A Most Appropriate Labor Day Weekend Worship Topic

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Subject: A Most Appropriate Labor Day Weekend Worship Topic

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LOVING GOD IS LABOR-INTENSIVE

Dear Friends:

WELL, IT HAS TO END SOMETIME. And as it does every year, many people consider this weekend to be the end of summer. One last fling to wherever, one last road trip to somewhere, one more time for us to get together with some folks before the fall arrives (even though the autumnal equinox does not fall for a little while.)

This weekend's observation, Labor Day, I have come to realize, is much like many other days set aside on our calendars in that we use it as an excuse to take a day off, have a party, and relax. Little if no attention is paid to the fact this day is set aside to celebrate the contributions of the laborer to American society.

Ironic, isn't it, that we celebrate labor by not laboring?

Well, I'm old-school enough to know there are few things in life that bring satisfaction like working hard to achieve something worthwhile, something that bring benefit to ourselves and others. Some may tell you, and not without good reason in some cases, that hard work is out of fashion and what our society needs most is a return to some good, old-fashioned blue-collar work ethic.

On this, I would extend the sentiment to our faith.

Sometimes, dear friends, I believe we want all the benefits of being a disciple of Christ without putting in the time and effort it takes to truly revel in all that God has in store for those who choose to follow Christ.

This Sunday we will look at the reality that LOVING GOD IS LABOR INTENSIVE (but SO worth it!) Through these words of scripture, we might, just might, recapture the awesome task before us while also realizing that we labor in this venture not in vain, nor alone, but with the love of God, the peace of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit! Make no mistake about it, James places a high bar before us, but we know that while the price is high, the payoff is higher. Nothing more and nothing less than the integrity of our faith is riding on how we hear and respond to James' challenge; let us never forget our is a formidable - BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE - sacred labor.

Bring a friend and join us @ 10:00 this Sunday morning!

Grace and Peace, Lamar

SCRIPTURE LESSON

James 1:17-27

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

You must understand this, my beloved:

let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.

Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.

But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.

If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

406 Shirley St, DeRidder, LA 70634, United States

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Subject: A Most Appropriate Labor Day Weekend Worship Topic