[LSF-Announce] This Week at Refuge

[Nicole Kooistra]

Hey All,

A passage from the Screwtape Letters, in which an elder demon, Screwtape, is
counseling the "junior tempter," Wormwood, on how to ruin Christians'
prayers:

"When they say they are praying for forgiveness, let them be trying to feel
forgiven.  Teach them to estimate the value of each prayer by their success
in producing the desired feeling; and never let them suspect how much
success or failure of that kind depends on whether they are well or ill,
fresh or tired, at the moment."

What Screwtape is advising Wormwood to do here is to direct the Christian's
attention inward when he is praying.  All too often, rather than praying for
faith and trusting God to build it within us, we pray for faith and then try
to manufacture it within ourselves by our own strength. ("OK, I prayed for
Grandma to get well, so now I need to convince myself that Grandma will get
well to really have faith.") The catch is that WE can't produce faith within
ourselves, no matter how hard we try.  All we can do is pray that God will
grant us forgiveness, kindness, faith, mercy--whatever!--and trust that, no
matter how unforgiven, unkind, doubting, or unmerciful we feel, God will
work within us to produce the qualities we should have.  We can obey Him and
try to be be prepared for His work in us, but ultimately, it is God Who
changes our hearts.


All right, down to business.  Here's what's happening this week at Refuge:

Tuesday, Feb. 13: Pastor-led Bible study on Luke at 9:00 in the lounge.

Wednesday, Feb. 14: NO WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY!!!!!  In addition to being
Singles' Appreciation Day, it's also Anna's B-day and my mom's B-day, and
pretty much no one else could make it either, so that's that.  We'll pick up
again next week with the Screwtape Letters.  As far as I know, the guys are
still planning to meet for Bible study at 8:00.  (GUYS: CORRECT ME if I'm
wrong.)

Thursday, Feb. 15: Bible study at 9:00 on Revelation.


Friday, Feb. 16-Saturday, Feb. 17: Peer Minister Retreat.  Sign-ups are over
at this point, but we'd appreciate your prayers for safe travel and an
enlightening, fun time.

Sunday, Feb. 18: Worship at 8:00 and 10:30. Join us in the lounge after the
10:30 service for pancakes.


Keep on your calendars:  *Friday, February 23*, is the braille-a-thon.
We'll meet at 7:00 pm and make braille Bibles, eat pizza, and generally hang
out until 7:00 am. It's a highlight every year!


I think that's it.  Take care, and stay inside and out of the snow and cold
whenever possible.


God Bless,
Nikki
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