This is the week we start James! The text is James 1:1-4, in which James immediately counsels us to count it all joy when we meet with trials of various kinds.
For the visual theme we’ve chosen muddy paths in beautiful places, because that’s often how it feels:
The worship theme is ‘Joy in the Midst of Sorrow’
Here is the link to the Youtube playlist: 150118 Heart Prep
Job 1:20-21 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
James 1:1-4 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Be Still My Soul – Hymn #343
1 Peter 4:12-16 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
He Giveth More Grace. – Hymn #415
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms – Hymn #354
Offertory:
Blessings
Benedictions:
Like a River Glorious – Hymn #494
