“I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ…” (Colossians 2:1-3 NIV).
There are two Greek words which make up the italics: Helikos (Great) and Agon (Contest or Conflict). The picture is that of an athletic contest which is strenuous and demanding. This same word, Agon, was often used to describe the place of assembly for the Olympic Games. In the Colossians’ text, the struggle isn’t with God but describes the intense effort and inward struggle of the one praying as he/she earnestly desires a preferred outcome that is uncertain.
Perhaps this is the best explanation for Intercessory Prayer. This type of prayer is where one stands in the gap for another. The person praying is so moved and burdened for another person and for that situation to change to a preferred outcome. The soul of the prayer is in such turmoil for change that the prayer expenses all of his or her resources the same way an athlete strives to win the contest. The outcome of the race might not lead to victory but win or lose, the athlete leaves it all on the field. There is nothing left in the tank when the contest is over.
How blessed one is to have someone pray in this manner. Greater still is the one who is willing to embrace this level of conflict for the soul of another.
This Week’s Readings:
Monday – 2 Corinthians 6
Tuesday – 2 Corinthians 7
Wednesday – 2 Corinthians 8
Thursday – 2 Corinthians 9
Friday – 2 Corinthians 10
Please Pray for:
Families in crisis.
Loved ones battling illness.
Those seeking to find their way.
The St. Paul Church family and our ministries.
The United Methodist Church family.
Our leaders, our country, and our world.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6
IN THIS EPISODE: At some point in our lives, the cycle of retaliation has to end. The Discipline of Confession is the first step to stopping this vicious cycle. Confession not only makes room for others in our lives, but it also makes room for God. John Wesley said, “Give me a hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God … such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on earth.”
Sunday, December 13 | “Christmas Under the Stars” 5PM on the St. Paul Quad Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and get ready to see Santa! We will have a hotdog & s’more dinner, watch a movie, decorate the St. Paul community Christmas tree and have a human Christmas tree challenge. We hope to see you there! *If inclement weather, we will cancel this event.
CONNECTING THROUGH OUTREACH/MISSIONS
Sunday, December 13 | Red Cross Blood Drive 8AM – 12:30PM The Drive will be located in the St. Paul Youth Building, located directly behind the main church building.
CONNECTING OUR YOUTH
Sunday, December 13 | SPY Sunday School w/ Laura Marvets and Logan Ogletree @10AM / Lounge downstairs in the YB.
CONNECTING OUR CHILDREN
All Children’s Online events will be posted on St. Paul Kids Instagram account each week – Be sure to check in online every week!
Sunday, December 13 | Children’s Sunday School (All Ages) @10AM / Youth Building & Church Contact Sally Key Bowden for more information about class locations, teachers, etc.
Sunday, December 13 | “Seekers Class” (M234) w/ Mary Lou Jarrell @10AM. Contact Mary Lou for more information.
Sunday, December 13 | “Bridges Class” (M235) w/ Mark Ellis @10AM. Contact Mark for more information.
Sunday, December 13 | “Wildwood Class” (M220) w/ Evelyn Barfield @9:45AM. Contact Evelyn for more information.
Sunday, December 13 | “Welcome In Class” (M232) w/ Buddy Cooper @10AM. Contact Buddy for more information.
Sunday, December 13 | “New Covenant Class” (Y101) w/ Michelle Hudson @10AM. Contact Michelle for more information.
CONNECTINGTHROUGH BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday, December 15 | Shane’s Women’s Group Books of Ephesians and 1st & 2nd Thessalonians w/ Rev. Dr. Shane Green @10AM – 11:30AM In-Person M220 (Fellowship Hall) & online on the St. Paul Website.
Tuesday, December 15 | Grace’s Group Francis Chan’s “The Gospel of Mark” w/ Grace Bailey @11AM – 12:15PM in room M232. Register In-Person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.
Tuesday, December 15 | Spring Harbor Bible Study The Book of Joshua w/ Rev. John Fugh @4PM at Spring Harbor at Green Island. Contact John for more information. Thursday, December 17 | Pre-School Moms’ Class Intentional Parenting w/ Grace Bailey @9:30AM– 11AM in Room M235 Register in-person attendance by email to Grace Bailey.
Friday, December 18 | Men’s Morning Bible Study The Book of Acts w/ Rev. Dr. Buddy Cooper @6:30AM in M220 (Fellowship Hall). Contact Buddy for more information.
Friday, December 18 | “The Work of the Holy Spirit” On-Demand Study w/ Emily Trotter and Rev. John Fugh, Jr. Study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.
Friday, December 18 | “Celebration of Discipline” On-Demand Study w/ Tommy Bridges and Rev. John Fugh, Jr. Study will be posted on the St. Paul Website.
CONNECTING THROUGH GIVING
It is your generosity that allows us to do what we do. Every bit helps, so thank you so much for contributing to the ministries of St. Paul UMC. In order for you to make your online donation, click here.
What would it be like for you to re-evaluate your Christmas perspective? Herod was intimidated by the birth of the Messiah while the religious leaders were indifferent. But the Magi — a group of foreigners — embraced the birth of Jesus. They uprooted their lives, traveled a great distance, and worshiped the new born King of the Jews even though they didn’t fully understand the significance of His birth. Listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, they simply took the next step that they knew was right.
