September 10, 2014
BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU ASK FOR!
There is an old expression which says, “Be careful of what you ask for, because you just might get it.” This expression conveys the importance of weighing consequences, responsibilities, and accountabilities that may result from your desires for something or someone being granted. For instance, a young person may be granted as a gift a car they ask for, but then realize they now have to work more to pay for insurance, upkeep, and gas!
Now as Christians we often ask for the will of the Lord to be done, but perhaps we need to be careful of what we ask for. Take for example, the Israelites who come to Jeremiah after Babylon has destroyed Jerusalem. Sadly, the people had ignored Jeremiah’s prophesies and now realize after the fact that he is a true prophet of God. In despair the remnant left in Jerusalem comes to Jeremiah and the following conversation takes place:
“Please hear our petition and pray to the LORD your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” 4 “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will certainly pray to the LORD your God as you have requested; I will tell you everything the LORD says and will keep nothing back from you.” 5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the LORD be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with everything the LORD your God sends you to tell us. 6 Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our God” (Jeremiah 42:2-6).
Ten days later Jeremiah has an answer from the Lord as to what the Israelites left in Jerusalem are to do. The choice for Israel seemed to be either remaining in Jerusalem or head to Egypt. If they stayed in Jerusalem they thought they most likely would face further trouble, hardship, and war from Babylon. On the other hand, they might travel to Egypt and seek refuge within the borders of a much stronger and fortified nation.
Jeremiah informs Israel that God’s will is for them to remain in Jerusalem. Jeremiah further informs them God promises to protect and provide for the remnant that remains. This is not the message Israel wanted to hear. They were bound and determined to go to Egypt. So Jeremiah speaks these sobering words (Jeremiah 42:19-20, 22):
“O remnant of Judah, the LORD has told you, ‘Do not go to Egypt.’ Be sure of this: I warn you today that you made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the LORD your God and said, ‘Pray to the LORD our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it' . . . . So now, be sure of this: You will die by the sword, famine and plague in the place where you want to go to settle.”
In other words, Jeremiah is saying, “Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it!” Israel asked for the will of the Lord, but did not weigh carefully the responsibility and accountability that comes in the wake of such a request.
What of us? We often pray, “What is your will, O Lord?” Yet, do we truly desire God’s will to be done? Brothers and Sisters, be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it!
– Terry
Leadership Retreat -- Our annual leadership retreat for our Deacons and Elders and their families is scheduled for Saturday, September 20. We will be in Area "A" at Cantrall- Buckley Park. We are asking that you please be there by 11:00 a.m. We have our space reserved from 10:00 a.m. so you can come early and relax. Please bring the food you would like to barbeque and a side dish or dessert to share. We plan to be together throughout the afternoon. Entry fee per vehicle is $4.00. If you need more details please contact Dan Beeks.
Our Women’s Retreat is scheduled for October 10-12 in Bend, Oregon. Charla Simpson will bless us this year as our speaker. Please contact Jessie Pannell with any questions or to get your registration. We can’t wait to be together again!
Tuesday Ladies Class Begins on September 16 with Coffee Fellowship at 9:30 a.m. Class is from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. All ladies are welcome to attend.
Our Sunday Evening Ladies Class is starting up again this coming Sunday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the East Room. All ladies are encouraged to come and bring your ideas for new study topics.
College Boxes -- We are starting to assemble our boxes for our college students. We need all of the items brought to the building by Sunday, September 21. We have eight students that we will be sending boxes to. If you are unable to shop for items, we also need cash for mailing fees or to shop for the items. We will have a list posted in the courtyard this Sunday of the items that the students like. For more information please contact Denise Beeks.
A Wedding Shower for Shawna Parker and Kyle Robich will be held on Sunday, September 28, at 6:00 p.m. at the building. Be watching next week’s bulletin for more details. Contact person is Toni Parker.
Christmas Pageant/Play/Talent Show . . . We are looking for new leaders to take over this ministry for our Christmas Pageant/Play/or Talent Show for this year. If you would like to assume this leadership role, please contact Christi Olson. This program has always been a blessing to our church family during the holiday season.
Prayer Requests . . . Kathy York requests prayers for her co-worker, Amanda, who recently lost most of her possessions in a house fire...Samara Walker asks prayers for her niece, Adalee, to be happy...Colleen Godfrey asks prayers for her safety as she travels...Evelyn Bates and Eva Loy Knight have not been feeling well recently...Ronalie Sweet requests your continued prayers for co-worker, Vanessa Flores, who is recovering from brain surgery - she still cannot move the left side of her body and faces another surgery and intensive rehab...Jenny Way - for her continued progress in brain injury recovery...For David Mayes to be more Christlike and for his friends to accept Christ...For our President and all of our military men, women and families.
Calendar of Events
September 14: Sunday Evening Ladies Class Begins; 6:00 p.m.
September 16: Ladies Class Begins; FSR; 10:00 a.m.;
Coffee Fellowship at 9:30 a.m.
September 28: Wedding Shower for Shawna Parker & Kyle Robich;
Fireside Room; 6:00 p.m.
October 10-12: Ladies Retreat in Bend, Oregon
