The Guide for the Week
November 3-9th 2023 AD.
The First Week of Advent
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 14:1-10
Luke 1:1-22
Philippians 4
Psalm 101
Verse to Memorize
Luke 1:13-16
Catechism Questions
Q. Who were the Prophets in the Old Testament?
A. The Prophets were holy men who spoke the words God gave them to speak to His people.
Q. What was the message of the Old Testament Prophets?
A. The Prophets rebuked the sins of the people, proclaimed to them the judgment of God, and foretold of the coming of the Messiah who is Christ Jesus.
Q. Who was the last prophet to foretell of Jesus Christ?
A. John the Baptist was the last and greatest of the prophets to come before Jesus. He was the forerunner of Christ who came to prepare the people to receive the Messiah.
Q. What was the message of John the Baptist?
A. Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
People to Pray for:
Church: Trinity Evangelical Church
Pastor Nate Harland
Ministry: The King’s Men and Daughters of the King
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Jacky Snelling
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 14:1-10
Verse 1: “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” The Bible calls the woman the weaker sex, indicating that she is physically weaker than man. However, this does not mean that she lacks power. A woman possesses significant influence for both building up and destruction. A woman who loves the Lord can make a profound difference in her home, impacting countless future generations with her wisdom and love. Conversely, a foolish woman can destroy her home through selfishness, uncontrolled anger, faithless anxiety, nagging, pride, neglect, and carelessness, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.
Wives, mothers, daughters, old women, young women, and girls, do not follow the path of the fool. I have often said that feminism destroys everything. Observing our culture and nation, we witness the story of the foolish woman tearing it down with her own hands. Yet, wise women have the faith to build.
Verse 4: "Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.” This passage is often misused to justify having a dirty house because of children. However, the point is not that the manger should remain unclean, but that profitable endeavors require hard work and entail risk. Having oxen necessitates work to keep the manger clean, but the work is worthwhile.
Good things demand effort and involve risk. Love, the greatest of these, often entails risk and work. For example, marriage opens you to the risk of being hurt through spousal abuse, infidelity, and divorce. To love your spouse is to be vulnerable to their sins. I am not advocating for enduring abuse, but rather acknowledging the uncertainty of the future in marriage. Make a wise choice, but understand the inherent risks.
Having children involves risks such as the potential death of your wife in childbirth, the birth of a child with defects, early death of a child, or a child growing up and rebelling against Christ. The more children you have, the greater the risk. Love means being vulnerable to pain. You could choose the feminist path and refuse to have children, or the MGTOW path and avoid marriage. Sure, the manger will be clean, and you won't experience certain pains, but you will miss the immense joy of true love for another. Moreover, such selfishness brings its own form of pain.
If you don't risk, you'll never experience the joy found in kissing a wife without shame, hearing your two-year-old say "I love you," watching with pride as your grown son holds his baby, and seeing others come to know Jesus. God didn't create you to be sheltered from all risks but for self-sacrifice, not self-preservation. The strength in giving of yourself brings far greater profit than many oxen.
Regarding the issue of a dirty house due to children, yes, having many children is a risk, but by God's grace, it is worth it. Having children does make it challenging to maintain a clean house. But, the point of the verse is not to encourage a dirty house or neglect good housekeeping.
Returning to verse 1, the wise woman builds her house, including maintaining the cleanliness of her home. There are numerous good biblical and natural reasons to keep a clean home. A dirty home invites sickness and disease. An unkempt home creates discomfort and a constant low level of anxiety. It's uninviting, making hospitality difficult, and is often in a state of disrepair, leading to higher long-term costs.
The Lord calls us to be good stewards of what He has given us. How then do you maintain a clean home with children? This requires wisdom. A wise woman teaches her children to clean up after themselves, to do chores, and to assist in cleaning. She manages her time well, prioritizing different tasks. The goal is not a spotless or sterile home, but a generally clean one. Seek advice from other women in the church, and be open to their feedback on your home's condition, adjusting your standards as necessary.
Finally, fathers, as the head of the household, can lead in maintaining cleanliness and order in at least four ways: 1) Teach children to assist their mother and set high standards for their chores. 2) Encourage wives to accept children's help, balancing high standards with patience for their growing abilities. 3) Maintain personal orderliness, setting a standard for cleanliness. Don’t throw your clothes everywhere, Don’t contribute to the problem. 4) Communicate expectations clearly to your wife and praise her for her efforts in maintaining the home.
Philippians 4
This chapter contains a very familiar verse: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice." This type of verse is often seen on a coffee mug, cross-stitched on a sweater, or displayed on a wall. It is frequently brought out when everything is going well. However, the Apostle Paul, in writing this verse, was addressing a church undergoing intense persecution. They faced attacks for their faith and the threat of imprisonment or even death. This external stress also led to internal conflict, as evidenced in verse 2, where several godly women were in dispute.
This context is vital for understanding the verse. Christians are called to be joyful and to rejoice in all things. How is this possible? What does this passage teach us about finding joy in all things? Firstly, we are to praise. "Rejoice and I say rejoice." When struggles arise, our first response should be to praise God. He is worthy. This becomes easier when we remember that God is near to us, not distant and unaware of our pain. He is the sovereign God, orchestrating our circumstances down to the finest details for His good purposes—His glory and our benefit. He is working to make us like Jesus.
Therefore, when trials occur, sing and shout. God is molding you into Christ's likeness, meaning these challenges serve as a sign of your future deliverance and inheritance.
Secondly, pray. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, we are to pray (verse 6). Worry arises when we forget who we are and who God is. It stems from thinking it's all up to us to solve every issue, which is a form of self-idolatry, subtly replacing God with ourselves. Scripture instructs us to approach the One in control with humility and thanksgiving, making our requests known to Him. Prayer demonstrates our trust in God.
Third, ponder the promises of God. Verse 8 encourages us to think about what is true and good. We are to meditate on God's promises. When life challenges us, we're tempted to focus solely on our problems. We dwell on the "what ifs" and "whatabouts," worst-case scenarios, and the lies of the devil—that God has forgotten us, is not in control, or is evil. However, if we meditate on what is true, we will remember God's promises. He is with us, not against us. He will never leave nor forsake us. He is in control and is doing good things.
One of these promises is that when we praise God instead of becoming bitter, pray instead of worry, and ponder truths instead of believing lies, the peace of God will guard our hearts. God's promise isn't necessarily that circumstances will change but that He will grant us a peace beyond all understanding. We will have an unshakeable joy that seems illogical to the faithless.
Lastly, practice the teachings modeled by the Apostles and other faithful saints. Observe how they maintained joy in difficult times and their patience. Follow the Apostle as he follows Christ. Practice what our Lord and Savior Jesus did during His suffering. Practice praising God. You will have moments of failure and struggle with anger or depression. But don't remain there. Don't stay in "doubting castle" under the watch of "Giant Despair." When you falter, use the key of faith to return to the right path. Persist in practicing for joy.
Remember the God of peace will be with you. That is reason enough to be joyful.
Psalm 101
Psalm 101: In this Psalm, David, the psalmist and king, speaks of his love for the praises of God and his hatred of the wicked. He has determined that in his house, the wicked shall not stand. He will be a man of integrity in his home. Those who deal in lies will be dealt with accordingly. He will not allow gossip or slander to infiltrate his home. He aims to rid his kingdom of evil so that the Lord may be praised.
There are several applications that arise from this passage. First and foremost, the Psalms of David find their greatest fulfillment not in David's time but in the time of Christ. David serves as a type of Christ. It is in Jesus that this Psalm finds its fullest meaning. Jesus is the King who will judge the wicked. He is holy and will not allow the wicked to stand. He is the one whom God has appointed to judge the world, and the proof of this is His resurrection. Those who slander, gossip, lie, and have a perverse and proud heart will find themselves opposed by Jesus. Now, when we read this, we immediately recognize the need to fall on our faces, begging Christ for forgiveness. We must seek His mercy and grace if we are to stand. To avoid being cut off, we must, by faith, lay hold of the righteousness of Christ.
Secondly, if we are in Christ, we will also follow His example. This Psalm becomes our prayer and goal. We will root out the evil in our hearts and our homes. In this way, this Psalm serves as an excellent instruction manual for fathers. You will want your home to be a place where Christ is praised, and evil is given no quarter.
Do not let lies or gossip permeate your home. Keep your eyes fixed on what is pure. Do not allow into your home those who dishonor God. Consider the ways they can enter: through your phone, your children's phones (question the wisdom of allowing a young, immature child to have one), your television, your computer, and the friends and acquaintances of your children. Do not tolerate this evil in the slightest.
Furthermore, do not tolerate pride and haughtiness. If the devil cannot corrupt you through evil deeds, he might do so through good deeds. You and your household will be tempted to be proud of your standards. Avoid being legalistic or harsh in your judgments of the standards other fathers set for their homes. You don’t want to raise rebellious and perverse children, but neither do you want to raise proud and arrogant children.
Root out both evils. Instead, fill your home with joy and the praise of God.
How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
Trinity Evangelical Church
Pastor Nate Harland
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of faith and hope, to intercede for Trinity Evangelical Church and its pastor, Nate Harland. Lord, we ask for Your continued guidance and blessings upon Pastor Harland. Grant him the wisdom, strength, and courage needed to shepherd Your people with grace and truth.
We pray for growth, both in number and spiritual maturity, within the congregation. May Your Spirit work powerfully in their midst, drawing more to the saving knowledge of Christ and deepening the faith of those already within the fold.
Lord, we ask for peace and purity within Trinity Evangelical Church. May they stand firm in unity, rooted in the truth of Your Word, and exhibit a purity of heart and action that honors You. Protect them from divisions, and let their conduct be a testament to Your transformative power.
We pray specifically for the men of this church. Raise them up as leaders in their families, the church, and the community. Equip them with discernment and strength to lead according to Your will, reflecting the character of Christ in all they do.
For the families of Trinity Evangelical Church, we ask that they be beacons of Your love and grace. May their homes be examples of Christian living, offering a glimpse of Your kingdom to the surrounding community.
Finally, Lord, guard this congregation against error and temptation. Keep them steadfast in Your truth, and protect them from the snares of falsehood and sin.
In all things, may Your will be done in Trinity Evangelical Church as it is in heaven. We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
The King’s Men and Daughters of the King
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
We come before You with hearts full of hope and gratitude, to lift up the youth ministries of Sovereign King Church: The King's Men and Daughters of the King. We pray for Assistant Pastor Greg Anglen and all the volunteers dedicated to guiding these young souls. Bless them with wisdom, patience, and the love that reflects Your heart, O Lord.
For The King's Men, we ask that You mold them into strong, godly men who will build Your kingdom. Guide them to combat the devil's schemes, protect the helpless, and lead with integrity in their families, church, and community. Instill in them a spirit of courage, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to Your Word.
For the Daughters of the King, we pray that they grow with gentle and quiet spirits, rooted in Your love. If it is Your will, prepare them to be loving wives and mothers, nurturing their families with devotion and grace. Protect them from the deceptions of worldly philosophies, and let them blossom into women of godly virtue and beauty.
Lord, in all their endeavors, may these young men and women find their strength and identity in You. Guide them to walk in the truth of Your Word, equipped to face life's challenges with a faith that cannot be shaken.
We entrust the future of these young believers to Your loving care. May they be lights in this world, shining with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
In His precious name, we pray. Amen.
Jeffersonville City Council Jacky Snelling
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today to pray for Jacky Snelling, the newly elected Councilman of Jeffersonville. Lord, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom to be upon him as he takes on this responsibility. Grant him the discernment to make decisions that align with Your will and the courage to stand firm in truth and righteousness.
Lord, strengthen Jacky Snelling to resist the temptations of worldly values and the devils lies. May he prioritize Your eternal principles over the shifting tides of public opinion. Lead him to a steadfast commitment to Your holy law and a life full of faith in Jesus Christ. Let his leadership be marked by integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice. May his decisions and actions be anchored in the firm foundation of Your Word, shining as a beacon of godly leadership in Jeffersonville. Equip him, O Lord, with strength and endurance to withstand the challenges and pressures of public office.
We also pray for his family, that they may be united and strong in faith. Protect them from harm and provide them with Your peace and comfort.
For Jeffersonville, we ask that Your presence be felt throughout the community. May the Gospel be clearly and boldly proclaimed, leading many to bow before Jesus Christ and to know the joy of the Lord.
May Your will be done in Jeffersonville, as it is in heaven, with Christ's lordship recognized in every aspect of life. We entrust Jacky Snelling and the community to Your sovereign care, praying in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, to whom be glory, honor, and power, forever and ever. Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Nicholas of Myra
December 6 326
Saint Nicholas was born circa 280 in Patara, Lycia, an area that is part of present-day Turkey. At the time, the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. He is reported to have used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. A devout Christian, Nicholas later served as the bishop of Myra, a city now known as Demre. His love for God and neighbor is illustrated through numerous stories.
One story tells of how he helped three poor sisters whose father did not have enough money to pay their dowries and contemplated selling them into servitude. Three times, Saint Nicholas secretly went to their house at night and placed a bag of money inside the house. The father used the money to provide a dowry for his daughter, enabling her to marry. On the third visit, the father saw Saint Nicholas and thanked him for his kindness. Nicholas also reportedly saved three men who were falsely imprisoned and sentenced to death.
Because of these and similar stories, Nicholas became a symbol of anonymous gift-giving. Hence, if we give a gift to someone today without saying whom it is from, it is sometimes called "a present from Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus)."
Some traditions state that Nicholas was imprisoned for his faith before the accession of Constantine. When Constantine became emperor, Nicholas was released with countless others and returned to his preaching, only to encounter a new threat: Arianism. According to one biographer, writing five centuries after Nicholas's death, "Thanks to the teaching of St. Nicholas, the metropolis of Myra alone was untouched by the filth of the Arian heresy, which it firmly rejected as a death-dealing poison." Other biographers claim Nicholas confronted the heresy of Arius, who denied the full divinity of Christ, in a more direct manner. He is said to have traveled to the Council of Nicea and slapped Arius in the face! This story is most likely fictitious, as there were good records of those present at the council and Saint Nicholas is not listed among them. Saint Nicholas is believed to have died on December 6, 343.
A prayer of thanksgiving for St. Nicholas
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, enkindle in your church the never-failing gift of charity, that, following the example of your servant Nicholas of Myra, we may have grace to deal in generosity and love with children and with all who are poor and distressed, and to uphold the cause of those who have no helper; for the sake of him who gave his life for us, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
Announcements for the Week of 12/04/2023- 12/09/2023
Prayer Concerns:
Schedule Updates and Events:
For more information and updates, please visit our website.
Proverbs 14:1-10
Luke 1:1-22
Philippians 4
Psalm 101
Verse to Memorize
Luke 1:13-16
Catechism Questions
Q. Who were the Prophets in the Old Testament?
A. The Prophets were holy men who spoke the words God gave them to speak to His people.
Q. What was the message of the Old Testament Prophets?
A. The Prophets rebuked the sins of the people, proclaimed to them the judgment of God, and foretold of the coming of the Messiah who is Christ Jesus.
Q. Who was the last prophet to foretell of Jesus Christ?
A. John the Baptist was the last and greatest of the prophets to come before Jesus. He was the forerunner of Christ who came to prepare the people to receive the Messiah.
Q. What was the message of John the Baptist?
A. Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
People to Pray for:
Church: Trinity Evangelical Church
Pastor Nate Harland
Ministry: The King’s Men and Daughters of the King
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville City Council
Jacky Snelling
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 14:1-10
Verse 1: “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” The Bible calls the woman the weaker sex, indicating that she is physically weaker than man. However, this does not mean that she lacks power. A woman possesses significant influence for both building up and destruction. A woman who loves the Lord can make a profound difference in her home, impacting countless future generations with her wisdom and love. Conversely, a foolish woman can destroy her home through selfishness, uncontrolled anger, faithless anxiety, nagging, pride, neglect, and carelessness, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake.
Wives, mothers, daughters, old women, young women, and girls, do not follow the path of the fool. I have often said that feminism destroys everything. Observing our culture and nation, we witness the story of the foolish woman tearing it down with her own hands. Yet, wise women have the faith to build.
Verse 4: "Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.” This passage is often misused to justify having a dirty house because of children. However, the point is not that the manger should remain unclean, but that profitable endeavors require hard work and entail risk. Having oxen necessitates work to keep the manger clean, but the work is worthwhile.
Good things demand effort and involve risk. Love, the greatest of these, often entails risk and work. For example, marriage opens you to the risk of being hurt through spousal abuse, infidelity, and divorce. To love your spouse is to be vulnerable to their sins. I am not advocating for enduring abuse, but rather acknowledging the uncertainty of the future in marriage. Make a wise choice, but understand the inherent risks.
Having children involves risks such as the potential death of your wife in childbirth, the birth of a child with defects, early death of a child, or a child growing up and rebelling against Christ. The more children you have, the greater the risk. Love means being vulnerable to pain. You could choose the feminist path and refuse to have children, or the MGTOW path and avoid marriage. Sure, the manger will be clean, and you won't experience certain pains, but you will miss the immense joy of true love for another. Moreover, such selfishness brings its own form of pain.
If you don't risk, you'll never experience the joy found in kissing a wife without shame, hearing your two-year-old say "I love you," watching with pride as your grown son holds his baby, and seeing others come to know Jesus. God didn't create you to be sheltered from all risks but for self-sacrifice, not self-preservation. The strength in giving of yourself brings far greater profit than many oxen.
Regarding the issue of a dirty house due to children, yes, having many children is a risk, but by God's grace, it is worth it. Having children does make it challenging to maintain a clean house. But, the point of the verse is not to encourage a dirty house or neglect good housekeeping.
Returning to verse 1, the wise woman builds her house, including maintaining the cleanliness of her home. There are numerous good biblical and natural reasons to keep a clean home. A dirty home invites sickness and disease. An unkempt home creates discomfort and a constant low level of anxiety. It's uninviting, making hospitality difficult, and is often in a state of disrepair, leading to higher long-term costs.
The Lord calls us to be good stewards of what He has given us. How then do you maintain a clean home with children? This requires wisdom. A wise woman teaches her children to clean up after themselves, to do chores, and to assist in cleaning. She manages her time well, prioritizing different tasks. The goal is not a spotless or sterile home, but a generally clean one. Seek advice from other women in the church, and be open to their feedback on your home's condition, adjusting your standards as necessary.
Finally, fathers, as the head of the household, can lead in maintaining cleanliness and order in at least four ways: 1) Teach children to assist their mother and set high standards for their chores. 2) Encourage wives to accept children's help, balancing high standards with patience for their growing abilities. 3) Maintain personal orderliness, setting a standard for cleanliness. Don’t throw your clothes everywhere, Don’t contribute to the problem. 4) Communicate expectations clearly to your wife and praise her for her efforts in maintaining the home.
Philippians 4
This chapter contains a very familiar verse: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice." This type of verse is often seen on a coffee mug, cross-stitched on a sweater, or displayed on a wall. It is frequently brought out when everything is going well. However, the Apostle Paul, in writing this verse, was addressing a church undergoing intense persecution. They faced attacks for their faith and the threat of imprisonment or even death. This external stress also led to internal conflict, as evidenced in verse 2, where several godly women were in dispute.
This context is vital for understanding the verse. Christians are called to be joyful and to rejoice in all things. How is this possible? What does this passage teach us about finding joy in all things? Firstly, we are to praise. "Rejoice and I say rejoice." When struggles arise, our first response should be to praise God. He is worthy. This becomes easier when we remember that God is near to us, not distant and unaware of our pain. He is the sovereign God, orchestrating our circumstances down to the finest details for His good purposes—His glory and our benefit. He is working to make us like Jesus.
Therefore, when trials occur, sing and shout. God is molding you into Christ's likeness, meaning these challenges serve as a sign of your future deliverance and inheritance.
Secondly, pray. Instead of succumbing to anxiety, we are to pray (verse 6). Worry arises when we forget who we are and who God is. It stems from thinking it's all up to us to solve every issue, which is a form of self-idolatry, subtly replacing God with ourselves. Scripture instructs us to approach the One in control with humility and thanksgiving, making our requests known to Him. Prayer demonstrates our trust in God.
Third, ponder the promises of God. Verse 8 encourages us to think about what is true and good. We are to meditate on God's promises. When life challenges us, we're tempted to focus solely on our problems. We dwell on the "what ifs" and "whatabouts," worst-case scenarios, and the lies of the devil—that God has forgotten us, is not in control, or is evil. However, if we meditate on what is true, we will remember God's promises. He is with us, not against us. He will never leave nor forsake us. He is in control and is doing good things.
One of these promises is that when we praise God instead of becoming bitter, pray instead of worry, and ponder truths instead of believing lies, the peace of God will guard our hearts. God's promise isn't necessarily that circumstances will change but that He will grant us a peace beyond all understanding. We will have an unshakeable joy that seems illogical to the faithless.
Lastly, practice the teachings modeled by the Apostles and other faithful saints. Observe how they maintained joy in difficult times and their patience. Follow the Apostle as he follows Christ. Practice what our Lord and Savior Jesus did during His suffering. Practice praising God. You will have moments of failure and struggle with anger or depression. But don't remain there. Don't stay in "doubting castle" under the watch of "Giant Despair." When you falter, use the key of faith to return to the right path. Persist in practicing for joy.
Remember the God of peace will be with you. That is reason enough to be joyful.
Psalm 101
Psalm 101: In this Psalm, David, the psalmist and king, speaks of his love for the praises of God and his hatred of the wicked. He has determined that in his house, the wicked shall not stand. He will be a man of integrity in his home. Those who deal in lies will be dealt with accordingly. He will not allow gossip or slander to infiltrate his home. He aims to rid his kingdom of evil so that the Lord may be praised.
There are several applications that arise from this passage. First and foremost, the Psalms of David find their greatest fulfillment not in David's time but in the time of Christ. David serves as a type of Christ. It is in Jesus that this Psalm finds its fullest meaning. Jesus is the King who will judge the wicked. He is holy and will not allow the wicked to stand. He is the one whom God has appointed to judge the world, and the proof of this is His resurrection. Those who slander, gossip, lie, and have a perverse and proud heart will find themselves opposed by Jesus. Now, when we read this, we immediately recognize the need to fall on our faces, begging Christ for forgiveness. We must seek His mercy and grace if we are to stand. To avoid being cut off, we must, by faith, lay hold of the righteousness of Christ.
Secondly, if we are in Christ, we will also follow His example. This Psalm becomes our prayer and goal. We will root out the evil in our hearts and our homes. In this way, this Psalm serves as an excellent instruction manual for fathers. You will want your home to be a place where Christ is praised, and evil is given no quarter.
Do not let lies or gossip permeate your home. Keep your eyes fixed on what is pure. Do not allow into your home those who dishonor God. Consider the ways they can enter: through your phone, your children's phones (question the wisdom of allowing a young, immature child to have one), your television, your computer, and the friends and acquaintances of your children. Do not tolerate this evil in the slightest.
Furthermore, do not tolerate pride and haughtiness. If the devil cannot corrupt you through evil deeds, he might do so through good deeds. You and your household will be tempted to be proud of your standards. Avoid being legalistic or harsh in your judgments of the standards other fathers set for their homes. You don’t want to raise rebellious and perverse children, but neither do you want to raise proud and arrogant children.
Root out both evils. Instead, fill your home with joy and the praise of God.
How to Pray for Those we are praying for:
Trinity Evangelical Church
Pastor Nate Harland
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of faith and hope, to intercede for Trinity Evangelical Church and its pastor, Nate Harland. Lord, we ask for Your continued guidance and blessings upon Pastor Harland. Grant him the wisdom, strength, and courage needed to shepherd Your people with grace and truth.
We pray for growth, both in number and spiritual maturity, within the congregation. May Your Spirit work powerfully in their midst, drawing more to the saving knowledge of Christ and deepening the faith of those already within the fold.
Lord, we ask for peace and purity within Trinity Evangelical Church. May they stand firm in unity, rooted in the truth of Your Word, and exhibit a purity of heart and action that honors You. Protect them from divisions, and let their conduct be a testament to Your transformative power.
We pray specifically for the men of this church. Raise them up as leaders in their families, the church, and the community. Equip them with discernment and strength to lead according to Your will, reflecting the character of Christ in all they do.
For the families of Trinity Evangelical Church, we ask that they be beacons of Your love and grace. May their homes be examples of Christian living, offering a glimpse of Your kingdom to the surrounding community.
Finally, Lord, guard this congregation against error and temptation. Keep them steadfast in Your truth, and protect them from the snares of falsehood and sin.
In all things, may Your will be done in Trinity Evangelical Church as it is in heaven. We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
The King’s Men and Daughters of the King
Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
We come before You with hearts full of hope and gratitude, to lift up the youth ministries of Sovereign King Church: The King's Men and Daughters of the King. We pray for Assistant Pastor Greg Anglen and all the volunteers dedicated to guiding these young souls. Bless them with wisdom, patience, and the love that reflects Your heart, O Lord.
For The King's Men, we ask that You mold them into strong, godly men who will build Your kingdom. Guide them to combat the devil's schemes, protect the helpless, and lead with integrity in their families, church, and community. Instill in them a spirit of courage, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to Your Word.
For the Daughters of the King, we pray that they grow with gentle and quiet spirits, rooted in Your love. If it is Your will, prepare them to be loving wives and mothers, nurturing their families with devotion and grace. Protect them from the deceptions of worldly philosophies, and let them blossom into women of godly virtue and beauty.
Lord, in all their endeavors, may these young men and women find their strength and identity in You. Guide them to walk in the truth of Your Word, equipped to face life's challenges with a faith that cannot be shaken.
We entrust the future of these young believers to Your loving care. May they be lights in this world, shining with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.
In His precious name, we pray. Amen.
Jeffersonville City Council Jacky Snelling
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today to pray for Jacky Snelling, the newly elected Councilman of Jeffersonville. Lord, we ask for Your guidance and wisdom to be upon him as he takes on this responsibility. Grant him the discernment to make decisions that align with Your will and the courage to stand firm in truth and righteousness.
Lord, strengthen Jacky Snelling to resist the temptations of worldly values and the devils lies. May he prioritize Your eternal principles over the shifting tides of public opinion. Lead him to a steadfast commitment to Your holy law and a life full of faith in Jesus Christ. Let his leadership be marked by integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice. May his decisions and actions be anchored in the firm foundation of Your Word, shining as a beacon of godly leadership in Jeffersonville. Equip him, O Lord, with strength and endurance to withstand the challenges and pressures of public office.
We also pray for his family, that they may be united and strong in faith. Protect them from harm and provide them with Your peace and comfort.
For Jeffersonville, we ask that Your presence be felt throughout the community. May the Gospel be clearly and boldly proclaimed, leading many to bow before Jesus Christ and to know the joy of the Lord.
May Your will be done in Jeffersonville, as it is in heaven, with Christ's lordship recognized in every aspect of life. We entrust Jacky Snelling and the community to Your sovereign care, praying in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, to whom be glory, honor, and power, forever and ever. Amen.
Church History Spotlight
Nicholas of Myra
December 6 326
Saint Nicholas was born circa 280 in Patara, Lycia, an area that is part of present-day Turkey. At the time, the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. He is reported to have used his inheritance to help the poor and sick. A devout Christian, Nicholas later served as the bishop of Myra, a city now known as Demre. His love for God and neighbor is illustrated through numerous stories.
One story tells of how he helped three poor sisters whose father did not have enough money to pay their dowries and contemplated selling them into servitude. Three times, Saint Nicholas secretly went to their house at night and placed a bag of money inside the house. The father used the money to provide a dowry for his daughter, enabling her to marry. On the third visit, the father saw Saint Nicholas and thanked him for his kindness. Nicholas also reportedly saved three men who were falsely imprisoned and sentenced to death.
Because of these and similar stories, Nicholas became a symbol of anonymous gift-giving. Hence, if we give a gift to someone today without saying whom it is from, it is sometimes called "a present from Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus)."
Some traditions state that Nicholas was imprisoned for his faith before the accession of Constantine. When Constantine became emperor, Nicholas was released with countless others and returned to his preaching, only to encounter a new threat: Arianism. According to one biographer, writing five centuries after Nicholas's death, "Thanks to the teaching of St. Nicholas, the metropolis of Myra alone was untouched by the filth of the Arian heresy, which it firmly rejected as a death-dealing poison." Other biographers claim Nicholas confronted the heresy of Arius, who denied the full divinity of Christ, in a more direct manner. He is said to have traveled to the Council of Nicea and slapped Arius in the face! This story is most likely fictitious, as there were good records of those present at the council and Saint Nicholas is not listed among them. Saint Nicholas is believed to have died on December 6, 343.
A prayer of thanksgiving for St. Nicholas
Let your continual mercy, O Lord, enkindle in your church the never-failing gift of charity, that, following the example of your servant Nicholas of Myra, we may have grace to deal in generosity and love with children and with all who are poor and distressed, and to uphold the cause of those who have no helper; for the sake of him who gave his life for us, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever.
Announcements for the Week of 12/04/2023- 12/09/2023
Prayer Concerns:
- Expectant Mothers: Special prayers requested for Shawn Crone, Brittany McKinney, Chelsea Mix, Rowina Spurgeon, and Maddie Sands.
- The McKinney Family: No Babies yet!!! But the McKinney’s are in the midst of moving!! They could really use some help as they move and work on their new forever home 😊 Meals would ease some of the pressure. Also if there’s some handymen with some extra time on their hands this next week that would be amazing too as some repairs to the new house need to be completed. Contact Jake for that. 1-502-762-6868
- Sickness: Colds, Flus, and Virus, Oh my! It is that time of the year when we are reminded of how frail we are and how good chicken noodle soup is. Please be in prayer for all those who are fighting off sicknesses. Let us also remember all the good and wise things about dealing with these sicknesses. Wash your hands, get plenty of rest, work overtime to keep your house clean, and if you have something that you know is catchy, stay home and so the rest of us don’t catch it. But at the same time, don’t be afraid to come back to worship as soon as you can. Don’t let the Sunday Morning Sickness (the kind that only comes on Sunday morning and only lasts till Sunday after church time) keep you from worship.
Schedule Updates and Events:
- SKC Ladies Mug Exchange: December 13th 6:30-8:30 What would be Christmas without giving a sister in Christ a new coffee mug to use the whole year long. Stay tuned for more details.
- Christmas Caroling: Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, and Hot Chocolate. Join us as we bring Christmas cheer to the neighbors surrounding the church. Two different dates to join in the fun. December 16 Time:5-6pm Location: SKC Mr . Adams will pass out song books and lead us on our route please bring the family and join us as we exalt Christ among our neighbors. December 23 Time :5-6pm Location: The Nolans 828 mechanic st 47130 Mr. Proud provide us with song books and lead us on our route . Hot chocolate and fellowship at the Nolans : 6-7pm
- Genevan Pub- Book and Bottle Exchange: December 17 4-8PM. Join the men of Sovereign King Church as we finish up our discussion on Covenant Theology. Bring a book and your favorite beer to exchange with the other men in a white elephant style Christmas exchange-just don’t bring Bud Lite or Your Best Life Now.
- City Council Outreach: December 18 7-8PM. At the city council meeting, get up to date with all the latest going on in Jeffersonville while also getting to know who our civil magistrates are. Talk to Justin Govanus for more details.
- The King’s Men and Daughters of the King: December 20 We are exploring the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Suitable for children aged 5 and up. Please check the student ministry page for all memorization assignments: Sovereign King Church Student Ministry.
- SKC Academy Informational Meeting: After several years of planning, we are ready to host our first informational meetings about The Sovereign King Academy! At this meeting, Pastor Greg will share vital details about the Academy including its: mission & vision; scope and sequence; format; and projected tuition costs. Please feel free to share this information with like-minded friends and family who may also be interested in the program or who might like more information, but please don't post it for the general public. Sunday, Dec. 10 @1pm. There will be food and childcare provided at both meetings for those who need it. Please register for the meeting date that you are able to attend and let us know how many will be with you so that we can plan accordingly.
For more information and updates, please visit our website.