What a GREAT Sunday service we had this past week!! Rodeo Sunday AND David Barton!! If you did not get to attend or watch the service, make sure you do so!!
Now for this week's verses in Proverbs 1:
"When your panic comes as a storm and desolation and your calamity comes on as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 Then will they call upon me [Wisdom] but I will not answer; they will seek me early and diligently but they will not find me." Proverbs 1:27-28 (AMPC)
Next week we will talk about why Wisdom is suddenly quiet or hidden, but know this, Wisdom is with you wherever you go, telling you, "Do this. Change that. Go this direction. Think this thought instead of that one." The Scripture tells us why wisdom can be our constant companion: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). God's great desire is for us to walk in wisdom. First Corinthians 1:30 says that Christ Jesus…is made unto us wisdom. Wisdom is something that already belongs to us. The Apostle Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus that God would give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened. We should pray this prayer for ourselves. God wants us to have wisdom (Ephesians 1:17-23).
Listen to what the Kesuvim / The Writings (Mishlei/Proverbs) on pg. 13 say about verses twenty-seven to twenty-eight:
Vs. 27 "When your fear arrives as sudden darkness. The translation follows Rashi. Affliction and oppression. Affliction is an external trouble, such as when an enemy takes away one's children and possessions; oppression is internal distress, such as the despair one feels when threatened by an enemy (Vilna Gaon; Malbim). Malbim adds that if the external trouble is accompanied by internal distress, as in our verse, it is very bitter, for then, one loses hope completely."
Vs. 28 "Then they will call me, but I will not answer; i.e., when the trouble comes (Metzudos). To attain Torah knowledge, a person must exert effort and pray for Divine assistance. This verse refers to both factors, saying: When you call me [in prayer], I will not answer. When you search for me [through your toil in study] you will not find me. This punishment corresponds to the actions described in verse 24. I called to them, but they refused to listen; therefore, when they call to me, I will not answer. I stretched out my hand to them when they were far away, but they ignored me. Therefore, when they seek me, they will not find me. For, If you forsake Me for one day, I will forsake you for two (Vilna Gaon; see Rashi, Deuteronomy 11:13)"
Now, here’s a look at what is happening this week into next with our Radiant groups!
- Thursday, January 25th Join us for a Radiant Night with Pastor Terri Copeland Pearsons at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Doors will open at 6:30 for fellowship and light refreshments. Come be a part of this night of ministry as we hear from the heart of Pastor Terri to all Radiant women! Children’s ministry will be provided for ages Birth through 5th grade. Registration is free but required. Register Here!
- Saturday, January 27th is our Advancing in Faith group. This group is using Brother Kenneth E. Hagin’s study guide, Bible Faith! We meet every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month in the Living Room modular at 9 am. This group is also available online via Zoom.
- Saturday, January 28th is The Ruth Circle, a support group for Widows. This group focuses on moving forward in faith, while making meaningful connections. Several times a year guest speakers are invited that offer helpful tips on skills for various areas of life. This group meets every 4th Sunday right after service in the Living Room modular!
- Monday, January 29th is our weekly Radiant Discipleship group led by Pastor Cathy Grigg. Join us as we begin a NEW study of Dr. Bill Winston's book, Living In The Fourth Dimension! We meet at 12:15 pm in the Hospitality Room. This group is also available via Zoom! Click here to register!
- Monday, January 29th we have our Table Talk (65 and Beyond) group. This group is for women (65 years of age and beyond). We have fellowship around the Word of God and with each other. They meet at 11:30 am at Cattleman’s Ridge every 3rd Monday. NOTE: Date changed due to inclement weather the week prior!
- Thursday, February 1st is our monthly Radiant Book Club meeting. We meet every 1st Thursday at 12:15 pm in the WordWorks Bookstore. The book selected for our February discussion is Prayer, Your Foundation For Success by Brother Kenneth Copeland. Register today and discover hidden written treasures you may have never chosen on your own, as well as special perks for being a member – did I mention its free to register!! Registration has its perks!! You must be registered in the Radiant Book Club to get the discounted price of 15% off the books we will be reading!! We have other surprises that come with membership!! YOU DO NEED TO ATTEND to get the most out of your membership!!
You can register here: Radiant Book Club
For information on any of our groups, email women@emic.org. Also, if you are ever in need of prayer, please call our prayer line at 877-281-6297. Or, if you need pastoral counseling, call the church office at 817-252-2900 to schedule a time to meet with me.
You are LOVED!
Pastor Cathy
