Does God Believe In Me?
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, ESV)
Mini Devotional
A mini message to take with you this week to help you in your devotion to God.
Does God Believe In Me
Devotional by: Elijah Bell
There is a lot of debate regarding the existence of God. The theory of naturalistic evolution is embraced by the majority of contemporary scientists, and as many as 80% of college professors have expressed their disbelief in God. Nonetheless, for Christians, the existence of God is an indisputable fact. We see the beauty of His creation, experience His providence in our lives, and perceive the infallibility of the Bible. God's existence, to us, is undeniable and self-evident! The issue within the church is not primarily about doubting God's existence but, arguably more critically, a problem that hinders people from engaging in good deeds and spreading the word of Jesus. The question is not so much, “Do I believe in God?” but rather, “Does God believe in me?”
This might sound peculiar. "Of course, God believes in me, right? He created me, He knows everything about me! Why would this be a problem?" It might not consciously register as a problem, or we might not even feel that it is one. Yet, our actions and insecurities reveal the truth. We might hesitate, wondering, “Should I invite my co-worker to church? I don’t know the right thing to say.” Or, “That certainly is a good work, but I don’t think I can do it.” What these statements indicate is a lack of belief in God's faith in us. We tend to overlook that God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20). So, does God believe in you?
Even Jeremiah, the prophet, grappled with this issue. He wasn't sure that God had faith in him. When God commissioned him to preach to the nations in Jeremiah 1, his response was, “I do not know how to speak, because I am a youth” (Jeremiah 1:6). Isn't this a dilemma we also encounter? God has given us the same mandate He gave to Jeremiah. Just as Jeremiah was tasked to warn the nations about the impending judgment, so are we (Matthew 28:19-20). Do we make excuses, or do we recognize that God believes in us?
However, pay attention to what God said to Jeremiah in 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you…” God has known you even before your birth. What has He appointed you to do? He will not leave you helpless. God believes in you. Let's strive not to let Him down.
Missions
These are the challenges that the congregation is actively working on this month.
Our Missions For August
Equip — To be determined
Kids’ Challenge — To be determined
Teach — To be determined
Kids’ Challenge — To be determined
Serve — To be determined
Kids’ Challenge — To be determined
*Be on the lookout for weekly training videos on our Facebook and YouTube pages, published each Sunday, to help you complete the challenges.
*As you complete each challenge, drop one of the pom-pom balls into the corresponding jar at the Mission Control Center in the lobby so we can see how many people are completing each challenge. One completion per person, per challenge, per month.
News
This section is for any special announcements that are not upcoming events or prayer requests.
Relay For Life Announcement
There are few of us in this congregation that have not been touched by cancer which has affected a friend, family member or themselves. For many years, Holly Hill was strongly involved in the Relay for Life which takes place annually as a fundraiser for various programs provided by the American Cancer Society which includes research, transportation for treatment and a variety of other valuable services. Holly Hill’s involvement has lessened over the years although there are some members still greatly involved, many through the encouragement of our late member, Bob Tankersley who fought a long and courageous battle against this beast. We have some members who are encouraging us to become involved again to honor Bob and all our members who have fought or are still fighting this disease. Donations are always needed and appreciated, however, we are also asking for your personal involvement. We are getting a somewhat late start as the Relay is September 9th so please let Janis Friend or Sarah Jones know if you are interested in being a member of the Holly Hill Team.
Book for Ladies' Sunday Night Class
We have been studying the book "Thought Garden" by Laura Jenkins. Below is the link you can order from, either will work. If you order now, you should have plenty of time for it to get here by next month!
Regarding Church Announcements
Just a friendly reminder to everyone regarding church announcements: If you wish to make an announcement or have a prayer request, please contact Matthew Woodyard via email (office@hollyhillcoc.org). Announcements will be included in our daily email (5pm), our weekly Vine (Thursdays at 10am), and posted to Holly Hill’s Facebook page. If you wish something to be shared, please submit your announcement by 4pm. Emergency prayer requests can be submitted at any time and will be shared as soon as possible. If you’re not receiving our daily emails, weekly Vine Newsletter, or text messages, or if you have any questions about this process, don't hesitate to contact Matthew.
Prayers
Here are some individuals that especially need our prayers this week. Please keep them in mind every time you pray.
New Prayer Requests:
The Stone Family
Jerry Mayes (Mike’s brother, recovering from surgery)
Mark McPherson (Diagnosed with ALS)
Charlotte and Tanner Henderson (Elijah’s sister and brother-in-law, lost a child)
Family of Betty Robertson (Melissa Trent’s Grandmother)
Larry & Renita Clarke
Ongoing Prayers For: James Robert (Valerie Clark’s uncle), Monica Hardesty (Sister of Brenda Stone’s co-worker), The family of Jane Colvin (Joyce Best’s aunt), Steve White, Janis Friend, Steve Small, The family of Edith Martin, Pam Smith (foster parent of Robin Mayes niece, Lexi), Family of Graham Heustis, Mike & Patricia Robertson (Melissa Trent’s parents), The Horn Family, Butch Elliott (friend of Robin Mayes), Montooth Family, Rhoda Jones, Betty Blanton, Bill & Mary Jo Marion (friends of Robin Mayes), Helen Hall, Penny Harland (Katie Bell’s mother), The Parnell Family, Alyssa Deaton, Robert Lewis (Sharon Lewis’ son), Pete & Jessie Tropoulos, Codie Rich (Michael & Kimberly Mundt’s son-in-law), Emma Collins, Rusty Bell (friend of Robin Mayes), Tanya Phipps (Brenda Stone’s niece), Gail Keith (Michele Blanton’s mother), Nikki Fenney (Johnny and Julie Widener’s niece), Bertha Young’s Family, Dorothy Trent, Polly Deaton, Jane Dempsey, Rita Tackett (Alyson Woodyard’s aunt), Sandra Haden (Tiffany Quarles’ mother), The Valentine Family, David Fair (prayers for his marriage and family situation), Phil and Suzanne Wilkins, Jim Clark (Continued Prayers), Prayers for Mission Control Challenges, Glenda Mitchum, Lisa & Pete Vogel (family of Brenda Stone).
* Please submit your prayer requests for inclusion at office@hollyhillcoc.org
Upcoming Events
Here are some events that are coming up that you need to make space on your calendar for.
Men’s Bible Study Breakfast — Saturday Morning, August 5th at 8am
Join us on the first Saturday morning of each month, for the Men’s Bible Study Breakfast. We will meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall and be studying from the book of James. See you there!
Elders/Ministers/Deacons Meeting — Sunday Afternoon, August 6th at 4pm
Elders/Ministers/Deacons will meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, from 4-6pm.
Mission Control — Sunday Night, August 6th at 6pm
Everyone meets in small groups in the fellowship hall. Material is provided for group discussion of each question. Responses on how to better meet the month's challenges are shared with all groups. Attendance at the previous mission control meetings is not required.
How You Can Serve
There are a lot of ways you can get involved and do the work of God in our community!
For more information or for help signing up for any of these ministries, please call the church office at: (502) 227-7796.
Limited-Time Opportunities:
Operation Re-stock the Food Pantry
The Food Pantry needs to be re-stocked. During the upcoming months we will be asking for specific food donations. There will be a box in the foyer for you to place your food donations. Thank you so much and let’s make Operation re-stock a success!! For the month of July, we need:
Apple Sauce
Macaroni & Cheese
August Mission Control Challenges
We have 3 new challenges for the month of August that we need your help on. Please see the section above entitled “Missions” for more information.
Cuba Missionary Needs
Please check-out the list on the bulletin board for items to bring for Cuba. Sign-up and bring your items. Money is also appreciated. Thank you for all that you do for the kingdom.
Long-Term Opportunities:
Mission Launch Team
We are needing individuals to sign up for the Mission Launch Team. People on this team commit to working on the Mission Control challenges each month, and they also commit to encouraging at least one other person to work on the missions as well. We need you to sign up for this ministry so we can grow the Mission Control program organically from person to person. Sign up for the Mission Launch Team at the Mission Control Center in the lobby.
Tech Team Support — The Holly Hill Tech Team needs help. We would love to have a few more people trained and available to set up the livestreams and audio equipment. It’s a fairly simple task and you’ll be well trained before being thrown into the seat alone. If you’re interested, see Nick, David, or Brad.
Greeter Ministry — We’re looking for people who are friendly and outgoing to welcome our guests and members each Sunday morning. If you are interested, contact Tom Owens.
Card Ministry — Every Sunday there are cards spread out on a table in the lobby that will be sent out to various church members and guests who need encouragement. You can help serve and encourage by making sure to sign these cards each week.
Casey Blessing Box — The Casey’s are collecting items to give away to those in need in their Blessing Box. Currently, they are accepting donations of: Can goods of fruit and vegetables. Crackers, or cereal.
Shriners Children’s Hospital — Donna White is collecting soda can tabs to donate to the children’s hospital. Please leave your donations in the lobby.
Children’s Bible Class Teachers/Helpers — Our next quarter begins in September, so we will be needing to staff our Children’s Bible Classes. If you’d be willing to teach, sub, or help, please see Matthew Woodyard. We have a wonderful opportunity to teach God’s Word to our children. Let’s make sure they get our very best! Thank you!
Holly Hill Church of Christ
1020 Holly Hill Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Web: www.hollyhillcoc.org
Phone: (502) 227-7796
Email: office@hollyhillcoc.org
Service Times:
Sunday Bible Class: 10am
Sunday Morning Worship, 11am
Sunday Evening Worship, 6pm
Wednesday Evening Bible class: 6:30pm