A Weekly Devotion from

Pastor RJ

**Endurance in Suffering:

Trusting God's Purpose**

Suffering, though painful, is not without purpose. In Romans 5:3-4, Paul writes, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." This passage reminds us that through our trials, God is shaping us for greater spiritual maturity.

In Psalm 34:18, David assures us, "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Even in our deepest pain, God is intimately present, offering comfort and redemption. This promise is echoed in Isaiah 43:2, where God declares, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you."

Jesus Himself exemplified suffering in the ultimate act of love on the cross. Hebrews 12:2 urges us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Through His suffering, Jesus brought salvation and eternal hope to all who believe.

As we endure trials, let us cling to these truths: suffering refines us, draws us closer to God, and strengthens our faith. Let us trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He uses all things for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

A Church Group Photo

Sept. 29th after church

Get your new blue

t-shirt at the office.

We want you there!

FPCL July 2024 Operating Account from your Finance and Property Committee:

Prayers for our church friends:

Paul Young, Ida Canal, John Weber family, McCarl family, Dorothy Umstot, Keith Wood, Bob Averitt, Dave and Karen Deskins, Peggy Haines, Rosemary Purdum, Chris Payne, Kent and Joyce Toole, Jeff Smith, Melodie Peters, Sanna Henderson, Dale and Madonna Opdahl, Jean Willette, Peggy Kinder, Greg Malak, Donna Thompson, Cindy Sellers, Richard Thomas, Bill and Bobbie Anne Bowersox.

Milt Levy is home and recuperating following a hospitalization.

These are family and friends of our congregation requesting prayer: 

Ron Harrison's brother, Bill Jones family, Mondesin Mondesir (Slack), Jodi Davis (Leek), Kris (D. Davis), First Congregational Church (Hall), Joann Moore (Wingate), Steven Palmer (Palmer), Keith Palmer (Palmer), Julie Morrish (Lawrence), Dan Nichols (Nichols), Sharon Johnson (Deskins), Megan Slack (Slack), Karie Murdie (Shoemaker), Karen Anderson (Nichols), Gina Ramsay (Ramsay), Ralph McCann (Young), Paul Gordon (Gordon), Michael Rowland (Malak).

Praises: "Dear FPC, As I prepare to begin this exciting new chapter of my life at Clemson, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for all the love and support you have provided me throughout my life. I am incredibly grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Gifford Scholarship as I take this next step toward my future. This church is and will always be my home. I appreciate your continued generosity for me as I begin college. Thank you again! Ava Logan