August 19, 2007

"Peace is not automatic. It is a gift of the grace of God. It comes when hearts are exposed to the love of Christ. But this always costs something. For the love of Christ was demonstrated through suffering and those who experience that love can never put it into practice without some cost." —Festo Kivengere (1919-1988).

Answers to Prayer

After many unexpected “disasters” last week, Joe and Debbie Vaughn got moved and got their car back from the repair shop! Joe got his initial promotion at Taco Bell (and when a new store opens, he will receive another). At the church the Vaughns attend all of the extra chairs were set up to accommodate the crowd! Debbie begins preparing for the school year this week (8-22). Their son, Jeremiah, begins September 4th.

Teri Lopez had emergency surgery last week and was able to return home the next day. Continue to pray that Teri will heal and enjoy good health again.

Both Monnie Dailey and Elona Siemsen had treatment for macular degeneration. Both will have follow-up doctor visits soon (Monnie’s is Monday). Pray they receive good reports and see improvement in their vision.

If you noticed the walls to be a little brighter or the glass in the windows a littler shinier; If you thought the rest-rooms to sparkle more than usual or the corners to be cob-web free; If you thought the chairs better aligned and the books neatly stacked; If you found the kitchen in order, the stove and refrigerator to be clean…thank the handy crew from the Korean congregation who gave their time during a very hot day to bless you! And we say, “thank you!”

Requests for Prayer

Pray for our troops and their families.

  • Marvin Funkhouser—deployed to Iraq for 18 months
  • Coleen—a friend of Woody and Barbara Blalock
  • Bryan Miller (Cosgroves)
  • Jonathan Kirkwood (Ken and Jean's son)—home (Pendleton) from a tour in Iraq
  • Chris Shelton (Cosgroves)
  • Jeremy Mullens (Cosgroves)
  • Sam Im (Korean congregation)
  • Ryan Davey (Stella Rogers' grandson)
  • Russell Perry (Cosgrove)
  • Steven Henning (Cosgrove)
  • Sara Parmenter—has returned from Iraq
  • Tony Loving
  • James Farmer
  • Kevin Nicholas
  • Jorge Avalos
  • Ryan Bareng
  • Kenneth Miller
  • Jeremy Peters
  • Jeremy Thomas

Michael Peters emailed to tell us that his mother, DeLois, entered the presence of the Lord on Thursday. She was living in Arizona and had been suffering from various diseases over many years. Now, she is at rest. Please pray for the family as they grieve their temporary loss.

Julia Connell’s neighbor, Martha, died last week from the leukemia she had battled for several years. She has four children, ages 2 to 15. Julia and David were able to visit her last Sunday afternoon. Julia sang to her and again asked if she had trusted Jesus to save her. Pray for this grieving family and their friends.

Ricky Rodriguez’s father was admitted to the hospital last Sunday and placed in ICU. Would you continue to pray for Ricky’s father’s physical and spiritual health?

Coeeta Prettyman had an update for us concerning Margaret Norris. Tests revealed that she does have blockage in her heart. In a few days she will begin testing that starts minimally and proceeds over every few days if necessary, leading to angioplasty, if that procedure is needed. Most importantly, please pray for Margaret and her daughter, Edie, who is the care giver at this time.

Sharon Greene’s mother, Marian, had emergency surgery Friday night. A complication arose, surgery was suspended and life support was begun. Saturday afternoon, Sharon received word that her mother had died. Please pray for the Greene family during this time of grief, especially for Sharon and Ronald.

Bill Holeman will enter St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington on Monday where he will be prepared for a heart catheterization on Tuesday to verify that the stent has collapsed and if possible, where another stent could be inserted. There is concern about whether Bill’s kidneys can flush the toxic dye, which makes the procedure life threatening. Would you pray that the Lord will intervene, sustaining Bill’s life and restoring him to better health?

Fred and Fran Klingsporn’s nephew, Ryan Theiebault was not moved to Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in Downey last week. Further tests revealed other needs. Tentatively, Ryan is to be transferred on Monday. How much we need to ask God to continue providing His mercy for Ryan and his family.

May we rejoice or pray with you? Others will intercede with you on your behalf before the throne of grace.

Happy Birthday!

August 21, Sarah Umlor
August 22, Terri Huard

Happy Anniversary!

August 17, Chris and Laura Palmer
August 19, Peter and Rosanne Guerrero

Study the Scriptures Systematically

“Live Honorably,” from Malachi 2 teaches us to honor God by honoring our obligations to Him and to one another. Open these notes here.

Hear God's Word Expositionally

Browse the audio sermons preached by Pastor Rigsby (or download for later listening):

Rightly Dividing the Covenants.
Does the Bible make a distinction in how God worked at various times of history? If so, how? Listen now.

Warning! Three Dangers are Coming.
What did Jude say about apostasy using 3 Old Testament characters as illustrations? Listen now.

Read the Bible Carefully

In our Bible reading this month, we will pass through both books of Chronicles and finish the Psalms. From the Gospels, Luke continues to hold our attention. Paul's three letters to the Colossians and the Thessalonians will round out reading. Stay faithful in reading God's Word!

Download the suggested Bible reading guide (each are 2 pages):
July and August 2007.
May and June 2007.
March and April 2007.
January and February 2007.

Use the Internet Constructively

Is it OK for Christians to Cuss?
"Why any Christian would fight for the liberty to use foul language is beyond me, but there is a growing debate as to whether cussing is appropriate for the believer. Let's start with two basic facts:" [Finish this article].

"He does not believe, that does not live according to his belief."