Tag: mercy

Saturday, August 8, 2026

This time of year, many folks take time for a last getaway before school starts. They were missed, but the presence of the Lord was felt among us. Becky and Darwin led us in prayer and worship and Jake preached on facing our giants.

Announcements included: September 25-27, the Appalachian Association will host a women’s retreat at Camp Joy in Berea, WV. Jana Gillham and the ladies of Rahab’s Rope Band are leading. Ladies (7th grade and up) mark your calendars for a special weekend of worship, reflection and fun Click here to register for the event.

Becky led us in prayer for Cedar and Conor Hannah, SDB missionaries in Lithuania; relief for drought in Puerto Rico; a church member who is seeking a new apartment or house, and a man suffering from depression. She also prayed for the Meathrell’s house to sell, health concerns and traveling mercies upon folks on the road.

Sharing from I Samuel 17, Brother Jake reminded us that no matter the “giants” we battle: circumstances, difficulties, intimidating as they may be–God wins.

Where do our “giants” come from? The evil one who seeks to kill, steal and destroy is our enemy. And is defeated. The 9 foot tall Goliath wore 150 pounds of armor. David went up against him with a sling, five smooth stones, and most of all–the Lord God All-Mighty.

What is at stake when we fight giants? If Goliath (evil) won, the Israelites would be forced into slavery to the Philistines. If evil wins in our lives, we become enslaved to it.

David was judged for his youth–but he responded with testimony of how the Lord had rescued him from the “lion and the bear.” He knew where his true strength came from. How many times to we listen to people who say, “you’ll never be able to do that.”

The story of David and Goliath encourages us. God wins every battle. Saul offered up his armor to David, but David chose to trust the weapons he knew best, and the God who had always saved him in the past.

Key takeaways:

-Be willing to be sent into battle.

-Be ready. Prepare for the war. Talk with God and make sure you’re aligned with His plan.

–Trust in the promises of God.

–Act on your faith in God — swing the sling!

–Know that the example you set impacts others.

–Remember the promise of the cross of Jesus–and that the only thing you can bring with you from this earth is other people.

Amen.

Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.

Saturday, July 25, 2026

God is just —and merciful. Hallelujah!

Click here to watch the service on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pataskalasdb/videos/1549006743564515

Exciting things taking place:

Armor Up! Vacation Bible School begins Wednesday, July 29, 6-8 pm for 4-year-olds through 5th-graders, register via email, and see you here at the church!

September 25-27, the Appalachian Association will host the annual women’s retreat at Camp Joy. Ladies (9th grade and up) mark your calendars for a special weekend of worship, reflection and fun.

We celebrate with Pastor Judith and Pastor Joel in Puerto Rico who just held their first service in their new building. “No one wanted it to end!”

Becky led us in prayer for for our neighbors who need Jesus, and for friends struggling with health, for flood victims, for our nation, and for the peace of Jerusalem.

In the Children’s Message, Brother Chuck read from his most recent book in which Grammy Jo assures Mia that no matter what, love never breaks and is never divided. True love grows more love.

Continuing in the book of Joshua (chapter 20:1-9) Brother Chuck shared how God told the Israelites to set up cities of refuge throughout the land. A person accidentally responsible for the death of another person could find mercy and sanctuary.

God’s merciful system is based on the principle in Genesis 9:6—about the shedding of human blood. All human lives are valuable because we are all God’s image bearers.

If there is malice or hate involved, the one who killed must give his life.

But what if the killing was accidental? Unintentional?  Manslaughter vs. murder?

The guilty party could flee the avenger and stand trial. If they were found to be without malice, they could live in the city of refuge, until the death of the High Priest, then go home.

God provided due process and mercy.

Mercy mixed in with God’s justice is the story of being a Christian in a nutshell. The wages of sin is death. None of us have the hope of getting out of sin without Jesus. We deserve justice. Death. But we receive mercy.

“I love finding Jesus in the Old Testament.  He took death on our behalf.  In the cities of refuge final freedom took place at the death of the high priest. Jesus is our High Priest.”

“Jesus creates our way to safety while we await the results of his death for us. God wants to give us every opportunity to find a sanctuary – take sanctuary in Him and be a sanctuary for Him.”

HALLELUJAH!

Join us in person every Saturday for Sabbath School, and Worship, or if you’re far away, join us for Worship online via Facebook.