and contentedness in each new day that we are blessed with. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Hymn: Where He Leads Me
Call to Worship We hear a divine melody and feel an inner pull that draws us closer to you, Oh God. We come this morning looking for the companionship that comes with being a Christian. We ask for the guidance of your Holy Spirit to lead us each new day that we are given. We come this day sharing the love and joy of life and all that it gives us each amazing day.
The video posted below has just the sermon through the pastoral prayer. Please take some time to read the rest of the service, which is produced in text below.
Hymn: Now Thank We All Our God
Call to Worship Jesus calls us to servant ministry. We must be willing to help others, not counting the cost or rewards. Pretense, disharmony, greed have no place in discipleship. Serving God means receiving each person as though they were a beloved child. Lord, help us to truly become your disciples. Create in each of us hearts of ministry and compassion and kindness.
Good morning!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to think back through your week. Consider who you would like to pray for, and for what you may need prayers for yourself. You may want to write these down, if you would find it helpful. Last week, the response was that you would like some kind of guided prayer. The prayer below comes from St. Patrick's Breastplate.
Good morning!
Happy Father's Day!
When we are able to meet in person, we typically take some time to share joys and concerns with each other. This can still be the case. Take a few minutes to consider the past week. What joys and concerns from that time do you have? If you would like, you can share these below in a comment. Now, take another couple of minutes to pray for and about these things.
|
AuthorWe are a small, rural Presbyterian church in southwestern Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2024
Categories
All
|