Hi Friends of FBC,
“But this command I gave them: ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'” (Jeremiah 7:23)
I read the above verse in Jeremiah today. I think it sounds very similar to what we read in Joshua 1:8, as well as a number of statements from Jesus. What does God seek our obedience? Why does He want to walk according to His commands? There are a number of reasons I suppose. Of course one major reason would be the desire for His name to be glorified. And He is glorified when we obey Him. But notice another reason: “that it may be well with you.” He’s looking out for what’s best for us too! Do you want to be “successful” in life? Hopefully yes, in the way God views success, and not how the world does. Do you want to experience His blessing? Sure you do! Well here’s a formula: Obey His voice. Walk in all the ways He commands. Then it will be well with you! Then you can sing “It is Well with My Soul” and mean it! But how do you know what to obey if you’re not hearing from Him through His word? How can you walk in His ways if you aren’t spending time listening to Him tell you what His ways are? The key to spiritual success in life starts with the Bible!
That’s what I will be talking about again on Sunday. Last week I discussed hearing, reading, and studying the Word of God. This week we’ll look at 3 more. Can you guess what they are? I will be using a number of Scriptures again. But to prepare your heart for the sermon, please read Matthew 4:1-11, and notice how Christ used the Word in that instance. Also, you could read all of Psalm 119 (if you’re feeling ambitious!) Or just focus on these verses I will refer to Sunday: Ps. 119:11, 15, 18, 24, 50, 97-99. Maybe you could choose one of those to memorize and meditate on. (Uh, oh, hope I didn’t just give away the message!)
There are a number of exciting things happening at FBC these days! Thank you to all of the members who voted unanimously on the expenditure to try and finish our classroom addition, and for voting in 3 new members! Welcome Alan & Zsuzsa Blake and Helen Jarvis!
September 21 — OSU International Student Furniture giveaway — loading up the U-Haul at FBC at Noon. Bring your good quality used household items. For more info contact Dwaine Reid at 541-757-9704.
September 24 — Women’s Bible Study — Tuesdays at 9:30am and 7pm. Beginning a new study with Beth Moore’s 6-week series, “The Law of Love”. Sign up at the library table this Sunday!
September 26 — AWANA Registration and Free Carnival — 7pm at FBC! All families with children, make sure you’re here that evening! Do you know any children/parents who you can invite???
Praising God for you today!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael