St. Paul's Christian Messenger News Letter for September, 2003

AUGUST 2003

Greetings,

It has been six years, more than half of my ten years as Pastor that we have been restoring our building.

In those six years we have not lost sight of the reason for restoring our buildings. They are the vessel that enables us to do the work God has called us to. In those six years we have never let restoration take priority over our call to ministry.

While restoring God’s house is important, building our house of God and our own homes without the direction and help from God is foolish.

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.”
(Ps. 127.1)

As we begin a new church year,

Let us ask God to help us to restore and revitalize our church and family’s lives. I ask you to pray with me.

“God be the corner stone of our life.
May nothing be more important
than our relationship with our Lord and Savior.”
Eph. 2:18-22

“God may Your Word be our foundation.
May we rest on the abiding promises of Your Word.”
Lk 6:47-49

“God may Your unconditional love be the framework of our church and family’s lives. Manifest Your love,
in our actions and reactions.”
1 Cor 13:4-8

“God may Your peace
be like walls of protections
shifting out the pressure and anxiety
of every day life.
May Your peace reign in our hearts.”
Phil 4:6-7

“God may Your Holy Spirit
shed light in our homes.
May we be like windows allowing
Your light to shine through us
casting your light’s glow
on this dark world.”
Mt. 5:14-16

“God may Your Wisdom be evident
in our habits, traditions and choices we make. May our decision be doorways of
entrance into Your presence.”
Phil 1:9-11

“God may Thanksgiving be cultivated
so that our lives abound in gratitude,
generosity, contentment and joy.”
Ps 107:8-9

“God may Your Hand, mighty and gentle,
cover us like a roof and a ledge,
protecting us from the lies and lures
of the devil
who seeks to weaken and destroy us.”
Ps 139:5-10

Prayerfully yours in Christ,

Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Do you find delight in your practice of prayer?

Do you feel you encounter Jesus face to face when you pray?

Discover prayer as part of an intimate love relationship that is a delight rather than a duty, a lifestyle rather than legalism.

Wednesdays at 1 p.m. in the Confirmation Room. This twelve week Bible Study starts September 24^thand it will provide whatever you need to know about prayer.

Sign up TODAY. Course material is $6.00.