What is holding you back?

This is a question from Bob Goff in the latest of his books we are reading. It seems to me to be a very valuable question that we need to ask ourselves. The writer of Hebrews says it this way. ”Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart". (Hebrews 12:1-3)

We have a perfect example of going all in to please God. As fellow believers, we can strive to follow that example the best we can. In 1st John we read that all have sinned and fall short of Gods wish for our life.

We cannot change yesterday or any time before that, but today is the first day of the rest of our lives. We can begin again because He has promised us that if we call on His name, our past is forgiven and we are new creatures in Him. Not a promise that we won’t sin again, but we have an advocate with God, the Holy Spirit.

He works in our lives to help us overcome the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life”. The task that is before us is to not let the past drag us down but to look forward to fulfilling His commandment to us” as I have loved you, so love one another”.



In 2nd Peter 1:5-10 we can read some of the formula for applying His love in every situation. “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self- control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful, in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sin. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you, for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble.”

My prayer for you and for me is that we may practice these things on a daily basis as we walk and love Him who gives us eternal life.

IN THE POWER OF HIS LOVE,

Bob

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• Please pray for Dave, he has a bad cold. Gary & Shirley are also sick. ~ Marla
• Pray for all those in our church family who currently have Covid.
• Please pray for God's love to work in our hearts and be evident to even hard, little hearts of kids in our clubs who think praising God is looney. ~ Goodman's
• Pray for my back to recover and for Mom's foot as well (and that she wouldn't hurt herself trying to compensate for my back) ~ Jennifer

Sunday December 11th @ 5:30pm

First Christian Church, The Dalles

Livestream on YouTube ~ click here

FREE CONCERT

Donations will be accepted to further this ministry

Childcare NOT available

Calling all cookie bakers!

We are having a reception following the cantata on Sunday December 11th. If you can help provide cookies please contact Barbara Thomas at 541-296-1234

Rooted Outreach

Saturday December 3rd

Grace House is heading up an outreach to the homeless in Portland on Saturday December 3rd. They are looking for donations of hats, gloves, socks & coats to hand out to those in need. Bring your donations to the box in the Fireside Room.

On your mark...Get ready...Get set...

Just five short weeks until 4 NEW choices for Adult Sunday School

New classes begin January 8th

Class 101 is our basics class about the church, church membership and how it operates. Class 101 teaches you all about what it looks like to follow Christ and give you the tools you need for each step of the journey.

Class 101 begins January 8th during the Sunday School hour at 9:15am.

Missionary Updates: Sam Owen, John Livingston Family, David Moore Family

Sam Owen, Kenya

Following Sam’s visit to the US, including his time with First Christian, Sam returned to Kenya and had extensive foot surgery repairing toes and removing bone spurs. Following 6 weeks of having his foot elevated there will be 6 more weeks of recovery time. He is very thankful that a visiting foot surgeon was able to do the repair work necessary.

Praise for the smooth transition in Kenya following their elections.

Also Sam is praising God in using him to make some strategic connections between Jesus

followers and those in government to touch lives with those who model Christ’s kingdom and can influence the country.

David and Denise Moore Firm Foundations in Christ Ministries

Prayer for ongoing relationship with their son Andrew, whose time in the wilderness therapy

program is ending and decisions about the next steps forward need to be made.

Prayer for David’s upcoming role change in the FFICM organization.

John and Yoriko Livingston. International Students Inc.

Praise God for being sent to such a fertile missions field! From knowing no one a year ago they now have so many relationships with students and doors continuing to open that they are praying for more workers to serve along side with them.

After working almost exclusively with University of Kentucky students God has given them a

contact at Centre College. They ask prayer for a chance to have more impact there.

Pray for the new connections with many young Japanese families who are moving into the area to work for Toyota. Yoriko is meeting with the young wives and mothers as John is developing friendships with the men.

Christmas Eve Service

December 24th ~ 5pm

Be sure to come and join us for our Christmas Eve service at 5pm. What a great time to bring our families to worship the King and get together with the family of God to celebrate the Christ Child!

December - February copies of Our Daily Bread are available at the Ushers Table in the back of the sanctuary.

www.fcctd.org