Isaiah 30:1-2 "Woe to the rebellious children," says the LORD, "Who take counsel, but not of Me, And who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, That they may add sin to sin; Who walk to go down to Egypt, And have not asked My advice, To strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, And to trust in the shadow of Egypt!"

On January 20th, planners and strategists, committees, and groups will all work together to implement the final transition of power from President Trump to President Biden. Once in office, Joe Biden will begin implementing plans he has been forming with his team, plans to address the Coronavirus, plans to implement new policies, plans to install new people in positions of power. It takes an enormous amount of planning to execute the job of United States President effectively. But just because neither you nor I have been elected as President doesn't mean we can live without planning.

We too set down and carry out plans for our lives. Some of our plans are grand and great, involving large projects we hope to accomplish. Other plans are small and minute, day to day plans that take place around the mundanes of life. But we must remember that all our plans whether they are plans that an inauguration committee has worked on and coordinated for months, or small mundane plans you set for your life day by day, will prove successful only as those plans are blessed by God.

A brief look at history confirms the need of taking God as our moment by moment advisor. Israel was defeated by the small city of Ai, simply because they didn't ask God for direction before attacking. Abraham's home was broken and filled with sorrow because he followed his own plans to accomplish God's promise when he married Hagar and had Ishmail. Defeat could have been avoided, and family pain averted, had Israel and Abraham only made a single change -- to lay their plans at God's feet and to seek His direction and approval.

What would happen in our life, if we also sought first for God's advice?

Topic: Testimonies & Prayer For A New Year

For more great resources on prayer visit: https://www.revivalandreformation.org/prayer

Oregon Conference Virtual Vespers: Exhaustion. Division. Uncertainty. Fear. These words are all too familiar to many of us. When the world presents us with challenges, the scriptures call us to Turn Our Eyes Upon Jesus. That's why we're gathering together as one Oregon Conference family for online worship. Live from Gladstone, President Dan Linrud will lead us in inspiration, worship, and prayer as we refocus our eyes on the Son of God. Join us online (Facebook or YouTube) on Friday, January 22 at 7 PM to worship.

Please sit only in the pews with the red bows for physical distancing; due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; thank you ~

Impact Your Health PDX: FREE JumpStart Your Immunity Livestream Seminar! Sponsored by Impact Your Health Portland. January 15 - January 24. Learn eight easy steps to boost your immune system PLUS learn quick and easy tips to naturally treat common ailments. Sign up at: https://jsi.impacthealthpdx.com.

Religious Liberty Sabbath: Every year on the third Sabbath in January, Seventh-day Adventists take time to remember the God-given gift of religious freedom. Please prayerfully consider giving a generous offering next Sabbath and show support for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. Thank you & God bless.

2021 Devotional Books: The devotional books for 2021 are available to order through the church. Order forms are available in the church lobby, and you get a discount when you order through the church. Please turn in your order forms soon; offer expires 1/31/21.

Church Business Meeting: Our next church business meeting is on January 23, 2021 at 5:00 pm. We will have a vespers and then begin the meeting. We will be choosing our Sanctuary flooring together, and also voting on a new mission statement among other items. Please plan to attend this important meeting.

Greeters Needed: If you would like to help with this ministry, please email pastor@stonetowersda.org, or secretary@stonetowersda.org.

Sabbath School: Adult lessons are on the table in the foyer, one per person please; they are also online at: https://absg.adventist.org/. Children's lessons are also online at: https://aplacetodosomething.com/. 

Donation Receipts: Please be sure to pick up your 2020 donation receipts, which will be available in the church lobby immediately after the church service. If you donated tithes and offerings in 2020 to Stone Tower, there will be a receipt available for you.