Thnk God I'm Forgiven ! What are you thankful about! We have much to thanks and praise God about! Amen and PTL!
Please Note and spread the word...due to some snow and extreme blowing cold , Clothing Closet will be closed , . Thanks for understanding! Decision coming about Zoom only . Will decide later )
Good Morning Puprposeful Followers of God's Provision! Amen!
I have to leave o head to fiuneral . Check out our devotionals below. What's God saying to you and what is he leading you to do? Join with some friends to process and go live and love like Jesus .
UR: Alone with God
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. - Psalm 51:17 (NIV)
When Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Matt. 6:6), he was highlighting the importance of humility and the connections we can experience when we are alone with God. Away from the public eye, we can be authentic and sincere — no posturing, no masks. The Lord is not impressed with our eloquent words. Sincerity, rather than style, is important to God.
Our devotional time is indispensable for our spiritual health and is a way for us to cultivate a strong relationship with God. Time with God creates an oasis of healing, freedom, comfort, and strength. It is where we feel loved, affirmed, and more prepared to withstand moments of adversity and temptation. Alone with God, we can connect with our Creator in a way that we cannot in public. Our prayer life is deepened when we go to God just as we are.
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Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.
Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.
's Prayer
Holy God, help us to be more intentional in prioritizing time with you. We pray the prayer your Son taught us, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matt. 6:9-13, KJV).
TWFYT
ODB
Small Beginnings
Who dares despise the day of small things, since [God’s] eyes . . . will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel? Zechariah 4:10
In 1848, engineer Charles Ellet Jr. puzzled over how to begin the process of constructing the first bridge over the Niagara Falls gorge. How would they get a cable across the river? Prompted by a dream, Charles decided to host a kite-flying contest. American teenager Homan Walsh won five dollars when his kite landed on the American side of the river. Homan’s kite string was secured to a tree and used to pull a light cord back across the river, then progressively heavier cords until heavy wire cable was in place. This was the small beginning of the construction of the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge.
The bridge’s challenges and inauspicious beginnings mirror those faced by those working to rebuild God’s temple after returning from captivity in Babylon. An angel awakened the prophet Zechariah with a message that nothing would thwart God’s work—it would all be accomplished “by [his] Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). Some of those who’d seen the temple in its previous glory were fearful that the rebuilt version would pale in comparison (Ezra 3:12). The angel encouraged Zechariah that they shouldn’t “despise the day of small things” because God would “rejoice” in seeing the work begun (Zechariah 4:10).
Even though the tasks God has appointed to us may seem insignificant, we can be encouraged knowing He uses small things—like kite strings—to accomplish His great works.
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
How does it encourage you to know that God’s works often start small? How might you trust His faithfulness?
Dear Father, thank You for being faithful to Your plans.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
God is in the business of using small things to accomplish His purposes. He used a shepherd boy and a stone to slay a giant (1 Samuel 17:49-50). He used a boy’s five small barley loaves and two small fish to feed five thousand men (John 6:9). Jesus was born as a helpless baby into a poor man’s family to save the world from sin (Luke 2:7; John 3:16). He said to Zechariah, “[Do not] despise the day of small things” (Zechariah 4:10). God delights in using ordinary people like us to do great things for Him even when our tasks may seem insignificant.
K.T. Sim
Sarah Update:
Hi Warriors…..
Darlene Geiger is asking for prayer for Sandra Zavecz. Her son Scott is a friend of the family. She has had 2 stents put in her heart and is going for #3, and they also want to fix a valve. Pray for the team taking care of her and for peace and comfort for her son. Thank you 😊
Dean Marks is asking for continued prayers for a young woman who was in a bad car accident and was anticipating surgery for her broken leg. Pray for all to go well and healing to happen and to help her through the therapy process.
Tracy Huber, her daughter Brittany is being induced ( night ) to have her little baby girl. We wanna keep mama and baby in our thoughts and prayers and we will keep you updated.
Continue to pray for Ruth Guldner, who is anticipating possible rehab for a few weeks, and pray for her kidneys to function well and her heart.
Also pray for Marilyn Ritter, as she will have her batteries replaced in her pacemaker , . Prayers for all to go well.
And we especially want to remember Faye, and Steven Nixon and Chris Mack as they are going through this difficult time, with Holly‘s passing. will be her service. The service will be at St Matthew’s starting at 10 o’clock with viewing hours and 11 o’clock will be the service followed by a late lunch. Parking is also available at St. John’s lots.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and your encouragement for these folks. Have a good evening and stay warm this weekend. It’s gonna be a chilly one.
2-5-26blogGood Morning Available, Useful, Servants of God! Amen! Man God continues to use us even as we are! PTL! He has great plans for you and us that we are stepping into as He uses us to live and love and make disciples like Jesus! PTL! God made us in His image with perfect plans for each of us and us as His gathered and sent Body for such a time as this. PTL! We have been gifted and activated to do those things because of our faith in Christ. Thanks Lord! We all have a part to play that we are stepping into in His Good News Delivery Company! Thank you all! And God is blessings and using us because of our faithfulness to Him and the Jesus way. Amen! Our availability and God's goodness and blessings makes us useful as we go serve, live and love like Jesus. Isn't that so cool! PTL!
was another powerful. of ministry as God blessed and used, and taught and led us! PTL! There was all kinds of ministry going on throughout our Bread Ministry time. Many were blessed with some bread and food but more than that with the Bread of Life Jesus and His love and help. Hope is coming alive. Ministry, worship and help is coming alive in many different ways around the tables. God is using us as we are because we choose to be available. PTL! I can't even list all the ways God moved and used. You have to just come experience it some time! There are several people drawing closer to God and to fellowshipping and worshiping with us. Pray for soft hearts and understanding they will be accepted and loved as they are. Watch and pray for some poor in spirit and needy people that want to join us but are fearful they will be shunned and looked down on because they have little. PTL and continue to pray for Patrick too. I believe from our conversationthat he has invited Jesus to be His Savior and Lord and now is grappling with t=what new life in Christ looks like and how it will affect his daily choices. PTL for new life and seeking hearts! God is using us! PTL!
was a night of some new attendees and some confusion too as we explore some deep theolgical teachings. Our faith is being tested and stretched. There are things we will never fully understand here on earth. Things like the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, the hypostatic union of Christ that allows Him to be fully god and fully man at the same time. I feel like there may be more confusion than understanding and much faith stretching going on. I feel inferior in trying to explain and teach the unknowable that just requires child-like faith. Pray for us to have open minds and heart, to hear God and to embrace faith that can be stretching at times. Pray for many to see and embrace and understand a little more about our knowable God and the unknowable things of Him. Pray for me to have wisdom and words as I answer questions (well, try to). Thank God for His provision and for all kinds of different people He is sending and loving through us.
we also heard how God is using members to be out loving like Jesus. The story of Dean at an accident scene and sharing two of those Jesus dolls with the friend of an accident victim who miraculously was overwhelmed with the comfort and peace of God, remembering He cares and is there. We are being available to be used in the moments of needs of others. PTL! Thank Him for using you and us and for insight for how to respond along the way to moments of need each day. My heart jumps for joy and praises God for you and our fellowship every time I think about and recount for you the things He is doing in, through and around us. What an awesome God! What a blessing to walk with Him and you! (I'm tearing up now!) He is faithful, hearing and answering prayers, using us as we are and growing us into our new nature more fully. PTL!
I still have a very busy week and a lot banging around in my head--good and busyness things. Ask God to bring shalom and rest to our souls, to refresh us, and prepare us forand the rest of the week. Ask Him to give me His Words as I prepare the service and message for the funeral. Wish I knew Holly. Sounds like she choose joy all the time and was a joy-bringer to many. Ask God to help me prepare formessage too. Sometimes I am reminded how much I need Him and you. I feel your prayers and am encouraged as we pray, live, love, encourage and disciple like Jesus together. We are His gathered people being used for His glory and we do need each other! Thanks for doing your part! I love you all! pray for God to continue His good work in, through and around you and us! Amen!
I'm just listing our devos below for you to contemplate with God and your teammates. Funny how Lisa Harper used Hebrews 4in her teaching and now it appears in Our Daily Bread. Remember self care is important. Choose to enter God's rest forand prepare for the day when you will enter His eternal rest. The Upper Room reminds of God's provision. PTL we don't have to strive in our own strength. Choose to trust Him to provide and follow His peace and provision. Then meditate on The Word for You's reminder that you are created to make a difference and can choose to do so. The Holy Spirit will guide you, pinch you, give you the words and activate you as you trust and obey and even choose the joy that comes from knowing God loves you, has plans for you and is with you--always! Amen! I'm praising and praying for you. Choose joy and know God's shalom! Amen!
ODB:
Rejuvenating Rest
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish. Hebrews 4:11
During a birthday party, five-year-old Mia enjoyed playing, singing “Happy Birthday,” eating cake, and watching her friend open gifts. When everyone went outside to play, Mia said, “Mom, I’m ready to go.” They thanked their host. Pulling out of the driveway, Mia’s mom asked her to share the best part of her day. “Leaving,” said Mia. Smiling, she fell asleep before they turned the corner.
Even if we don’t realize we’re exhausted, we all need physical, mental, and emotional rest. God also provides divine rest when we accept both the good news of salvation through Christ and daily spiritual rest as the Spirit enables us to live for Christ by faith. Those who place their trust in God can depend on His unending presence, unlimited power, and unchanging promises. Saved through Christ’s work on the cross, we can rest in the peace of His sufficiency (Hebrews 4:1-4). We can experience divine rest as a guarantee fulfilled eternally now and when Jesus comes again (vv. 5-8).
“Anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” (v. 10). So, secured in Christ, we can enjoy a hope-filled life of surrender and loving obedience as we trust and rely on Him. Only He can provide rejuvenating restandand forever.
By Xochitl Dixon
REFLECT & PRAY
How does believing God enable you to rest in the surety of your salvation and rest physically, emotionally, and mentally each day? What has kept you from resting in God’s promises in the past?
Faithful God, thank You for being my enduring resting place.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Hebrews urges Jewish believers in Jesus not to abandon their faith in Him and revert to a form of Judaism that didn’t acknowledge Him as the Messiah. Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is God’s ultimate revelation (1:1-3)—greater than the angels (2:5, 9) and greater than Moses (3:3)—and that Israel’s Scriptures point to the fulfillment God brought through Him. In chapter 4, this theme of fulfillment is explained as the ultimate Sabbath rest, made possible through Christ, the great high priest (vv. 8-11, 14-16).
Monica La Rose
UR: God Provides
God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. - 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
Five years ago, my life was turned upside down when I became disabled from trauma I endured. At the time, I couldn’t imagine how I would survive. But God provided. God brought amazing people into my life and pets to love and hug when tears streamed down my face. God provided me with shelter, food, and financial resources.
Through it all, God has been with me, providing opportunities and support — and now rest. Even as I still struggle, I try to remember all that God has blessed me with. The blessings may be different than I imagined, but they still reassure me of God’s love for me. My Creator knows what I need better than anyone else. Honestly, I believe it took this upheaval to remind me that God is with me and always provides.
The change from who I used to be to who I amstill causes me grief. I don’t know where I’ll beor years down the road, but I know God will be there. God has provided for me in the past and continues to do so. Each day I can take a few moments to reflect on the blessings God has sent, and I can trust that God will continue to provide for me and for all God’s children.
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Thanks to donor support, anyone can read's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.
Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to see the blessings you send us and to show gratitude for your gifts. Amen.
TWFYT:
Pastor Don
Rev. Don Kerns
72 Sunset Hill Rd
Boyertown, PA 19512
484-338-0009
God Loves You!
Good Morning Selfless, Giving, Servants of God! Man that is our gathered and sent people of God! Thanks all for sacrificially giving and serving. We are becoming more and more like Jesus and growing at being His hands and feet! God is Jireh! he's our supply and all we need. He knows our needs before we ask. He uses us to bless and help many. We are that church that loves and gives like Jesus and people are being drawn and blessed. That continues with Bread Ministry and Dinner huddle. Pray for us and come join one or both . We are His selfless, giving servants! What an honor to serve beside you! God is with us, providing and using us! Amen! We are His dynamic movement of people with a burning passion for God and missionary zeal to reach and bless the lost. PTL! Thankj YOU for doing your part. You are building treasure in heaven and God is using you! Praise Him and ask how He wants to continue to use you. He has a perfect plan and provision! Seek first His Kingdom and choose to follow Jesus!
Check out Our Daily Bread and Upper Room devotionals below and the Connection Blogs. God is speaking to us through them. PTL! Be still and know! What's He saying to you? What might you do about that? Who does He have for you to partner with? Ask and receive. He is Jireh--enough! And all we need! Amen! Keep building your treasure in heaven as you love and serve like Jesus!
UR: More than Enough
Are you envious because I am generous? - Matthew 20:15 (NRSVUE)
One of my kids has an innate sense of fairness. He can be counted on to divvy up snacks so that everyone gets their fair share. When it comes to chores, he insists that if he cleaned the table then it is only fair that his sister should do the dishes.
I tend to gravitate toward a strict sense of fairness too. However, when I reflect on it, I realize that the “fair” approach is often based on certain limiting factors: the kids take turns because there is only one jump rope; we portion out the strawberries because there are only a handful left. But what if there were an abundance of strawberries? What if there were unlimited scooters, jump ropes, and trampolines for all the kids? Who would worry about the number of berries each child ate or how many minutes each child played with a toy? We wouldn’t — because there would be more than enough.
It’s easy for me to resonate with what feels like the unfair treatment of the first, early-morning workers in Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard. They received the same pay as those who had worked only a few hours, and it doesn’t seem fair. But the answer Jesus gives doesn’t focus on fairness. Instead, he points out the generosity of our Father God. God’s grace is inexhaustible and abundant. God always gives us more than enough.
's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.
Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.
Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.
's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the gift of your grace, which you lavishly pour out on us. Help us to show grace to the people we encounter and every day. Amen.
ODB:
Treasure Stored in Heaven
We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:7
It’s common for those who are traveling overseas for the first time to pack a lot of stuff. The fear is being so far from home and needing something. But a recent article speaks of the problems of overpacking. It advises leaving behind shampoo and hair dryers (which most hotels have) and not bringing extra shoes and books, which are bulky and heavy. The writer notes that when you wind up lugging heavy luggage over Europe’s cobblestone streets, you’ll wish you didn’t bring so much with you.
In a way, it’s an apt metaphor for the travel advice the apostle Paul provides: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). He ties this to the problem of possessing too much: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation,” and he warns that extra baggage is “a trap” leading to “ruin and destruction” (v. 9). People of faith have a different travel destination where all that’s needed is provided by God—“everything for our enjoyment” (v. 17).
It might be good for us to remember that what we accumulate in life is meaningless. We can’t take it with us. By being “generous and willing to share” (v. 18), Paul says we “lay up treasure . . . for the coming age.” This is the best travel tip of all, the secret to “life that is truly life” (v. 19).
By Kenneth Petersen
REFLECT & PRAY
How might you “pack less” for eternity? What treasure might you store up for heaven?
Dear God, please help me to change anything unhealthy in my relationship with things and possessions. Help me to be generous with others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he instructs him in how to deal with false teachers (1:3-4) and to teach believers in Jesus the right doctrines so they can live lives that honor Him (4:6-7). The apostle urges believers to pursue contentment to overcome greed and materialism (6:6-10). He also warns the rich not to be proud or to trust in their wealth, but to trust only in God, who richly gives us all we need “for our enjoyment” (v. 17). Echoing Christ’s instructions to store our treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), Paul says to use our wealth “to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18).
K.T. Sim
Connection Blogs:
- What Is Your Greatest Worry?
The most often repeated command in the Bible surprises most people. It is the command “Don’t worry” or its functional equivalents “Don’t fret” or “Don’t be anxious.” That command shows up 365 times in the Bible—one for every day of the year! It is found at least once in every book of the Bible. If you could be completely candid with yourself (and God, of course!), what is your greatest worry? Reflect for a few moments and ask God to show you this.
Now ask how that worry could be given away to Jesus’ Father. How could you “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” with this issue? Is there some issue of legitimate need—“daily bread”—that you are tempted to make the center of your life? Choose to replace that need focus by deliberately choosing to turn it over to God. What are you to do with the need that presses in on who you are? Ask if it serves God’s kingdom. If it does, then it is right to keep asking for the need to be met. If you are not sure, keep praying until your praying changes, for this might be God’s way of meeting your legitimate need.
Anytime you are tempted to worry about anything, decide now that you will deliberately ask if this need moves God’s rule forward or takes you away from the Lord. If it moves God’s purposes forward, keep praying for His will to be done. If it distracts, ask the Lord to show you how to drop the issue or change your praying. Let each moment of worry turn into a moment of prayer around the very thing over which you are concerned.
Father, You are a God of peace and not despair, and yet I spend so much of my time being anxious about things You can easily take care of, or which are not worth being concerned about. Show me my greatest worry, and allow me to bring it to You in prayer, laying it at Your feet as an offering of my brokenness. Teach me how to recognize Your purposes in the midst of my worries, or how to release them into Your capable hands. If I need to change the focus of my prayers, help me to be alert to the moving of Your Spirit in my heart.
--Taken from Power Praying by David Chotka.
Prayer Points
Give glory to God as the Lord of peace.
Thank Jesus that he himself is our peace, breaking down the barriers and the dividing walls of hostility (Eph. 2:14).
Confess any areas where you are not at peace with another believer or group of Christians.
Commit yourself to making every effort to live in peace with all people (Heb. 12:14).
Ask God to help you bear with others and forgive whatever grievance you have against them, forgiving them as the Lord forgave you (Col. 3:13).
Pray that the church may “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3), realizing that as members of one body we are called to peace.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Good Morning Friends! We are friends of God and each other. God loves us and we love God and others. God is One and we are one in God. Amen! We are created in his image and yet unique creations for unique purposes. We need each other to achieve God's best. We are made for relationships with Him, each other and others. love comes alive through relationships. PTL for love, unity, relationships and His ever-present help that often comes through our friends. He is working all things together for good and he does have great plans for you and for us, His gathered and sent Body. PTL!
I have to fly, but want to leave you with our devotionals and blogs for . God is calling you by name to come and sit with Him and chat. Talk to Him about the thread through these devos and how they apply to you. Ask Him for His Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around you. Talk to Him about what He may have for you or for you to work on this year and about some teammates for the journey. He is speaking to you and speaking His love over you. be still and know then prepare and go live and love like Jesus . I'm praying for you! Shalom shalom!
TWFYT:
ODB:
Focus on God
My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear. Haggai 2:5
At least he passed, Jess thought, holding the test paper. He’d been helping his son with math, but with house chores and extra work from his boss lately, studying together had been tough. Discouraged, Jess thought of his wife, who’d passed away: Lisa, you’d know what to do. I’m not as good a keeper of the home as you were.
On a bigger scale, such discouragement may well have been what Zerubbabel felt. The governor of Judah had been called by God to lead the Israelites in rebuilding the temple after captivity in Babylon. When they’d laid the foundation, “many . . . who had seen the former temple, wept aloud” (Ezra 3:12). The memory of Solomon’s glorious temple lingered again now, as construction of a smaller structure resumed. Ours isn’t as good, everyone, including Zerubbabel, must’ve thought.
“But now be strong, Zerubbabel,” God said, as He did to all involved: “I am with you . . . my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear” (Haggai 2:4-5). Zerubbabel could take heart in God’s guiding presence, bound by His covenant with them (v. 5). Also, “The glory of this present house will be greater,” God said (v. 9), pointing to when Jesus Himself would visit the temple (John 2:13-25).
We may feel discouraged in a task God calls us to do, comparing our results with those of another season. Let’s focus on His plan for this season, because the work and its purpose are His, not our own.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
What task has God given you? How can You focus on Him while carrying it out?
Dear God, please help me as I embrace the task You’ve called me to do.
Centuries before Joshua the son of Jehozadak heard the command to “be strong” (Haggai 2:4), Joshua the son of Nun heard similar words when tasked with taking God’s people into the promised land (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18). Though Moses was dead (vv. 1-2), God was alive and present. He declared, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (v. 9). People change and assignments change. But God’s plan and purpose for us doesn’t. When we’re discouraged, focusing on this truth can strengthen and embolden us for the tasks at hand.
Arthur Jackson
UR: It Takes Time
Jesus told his apostles, “Wait for the gift my Father promised.” - Acts 1:4 (NIV)
When my brother Einar and I were young, our mother sometimes needed to distract us when we were a little too noisy. If she needed to concentrate, she gave us each an egg in two bowls, gave us forks and a dash of sugar, and told us to whip eggnog — we both loved eggnog!
Have you ever tried to whip eggnog with a fork? Let me tell you, it takes time! A lot of time! I remember that we would sit on the kitchen floor and start whipping. Finally, when we had our eggnog, we ate it with great satisfaction. “Sometimes it takes time to get something good,” Mom said to us. She knew how to motivate us to stick with a time-consuming task.
In our spiritual life it is also a good thing to have patience and wait for the Lord’s timing. Jesus told his disciples that they should “wait for the gift my Father promised” — the Holy Spirit. My thoughts go also to Ecclesiastes 11:1 — “Send out your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will get it back” (NRSVUE). When we persevere with patience and faithfulness, we will see God’s provision at work in our lives.
's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.
Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.
Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.
's Prayer
Loving Savior, open our hearts and help us patiently await your blessings. Amen.
Connection Blogs:
- Scriptural Prayer for Revival
Loving Father, revival is about Your presence being real in my life and in the church. Oh, Lord, let me know Your presence. Manifest Your presence in my life and in my church. Lord, send revival. Teach me to be sensitive to Your voice. When You tell me to depart, to get away from the ungodly influences of my world, enable me to obey quickly as Moses did (Exodus 33:1).
Father, drive out the enemies of Your people, expose them for what and who they are. In my community, expose those who oppose and resist You. In the political arena, local governments, schools, and churches, expose those who oppose You and drive them out (v. 2).
Show me how I am stiff-necked and stubborn. Enable me to yield those areas to You (v. 3). Show me that special place of meeting with You where I can run, that place where I can get away from the distractions of life and be alone to meet You. Oh, Lord, let others see my devotion to You, not to brag or puff myself up, but for Your glory (vv. 7–8).
Father, put a separation between me and the outside world, as You did with Moses. Put Your pillar between me and the distractions of life, so I can commune uninterrupted with You (v. 9). Speak to me as You did to Moses. Let Your Word, Your truth, be ever consuming my mind.
Father, I long to be Your friend (v. 11). I long to know You. Let me find grace in Your sight (v. 13). I long for Your presence. Teach me to seek Your presence, and show me any substitutes I have made for You (v. 15). Father, just as You knew Moses’ name, thank You for knowing my name. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayers (v. 17).
Give me spiritual eyes, Father, to behold Your glory, just as You did Moses. Show me anything that hinders my walk with You and separate me unto You (v. 18). Teach me separation. Show me my place by You. Enable me to be still and wait on You. Let me know Your presence. Cover me with Your hand (v. 21). Place me on the rock that does not move. You are my Rock. In life, I may shake and quiver, but my Rock never does. Father, You are honey in the rock. Thank You (v. 22).
Father, forgive me of my sin. Burden me to intercede for the church and give me joy in prayer and a desire to pray. Move in me and through me for Your glory. Let others see Your work in my life and in the church. Send revival to Your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thank Jesus that he himself is our peace, breaking down the barriers and the dividing walls of hostility (Eph. 2:14).
Confess any areas where you are not at peace with another believer or group of Christians.
Commit yourself to making every effort to live in peace with all people (Heb. 12:14).
Ask God to help you bear with others and forgive whatever grievance you have against them, forgiving them as the Lord forgave you (Col. 3:13).
Pray that the church may “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3), realizing that as members of one body we are called to peace.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Good Morning Humble, Child-Like Servants Like Jesus! AMEN!!!! Is that you? Does that reflect our church? It does and it can. Jesus came and turned the world right-side up. His ways are not like ours. The Kingdom we live in operates differently than this world. We are to be in it but not of it. We are to be like Jesus. That's dying to self, taking up cross daily and crucifying things of this world, putting on your new nature more fully and being ready and willing to follow Jesus to His good plans for you and us and those around us. Help us Lord! Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through, and around me and us. Thanks! Bring Light that drives back the darkness. Bring revival and new life. Bring Your Love alive and overcome the hate, lies, deceit and attacks of the Enemy. May respect, humility, hope and unity rise above the chaos and unite many more into Your family. Help us to do our parts too. Thanks! We need you and this world needs You to flip it right-side up. COME! Help! Lead! Amen! Who are you praying for that needs some Love and to know our Hope? What might God have for you to do about that? Who does He have for you to team up to bring His Kingdom in power? Talk to Him about that. Humble yourself, receive His grace, circumcise your hearts and come as a child--His child and follow our Shepherd well, sheep of His fold. Meditate on the devotionals below and put on love and go live and love like Jesus more fully. Come as you are and allow transformation and receive His help and go make disciples. Start by being one! Amen. His grace is sufficient for you! Receive and share it! We are...sheep. He is the Shepherd. And we are...Humble, Child-Like Servants Like Jesus!
ODB:
Following Jesus in Humility
Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
Near our home is a famous garden where we often take walks with a young boy our family cares for. His favorite area is the Children’s Garden, which has a small door large enough for him to run through but small enough to force me to crouch. He laughs as I drop to my knees and wiggle through the small opening to chase him.
The small garden gate reminds me of Jesus’ object lesson in Matthew 18, where He calls a little child to His side to explain the type of person who will enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 2). It was a bold example, for in Christ’s day to be a child was to be inconsequential and overlooked. Unlike, their opinions and desires didn’t matter. Jesus uses this description to highlight our human tendency to be noticed and seek power and influence.
Of course, Jesus wasn’t asking His disciples to become children again but rather pointing to the traits that mark those who serve him. The biggest marker is humility—the person who “takes the lowly position” (v. 4) and serves others.
The small garden door is a reminder that humility doesn’t come naturally to us. Believers in Jesus, however, are to be this way. We’re to follow our Savior, who modeled this way of living by making “himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).
By Matt Lucas
REFLECT & PRAY
In what areas of your life do you thrust yourself to the forefront and seek to be noticed? How can you learn to live more like Jesus?
Dear Father, please forgive me for my pride and self-interest. Help me to be a little child who runs to You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Companion passages in Mark 9:33-37 and Luke 9:46-48 shed light on’s Bible reading from Matthew 18:1-4. Jesus and His disciples had been traveling to Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. When they arrived, Christ asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” (Mark 9:33). His question was merely rhetorical. He knew full well what they’d been discussing. Mark tells us that “they had argued about who was the greatest” (v. 34). In so doing, the disciples showed how badly they misunderstood what Jesus’ kingdom was about. Hence, they asked an unhelpful question: “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). It was then that Christ “called a little child to him” (v. 2). Children wielded neither the power nor the influence the disciples valued and sought. Jesus’ mission inverts our natural understanding of what’s important. He calls and helps believers in Him to be humble, like little children (vv. 3-5).
Tim Gustafson
Upper Room: Never-ending Grace
The Lord said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
When my husband was diagnosed with ALS, we faced a decision: would we dwell on the negative and challenging aspects or make each day the best day possible, knowing that the next one would not be easier? It was a difficult and heartbreaking journey as he was slowly stripped of the ability to perform daily tasks — eventually even walking, eating, sleeping, and breathing. However, even on the darkest days, we experienced God’s sustaining grace in remarkable ways.
During this time, I was gifted a journal titled “Grace.” Initially, I rejected the idea of recording my days, as my time and energy were consumed with caretaking. But then, as day after day we saw God’s goodness and grace, I decided to keep a journal of thanks for God’s guidance, protection, and love throughout our journey. I made bulleted lists of the compassion and love bestowed on us. I noted the help we received unloading my husband’s walker — and later his power wheelchair — as we arrived forworship, the home-repair services done at no charge, and the food that a friend delivered to us weekly for over a year.
These acts of compassion and love reminded us of the promise of God’s everlasting love. Indeed, God’s grace is more than sufficient. It’s life-changing and extraordinary.
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's Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank you for the promise of your endless grace and for the ways we see it manifested in our daily lives. Amen.
TWFYT
One Cry Connection blogs:
- Waiting for Heaven to Open
The Word of God is the one indispensable tool for waiting on God. If we are to meditate on God’s character and works, we must have a clear understanding of who He is and what He has done. If our view of God is incorrect, then we will have weak and perverted prayer lives. A thorough study of history shows that the church becomes ineffective when she forsakes Scripture. Scripture is a testimony of Jesus. Therefore, it is necessary to spend time daily in the Word.
Andrew Murray stated, “Little of the Word with little prayer is death to the spiritual life. Much of the Word with little prayer gives a sickly life. Much prayer with little of the Word gives more life, but without steadfastness. A full measure of the Word and prayer each day gives a healthy and powerful life.”
We need to come into the presence of God with a Bible in our hands and praise in our hearts. As we wait quietly before the Lord, heaven will open. Prayer has the ability to deeply touch the soul of man. It is as timeless as eternity. Prayer reaches back into history and moves the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob into the present. It leaves its impact on future generations. It transforms tragedy into triumph. Prayer has the Word of God as its only limitation.
Lord, Your Word testifies to the greatness and glory of Your Son, Jesus. It is Your Word that brings power and clarity to Your people, the Church. Help me to honor Your Word with my heart through obedience to its precepts and commands as I grow to know You more fully. May I sit quietly before You…waiting for heaven to open!
--Adapted from The Prayer Factor by Sammy Tippit
Prayer Points
Praise God, “the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light” (1 Tim. 6:15-16).
Thank him for being the light of the world.
Confess any areas of your life that you may have been ashamed to bring into the light of God’s truth.
Commit yourself to living as a child of the light.
Ask God to fill you with the fruit of light: all goodness, righteousness, and truth (Eph. 5:9).
Pray that the missionaries your church supports may be like shining stars in dark places as they hold out the word of life (Phil. 2:15-16).
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Great day of worship! It was so good to be able to worship in person, together!!
I wanted to update you on a few things:
We received an email from Steven and Faye Nixon......Holly, Faye's daughter whom we have been praying for through her cancer journey, passed
away early. Please keep Faye, Steven and Holly's family in your prayers during this difficult time. As we learn about Holly's services,
we will let you know.
Josie C is asking for prayer for her friend, Ellen - she is suffering with unidentified internal bleeding making her very weak and tired. She is
currently in the hospital as the doctors are trying to figure out what is going on.
Ruth Guldner remains in the hospital. Her kidneys are not working properly. Please continue to pray for her medical team to discover what
next steps are. Please continue to keep Ruth in your prayers. Also prayers for Nanci and their church family as they support and encourage them
Terry has a biopsy, to gain more information regarding his pre-pancreas cancer. Yay God that Pastor Don's sisters are able to be
there in Florida to support Terry and care for "Mom" (Jane) You are in our prayers Terry!
Everlasting Life Ministries sent us a thank you card, telling us that they are very grateful for our financial and prayer support. They have been
able to assist many homeless and low-income folks in center city Allentown.
Lisa W. shared how she misplaced her checkbook, she prayed and asked for God's help. Because of a search to find her cat's toy under her refrigerator,
she FOUND her checkbook!! God has a sense of humor. God will answer the small prayers as well as the big ones!! God is good!
THERE IS A NEED, CAN YOU HELP?
The Bread Ministry really is in need of another pair of helpers to do a pick up at the Wegman's docks.
The need is for the volunteers, ONE TIME PER MONTH, to go to the Wegman's off of Tilghman Street
and pick up the already boxed items that are staged on the docks.
The boxes can be picked up between the hours of 9:00am and 1:00pm, on Tuesdays.
The number of boxes may vary according to the amount of product they are donating.
Please, pray about this and if God is asking you to help out.....please speak with Gail, or Pastor Don/Sarah
This ministry is very important to our community as there are many people all around us that are in need.
Thank you for praying about this.......
Don't forget to think about your favorite or famous soup! , for brunch we are doing a souper-bowl
We are asking as many of you that can, to participate, and make your favorite soup and bring it to church on the 22nd.
(if you have a crockpot, bring your soup in it) if not we can warm it on the stove top.
We all will help judge the soups. The top three soups will be awarded! Sooo, come on, pull out that favorite soup,
gathering the ingredients and be prepared to 'COOK' !!! Looking forward to trying YOUR soup!!
Please sign up on the signup sheet on the bulletin board at the back of the church if you are making your 'best' soup
to share!
Okay everyone, thank you for praying for each other! Have a great week! Watch out for God-Winks throughout
your day!
Blessings,
Sarah
Pastor Don
Rev. Don Kerns
72 Sunset Hill Rd
Boyertown, PA 19512
484-338-0009
God Loves You!
John 3:16
Good Morning Humble, Child-Like Servants Like Jesus! AMEN!!!! Is that you? Does that reflect our church? It does and it can. Jesus came and turned the world right-side up. His ways are not like ours. The Kingdom we live in operates differently than this world. We are to be in it but not of it. We are to be like Jesus. That's dying to self, taking up cross daily and crucifying things of this world, putting on your new nature more fully and being ready and willing to follow Jesus to His good plans for you and us and those around us. Help us Lord! Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through, and around me and us. Thanks! Bring Light that drives back the darkness. Bring revival and new life. Bring Your Love alive and overcome the hate, lies, deceit and attacks of the Enemy. May respect, humility, hope and unity rise above the chaos and unite many more into Your family. Help us to do our parts too. Thanks! We need you and this world needs You to flip it right-side up. COME! Help! Lead! Amen! Who are you praying for that needs some Love and to know our Hope? What might God have for you to do about that? Who does He have for you to team up to bring His Kingdom in power? Talk to Him about that. Humble yourself, receive His grace, circumcise your hearts and come as a child--His child and follow our Shepherd well, sheep of His fold. Meditate on the devotionals below and put on love and go live and love like Jesus more fully. Come as you are and allow transformation and receive His help and go make disciples. Start by being one! Amen. His grace is sufficient for you! Receive and share it!
Good Morning Loving Worshipers! Amen! we will focus on Our Daily Bread and Philippians 1:3-11. It begins with my heartfelt praise and as I think of you all and God's calling me to St. Matts. Man I love you all and serving together. I love how God unites and loves through us! We are becoming His dynamic movement. Praise God for that! We are learning to live sacrificially and love lavishly like Jesus. We are using our gifts to encourage and spur each other on and to grow His Church. PTL! We are becoming a House of Prayr for the Nations. PTL! What an awesome God we know and love and what a blessing that He has called us together and placed and gifted us for such a time as this! PTL and Amen! I do thank God for you and for all He is doing in and through us. I love how we are embracing and working on Proverbs 3:5-6 as we acknowledge God in all our ways or are working on that and working at not leaning on our own thinking but seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness and experiencing His adding all we need as we do.
Prepare your hearts to gather and worship, study and grow in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring God's Word alive (1 Peter 2 and 3) and for us to be more than just hearers but doers of His Word, He has united us to go love, showing respect to all and uniting together to help us experience the love of Christ and to meet Him. Keep it up and keep seeking God for your part and stepping into it and don't stop praising and praying. Our God is worthy of all praise, glory and honor! He is hearing and answering our prayers and His Kingdom has come and His will is coming alive in, through and around us! PTL!
BTW...thanks for praying for me . God heard, used me, honored Ross' wishes and brought the Gospel alive. Pray for those who heard to be drawn and renewed in faith or even saved. That was Ross' desire. May it be ours too as we enter this week with and surrender and go live and love well in Christ! Amen!
Philippians 1:3-11
Paul’s and Prayer
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[a]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
ODB
Abounding Love
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
At the of summer camp, my teenage self felt conspicuous as I stood alone in a group of campers. When one of them mocked me, I felt hurt. I ran back to my tent, pretending to sleep when the group leader checked on me. The next morning I avoided her attempt to talk about it.
She later wrote to me, helping me understand that God truly cared for me. She quoted from the apostle Paul: We can be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). I felt like the apostle’s words were directed right to me.
Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, which he’d planted over a decade earlier, to encourage them to root their love for God and each other “in knowledge and depth of insight” (v. 9). God would carry on His work in and through them as He filled them “with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (v. 11). At the time I didn’t understand the original context, but I started to comprehend that my identity as one loved by God came from knowing and accepting the love of Jesus.
God desires that we receive His love and that it would abound in us more and more. As He fills us with His joy and peace, we’ll grow in the knowledge not only of Him but of His good work in us.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
How does knowing that God will complete His work in you shape you? How can you root your identity in Christ more deeply?
Creator God, You made me and love me. Please help me look to You always for love, joy, and help.
Paul writes to encourage his spiritual children whom he lovingly describes as “God’s holy people . . . who belong to Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:1 nlt). He’s praying they’ll mature in their faith and become more like Christ (vv. 9-11; see 1 Thessalonians 3:12). The apostle doesn’t simply want them to love each other; he wants them to overflow with God’s love (Philippians 1:9 nlt). Because God is love and He’s demonstrated His love by sending His Son to die for our sins, the apostle John commands us to love one another just as God loved us (1 John 4:7-12): “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect” (vv. 16-17 nlt ). Our identity as believers is rooted in knowing that God made us and loves us.
K.T. Sim
Connection Blogs
- Effective Intercession
The church will be revived, the Great Commission completed, and society transformed only if God’s people are faithful and earnest in prayer and obedient to his command “that requests, prayers, intercession and be made for everyone” (1 Timothy 2:1). Prayer is essential because it is the way God has chosen to work. It is his plan, not ours. When we work, we work. When we pray, God works!
Here are five qualities believers should have in order to be effective intercessors:
1. A clean heart and an obedient mind. In Psalm 66:18, David reminds us that God will not hear those who cherish sin in their hearts. James underscores that it is the righteous who are able to pray powerfully and effectively (James 5:16). And John declares that confidence before God is based upon our obeying his commands and doing what pleases him (1 John 3:21-22). None of us are ready to be intercessors before God until we have settled the issues of sin and obedience in our relationship with God. Either sin will hinder our prayers, or our prayers will hinder sin. To be effective, you must regularly ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and to deal with sin that he reveals.
2. Compassion. Jesus reached out to those around him and effectively touched their lives—not because he had a great program but because he had compassion. Matthew 9:36 reminds us that “when [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
If you are not rooted in Christlike compassion, then ask Jesus for it. He lives in your heart and is willing that you should be motivated for ministry in the same way he is. Ask out of true desire. Ask in faith, and God will give you a heart of compassion toward others (Luke 11:9).
3. Persistence. Jesus told two parables to confirm that persistence is necessary in prayer—the parable of the friend at midnight and the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8). In these parables Jesus reminds us that securing the blessings of God for others is not something that will happen through casual or perfunctory prayers.
Again, it should be said that the very Jesus who taught us of the need to be persistent, and who himself prayed persistently, will help us to pray with persistence when our prayers are in line with his will (John 15:7-16). Continually ask Jesus to enable you to persevere in prayer.
4. Openness to opportunities. The apostle Paul was opportunity oriented in his approach to ministry. When asking the Colossians to pray for him, he invited them to pray “that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:3). In writing to the Corinthians, he rejoiced: “A great door for effective work has opened to me” (1 Corinthians 16:9).
5. Dedication to praying with others. New Testament Christians often prayed together. Nearly two-thirds of the references to prayer in the book of Acts are accounts of believers praying together. In Matthew 18:19, Jesus encouraged mutual prayer when he promised that “if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” Believers who pray together find their faith strengthened, their prayer lives expanded, and the effectiveness of their prayers multiplied.
Lord Jesus, You are the Ultimate Intercessor! Teach me to pray as You pray! Show me how to have a clean heart and an obedient mind so that You can use me for Your purposes. Fill me with compassion for the lost and the least! Train me in persistence so that I will not give up when I intercede! Keep me open to all of the possibilities You place in front of me and may I always be willing to pray with others as demonstrated by the Early Church!
Praise God that “from him and through him and to him are all things” (Rom. 11:36).
Thank God for being both your dwelling place and your destination.
Confess times that you have tried to live independently of his authority.
Commit yourself to offering your body “as [a] living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Rom. 12:1).
Ask God to help you in “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, [to] do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).
Pray for all the unsaved persons in your city, that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:10-11).
Prayer Pointer
“Prayer is hardest when it is hardest to pray.” —Anonymous
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Good Morning Loving Worshipers! Amen! we will focus on Our Daily Bread and Philippians 1:3-11. It begins with my heartfelt praise and as I think of you all and God's calling me to St. Matts. Man I love you all and serving together. I love how God unites and loves through us! We are becoming His dynamic movement. Praise God for that! We are learning to live sacrificially and love lavishly like Jesus. We are using our gifts to encourage and spur each other on and to grow His Church. PTL! We are becoming a House of Prayr for the Nations. PTL! What an awesome God we know and love and what a blessing that He has called us together and placed and gifted us for such a time as this! PTL and Amen! I do thank God for you and for all He is doing in and through us. I love how we are embracing and working on Proverbs 3:5-6 as we acknowledge God in all our ways or are working on that and working at not leaning on our own thinking but seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness and experiencing His adding all we need as we do.
Prepare your hearts to gather and worship, study and grow in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring God's Word alive (1 Peter 2 and 3) and for us to be more than just hearers but doers of His Word, He has united us to go love, showing respect to all and uniting together to help us experience the love of Christ and to meet Him. Keep it up and keep seeking God for your part and stepping into it and don't stop praising and praying. Our God is worthy of all praise, glory and honor! He is hearing and answering our prayers and His Kingdom has come and His will is coming alive in, through and around us! PTL!
BTW...thanks for praying for me . God heard, used me, honored Ross' wishes and brought the Gospel alive. Pray for those who heard to be drawn and renewed in faith or even saved. That was Ross' desire. may it be ours too as we enter this
we will collect for Everlasting Life Ministry. Don't forget to pick up your Congregational report and budget in preparation for our Congregational Meeting (probably after worship)
Good Morning Focused, Trusting God, Servants! Amen! May that be me and us Lord! Thanks!
Do you ever struggle staying focused on God? Sometimes it's hard with circumstances, Satan attacks, and our own doubt. But God is always there. We need to catch and still ourselves and refocus, ask for forgiveness for our unbelief and choose to trust God. Sometimes we need the reminder and prayers of some friends to help us to do that or even realize we are drifting and not trusting well. Sometimes God's promised peace beyond understanding evades our grasp. Again we need to turn off the noise and ask for His help and the prayers of some friends to help us to step into that peace and for the help and ability to choose joy as we grow in and experience trust. He is with us, trustworthy and always working all things together for the good of those who believe. Do you believe? Are you able to stand firm in faith. Are you armored up and being sheilded by God and your faith and weilding the Sword of His Word? And sometimes we need to just step forward in faith and go love and serve others to help us redirect and realize God is with us and has great plans awaiting our faithful movement with Him. Amen! HELP!!! (Check out Our Daily Bread about right focus and the Connection Blog (below) about partnering in prayer and action. I feel and still very much need your prayers!)
I need your prayers and the wisdom, peace and help of God and . Karen jumped in and prayed over me early . Thanks and thanks God for helping me release my own thinking and stepping into faith and your shalom! The Ross Stuart funeral has been haunting me. I loved Ross and could have written a great message of celebration and peace. BUT GOD and Ross! Ross had requested I and his son read so much Scripture and sing hymns that the service will probably go over an hour without saying anything. It's a struggle that haunts me because I try to always bring comfort, peace, and closure at funerals. Ross (and God) have another idea. Ross and I often discussed and always prayed for his family and for salvation. He longed for his family to come to know God and to choose to trust His Word and walk in His ways. He asked me many times to share the gospel too. He also knew he'd have everyone captive . I try my best to honor wishes. So I feel aprehensive as I didn't really write a message and I have to trust God and Ross' insight to what he believes his family needs to hear . PleASE PRAY FOR OPEN HEARTS AND EARS, SALVATION AND RENEWAL OF FAITH AND FOR GOD TO SPEAK TO AND THROUGH ME . pRAY THAT rOSS' MEMORIES AND WISHES WOULD BE HONORED WHILE WE REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE. Thanks! Our Daily Bread reminded me to choose joy and shalom through trusting God's got this. Pray His Word does not come back void of accomplishing what it is sent out to achieve . I am trusting God and praising Him because He will carry me and also bless family while honoring Ross' memories. Maybe we will experience some salvation and renewal of faith too. That was Ross' prayer. Thanks Lord and thank you all for praying.
While you're at it, please pray the same over . I am still needing to finish up the message when I return from the funeral this afternoon. I just don't have peace about what is on paper right now. Ask God to speak to and through me and to lead us into His Word with open hearts and understanding. We will look at 1 Peter 2 and 3 if you want to read ahead. Ask God to help us all to stay focused on Him and ready to pray and serve and respond with His heart and mind. And please pray wisdom and shalom over me. Thanks. I'm trying to choose joy even through some heavy distractions this week as Satan tried to derail me and my focus with some other issues and attacks. Pray a covering over Karen and me, Sarah and Mike and our Body. Thanks! Ask God to keep us focused on Him and His ways and to be able and ready to choose joy and step into His shalom always. Thanks.
I need Thee, O I need Thee. Every hour I need You Lord! Come fill me and us and help us to turn off the noise, focus on You and trust as we choose joy, faith and shalom. Come fill and lead us. Protect us from the enemy and may Your Kingdom come and will be done and always. Here I am Lord! Send and use me and us! Hear our prayers and keep us focused on You alone. Thanks Amen!
ODB
Focused on God
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
My coworker made a quick call to discuss an issue. She asked how I was doing, and I admitted that I had a really painful sinus infection, and the medicine wasn’t working. My coworker simply asked, “May I pray for you?” After I agreed, she offered a thirty-second prayer to God for my healing. I admitted, “Sometimes I forget to pray. I was so focused on the pain I didn’t turn to God.”
My confession made me think about where I place my focus—on my struggles and problems or on God. On this day, my thoughts centered on the pain because of its intensity. But Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that when we keep our minds focused on God, our healer and sustainer, we can find peace: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” While the pain may not go away instantly, or perhaps ever in this life, the prophet reminds us to place our “trust in” the one who is faithful and able to provide what we need (v. 4).
This passage from Isaiah pointed the Israelites to God’s promises during and after their exile. They would sing songs of praise to Him again as they clung to their faith and hope in what He would provide (vv. 1-2). And the prophet’s words also remind us that whatever pain we may endure, we too can find comfort as we focus on trusting in God and calling out to Him.
By Katara Patton
REFLECT & PRAY
Where are your thoughts focused? How can you turn your concerns into praise and prayers to God?
Dear God, please remind me to keep my mind focused on You, regardless of what situations I face.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Isaiah 26 begins, “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah” (v. 1). What does “that day” refer to? By looking back at chapter 25, we find that Israel will be singing this song upon the ultimate arrival of her Messiah, declaring, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (v. 9). The Messiah will then deal with those who oppressed Israel and brought her great suffering (pictured by Moab). This will be fulfilled when Jesus comes to earth the second time and establishes His kingdom. As we await His return, we can also be comforted in the abiding presence of the one who promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
Bill Crowder
Connection Blog:
- Prayers and Words of Blessing
Charles Spurgeon attributed his success to his congregation’s prayers. The story goes that a group of visitors asked him about the secret to his ministry success. Spurgeon led them to the lower level of New Park Street Chapel in Southwark in London, where more than 400 people were praying for God’s blessing and power to rest on their pastor and the church community. “Here is the powerhouse of this church,” he said.
Of course, there is power in a large number of people gathering to pray for their church, yet a lone person can make a huge difference. I am inspired by the story of R.W. Dale, pastor of Carr’s Lane Congregational Church in Birmingham, England, in the 1800s. Dale was a spiritual leader with a thriving ministry but also a personal challenge: “A dark thread of depression ran through Dale’s life, and often he spoke of ‘the strange, morbid gloominess’ that he had to battle, sometimes for weeks at a time.”
One day Dale was in a depressed mood, walking down a Birmingham street, when a poor lady passed him and said, “God bless you, Dr. Dale!” He asked her name, but she refused to give it.
“Never mind my name,” she said, “but if you could only know how you have made me feel hundreds of times, and what a happy home you have given me—God bless you!”
As she hurried away she seemed to take the dark cloud with her. Dale said, “The mist broke, the sunlight came, I breathed the free air of the mountains of God.”
Our prayers and words of blessing for fellow members of God’s family can have a powerful impact.
Gracious Father, You are able to use me even when I don’t feel that I have anything to give to anyone! Show me how giving Your word through blessings to others can change lives and lift up those who just need a touch from You ! May I take time in this day to send a scripture of blessing to someone who needs to hear Your voice through me ! As I listen to Your Spirit, show me who I need to be praying for right now! Use me, Lord, to impact the lives of others, even when I may be walking through some darkness in my own life.
Prayer Points
Praise God for his deep compassion for the poor, the suffering, the lonely (Isa. 58:5-7).
Give thanks for the times when God has lifted you out of the pit of depression or loneliness or from the mire of circumstances (Ps. 40:2).
Confess any times recently when your ears have been deaf to the cries of the poor in your area (Mt. 25:31-46).
Commit yourself to becoming more aware of their needs.
Ask God to show you his heart of compassion and how it can be revealed in your life (Isaiah 58).
Pray that oppressive governments may learn to respect the rights of all people and that true justice and mercy will prevail in courts and government decisions.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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