The people of Israel have been exiled, and their pain runs deep, but they kept faith and also worked hard for justice in their own corners of the world. We also may endure hard times, but we are to still be active in God’s mission of mercy, justice, and peace as we await the coming of our Savior!

Worship this week with Holy Communion:

Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel

Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, Fellowship

10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship

Devotions for this week:  December 2, 2018 – Habakkuk

SHARE:   What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding

Monday, Habakkuk 1:5-11, The Prophet’s Complaint

Tuesday, Habakkuk 1:12—2:1, The Prophet’s Complaint

Wednesday, Habakkuk 2:5-14, The Woes of the Wicked

Thursday, Habakkuk 2:15-20, The Woes of the Wicked

Friday, Habakkuk 3:1-7, The Woes of the Wicked

Saturday, Habakkuk 3:8-16, The Woes of the Wicked

TALK:  Consider some of these ideas:

²Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. ³For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay.                                                 Habakkuk 2:2-3

Habakkuk cannot bear the injustice he sees in the world, with seemingly no relief in sight. Where is God when one needs a swift and almighty solution? We might well ask the same.

• In what ways is your community in exile? Where do you feel your community is isolated from God? Where do you feel it is close to God?
• When has your faith in God been tested? In what ways have your beliefs changed as you learn and grow?
• How can you stand out as a sign of God’s promise to those around you?

PRAY:  God, we are sometimes impatient for you to act according to your vision for the earth. Give us wisdom to see your will unfolding, and boldness to be a part of your solution. In Jesus’ name,  Amen.

BLESS:  May God lift you up on sad days. Amen.