::truth::
Asking God to do what only he can do.
Honesty is one of the reasons to love the psalms. The psalm writers share their hearts, bare their hearts, and know their hearts like nobody else. Â I was reading Psalm 119 this morning and was impressed with how well the psalmist knows his own heart deficiencies and calls out to the Lord to do what only the Lord can do:
I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! (Psalms 119:32)
He wants to “run with the Lord” but he knows he lacks the capacity. So he cries out for a greater heart for the Lord!
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! (Psalms 119:36)
He knows his heart is inclined to selfish gain, so he pleads for a new inclination!
Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. (Psalms 119:18)
He knows his eyes grow dull and dim to God’s word, so he calls on the Lord to open them!
So, do you get discouraged with your own heart? Do you despair of every overcomcoming your own spiritual inertia? I’ve got good news for you. You can’t! You can’t change your own heart.
But that’s exactly what God does through the Gospel! He is in the business of doing what we can’t do.
So ask God to do what only he can do – change you from the inside out through the power of the cross!
The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,
Pastor Tom
::prayer::
Alliance City Church – Pray for Charlie Hughes and Alliance City Church as they seek to reach young progressives in the UCF area. http://www.facebook.com/alliancecitychurch
Debbie S – Please pray for Josh’s friends, Jeff & Marissa, whose baby was born this week at a mere 26 weeks. Praise the Lord fof providing hosing for Kethi and Michelle who are moving out of their apartment in August. It is such an honor to watch them pray and trust the Lord to direct their path and see Him answer so wonderfully. They are moving into a huge house along with 2 other girls who are missionaries. Big house, Christian landlord, no lease, great cost! Also PTL for providing internship for the fall for Michelle.
Jim P – Please continue to pray for Rick’s salvation.
John D – Pray for Yolanda’s mother. 25 years of diabetes is having a toll on her. Pray for my uncle Jim who just went under triple bypass.
Nancy W – Please pray for the healing of my hand – the pain is very uncomfortable and I’m not sleeping well. Pray for James’s aunt Janet – she’s been in the hospital for 4 weeks with cellulitis in her leg.
Lou and Linn C – Daughter Liz needs a job. We really need to rent out our town house.
Keith & Krista Ellenberger (Mali) – Pray for Krista and middle son, Loren, as they travel to the states for the summer and get him prepared for college life. Pray for Keith and Karlin as they remain behind, may they have good experiences together and minister to those around them.
LIFE 2010 – The CM&A High School conference was held this past week (7/6-10) in Louisville, KY. Pray for the students that attended the conference, that they will continue to seek and serve the Lord. Theme was Collide – what happens when your world meets God’s world?
::community::
New Family Bible Hour Classes – 9:15 Sunday Mornings!
“Major Lessons from the Minor Prophets”
Candy Hilton leads this multigenerational class as we survey the prophets from Hosea to Malachi. For High School students through adults.
“Love that Lasts: When Marriage Meets Grace”
Pastor Tom will lead this class geared for all who are married and those who one day may be. For High School students through adults.
New Message Series: “Askitallogy” (Ask-it-all-ogy!). Pastor Tom will be (attempting) to answer your questions about life, the Bible, practical issues, theological struggles, really – anything! No question too easy or too hostile. So “ask it all”! Email Tom your questions or post them on our Southwest Church Facebook page.
For Next Week:
- Set-up: Glenn Tindall
- Nursery: Maxine Kelly
- Prayer: Sandee Lyons
::mission::
Scheduling Update: NEW-NEW-NEW DATE! Matthew’s Hope Homeless Dinner: On Tuesday, July 20h, we will be having dinner with the homeless at Matthew’s Hope. They had a scheduling problem and wondered if we would be flexible. We are! Talk to Debbie Santora on how you can help!
Missions Party: Bring Your Own Dinner to the Childress’s home this Wednesday at 6:30PM for some plan-demonium!
