Heritage Weekly for March 26, 2009

Dear Family,

I usually cut and paste something written by others in this space of the Weekly, but something I read in my devotion so struck me that I want to share it with you. I read in Luke 6:30, “Give to everyone who asks of you”. I lived in Chicago for a couple of years and encountered homeless people on a regular basis. The issue of giving to them was one that everyone spending time in the city must deal with. What if they use the money for cigarettes, alcohol or drugs? Do I really want to support that self-destructive behavior? I give to various organizations which serve the homeless: they should go there. These were some of the thoughts to be wrestled with.

This command to give comes without clarifying explanation or exception, Jesus simply says, “give”. This text challenges each of us to evaluate our relationship to our possessions. Jesus goes on in Luke 6:35, “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.” By being generous with our possessions we are being like our Father in heaven. There is the key, God our Father poured out His mercy upon us when we didn’t deserve it. As His children we should relish opportunities to be like Him by blessing those who don’t deserve it.

These commands along with all of God’s commandments show me my desperate need for grace. I am by nature a selfish man who wants to keep my stuff to myself. Augustine said, “The Law commands; grace supplies the strength to act.” These radical commands of Jesus drive us to the grace of God and to His Christ. Then, when we do give to someone happily, all glory goes to our Father. May He use us and our stuff unto His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

This week’s (14th week) memory verses: 1 Peter 1:18-19

(Review: Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalms 16:11; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Micah 6:8; Psalm 86:11-12; Romans 11:36; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 John 1:7-9; Psalm 63:1-4; John 7:37-38)
*If you have fallen behind or haven’t begun, don’t get discouraged! Skip to this week’s verse and start from there. Ask the Lord to help you to be diligent in hiding His Word in your heart.

><>><>><> 3/29 LORD’S DAY<><<><<><

Sermon:
Daniel 3 — Real Heroes

Hymns:
P 19 Be Thou My Vision
P 60 O, Worship the King
P 23 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
P 13 Amazing Grace
P 80 Doxology

Communion Servers:
Fowler, Rizo, Seven – cup collection: Matthew E. and Ted S.

Pianist:
Anna C.

><> OTHER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS <><

Announcements:
* Don’t forget our fellowship meal/annual meeting on April 5th!
* We will meet at the Chapel on the Green in Yorkville on April 12th.

Upcoming Events:
3/28 – Men’s breakfast @ Harner’s Bakery Restaurant – 6 a.m.
4/5 – Fellowship meal following service
4/5 – HOFC Annual Meeting following meal
4/8 – Elder/Head of Household meeting @ Nicholson home – 7 p.m.
4/12 – Waubonsee campus closed
4/12 – no teaching time
4/12 – Service at Chapel on the Green, Yorkville – 10 a.m.
4/19 – Rockford church plant informational meeting – 3:30 p.m. (location TBD)
4/22 – Ladies Fellowship