Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.
Adventures in Faith-Walking
When the Times of Testing Come
Resources
Speaker
Lindsey PrattLindsey Pratt was called to youth ministry at an early age and God has opened doors for her to minster with teens and youth ever since. She worked in Central California as a Youth Pastor and Youth Evangelism Director before finishing her Masters of Divinity at Andrews University. Some of her favorite things to do are mission trips, backpacking and outdoor activities. She is passionate about giving opportunity for youth to use their talents and gifts in leadership for God. She loves racing in triathlons, camping and spending time with her daughter Ellie.
Offering
More In This Series
OPENING MUSIC
“Prelude in Classic Style” • Gordon Young
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Elder
HYMN OF PRAISE
“Holy, Holy, Holy” • 73
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
“Be Thou My Vision” • 547, st. 1
Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Elder
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“It Is Well With My Soul” • Philip Bliss / Jamison Moore
OFFERTORY
“Variations on Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” • Albert Travis
CHILDREN’S STORY & PRAYER
Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Elder
SCRIPTURE READING
Exodus 14:13 NIV
Margaret Howell, Pioneer Member
HYMN OF PREPARATION
“O for That Flame of Living Fire” • 264
MESSAGE
“Adventures in Faith-Walking: When the Times of Testing Come”
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
HYMN OF COMMITMENT
“Father, Lead Me Day by Day” • 482
BENEDICTION
CLOSING MUSIC
“Variations on Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” • Albert Travis
OPENING MUSIC
“Prelude in Classic Style” • Gordon Young
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Elder
HYMNS OF PRAISE
“The Lord in Zion Reigneth” • 7
“Holy, Holy, Holy” • 73
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Elder
BABY DEDICATION
Lia D. Ruiz Espinoza and Mia R. Ruiz Espinoza, presented by David Ruiz Cach and Juanita Espinoza Vasquez with Rodle Ortiz
WORSHIP IN MUSIC
“It Is Well With My Soul” • Philip Bliss / Jamison Moore
OFFERTORY
“Variations on Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” • Albert Travis
CHILDREN’S STORY & PRAYER
Jonathan Burt, Pioneer Elder
HYMN OF PRAISE
“The Lord Is My Light” • 515
SCRIPTURE READING
Exodus 14:13 NIV
Margaret Howell, Pioneer Member
PRAISE
“Be Thou My Vision” • 547
MESSAGE
“Adventures in Faith-Walking: When the Times of Testing Come”
Lindsey Pratt, Associate Pastor
CLOSING SONG
“Father, Lead Me Day by Day” • 482
BLESSING
CLOSING MUSIC
“Variations on Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” • Albert Travis
Michigan Advance Partners
Author Melvin Santos Speaking: For the longest time, in my early years, I quietly disagreed with this Bible passage in Acts 20, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).
I wondered how people can say, “I receive a blessing when I give.” On the contrary, in my younger years, I always enjoyed receiving gifts. To pay for the gift and give it to someone wouldn’t bring me joy. That would cost me time and money.
When I fell in love, got married, and had children, I finally learned that when you’re in love, there is a greater joy in giving gifts to your wife and children. I would do anything for them because I love them.
Then I understood that this is the Spirit of Christ, who sacrificed all to share His love with us. When I participate in giving, or helping someone in need who cannot reciprocate the deed or pay me back, I’m sharing the love of Jesus. Now, that’s the heart of Jesus.
Just seeing the smiles on my family’s faces was enough for me to experience this passage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Today, let’s share our gifts with a generous heart.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries