St. Johns News
The New is Here! – January 26, 2024
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:16,17
The New is Here!
Daily Devotion – January 26, 2024
Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 5:16,17
See series: Devotions
At the beginning of a new year, we desperately want an answer to this question: Can people change? That is, given enough time and effort, can I change my old habits and habitual sins? And, in a world characterized by selfishness and tribalism, can I change the way that I view other people?
Well, consider the man behind today’s Bible passage. Twenty years before he wrote these words, the apostle Paul was “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (1 Timothy 1:13). He hated Jesus and Jesus’ disciples, so he hunted them down and arrested them.
All that changed when Jesus blinded him with light, spoke to him from heaven, and sent a man named Ananias to preach the good news to him, to baptize him, and to shine the light of faith in his heart. That’s how Paul became “a herald and an apostle and a teacher of the true faith” (1 Timothy 2:7).
Paul is proof that people really do change. And God continues to change people to this very day. When you become a Christian, God changes you from dead in sin to alive in Christ. Because of Christ, when God the Father looks at you, he sees someone clothed in the perfection of his Son.
Because of Christ, when you look at other people, what do you see? That every single person—regardless of their age, their race, their economic status, or their politics—is someone for whom Christ died.
The Son of God does not see you as some hopeless, lost cause of a sinner. You are an heir of eternal life, and that changes the way you look at life. You don’t have to be selfish anymore. You don’t have to be angry anymore. You don’t have to lose control anymore. You have been changed. You have been forgiven. The new is here.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for making me a new creation. Please give me strength to live like it. Amen.
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A Life Lived for Jesus – January 25, 2024
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. . . God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:14,15,21
A Life Lived for Jesus
Daily Devotion – January 25, 2024
Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 5:14,15,21
See series: Devotions
You may have encountered the slogan “WWJD?” It is shorthand for “What Would Jesus Do?” The goal of that acronym is to get people to live like Jesus. Although its intent is noble, it has one major flaw: it gives an incomplete view of Jesus and his work.
The problem is that it presents Christ primarily as an example to follow. Today’s Bible passage, however, destroys the notion that Jesus is just an example for Christians to follow on their walk with God.
Have you ever heard better news than these three verses? Jesus died for all of our sins in our place as our substitute. And when Jesus died, it was as if everyone who has ever lived, is living, or will live had died. He died for all so that you will never know the horror of hell.
This means that when God saw his Son on the cross, he saw all of the sins and sinners, and Christ was punished for each sin of all sinners. More than that, Jesus gives sinners what he alone has—his perfection and righteousness. The love behind that great exchange is what compels Christians to live, not for themselves, but for the One who had died for them.
All this means that Christianity is not about what you should do. It’s about what someone else did for you. A better acronym would be “RWJD,” shorthand for “Remember What Jesus Did.” In other words, we don’t live like Jesus; we live for Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, let your life, death, and resurrection for me empower my life lived for you. Amen.
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The Right Tool for the Job – January 24, 2024
Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.
Jonah 3:3-5
The Right Tool for the Job
Daily Devotion – January 24, 2024
Devotion based on Jonah 3:3-5
See series: Devotions
Sometimes the right tool for the job is the last thing you would expect. For example, if you accidentally immerse your smartphone in water, you can salvage it by putting it into a bag of uncooked rice. That doesn’t seem like it should work, but in an emergency, the moisture-absorbing properties of the rice can save an expensive piece of technology.
What if you need to save a city full of thousands of people from the wrath of God? What’s the right tool for that job? Nineveh was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. It was the capital of the Assyrian Empire and was renowned for its brutality and cruelty. It was filled with people who worshiped false gods. In short, the inhabitants of Nineveh were headed for hell.
So God sent Jonah to turn the Ninevites from their sin. That doesn’t seem like it should work. What could one man armed with the Word of God accomplish in a city with thousands of people? Turns out, quite a bit.
Jonah preached, and the people repented. They showed their sorrow over sin by not eating and wearing uncomfortable clothing. Of course, what made the difference was not Jonah but the Word of God that Jonah spoke.
God’s Word does what it says. In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Through his prophet, God said, “Repent,” and stony hearts were turned in repentance. The Word says “Believe,” and dead, unbelieving hearts come to life, trusting in the good news about Jesus.
Thank God that what at first seems inadequate is, in fact, the right tool for the job. Praise God for the power of his Word!
Prayer:
Lord God, give me confidence in the power of your Word. Amen.
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A Lofty Charge – January 23, 2024
As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Mark 1:16-18
A Lofty Charge
Daily Devotion – January 23, 2024
Devotion based on Mark 1:16-18
See series: Devotions
The Bible makes it clear that there is a vital chain of events that leads to salvation for sinners. In order to call on the Lord and be saved, people must first believe in him. In order to believe in him, they must first hear about him. In order to hear about him, someone must preach to them. In order for someone to preach to them, that person must first be sent.
This brings us to today’s Bible passage, where Jesus calls Simon and Andrew to be links in the chain that connects sinners to Christ. But why does God use people—even simple fishermen!—to spread his Word? Why doesn’t God speak from heaven, or why doesn’t he send angels to do this important work?
Well, read the Bible and you will discover that when God spoke directly to the people, they begged him to stop. When angels delivered messages, the recipients were often terrified. Sinners cannot stand in the presence of God’s holy perfection.
So, God sends ordinary people like Simon and Andrew to spread his Word. God wants one sinner to tell another the greatest words ever spoken: “Jesus has done it all for you! Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus has not called you to be an apostle; like these men. He may not have called you to be a pastor or teacher in his church. But every Christian gets to declare “the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).
What a lofty charge! What joy to know that the God in whose presence you cannot stand brings himself into your presence by his Word; that the God who called you, sought, and bought you forges you as a link in that vital chain of events that leads to salvation for sinners.
Prayer:
God of salvation, help me to speak your Word and fish for people. Amen.
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A Different Kind of Kingdom – January 22, 2024
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14,15
A Different Kind of Kingdom
Daily Devotion – January 22, 2024
Devotion based on Mark 1:14,15
See series: Devotions
Today’s Bible passage has an ominous start. John was the man sent by God to prepare people for the coming Savior. Why was he put in prison?
Because preparing people to meet Jesus meant confronting them with their sins, and not everyone appreciated that. When John called a king named Herod to repentance for his unlawful marriage, Herod put John in prison. The message was clear: in Herod’s kingdom, confronting sin could make you an enemy of the state.
Unknown to Herod, however, was the fact that the Savior had arrived. No sooner was John in prison than Jesus began preaching his own clear message: “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
His message is about a different kind of kingdom from Herod’s. It doesn’t have a set location because it is not a place; it is God’s saving activity among people. It is not characterized by ignoring sin or imprisoning its enemies. Instead, it is all about forgiving sin and turning its enemies into citizens.
Because of sin, all people enter this world hostile to God. Repentance changes that. When you repent, God changes how you think about sin. He makes you sorry for it and turns you away from it and toward himself. He is your King, who wore a crown of thorns and shed his blood on a cross to obliterate all your sins.
That good news characterizes this kingdom and is the reason why we need to be confronted with our sin so we will repent of it and believe the good news that we are forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Repentance is not a turning you do to yourself; it’s a turning Jesus’ Word does to you. Belief is not something you conjure up in yourself; it’s a gift that Jesus’ Word gives to you.
This King establishes his kingdom not by fighting, but by speaking. Remember, this is a different kind of kingdom. You are its citizen by the grace of God, by repentance and faith in the good news.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for bringing me into your kingdom. Amen.
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Come, Follow Me – January 21, 2024
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:14-20
Come, Follow Me
Daily Devotion – January 21, 2024
Devotion based on Mark 1:14-20
See series: Devotions
Jesus is a king who has a kingdom, and he calls us to follow him as our leader. We are usually suspicious of people who claim to be great leaders, especially political leaders like kings. We wonder if they are gathering a following so they might use their power over us. So, we are cautious about following those who claim to be great leaders.
But that is not what happened in Galilee 2,000 years ago. Jesus came proclaiming that he was a king who had a kingdom and that all people should follow him. Remarkably, men like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John did. They left everything to follow Jesus.
They were willing to follow Jesus because he was a different kind of king with a different kind of kingdom. Instead of taking from people, he gave great blessings to people. Instead of gathering a following to control, he gathered a following to set them free. He didn’t rule to take the lives of others. He came to give up his life to rescue people from sin and death. That is why the first disciples were willing to give up everything and follow Jesus.
Now what about you? Are you willing to follow this King? Jesus’ kingdom is one of freedom and forgiveness. It is a kingdom of good news—the good news of eternal salvation.
Repent and follow Jesus your King!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are my King. I repent of all my sins before you. I ask you to wash them all away. And now teach me to follow you in all my ways that I might bring glory to your name! Amen.
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Hold Tight to God’s Promises – January 20, 2024
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:13,14
Hold Tight to God’s Promises
Daily Devotion – January 20, 2024
Devotion based on 2 Thessalonians 2:13,14
See series: Devotions
Photos often capture that special moment in the hospital when parents hold their newborn child for the first time. Embodied in that first embrace is the selfless love parents strive to give their tiny, helpless child in the months and years that follow.
Photos could not capture the moment God first embraced us with his love. Long before God gave birth to the earth and all living things, through Jesus, he chose us to be his own. He knew us and loved us before time began.
How can we be sure that he chose us? We turn to the good news of the Bible. The Word comforts us with the message of the perfect life of Christ and the cross he willingly bore for us. His death and resurrection assure us that our sins are paid in full and that God’s eternal love for us endures!
God’s love is so great he even promises that we will share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. No photo can capture the splendor and joy that await us in our eternal home at our Savior’s side. Since God embraces us with endless love through Jesus, we are moved to give him endless thanks with our lips and our lives.
Prayer: (Christian Worship – A Lutheran Hymnal – 610)
Now thank we all our God with hearts and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom his world rejoices, who from our mother’s arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love and still is ours today. Amen.
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January 21, 2024 Bulletin
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
FROM THE RIVER TO THE MOUNTAIN:
COMMITTED TO A LOFTY CHARGE
Welcome Our Guest Worship Leader
Pastor Rodney Dietsche (Retired)
Pastor Dietsche’s Sermon:
“God Displays His Grace”
WELCOME! WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!
We pray that you find comfort, peace, and motivation through God’s Word today. In our worship bulletin, you will find an outline of today’s order of worship. The entire service can be found in the hymnal, up on the screen on Sunday at St. John’s and Emmanuel and livestreamed at www.stjohnsmontello.org and also at St. John’s in the Lower Level. At St. John’s, the restrooms are located in the link way, out the church entry way, to the left and down the stairs. At Emmanuel, they are located in the Parish Hall. You may also find a nursery changing station in the lower level of St. John’s.
| ST. JOHN’S & EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCHESJanuary 20 & 21, 2024 |
FROM THE RIVER TO THE MOUNTAIN
“Epiphany” comes from a Greek word that means “reveal.” Today, if someone says, “I had an epiphany,” he means he had some extremely important, life-changing revelation. Within the Church Year, that is the purpose of the season of Epiphany—to reveal important truths about Jesus Christ, truths that will indeed change your life. For most of his adult life, Jesus was known simply as Mary’s son. He followed his adoptive father, Joseph, into the carpentry business. People in his hometown of Nazareth probably thought of Jesus as a very nice man—hardworking, honest, a role model for others. (That is still how many think of Jesus today.) But around the age of thirty, the fuller truth about Jesus began to be revealed: his person, his power, his purpose. It started with Jesus standing in a river with John the Baptist. The biggest epiphany took place at a mountain, where select followers saw Jesus shining brighter than the sun. All these epiphanies—all these revelations about Jesus—changed the lives of everyone around him. In this season of Epiphany, as we follow Jesus from the river to the mountain, may they change us too.
THEME OF THE DAY: COMMITTED TO A LOFTY CHARGE
To whom does the work of salvation belong? Simple question. There is only one Savior. But this is how good Jesus is. So that our lives might have profound meaning and eternal purpose, he shares some of that work with us. He calls us not just to be followers, but to be follower-makers. Jesus asks some— prophets, apostles, pastors, missionaries, teachers—to do this full time. But ultimately Jesus asks all believers to serve as his ambassadors, sharing the gospel with whomever he brings into our sphere of influence. This lofty charge requires commitment—a willingness to abandon everything else should faithfulness require it. This is the life-changing revelation for this week. Jesus has committed us to a lofty charge: the privilege to play a role in his saving work.
ORDER OF SERVICE: Setting One; Hymnal Pages 154-164, 171
HYMNS: 901, 743, 695 (Hymns also posted on the screen)
PSALM: Psalm 62 “In God Alone My Soul Can Find Rest” (Hymnal/Screen)
SERMON: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 “God Displays His Grace”
OPENING HYMN: 901 “O Christians, Haste”
*Saturday at St. John’s, 1st confession/absolution-Hymnal Page 154*
*Sunday at Emmanuel & St. John’s-Pastor/Adult Choir “O Jesus, Lamb of God, You Are”-Confession and Absolution (Branches Band)
Pastor: Dear Friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.
Choir: O Jesus, Lamb of God, you are my comfort and my guiding star; I come, a sinner, trustingly and bring my many sins with me.
Congregation: O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. I am bowed down and brought very low; I groan in anguish of heart. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. O Lord, do not forsake me; be not far from me. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior.
Choir: O Lord, my sin indeed is great; I groan beneath the dreadful weight. Be merciful to me I pray; take guilt and punishment away.
(SILENT CONFESSION)
Choir: John the Baptist point to you and bids me cast my sin on you, for you have left your throne on high to suffer for the world and die.
Pastor: Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. In Jesus you have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Congregation: We have been brought from death to life. Sin shall not be our master, because we are not under law, but under grace.
Choir: Help me to change my ways, O Lord, and gladly to obey your Word, while here I live, abide with me, then take me home eternally.
Return to Liturgy, Hymnal page 156
FIRST READING: Jonah 3:1–5,10 (Sermon Text)
(The reluctant Jonah had been given the lofty charge of proclaiming a message from the LORD to the people of Nineveh.)
1Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2“Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” 3Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. 4Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” 5The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. 10When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
PSALM: Psalm 62 “In God Alone My Soul Can Find Rest”
SECOND READING: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
(Christ has committed to us, as his ambassadors, the message of reconciliation.)
14For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Gospel Acclamation Psalm 22:22
Tune: © 2021 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 722228
GOSPEL: Mark 1:14-20
(When Jesus gave Simon and Andrew the lofty charge of fishing for people, they left everything else behind.)
14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” 16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 18At once they left their nets and followed him. 19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
HYMN OF THE DAY: 743 “I Hear The Savior Calling”
SERMON: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 “God Displays His Grace”
APOSTLES’ CREED: Hymnal Page 163/Screen
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH: Hymnal Page 164/Screen
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
OFFERING & PRAYER
CLOSING HYMN: 695 “Take My Life and Let It Be”
Acknowledgments
Setting One from Christian Worship. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2023 Concordia Publishing House
THEME FOR NEXT SUNDAY:
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany-
From The River to The Mountain: Absolute Authority
| Saturday, January 20 Sunday, January 21 | Saturday, January 27 Sunday, January 28 |
| Ben Jaster Jacob Jaster Jeff Reimer Mark Emond | Matthew Kath Glen Bubolz Martin Schmanke Mike Kempley |
EMMANUEL MEETINGS
Emmanuel Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 21 9:00am
Call Meeting: The next Pastor Call Meeting is for Sunday, January 28th at 11:15a.m. at St. John’s.
| INTERCESSORY PRAYERS |
– For the sick and others facing trials, including: Chuck Boetcher, Gale “Blackie” Boyd, Bob Buehrens, Michael Cox (Marjorie Fabian’s brother), Vicki Davis (Marilyn Riemer’s sister), Edith Duesterhoeft, Ken Elmer (Sally’s husband), Earl Ewert, Judy Fandrey, John Gaedke (Dan Finger’s uncle), Donna Gatzke, Dennis Gray (Mary Dahlke’s brother), Dennis Gromowski (Josh’s father, Harvey Rudolph’s neighbor), Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Kim Hanko (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Del & Jean Henke, Drake Hunter, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Kris Kemp (Diane Hintz’ daughter), Dale Kozlowski, Jeff Krueger (Diane Hintz’s son), Julie Moran, Debbie & Steve Parrish, Darlene Phillips (Ken Elmer’s mother), Melissa Prater, Karen Radke, Roxanne Schmanke, Ashley Schroeder, Eloise Schultz, Lynn Sellnow, Bob Sluga (Sherry’s husband), Annette St. Onge, Amanda Stalker, Tom Stempniak, Dominick Thoman (the father of Janessa Roberts, Harvey Rudolph’s neighbor), James & Suzanne Weber, Cheryl Wegner, Paul Weldon, Tama Zuehls (added this week: Julie Moran)
– For Rebecca Graumann called at our 1/7 SJ Voter’s meeting to serve as Little Lambs director/teacher
Dear members of St. John’s,
At our January 7th Call Meeting the voter’s assembly present cast a unanimous ballot to extend a Divine Call for our next Preschool Director/Teacher to:
Mrs. Rebecca Graumann
W5620 Buena Vista Rd.
Fort Atkinson WI 53538
Phone: 920-563-0049 (Home); 920-728-2716 (Cell)
Email: bgraumann@stpaulsfort.org
She is presently serving St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Fort Atkinson WI as Director of their Early Childhood Ministry, and is licensed for Early Childhood instruction. Please reach out to her with cards, texts, emails and pray for her as she deliberates where she can best use her gifts to promote the saving Gospel. Please keep both congregations and all of our called workers in your prayers, as we work to carry out our Gospel ministries.
PIE SALE FOR MISSIONS COMING IN FEBRUARY! Plan to purchase a delicious homemade pie on Christian Education Sunday, February 18. The ladies of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) will be baking pies for missions with proceeds going to their local mission working fund. $10.00 per pie.
| ANNOUNCEMENTS |
| This Week: January 21-27, 2024 Today 9:00 a.m. Emmanuel Congregational Meeting Monday 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir SJ 7:30 p.m. Adult Bible Study SJ Tuesday 5:30 p.m. Stewardship Meeting SJ 6:30 p.m. Worship Meeting SJ Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Montello Care Center Devotion 10:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study SJ 5:00 p.m. Public School Catechism SJ 6:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study SJ Thursday 6:00 p.m. GriefShare Saturday 11:00 a.m. Tot Time SJ 4:30 p.m. SJ Worship |
| Next Sunday: January 28, 2024 8:00 a.m. Emmanuel Worship 8:30 a.m. St. John’s Sunday School 8:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study St. John’s 10:00 a.m. St. John’s Worship 11:15 a.m. Pastor Call Meeting SJ |
| Attendance Date EM SJ 1/13/24 – 8 1/14/24 37 52 |
REMINDER: PLEASE, NO PARKING ALONG SIDE
OF THE BUILDING IN THE PARKING LOT
(HANDICAPPED SPOTS) ON SCHOOL DAYS.
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO
WORSHIP SERVICES OR FUNERALS.
St. John’s Lenten Suppers: There is a sign-up sheet in the Linkway if your group wishes to host a Lenten Supper. There are still a few dates available. Thank You!
| ACH Deposits* | Plate Offerings | Total Dec. Offerings | Budget Needs | December Expenses | Year to Date Offerings | Year to Date Expenses |
| $5342.83 | $26758.83 | $32101.66 | $33939.58 | $24122.18 | $140791.92 | $119153.41 |
*ACH Deposits are the offerings made online or via direct withdrawal.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Attention ladies- SAVE THE DATE!
Lent by Candlelight- Sunday, February 11 4:00pm
Are you interested in helping at, planning, or hosting Lent by Candlelight?
Christa Van Treeeck would LOVE to hear from you. 608.697.5434 or christavantreeck@gmail.com
CALA VAN: For the past two years, we have been transporting Princeton CALA students to the Montello campus with a van that was graciously donated to the school. This past year, the van has been full on most days. This is a good problem to have! However, to ensure that everyone who needs a ride may get one next year, we are looking to purchase a new van for CALA. A Ford Transit cargo van has been suggested. If you have a lead on a safe and reliable vehicle that fits this description, please call the school office (920-481-9002) or talk to Pastor or Mr. Sellnow.
Eternal and Everyday Encouragement – January 19, 2024
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
Eternal and Everyday Encouragement
Daily Devotion – January 19, 2024
Devotion based on 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
See series: Devotions
There are two kinds of encouragement the Lord gives us in our Bible verses today. One kind of encouragement is “eternal encouragement.” This is something God has already given us. Because we know Jesus is our Savior, we already have eternal encouragement. We are encouraged to know that God has a chair in heaven reserved for us with our name on it. This kind of encouragement is a done deal because Jesus has already died and risen from the dead for us. Our eternity is rock-solid and certain.
The other kind of encouragement God gives us is what we could call “everyday encouragement.” The apostle Paul prayed that the Lord would encourage the hearts of the Thessalonian believers. They had the eternal encouragement of heaven always in their hearts, but they also needed encouragement to face the trials of each and every day. They needed strength to carry out God’s will among their friends, neighbors, and even their enemies.
God gives you both eternal and everyday encouragement. You’ve got the big-picture hope of a life forever with Jesus. That kind of hopeful encouragement is always there. It is your safety net ready to catch you when big, bad things happen. But you’ve also got encouragement from God to live your everyday life according to his will. The Lord gives you his Word to be a lamp for your feet and a light for your path to make correct decisions. In his Word, God gives you countless stories of real people facing real situations so you can find something in common with one of them. You’ll also find favorite Bible passages that encourage you before a big test in life.
Whether you need big-time encouragement in the face of hardship or everyday encouragement for following God’s will for your life, God will have the kind of encouragement you need.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, you are the ultimate encourager for my soul. Keep me hopeful and encouraged for eternal life and everyday life. Amen.
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