The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.  Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV)

Life is woven together with good days and troublesome days. The good times are easy to navigate, but it is during the tough times that our faith is put to the test. Troubles will come our way, but what is important is how we handle them and where we put our hope and trust.

We do have choices. We can hit the panic button or lose sleep from worrying. Or we can turn to our trusted Friend, God our heavenly Father, Who is always ready to listen to those who seek Him. In Him is our hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23 NIV).

I sought the LORD and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4 NIV).

• We seek comfort together with Pastor Paul & Lynne Kelm as the Lord has called their son, Peter, into eternal life. Here even in our grief the resurrection of God’s Son from the grave holds us because we know we know that he has now experienced the very message which he has preached, salvation through faith in Jesus.  As Paul writes, “You do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”  Lord, give Pete’s family, and especially Angie and the children, strength and courage.
• We join Brian and Heidi Henke in celebration of their 35^th Wedding Anniversary and ask that you keep them in your love, blessing their family over and over again. Lead them by your Word to build on Your unconditional love. May this be one of many milestones along the path of life together in Your grace.
• As we continue to remember the heart ache and devastation left by Hurricane Harvey, and as we are aware of the threat and destruction of Hurricane Irma, we seek your compassion on the many impacted by these storms. Grant strength to those who are suffering and safety to those who are attending to their needs. We pray that more people will learn of you and rely upon you, not only for their temporary needs, but especially for their eternal needs. Open the door for God’s people to show your love and share your love and thereby draw more people into your secure family of faith.
• We ask for your continued healing for Sue Wimmer, Sharon Kirsch, and Ruth Goeden who are in various stages of recovery.
• Lord God, we come to your throne of mercy, remembering the calamity that came upon our nation as we recognize the 16^th Anniversary of the attack of 9/11. You are the Lord of life and death, and so we ask for your ongoing protection upon our nation. Turn the hearts of people to You, that many more will find strength and encouragement and true peace through the saving work of Jesus. We also seek throughout our nation wise counsel, calm thinking and unselfish leadership. In all situations, help each of us to trust you and to confess you, for the sake of Jesus.

Atlanta, Ga., mission – Lord God, as Christians gather to start a new congregation in the city of Atlanta, we pray that you would use this church to welcome the community to the wonders of your gospel. We ask that you would unite the members in Atlanta for the work you have given them and embolden them to proclaim the truth of your salvation, that there may be a resurgence of believers there. Amen.