Tuesday Tune-Up
The Unwrapped Christmas Present
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From: Pastor John
"The Unwrapped Christmas Present"
I suppose we have pretty well left Christmas behind. Maybe we have a few decorations to take down, but practically, Christmas is over. It is with that thought in mind that I want you to look around your house for the unopened Christmas present. It is there. It gets unopened and unused every year.
Did you find it yet? It is right there between the selfishness and the hurtful words. It sits right out in the open in every Christian home. It begs to be opened during every argument, each secret sin, and all of our misguided ego ventures. Maybe it is because the wrapping is not so attractive. No fancy bows or red and green paper adorn this present. It is not the wrapping that makes this present valuable. The value of this present is in the power it has to change and free the soul.
It is a present bought by Jesus with blood - His blood pure and precious. There are no charge bills coming later. It is a gift that is freely and truly ours. This present, once opened and used generously will change hearts, lives, and families. It will turn war zones into homes of peace and love, twisted hearts into springs of living water.
Onec aution - this gift can only be received. It cannot be given by us to another. It comes from Jesus alone to each of us for our exclusive use. We cannot re-gift this gift. It will destroy this present.
Have you found the present yet? It is right there in the midst of your faith. It is repentance - the gift of gifts. The ability to honestly confess sin and be freed from guilt and shame. Why not unwrap it and use it with your God and with each other?
Don't forget there's Homework:
+How can you use repentance to change the mood, attitude, and temperature in your home?
+Why are we so reluctant to unwrap and use this gift?
For your prayers today:
+Lift up Nancy Bandemer as she begins another round of chemo, and waits more test results.
+Pray that God the Holy Spirit empower us to use repentance to subdue our pride and shame, and make within us streams of living water in a thirsty world.
Jesus is our Hope!
+ Pastor John
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Coming Events
Join us for the 2010 Men's Retreat on March 12-13. The retreat will be held at Hope Lutheran Church this year, and promises to be a fun and meaningful experience. Please see the document link below for more information.
The cost for the retreat is $40, which includes three catered buffet meals and a retreat shirt.
Sign-up has passed, but if you still would like to attend and have not signed up, please contact Shane Empson or Jeff Meisegeier. Brochure located here
Education Financial Planning Seminar
Thrivent will be holding a “How to pay for College” seminar here at Hope, April 17th from 11AM to 2PM. This seminar will have three separate tracts in it.
-For those without kids or grandparents looking to start college funds.
-For those with young children looking to prepare for college.
-For those who are heading to college in the near future.
Learn about scholarships, financial planning, and find the best way for you to reach your educational goals. Plus, representatives from local colleges and universities will be on site to address your financial and admission questions. There is no cost for this event.
Contact Dan Howard or the church office for more information.
Tuesday Tune-Up
Prayer Requests
Let Us Pray For You
Altar Prayers - General, one-time prayers announced during church services the following Sunday - call the Church Office at 586-979-9055.
Prayer Chain - Daily prayers by volunteers (not confidential) usually in their own homes. Call 586-979-2296, extension 153 and follow instructions.
Prayer Room - Confidential prayers by selected Prayer Warriors in our unique Prayer Room. Since these prayers continue daily until you tell us to stop, please keep us updated on your condition. Please leave your phone number so that we can keep in touch. Call 586-979-6900.
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