Prayer
Father, thank You for making a way to restore our relationship with You through our Savior Jesus Christ. We ask that whenever we read Your word or hear it preached, You write it on our hearts, and we pray to never be deceived. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Return
Although our 40 days of prayer and fasting corporately have come to an end, if you didn’t catch each day’s devotion, you can catch up on our website at https://cometothecreek.com/category/devotion/.
I want to challenge you to continue on in a spirit of prayer and dependence on God. If you are up for one more list… stop and write down how God has been moving and speaking in your life over these past few weeks. Take time to reflect on what you were fasting… maybe whatever you gave up for 40 days is something you want to give up for good. The goal of Return was to get us all focused on praying, seeking God’s face intentionally, getting into His word consistently, and repenting of our own sins daily. God forbid that we would simply go back to “business as usual.”
More than ever before in the history of mankind, the world desperately needs a Church that is shining like a city on a hill. May Jesus Christ shine in us and through us. May we be people known by the love we have for Jesus and for one another. I challenge you to continue seeking God and being obedient to His voice.
The Ekklesia
This past Sunday we entered week 3 of our series The Ekklesia. This series is all about the Church that Jesus Built (and is building). If you missed week three, you can catch up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cometothecreek/live. Yesterday was all about the Power of the Church, the Holy Spirit. It is He, the promised comforter, helper, guide, and equipper who enables us to accomplish the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8). Here is a tough question for all of us: are we relying more on ourselves or more on Him? I would encourage all of us to pause and consider this Scripture: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV). Are you willing to admit your weakness and operate in the strength of Christ?
I need to share a startling truth with you: I can’t make this church grow. I can’t save people. I can’t transform lives. I can’t save your marriage. I’m not talented enough, strong enough, or smart enough to do anything of eternal significance in this place in my power. But, I trust in the God of impossible. It isn’t about me, it is about Christ in me. When my preaching falls short, the Holy Spirit never will. When I stumble and fall in my weakness, the Holy Spirit will continue to give me strength and courage to move forward. Please don’t put me on a pedestal or follow me, follow Jesus. Pray for me, encourage me, and if needed correct me. But, don’t follow me, follow Jesus.
My prayer for us as a church is that the Holy Spirit’s presence would be overwhelming. When the Holy Spirit is moving among us, in us, and through us, strongholds will be demolished. Hearts will be transformed. Minds will be renewed. Slaves will be set free. Dead men will be brought to new life. It’s time for us to lean on the everlasting, unchanging, unfailing, unfading God of heaven and trust Him to accomplish His perfect will.
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 ESV)
Community Outreach
Thank you to all those who served this past Saturday morning at the Reinhardt College student move-in day! We had the opportunity to engage and share the love of Christ with many families and distributed 70 welcome bags plus notes of encouragement. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible!
We are so excited to be a part of Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry! Our goal is to pack 300 shoeboxes for children around the world. You can make this a family project or donate items for our church packing party in November. In addition to receiving a box filled with needed items, each child will hear the Good News of the Gospel! Look for more information soon on how to help and check out this link: Operation Christmas Child | Shoebox Outreach of Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Wednesday, August 17, 6:30pm – Bible study
Saturday, August 20, 11am – 1pm – Women’s Fellowship
Sunday, August 21, 9:45am – Adult Sunday School
Sunday, August 21 – Conference immediately after church. Lunch will be served.
Sunday, August 21, 6:30pm – Sunday night discipleship service
Rededication Ceremony and Moving Preparation:
August 28 following the morning service – Is the first move day. We will start the move right after the Sunday service. The sanctuary will be turned over to us the week prior. We will need help moving chairs, tables, sound stuff, etc. Volunteers are welcomed and needed!
September 3 at 1PM – Meet at the church for a review and moving updates in the fellowship hall.
September 10 at 1PM – Meet at the church sanctuary for a final meeting to discuss the order of service, responsibilities, final details, etc.
Sanctuary Rededication. Join us September 11th, 2022 at 11am as we remember the history of Shoal Creek Baptist Church and celebrate where God is taking us.
You can now view upcoming events and important dates on our website at https://cometothecreek.com/events/. For a quick list of dates, you can access the Events List at https://cometothecreek.com/events/list/.
NOTE: If you have an announcement, please send it to cometothecreek@gmail.com by 12 noon on Monday. Thank you,
We believe in the power of prayer. How can we pray for you?
Please visit https://cometothecreek.com/contact/ to submit your prayer request. You can also submit your request to prayer@cometothecreek.com.
In His Service,
Michele Olson
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV)
