“I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord. “ I am sure these words express the desire of all who are present here today. May God minister to every heart.
Israel recently launched a major ground attack on Hamas in Gaza, with the initial focus centered on the under-ground tunnels near the border. This move was unanimously approved by the Israeli security cabinet, and the offensive will be expanded as needed, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Unlike the great “Iron Dome,” Israel’s technology has yet to credibly counter the underground tunnel network. But it is only one part of the ground mission. The other aspect is to stretch Hamas’s ranks thin, deplete the rocket stores, and squeeze the Islamist organization so that reasonable demands can be discussed in an effort to bring peace to the region.
Hamas is a sovereign terror organization in Gaza that repeatedly harasses Israel. They have vowed that Israel will pay a hefty price for sending in its troops. They are also rejecting ceasefire proposals. A number of Hamas fighters were killed so far and others were captured. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has suffered the loss of a few of its soldiers. Other IDF soldiers sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Israel has called out over 18,000 reserve troops to join in the battle.
As God’s people, we have a divine mandate to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. We cannot afford to fail in this very important duty, especially in light of the continuing crisis.
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
1. G.I. & N.I MINISTRY MEETING
This evening, 5:00 p.m.
2. LUNCH HOUR & EVENING WARFARE PRAYER
Wednesday, 12:00 noon—Lunch Hour Warfare
Prayer. 5:30 p.m.—Evening Warfare Prayer in
preparation for our upcoming Savan Outreach.
3. CHOIR PRACTICE
Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
4. PRAYER HOUR
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. –8:00 a.m.
5. NEXT SUNDAY
Worship & Ministry, 9:00 a.m.
Communion served during service.
Kingdom Men Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Minister Judy Turnbull of Sounds of Jubilee Ministries, Inc. will be hosting an Evening of Prayer, Praise, and Worship here at F.E.A. on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.
Ebenezer Baptist Church is having their SurvivOR Camping experience for youth and young-adults from Thursday, July 31—Sunday, August 3, 2014. You can register online at embcsurvivor.org. (See flyer in bulletin board for more details.)
CONDOLENCES
Apostle Edghill and Pastor Emily, along with the entire F.E.A. family, express our deepest condolences to Sis. Swift and family on the passing of her sister. May God comfort and strengthen you in this difficult hour.
COMMUNION ON THE MOON
APOLLO 11 LANDED ON THE SURFACE OF THE MOON ON SUNDAY, JULY 20, 1969. MOST OF US ARE FAMILIAR WITH ARMSTRONG’S HISTORIC STATEMENT AS HE STEPPED ONTO THE MOON’S SURFACE: “THAT’S ONE SMALL STEP FOR A MAN; ONE GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND.” BUT FEW KNOW ABOUT THE FIRST MEAL EATEN THERE.
BUZZ ALDRIN HAD BROUGHT ABOARD THE SPACECRAFT A TINY COMMUNION KIT PROVIDED BY HIS CHURCH. ALDRIN SENT A RADIO BROADCAST TO EARTH ASKING LISTENERS TO CONTEMPLATE THE EVENTS OF THAT DAY AND GIVE THANKS.
THEN, IN RADIO BLACKOUT FOR PRIVACY, ALDRIN POURED WINE INTO A SILVER CHALICE. HE READ, “I AM THE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES. HE WHO ABIDES IN ME, AND I IN HIM, BEARS MUCH FRUIT” (JOHN 15:5). SILENTLY, HE GAVE THANKS AND PARTOOK OF THE BREAD AND CUP.
GOD IS EVERYWHERE, AND OUR WORSHIP SHOULD REFLECT THIS REALITY. IN PSALM 139 WE ARE TOLD THAT WHEREVER WE GO, GOD IS INTIMATELY PRESENT WITH US. BUZZ ALDRIN CELEBRATED THAT EXPERIENCE ON THE SURFACE OF THE MOON. THOUSANDS OF MILES FROM EARTH, HE TOOK TIME TO COMMUNE WITH THE ONE WHO CREATED, REDEEMED, AND FELLOWSHIPPED WITH HIM.
ARE YOU FAR FROM HOME? DO YOU FEEL AS IF YOU’RE ON A MOUNTAINTOP OR IN A DARK VALLEY? NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SITUATION, GOD’S FELLOWSHIP IS ONLY A PRAYER AWAY. —Dennis Fisher
God’s presence with us in one of His greatest presents to us.