Sabbath Thought:

     I often take the time to just think about life as King David did in Psalm 8:3-9. Those words that he expressed also stirs a question within me, “why have I been entrusted with this wonderful opportunity in this life, especially when I consider my flawed human nature”. As I consider this, I also have those same sentiments that Paul had about himself in Romans 7:12-23. How does this all make sense especially with my long list of short comings and that constant unrelenting struggle with sin. The frustration can build and get intense because those struggles seem to have the upper hand at times.

     In fact, it’s this fight that reminds me that no matter how much I desire to be obedient and no matter how well I keep the law, I am a weak and vile man in comparison to what I desire to be. Just like the apostle Paul it leaves me in a state of great frustration. However, despite that frustration something else is revealed that’s even more powerful and inspiring. It reveals the magnitude of what God is doing in my life. Because of that work, I also have a great sense of gratitude as Paul states in, Romans 7:24-25, “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” I’m sure we all can relate.

     You see, we have hope because we know that by the grace of God we are saved, not of ourselves or by our own righteousness, but by Him, (Ephesians 2:8-10). We all fall short of His glory, no matter what we do, in the end, we rightfully deserve death, (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23). It’s only by and through mercy and a great love God possess that He bestows upon us this incredible gift and honor. Because of His love and what He continually does for us, it must be apparent in our lives that we hold Him in high regard and reverence. We owe Him nothing less than sincere obedience and approaching Him according to His prescribe way of holiness while crying out daily “Thank you God through Jesus Christ”.

     If we are truly thankful as Paul outlines, our expression of gratitude can’t just be in our words alone, but followed up with being dedicated doers of what’s expected of us. To whom much is given, much is required. Yes, God extends grace, but this grace doesn’t mean we are free to sin, but freed from the penalty of those sins. That sacrifice that made it all possible, a wonderful act of grace - reminds us of our loving and compassionate Father and Elder Brother who desire to help us. Help – not do it all.

     God knows those shortcomings, He sees the struggle, and He sees that we grasp the fact that we can’t do this of ourselves. He takes note of that effort that we put forth and lovingly stands in where we can’t, He fills the gap. It’s in this graciousness that He is glorified in our lives. God doesn’t take away our responsibility, He helps us as we engage in those responsibilities.

      I was thinking about this a lot over the last few days and I came across this BT Daily that I found very helpful and inspiring. I have attached the transcript of that message as this week’s Sabbath Thought.

What Is Grace? BT Daily – Steve Myers (Transcript)

     Grow in grace. You've heard that phrase before. It's certainly one that's taken from 2 Peter 3:18, where Peter records for us grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now, one of the challenges is if you think grace is just unmerited pardon, then we run into a problem because if we think of it in those terms, in order to grow in pardon, growing grace would mean that I'd have to sin more and more and more. So obviously, grace, in this case, is not pointing to the fact that God pardons us.

     I was reminded of this when I heard the story in a little cartoon that I was reading a number of years ago in "Dennis the Menace," if you ever read "Dennis the Menace" cartoon. Well, Dennis is always getting into trouble. And in this particular cartoon, it showed Dennis and his buddy, Joey, walking away from Mr. Wilson's house. Of course, they were always bothering Mr. Wilson. And in their hands, they both had a handful of cookies. And as the next scene in that cartoon went, Dennis is saying, "Wow, this is fantastic. What did we do to deserve Mrs. Wilson giving us all these cookies?" And in the final little frame, Joey says, "Mrs. Wilson didn't give us cookies because we're nice. She gave us cookies because she's nice." And I thought of that particular cartoon as a great example of what grace really is all about.

     Yes, it can have an indication of being pardoned and freely pardoned. But it also points to the fact of pardon, connected to favor, that God favors us, just like Mrs. Wilson favored Dennis and Joey. It was because she was nice. She was full of grace. So, you could put yourself in the shoes of Dennis the Menace or Joey and imagine God as Mrs. Wilson. And that grace that He gives us, is one, He just pours out on us freely.

     And so, when we think of it in those terms, we recognize, I need to grow in grace. I need to be good, I need to meet be more godly because that's the way God is. God is that way. And so I need to grow in grace and knowledge.

     So next time you hear that passage, think about it in those terms, that God has this graceful influence on our heart and our mind, so that we should strive to be like Him, and grow in grace.

Have a wonderful Sabbath,
Ryan Hall

For the Youth - Bible Trivia:

1. What did Jacob name the place in which he wrestled with God?

*Hint: Genesis 32:22-32

2. What is described in the bible as an unruly, evil, and full of deadly poison?

*Hint: James 3:5-10

3. What important item did Moses have removed from Egypt at the time of the exodus, fulfilling a solemn oath placed upon the children of Israel?

* Hint: Exodus 13:17-20

North Canton Announcements:

1. Sabbath Service Time (January 14th): 2:00 PM
2. Next Sabbath – (January 21st): 2:00 PM
3. Book Discussion Group: Due to sickness, the book club meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled. It has been rescheduled for January 21, 2023.
4. Zoom Bible Study: The next scheduled Bible study will take place January 19, 2023 at 7:30 PM
5. Kitchen Volunteer Meeting: There will be a meeting on January 14, 2023 for all kitchen crew members.
6. Sabbath School Meeting: Due to sickness, the meeting has been postponed.
7. Chili Potluck: Sense we will not be able to have our regular scheduled Potluck on the 28th due to the Marriage Seminar. We will be having a special themed potluck tomorrow, January 14th. Chili will be provided, please bring sides, salads, drinks, desserts. For more information contact Etta Murry or Sherry Thouvenin.
8. Brethren Helping Brethren: We are all facing some very difficult times and things seem to be getting worse. The young and elderly may be struggling or may struggle moving forward.  We would like to reach out to our N Canton Brethren by setting up a table in the back of our fellowship hall for donated non-perishable items. (paper products, cleaning supplies, canned goods etc.) If you would like to participate please bring in your items on January 14th. Depending on items donated and need we will update with the next donation date whether it be monthly or bi-monthly. Please contact Debbie Kuhns with ideas or questions.
9. Marriage Seminar Weekend: Why settle for a good marriage when God gives us the tools to have a great marriage. Marriage is under attack and it’s never a waste of time to invest in strengthening this special relationship between a husband and wife. This special weekend will provide the opportunity for our married couples to come together as a family to learn how to protect and develop even more what God has blessed us with. The seminar/activity will take place from Friday evening January 27 to Sunday afternoon January 29th. Location will be the Holiday Inn Boardman, OH. * Please Register for the event.
10. Young Adult Winter/Ski Retreat: We are excited to announce a Young Adult winter/ski retreat, President's Day Weekend February 17th-20th, 2023! We are hoping to forge new and deeper relationships with people of like mind. We will be eating and staying together for the whole weekend. We welcome all young adults ages 18–29, single or married.

We will be staying in cabins at Pipestem State Park in Pipestem, West Virginia. Activities will include skiing/snowboarding, sledding, hiking, swimming, bonfire, sports, and lots and lots of hanging out. More information about the activities can be found on the website. We will also have several interactive discussions and Bible studies. The theme of this weekend will be focused on "how can young adults contribute to the future of the Church of God?"

Registration is open, so go ahead and register on the registration tab at ucgyawinterretreat.org, and we will see you there!

11. Seasons of a Women’s Life: The women of the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne congregations invite you to a Women’s Enrichment Weekend April 21-23, 2023. We will discuss and learn about the “Seasons of a Woman’s Life”. Rooms have been reserved at a local hotel and we will host a welcome reception there on Friday evening. On Saturday and Sunday, ladies will meet at the Indianapolis church building for a fun weekend of learning, fellowship, and music. Prices and registration information will be coming out in January. You may contact Lizzy Creech at liz.creech06@yahoo.com with any questions. See attached Flyer for more info.

If I’ve overlooked anything, Please let me know ASAP.