Good evening brethren and happy Sabbath! Last week's memory verse was Matthew 15:19 (NKJV), "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies."  Read below for clues to this week's memory verse - I don't think it will give you too much trouble!

Lots to think - and worry - about...

Tomorrow represents what we all pray will be the beginning to a return to 'normal' Sabbath services.  For the first time in over 3 months, we will be able to have in-person, albeit in only one congregation - Columbia, SC.  For those in Charlotte and Hickory, you can tune into the live webcast from Columbia at 2:30 PM (please see the e-mail sent earlier in the week for additional details).

During our break from in-person services, we've all had a lot to think about.  Certainly COVID-19 and the riots have been on the forefront of our minds.  Unfortunately, those aren't the only troubles out there.  Many have had trials that started before the pandemic, and have continued through it.  When you add up all of these, there is one question that springs to mind...

How long?

How long will all of our troubles last?  How long until there is relief and deliverance from our worries?  How long, O Lord?

These are hard questions and all can add to our own personal worry and stress level.  So what can you do to give your soul a rest?  You probably already know the answer.

Have mercy!

That is the cry we must make in our prayer!  Our souls are deeply troubled.  We cry out daily - How long? And yet, difficulties continue.  The only real hope we have, is that God will have mercy on us. 

Ultimately, that will happen when Our Lord, Jesus Christ returns to deliver us.  But don't forget, we can ask for mercy here and now as well.  Let us remember to always ask that He saves us for His mercy's sake!