January 19

From Pastor Bruce:

 It has been an interesting winter so far.  I have loved the warm balmy weather that we have had in December & January.  The sunshine was also a welcome change from our standard cold, grey winter weather…but today all that has changed.  Today it is snowing.

 Do you know the Bible has 23 different references to snow?

Scripture speaks of God controlling the snow along with all the weather.  We see the “Proverbs 31” woman as someone who is prepared for the cold and the snow.  Snow and its coolness is even described as refreshing in Prov 25:13. 

 Most of us would not describe snow (“White Death” as some have labeled it) as refreshing.

 There are two other references to snow that I want you to remember as the flakes are flying and drifting this winter.

 White as snow is how we are described after Jesus washes our sins.

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

 The Risen Jesus is described as white as snow.

“As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.

 As you are tempted to curse the snow this winter, think of these references to snow in the Bible.  It may warm your heart and melt away your distaste for the “White Death”.

Being the Church, Blessing the World

 Other News:

 Wind & Fire Men’s Event:  Saturday, January 20 at Grace Church at Middleburg Heights.  Cost:  $20 per person.  It is not too late to sign up.  You can sign up on the Quick Response Form Sunday or call the office at 740-694-5433.  They will meet at the NewLife Church parking lot to car pool at 7 a.m. Saturday. 

Behind the Mask Purity Retreat:  February 10-12, for girls in grades 7-12.  Cost:  $85 per person (scholarships available).  Registration deadline is Sunday, January 29.  Questions? Contact Michelle Oswalt at 419-571-2019 or youth@nlifecma.org.

In case of inclement weather go to our website at www.nlifecma.org or listen to 93.7/1300, 106.1/1400, 90.9, or watch 10 TV for closing information. 

 Prayer and Praise:

 Melanie Gould's friend Vicki has had three operations to remove cancer.  She seems to be in good spirits.  Her lymph nodes came back cancer free but they did remove cancerous cells in her leg.  Keep praying for God to heal the leg and for the cancer to be gone.  

 Joanne Kline, who is Bev Hauenstein’s mom and Hayley Hauenstein’s grandmother, fell this past week.  Joanne broke her arm and fractured her eye socket.  She had surgery on her arm but is waiting for the swelling to go down in her eye area to see what can be done with her eye socket.  Please pray for healing for Joanne.  She will be going to a nursing home for recovery.

 Cathy Rinehart’s mom had surgery yesterday on her spine to remove cancer so she can walk.  Pray for peace for her mom and for the family.  Pray for a healing touch from our Master and Savior Jesus Christ.  Thank you for the prayers.