RECAP: LIGHT FOR THE PATH based on Psalm 119:9-16, 97-105
We wander through life as human beings, searching for meaning. We want a life that is fulfilling, that at the end of the day, we can look back and say “I have lived.” But how do we know the right way? How can we navigate life in a way that honors God and brings us fulfillment in life? How do we stay on the right path? We need to look in the same direction as David did–look to the Word!
- Live according to the Word (119:9-10). The Bible is all the instruction we need to live a godly life. Do we believe that God’s Word is powerful? That it is all we need? God is not a trickster; what he says is true will always be. All we need to live successfully is in the Bible; it’s up to listen to its guidance, to not turn to the right or left, but carefully follow its teaching.
- Memorize the Word (119:11). The Hebrew people committed to putting Scripture to song so they can more readily memorize. They did so because it is easier to recall when it is deep in our heart. We all have seasons we might face confusion or uncertainty; but if we know the Word, the memory can reorient us in the correct direction!
- Make study of the Word a regular practice (119:12-16). We all feed ourselves, for without food and drink, we cannot survive. Food gives us the nourishment we need to be healthy and strong. The same is true spiritually; we need a steady diet of the Word of God in order to be healthy and strong! We cannot neglect the Word; whatever we feed grows, but whatever we starve also dies. If we don’t regularly study the Word, we cut ourselves off from the very words of life.
- Meditate upon the Word (119:97-101). To meditate is to regularly bring to the forefront of our mind in the exact same manner as a cow that chews its cud! Time must be intentional, whether it is listening to Scripture in the car, or listening to praise and worship music and having a regular schedule of devotions. One of the most important things we can do is meditate on God’s Word!
- Remain faithful to the Word (119:102-104). It does not good to read the Word and ignore its teaching. We must be obedient to what we learn. The more we spend time in the Word, the more we recognize counterfeit voices that try to change the standard. And the more we spend time in the Word, the more likely we will follow it.
What are the benefits to a regular study of the Word?
We can live a pure life. We don’t have to live with regret. We can resist sin, for we have the same weapon that Jesus used against Satan in the wilderness to cut through deceit and lies. We can experience a rich and full life, anchored in God. We can gain wisdom and understanding, the ability to see all and know the way of God. And we have clarity of direction, for the Word is a light for our path!
Questions for Reflection
1) Do you have a regular study time in the Word? If not, how can you develop a regular study time?
2) What is your favorite Scripture you rely on in seasons of trouble? How is it an anchor for you?
3) What Scriptures can you memorize this week to help you grow in your faith?
4) Does your life reflect your belief in the Word? If not, what adjustments can you make?
Upcoming Service
This Sunday, Pastor Ryan will conclude the study in the discipline of study with the sermon titled, “Know the Truth”, based on 2 Timothy 2:14-15, 3:1-5, and 3:16-4:5. Why is it important to study and know the Word? What challenges could we face if we do not? Come or tune in Sunday to find out!
Daily Bible Readings for June 20 – 26
June 20: Jeremiah 31:31-34 How should we handle the Word of God?
June 21: Matthew 5:17-20 What is the power and importance of the Word of God?
June 22: Matthew 13:1-23 Why is it important to rightly handle the Word of God?
June 23: Matthew 23:1-39 Why is it important for the Word of God to change our heart?
June 24: Ephesians 6:10-18 What is the power behind the Word of God?
June 25: Hebrews 4:1-16 What is the power of the Word? Why is it important to obey?
June 26: 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Why should we carefully study and follow the Word?
This Week’s Events:
Sunday, June 25–Outdoor Worship & Communion
Sunday, June 25–Summer Vespers @ 6 pm
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, July 2–First Sunday Breakfast @ 8:45 am
Sunday, July 2–Get Out Of Your Head Bible Study Resumes, 4 pm
Sunday, August 13–Children’s Church begins
Announcements:
Study– Spiritual Discipline Challenge
This week, your challenge is to read the entire book of Ephesians (six chapters). For each chapter you read, answer the following questions:
1) What is something new you learned in the reading today?
2) How is the passage challenging you to grow in your faith?
3) How can you better live out your faith in light of what you just read?
VESPERS
We will have our first Vespers of the summer this Sunday, June 25, at 6 pm. We will have a simple meal together, sing some camp-song favorites, have a fellowship activity, and share together in God’s Word. These have been very enjoyable in the past, so I encourage you to come attend!
BIRTHDAYS NEEDED!
If you are a newer attendee at Beaver Creek, please call the office or leave in the offering plate your birth date so we do not miss anyone!
Call for Worship Leaders and Children’s Story
We are in need of both worship leaders and children’s storytellers. If you would like to serve, contact Alice Over (worship leading) or Phyllis Simmons (children’s story).
Call to Prayer
Let us continue to pray for our nation in the following ways:
1) National return to God
2) Repentance of personal sin
3) Repentance of corporate sin
4) Healing for the brokenness of relationships
5) Our leaders
6) Revival
7) Guidance for our congregation in the days ahead
Idea Box!
What do you want to see at Beaver Creek? What are some ideas you have for the long-term growth of our congregation? Any outrageous outreach ideas? Please either email Pastor Ryan or write them down and place them in the brown suggestion box in the narthex. Dream big!
Nursery
The Christian Education Team is looking for six to eight volunteers for the nursery during the Sunday School hour and church hour. There will be a signup sheet in the back. If you would be willing to volunteer to allow our families to be able to participate in worship, please let one of the members of Christian Education know (Theresa Eckard, Scott McAvoy, Becky Whitmore), or sign up on the signup sheet!
Sight & Sound Interest
The Fidelis class is looking at sponsoring a church-wide trip to Sight & Sound in 2024. But before the class can investigate bus prices and total cost, we want to gauge the true interest in the church. We have had several express interest and are trying to the best package for us as a church body. If you are interested and would like to be considered for this one-day event next year, please contact the office or let Pastor Ryan know in the next few weeks.
Four Ways to Give!
1) Mail your tithe into the church office
2) Drop it by the church office on Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am – 1 pm
3) Our online giving platform: https://beavercreekchurchva.churchcenter.com/giving
4) Drop off in the offering plate on Sunday!
Prayer Needs
Continue to Keep in Prayer our members in Skilled Care Facilities: Mary G Miller, Shirley Miller & Carolyn Wine
Eddie Baker (health)
Terri Burkholder (health)
Deanne Dastoli (health)
Patsy Dastoli (health)
Elijah Tucker Dean (health)
Natalie Dodge (health)
Bill Eckard (health)
Emma Eckard (safe travels)
John Fix (addiction)
Cindy Heatwole (health)
Bob Hess (health)
Darlene LaPrade (health)
Lynne Lent (health)
Alma Long (health & recovery)
Mark Martin (health)
Barbara Meadows (health)
Betty Miller (health)
Norlen Miller (health)
Mary G Miller (health)
Mary M Miller (health)
Savannah Miller (health)
Tami Plaugher (health)
Norma Samalot (health)
Ann Simmons (health)
Crystal Smith (health)
Whitmore family (house)
Mary Whitmore (health)
Cindy Wittig (health)
Shelvy Wittig (health)
Pastor Ryan Cooper
Beaver Creek Church