Abounding in the Work of the Lord
Good morning, Immanuel. Here's the Daily, an invitation to prayer and fasting, and a brief overview of this upcoming Sunday.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Rather than bring the kingdom to completion at His first coming, our Lord left an abundance of work to be done so that we know the joy of participation. Through the Spirit of God, we are co-laborers with God. What a thought! He abounds in strengthening grace for all who abound in His work. Therefore, there is never a reason not to abound in the work of the Lord. If the work before us is a work that can be done to the glory of the Lord, then it is the work of the Lord for us today. And our labor will not go unrewarded!
Everyone who labors in the Lord lives for everlasting gains. Not a single act of labor in Christ will go unnoticed by our heavenly Father. Our generous God looks for reasons to reward us. Therefore, all who labor daily in the Lord stack up their joys with each passing day. There is always more reason to rejoice in God today than yesterday. The daily plodding of labor in the Lord is a swelling joy. Let’s give Him our faithful best today, Immanuel. And let’s rejoice today like never before that our labor in the Lord has not been in vain!
Friday Prayer & Fasting
We are beginning a season of fasting and prayer as we seek a long-term home in Nashville. Though we are seeking a long-term home, our deepest desire in fasting and praying is for our joy in Jesus to grow deeper. Here’s how you can get in on this.
Here are some verses to meditate on as we pray and fast:
Here are a few specific points we can pray for:
That every effort and every dollar invested in this campaign would be for the glory of God through us, his church.
That God would stir our hearts as a church to fervent and consistent prayer together for the gospel ministry of Immanuel and the needs of Immanuel. (James 5:16) And that we would pray big prayers and not limit God by the limits of our imaginations.
If you cannot join us, please feel free to pray and fast on your own or with others. Gather with friends each Friday for prayer (from your Community Group or Discipleship Group). Utilize the technology God has given us (Zoom, facetime, etc.) to connect with others for prayer. Along with prayer, please consider fasting each Friday alongside your church family, as you are able. This could be as simple as skipping breakfast to focus on morning prayer, or even foregoing a typical activity. For a few ideas, check out the Pulse here. The point is focused time in prayer. May the Lord strengthen us as we seek Him together!
This Sunday at Immanuel
Sunday Morning 🎉
WORSHIP - Join us at 9 or 10:45 am for worship as Pastor TJ continues our series, “The Good News in Three Dimensions.”
Seminars
9 am: Studying the Bible Together, led by Dr. Tom Cox in the Church Office
9 am: Exit Signs: The Gospel of Christ in the Book of Exodus, led by Dr. Russell Moore in the Cafe.
9 am: Student Seminar, led by Pastor Vince Greenwald in the gymnasium (grades 5-12)
On the Horizon
CAROLFEST - Save the date! Carolfest is coming up on Friday, December 8th! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. More info is forthcoming. Invite a friend, and let us rejoice in the Lord together!
Celebrate…
PARK AVENUE ELEMENTARY GIFT CARD DRIVE - Thank You Immanuel for giving so generously to the Gift Card Drive! We now have enough gift cards for the families at Park Avenue Elementary. Here is a word from our team on the ground: “Thanks to everyone for their contribution of grocery gift cards for the Park Avenue Elem families we are serving this year. 43 were donated and will be a significant impact for families over the Thanksgiving holiday. Also, we won't be needing to ask for winter clothing this year so please stay tuned for other ways to get involved at the school over the second semester.” Way to go, Immanuel!
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