Sabbath Thought:

     I often take the time to just think about life as King David did in Psalms 8:3-9 Psalms 8:3-9 [3] When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; [4] What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him? [5] For you have made him a little lower than the angels, and have crowned him with glory and honor. [6] You made him to have dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet: [7] All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field; [8] The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas. [9] O LORD our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth!
American King James Version×. 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 Romans 7:12-23 [12] Why the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. [13] Was then that which is good made death to me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. [14] For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. [15] For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. [16] If then I do that which I would not, I consent to the law that it is good. [17] Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. [18] For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. [19] For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. [20] Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. [21] I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. [22] For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: [23] But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
American King James Version×. 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 Romans 7:24-25 [24] O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? [25] I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
American King James Version×, “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 Ephesians 2:8-10 [8] For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.
American King James Version×). We all fall short of His glory, no matter what we do, in the end, we rightfully deserve death, (Romans 3:23 Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
American King James Version×, Romans 6:23 Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
American King James Version×). 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 2 Peter 3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
American King James Version×, 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 Genesis 32:22-32 [22] And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. [23] And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had. [24] And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. [25] And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. [26] And he said, Let me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let you go, except you bless me. [27] And he said to him, What is your name? And he said, Jacob. [28] And he said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince have you power with God and with men, and have prevailed. [29] And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray you, your name. And he said, Why is it that you do ask after my name? And he blessed him there. [30] And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. [31] And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he halted on his thigh. [32] Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.
American King James Version×

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

*Hint: James 3:5-10 James 3:5-10 [5] Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. [7] For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed of mankind: [8] But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. [9] Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. [10] Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not so to be.
American King James Version×

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 Exodus 13:17-20 [17] And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt: [18] But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt. [19] And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straightly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and you shall carry up my bones away hence with you. [20] And they took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.
American King James Version×

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.