Weekly Message / Prayer Request

Acts 2:42 Men’s Fellowship

“Joab said, ‘If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to rescue me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will rescue you. Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight.’” 1 Chronicles 19:12-13 NIV

Factions are a very dangerous thing in society. We see it in politics where different people pledge their allegiance to different candidates. We see this type of division in our workplaces where people follow the lead of different supervisors. This even happens even within our families with relatives rallying around different parents, cousins, aunts, or uncles.

These divisions cause difficulties and even further divide people because feelings of frustration, anger, or confusion develop. Sometimes this divide is so great that divisions last for years and affect numerous people well beyond where the original divide first began.

Unfortunately the Church has not been immune to such factions and have been there since the beginning. Divisions developed because people followed the teaching of one particular leader or one particular ministry before following their allegiance in Christ. The Apostle Paul noticed this within the Corinthian people when he spoke about divisions based upon feelings of jealousy or strife (1 Corinthians 3:3-4). He said this type of behavior is being merely human, not focused on what the foundation is for each one of us who believe, our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11).

This brings us to 1 Chronicles 19 where Joab said something very instructive to how we should conduct ourselves as Christians. See it would have been very easy for Joab to put his personal interest above everything else. He was surrounded on all sides by the Ammonites (v 10) and could have found it very tempting to surrender or retreat.

But instead of focusing on his own personal interest, he turned his focus on the people upon whom he was serving and reached toward the Lord for guidance. His focus went heavenly and gave his complete allegiance to the Lord when he said ‘the Lord will do what is good in his sight.’ This is the example of a godly leader and one who understood there are no factions when it comes to the Lord.

The Church needs to live by this type of example and know we are in a common battle, share a common foundation in our Lord Jesus Christ, and no matter the ministry we serve it all is for the glory of God.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians about this type of unity when he said:

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV

Brothers, it is very difficult to live out this type of unity because all of us have seen the Lord work in different ways. All of us have seen the Lord work in different ministries and therefore supporting one ministry over another ‘just because we believe it is the most important ministry in the Church’ is a very easy mindset to fall into. I have fallen prey to this type of mindset at times.

Yet there is one God and Father of all, and my prayer is that this reality becomes prevalent in every decision we make. May each one of us come together in Christ and ensure we are following his lead. If He calls us to serve, may we serve wherever that may be. If He calls us to follow, may we follow wherever He may lead. If He calls us to love, may we love however He desires...

Then the true revelation of his ultimate providence will be revealed in due time and His glory will be exalted forever and ever…

Prayer requests

Tim D – pray that he will be able to continually do his ministry throughout his sphere of influence

Steve – pray for his father who has a cancer screening this week and that His will be done

Gary – pray for strength as he works through all the various stresses of life, pray for the health of his wife

Tim W – pray for continued spiritual growth

Paul – pray for guidance at home, pray for an open heart, pray for safety during travel this week
Vince – pray for financial support on his medical bills and other grants

Greg – pray for Timothy Nelson who is continuing to have some heart trouble

Tim H – pray for boss Leo who has some struggles which may be coming his way at work

Craig – pray that he will become more diligent in joining with others in fellowship, pray God will comfort him during times of loneliness

David – pray that the Lord will guide him in his finances

Mark – pray for the health of family, pray for father-in-law Gerry who was diagnosed last week with having a mass on his adrenal gland, pray that the Lord will continue to guide and shape this group for his purpose, pray for continued strength

***Pray as Northshore begins a new chapter in its ministry to people who desperately needs to hear the gospel message


Continued prayer needs

Bill M – pray for the family during the loss of his father-in-law to cancer this past week, pray for the health Bill with cancer, pray for healing of a rash on his leg, pray for his neighbor who had an aneurism

Ernie – pray for sister-in-law, pray for grandson and his upcoming surgery

Ramon – pray that God will continue to give him strength

Joe – pray for all the military members who are in harms way for their safety and quick return

Kevin – pray the Lord will guide him in making the right decisions on a job path, pray for the government and all of the leaders in this country

Sky – pray that he will be accepted into the RN program at college for this fall

Larry Miller – pray for wife Sandy’s mother that she continues to remain healthy, praise God for healing her of her recent illness

Kelcy – pray for all the pastors and leaders within the Church

Brent – pray that he will find clarity and guidance for finding the right person to marry

Brett S – pray for healing of liver disease

Dick – pray for gluttony issues, pray for strength to deny self by helping him submit to the Lord

Carmine – pray that he can deal with the stresses of work

Monte – praise God for a new job that he has been blessed with

Keith – pray that their youngest daughter will be able to do well in college

Chad – pray for continued seeking of purity in his life


Future Meetings

Wednesday, August 27th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church in either the Fireside Room or Main Auditorium.

Wednesday, September 3rd, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church

Wednesday, September 17th, 7:00-9:00 pm, regular meeting at Northshore Christian Church


Group Happenings

August 27th we will be having a special night of prayer. That evening we will be looking into the scriptures on the meaning of prayer during our usual time of fellowship. But we will close the meeting with a special time of prayer…

September 10th is going to be a kickoff barbecue for the Men’s Ministry. More information can be found in the bulletin. Please make sure to RSVP with EmilyV@northshorechristian.org

Remember, we are going to be going to the fall every-other week schedule starting in September. But always know that I stand beside all of you 24/7 as we continue on this journey together…


Memory Verse

“But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NKJV