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Saturday, June 07 2025
Good Morning Unified, Focused, Body of Christ! PTL! That is you and us as we come together as His Body for His purposes, learning to die to self and work for the better good of Kingdom advancement together. And that is built as we seek to become the people we are created to be, ding what we are created, gathered and empowered to do ad built on the foundation of Christ and informed by His Living Word. Amen! Pretty cool stuff! One in Christ, gathered, activated and sent to transform the world as we bring Christ and His Word alive, as we live and love more like Him! Amen! Now that is plenty to contemplate, process with some friends and pray through this morning. What's God saying to you and will you do about that? he does have great plans for you and us and they are coming alive in '25! PTL!
Just a very brief update: I had a great nights sleep as did Karen. Today we are involved (and thrashed some this morning as Karen is already out the door) in the baby shower and dedication of the 3 month premature twins of her boss that we have been praying for. What a miracle! They were born before they could have the baby shower. So today is that and why not dedicate the babies as well. Fun but busy morning. The coming together of friends to host this reminds me of the coming together of our Body to encourage, spur on, plan, pray and go love. many parts coming together for one big happy day and event. I pray and contemplate how God may want to do that with us as we consider some new opportunities and connection points where we get to, want to, go live, love, share the Good News and make disciples of Jesus and in His way. The cool part is we get to be who we are in Christ and do what we are gifted and inclined to do anyway to make it all happen. Pray into us seeking, hearing, processing, planning and doing His will. He is working all things together for good--including us. And He has some awesome things to discover and enact over the next few months. What ideas, dreams and visions is bringing to you? Let's start praying and planning! We are family, united in Christ and better together as we follow Him! Amen!
Check out these devos as you prepare your heart this morning and abide before going in Christ. We do need each other. Let us stay unified and focused on Christ and His mission of love! Shalom
I to We
ODB
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A seemingly plain table with thirteen simple cups divided across separate panels make up the contemporary painting, “That They May All Be One,” which hangs in Wolfson College at Oxford University. Its simplicity actually emphasizes the significance of the event: Jesus’ last supper with His disciples. The most prominent panel, containing bread and a cup representing Jesus, is surrounded by twelve individual panels to signify the disciples’ presence.
The painting is a beautiful reminder of the meal where Jesus took bread and a cup to start a new celebration for all His followers, the practice of communion. And I appreciate the row of empty panels that complete the picture because the space seems to invite the viewer to join them at the table.
Paul encourages us that “whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Everyone who believes that Jesus’ death and resurrection provides the way for peace with God has a space waiting for them at the table.
And when we proclaim, or remember, Jesus’ sacrifice when we take communion, we act as one community of believers across the world and throughout time. It is as a beautiful image of the unity of the church.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
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What is meaningful to you about communion? How does communion point to believers’ unity in Jesus?
Jesus, as we take part of the celebration You gave us, remind me that we do it as one community.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s use of the words “on the night [Jesus] was betrayed” (1 Corinthians 11:23) underscores the serious nature of the matter he was addressing. It was Christ who implemented the first Communion (Lord’s Supper), and He did so on the Passover night before His crucifixion. Paul revisits the importance of this ordinance to correct a serious error in the church at Corinth. He leads into this section by saying, “In the following directives I have no praise for you” (v. 17)—stern words to hear from an apostle of Jesus. The apostle pointed out how there were “divisions” among the people (v. 18). Some were eating too much while others went hungry, and some were even getting drunk. Paul found such behavior appalling and warned of God’s judgment on those who were offending in this matter (vv. 27-32). He concluded by appealing for their renewed unity (v. 33)—a unity we can enjoy today with other sisters and brothers in Christ.
Tim Gustafson |
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UR: Grow in Faith
The Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. - Acts 17:11 (NIV)
After waiting three hours to have some blood work done, I went to a vegetarian restaurant close to the hospital. When I went to the register to pay, I placed the book I had been reading in the hospital by the counter. Quickly, the person standing behind me read the title and said aloud, “Clement of Alexandria. How interesting!” When the person asked what had motivated me to read the book, I responded that I wanted to know how the ancient Christians expressed, argued, and lived their faith in a diverse society.
The scripture for today tells us that the early Christians dedicated themselves to the study of scripture. They did not simply limit themselves to listening and believing what Paul preached. They “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
We live in a diverse society with a wide variety in the ways people think, live, and believe. When we delve deeper into scripture and supplement our reading with works by Christian writers who faced great challenges because of their faith, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live and share the gospel. As Christians, we must nurture our spiritual needs so we can express, live, and share our faith according to Jesus’ teachings.
Today's Prayer
God of all knowledge and wisdom, guide us to your truth according to scripture. Grant us wisdom and increase our understanding so we can bear witness and share your good news with others. Amen.
Connection Blogs
June 7 - The Father Is Good!
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Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11)
The Fatherhood of God was at the core of the teaching and prayer life of Jesus. In His own prayers Jesus continually referred to God as Father. In Matthew 7:7–11 Jesus teaches the multitudes to ask, seek, and knock. He taught them that there is a loving Father that is eagerly waiting to meet them at their point of need.
This poses a problem for many people in this generation. Because there has been so much abuse of children by fathers, the term father can have a negative, perverted connotation for some believers. Jesus teaches, however, that the nature of our Father is goodness. He is a good Father, perfect in His goodness. He said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11, emphasis added).
Everything about the Father is good. It is in His nature to do good to His children. When we focus on the goodness of the Father, it makes miraculous changes in our attitudes toward life.
Father, how often I act like a spoiled child, trying to get my way. Your heart is to shower me with Your goodness if I will only receive it! Forgive me for the times I have questioned Your love for me when things go wrong or when people I love are hurting. Teach me how to be consistently aware that my life is in Your hands, and that Your plan is always for my good, even when things look bleak. Father, change my attitude to one of complete trust in Your ability to guide my life into Your purposes for the glory of Your kingdom!
--Adapted from The Prayer Factor by Sammy Tippit. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise God for being sovereign, all-powerful, just, and gentle—all at the same time!
- Thank him for dealing gently with you in your faults.
- Confess times of lashing out at others.
- Commit yourself to reflecting the gentleness of God to those around you, and ask God to produce that part of his Spirit’s fruit in abundance in you.
- Pray that Christians who differ with one another will present a positive example to the world of how to gently disagree in love. Ask God to present that example also through you in your own conflict situations.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com |
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Saturday, June 07 2025
Good Morning Again Praying Friends! It's been awhile since I included a Connections Blog in my blogs because they are not on line yet when I blog very early (like this morning). However, with our focus on women's prayer teams and our emphasis on striving to become a House of Prayer for the Nations, we need to focus on some prayer teachings and opportunities to learn to pray in power. Praying Scriptures leads to praying in power. And we know the prayers of a righteous person (you) are powerful and effective.
As I arose the third time this morning, the Connection blogs were posted. As I read through them, God nudged me to send them to you for your reading and application and even praying. Open your Bibles and pray Scriptures as you practice and absorb Scriptures to pray at other times as needed. Wield that double-edged sword in prayer! For the women's prayer teams, talk to your team about doing this and practicing powerful prayers for our church, our outreaches, for new ideas and connection points to neighbors and even for our communities and nation and leaders. God is right there with you listening and as you lift biblical prayers He respond with powerful and effective answers. His Kingdom will come and His will is done! Amen!
Try it! And keep praying and practicing and incorporating Scriptures as you pray. Then share those stories of how God answers. He will and in power! I'm praying for you! Shalom!
Connections:
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June 6 - Experiencing the Fullness of God
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Prayer concerns a relationship with God and reflects His active choice to communicate with us. Communicating with God involves our thoughts, words and gestures as we reach beyond our earthly limitations toward His transcendence. In short, prayer helps us to experience God in all of His fullness. Furthermore, practicing daily prayer and Bible reading is like having two arms that reach longingly toward the heavenly Father. Such a “praying person” receives God’s loving embrace as He answers through prayer and the Scripture.
George Müller learned that “the safe guide in every crisis is believing prayer in connection with the Word of God.” Müller discovered that the power for spiritual empowerment lay in Bible reading and that once his soul was filled with God’s Word, he was able to test his daily walk with the principles from God’s Word. What was true of a crisis in his life was true in every detail of his life. He literally walked throughout his day with scripture and prayer on his lips.
Like Müller, we also recognize the value of prayer and study of the scripture as two core inward spiritual disciplines that we practice in order to comprehend and to apply the will of God. Yet, his attitude in such prayer informs me. He seemed to pray always with his entire soul opened before God. I believe “praying the scripture” includes a vital attitudinal difference; namely, that something more is longed for in my inner person. Praying the scripture refers more to being than to doing and the application of the scripture’s “two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12) with prayer implies that I long for the Spirit’s moral activity to be operative within my heart in dramatic ways. The result of this attitude of prayer provides me with a holistic approach where my entire being is linked to God in Christian communication.
Lord, so often I have neglected Your word in favor of other pursuits. Help me to employ the “two-edged sword” as I pray, having an attitude of prayer that flows from Your heart. Allow me to walk through any storm, struggle or situation standing firmly upon Your promises and precepts. May I discover, as Müller did, the spiritual empowerment for everyday life that comes from prayer that is embedded in Your word.
--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 27, The Use of Scripture in Personal Prayer by Larry Ashlock). This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise your faithful God! Give thanks for God’s faithfulness to you even when you are unfaithful to him (2 Tim. 2:11-13).
- Spend a few minutes asking God to help you think through your life and confessing any unfaithfulness he brings to your attention.
- Commit yourself as God’s image-bearer to reflecting his faithfulness in your own.
- Pray that Christians will be faithful to use individual and corporate outreach opportunities. Ask for the vision to see opportunities and the loving determination to follow through.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com |
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Saturday, June 07 2025
Thank God I'm Forgiven! Real life begins and flows from that special gift from God. How many benefits and praises can you lift from that truth as you begin your quiet time. Try it! Yes, thank God I am forgiven because...
Good Morning Thankful Worshipers! Been thinking a lot lately about Job's great praise through his troubling times, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Praise be the Lord! I wonder why he allows only one night of sleep out of 20-30? But hey, Praise be the Lord because He has a plan and purpose for allowing it. PTL because I have to lean more on Him. PTL because I have to slow down and rely on others. PTL because others are stepping into their purposes. Thank God I'm forgiven and can know His love, grace and mercy no matter what I am facing or enduring! Yes, PTL!
This mornings devos really spoke to me and thread together to remind us of God's loving presence and how He works all things together for good. he is faithful--always! He doesn't waste our pain and wants to use it to grow us and the use us. he makes us new and sometimes that is through hard times. But because we are saved, we are activated and empowered to do the things He made us to do. We are His masterpieces. And the masterpieces become beautiful and useful as He pieces our lives together. Amen and PTL!
Spend some time in His loving presence today and soak in His love. he is working all things together for good! Amen! I heard Him and responded by spending time with Him and now I am very tired and praying He allows some sleep. If not, He has a plan in that. PTL!
UR: Eternal Faithfulness
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSVUE)
This verse is one we can turn to when we feel overwhelmed, and I imagine overwhelmed is what Jeremiah must have been feeling when he wrote Lamentations. Things were the worst they had ever been for Israel. Many people had been slaughtered in a losing battle, while others died of starvation.
But Jeremiah tells us that he had hope because he called to mind God’s promises. He remembered how God’s steadfast love had not changed or been altered by the sins of the people. It was based not on their performance but on God’s unchanging heart. Next, Jeremiah tells us that God’s mercies never come to an end. Even though his nation had been defeated and the enemy had burned down the temple, God continued to be merciful to them. God hasn’t stopped being merciful to us either.
God is willing to forgive anyone who cries out for mercy. Jeremiah tells us about God’s great faithfulness. He had hope because he knew that no matter what was to come, God would faithfully provide for God’s people. Today, no matter what we face, no matter what has been torn down, we can call to mind God’s promises and put our hope in God.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for inspiring us with your word. Help us to have hope in all circumstances. Amen.
ODB
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She looked into my eyes and said, “Don’t waste your pain.” My mind immediately returned to the time years prior when I’d led the memorial service for her young adult son whose life was taken in a car accident. She knew what she was talking about. She knew pain. But she also knew how God could use it to honor Him and help others—something this friend had done so very well. And as I heard her words, they comforted and encouraged me as I faced a serious cancer diagnosis. She was reminding me that God heard my cries and lament, and that He was with me in my pain and might use it to help others in a new way.
Moses also learned that God was with His people in their pain. “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt,” God said. “I have heard them crying out . . . and I am concerned about their suffering” (Exodus 3:7). The Israelites, like us at times, must have felt alone in their pain. But God assured them He had a plan to “rescue them” and that “the cry” of their hearts was heard (vv. 8-9). He would ultimately use their pain to grow their faith, defeat their enemies, and bring Him honor.
In Psalm 90, the only psalm attributed to Moses, he declared that even though our “best years are filled with pain” (v. 10 nlt), God’s “unfailing love” is with us “to the end of our lives” (v. 14 nlt). He lovingly won’t waste our pain—and neither should we.
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
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What does it mean for you to know God hears your cries? How is God using your pain to help others?
Loving God, thank You for hearing my cries and using my pain to help others.
Discover why we believe in a God who allows suffering.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
“God to the rescue!” is a major biblical/theological theme in Scripture and history. Because of His person and His promises, He’s mindful of the plight of His people throughout the ages. He’s loving, merciful, and compassionate; therefore, He sees the dilemmas and hears the groans of His people (see Exodus 2:23). And because He’s a promise keeper (v. 24), He acts for the well-being of those who belong to Him. We see this same dynamic in God’s ultimate rescue plan through Jesus (Galatians 4:4-5). Mary sang about such things in Luke 1:54-55: “[God] has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” And God was with Mary and Abraham as they experienced pain in life, just as He’s with us in our pain.
Arthur Jackson |
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I to We (I really love how this devo keeps affirming what I am hearing form God and His plans for us!)
Saturday, June 07 2025
Good Morning Children of the Prayer-Hearing, Miracle-Bringing, King of the Universe! I gotta fly, but PTL! He has allowed me the miracle of sleep--ten hours last night--in response to your prayers and releasing His miracle power in prayer! Thank you and PTL! (Maybe it was the Rita's Ice! We had 30 of us gather and fellowship last nitght! Fun night!)However, that leaves little time to chat this morning as I have Anna Mae's funeral and then latter pre-marriage counseling. Sat I have the baptism of twin miracle babies we have prayed for. God is awesome and always on time! Check out the I to We devo below. Just as I've been saying and taching, we all have a place and a part and on part is too small to not be needed. You were created and are activated for such a time as this! Step boldly into your anointing today. There are a few devos below that that tie through it. We need givers, pray-ers, all kinds of servants to become God's dynamic movement. And we need each other! What's your part? What will you do about it? Praying for you! Keep on praying, believing and following Jesus! I'm praying for you and us and believing there are many more miracles to come--including many new lives in Christ! Pray and believe and do your part with me! Thanks!
I to We
ODB
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In his 2024 address to 1,200 university graduates, billionaire businessman Robert Hale Jr. said, “These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring and giving. [My wife and I] want to give you two gifts: The first is our gift to you, the second is the gift of giving.” His words were followed by the distribution of two envelopes each to the unexpectant graduates—five hundred dollars to keep and five hundred to give away to a person in need.
Though Robert Hale’s wealth has allowed him to share like this on more than one occasion, generosity isn’t reserved for those with great means. Believers in Jesus in ancient Macedonia gave out of their poverty so the needs of believers in Jerusalem could be met. Paul said of the Macedonians, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). He commends them because “they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people” (vv. 3-4).
Those who recognize that they’ve been given much grace from God through Jesus can respond with generous hands to the needs of others. With God’s help, let’s give after the example of the one who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
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What can you offer generously to someone? How have you been the recipient of another’s generosity?
Heavenly Father, please help me to give generously to others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
A fitting label for the “Macedonian churches” (2 Corinthians 8:1)—Thessalonica and Berea—is “Exemplars of Grace.” These churches were planted by Paul on his second missionary journey in Philippi. Second Corinthians 8 describes these believers in Jesus. They weren’t content simply with being recipients of God’s favor (v. 1); they became channels of generosity. Furthermore, they didn’t allow their destitution to excuse them from sharing with others: “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (v. 2). As recipients of God’s grace (v. 1), they viewed their participation not as an obligation but as a “privilege” (v. 4). Finally, the giving of their material possessions was the result of their having given themselves first to Christ (v. 5), who, “though he was rich . . . became poor, so that [we] through his poverty might become rich” (v. 9). As we give sacrificially to others in need, we reflect His giving ways.
Hear more about grace and gratitude in Greco-Roman culture.
Arthur Jackson |
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UR
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” - Genesis 28:16 (NIV)
Filling the watering can, I became aware that I was not alone. Two large antennae appeared at the top of the can.
Slowly but surely a gray neck became visible and then a magnificent shell, glistening and pristine in various shades of brown and cream. This scourge of the garden was a truly wonderful example of God’s creation.
The glory of God is visible even in the humble snail.
The appearance of the snail was just one of many occasions when I have gained a deeper appreciation of everyday things — when God and the wonder of human existence and creation made a strong impression upon me.
Jacob had such an experience when he awoke from sleep at a place he named Bethel. Jacob had not been looking for this experience; it happened quite suddenly. Each day and in ordinary ways God’s glory is revealed. Paying close attention to what is going on around us can be a transforming experience. God’s glory fills the earth and skies. May we be granted the vision to see it.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the surprising beauty of your creation. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear your work in the world. Amen.
Saturday, June 07 2025
Good Morning Purposeful Listeners! Is that you? I always aim to be, but am not always successful. It takes focus to listen intently, discern and fulfill your revealed purposes of each day and for life in Christ. Going on a month and a half of sleeplessness and health issues finds me hard to stay focused and listen. It's even hard just to keep my quiet time alive. This morning is another example of that. 3:00 and still no sleep. A very long day lies ahead and I need to be on my game and following my purposes intently, yet I just want to sleep. Only God knows what stretching or correction or growing is allowing this season. Or maybe it's Satan trying to sift me or a test of faith. Sometimes it takes all you have to seek, focus, listen and follow God. I'm trying!
Two devos for today really tie to this. The Upper Room's titled "Listen" And TWFYT's about finding your purpose. You can't find your purpose if you don't seek, listen, surrender and follow God. One of our purposes is to seek and listen to God. They go hand in hand. Check them out below and seek God with all your heart. Don't lean on your own understanding and allow Him to lad you to and through your purposes for today. he does have great plans for you. Step out in faith, boldly into them!
One of my purposes right now is to cling to God and not my own devices and allow Him to lead me beside the still waters and to the green pastures. I have to choose to let Him carry me there. I am at the end of me and totally exhausted. I hear several of you are enduring this too. May we spur each other on, keep covering each other in prayer, and just allow God to have His way with us. Better days are ahead and until then commit to seeking, knocking, listening, discerning and following just as you are and as best as you can. That's all God expects!
So, shalom shalom...perfect peace to you and yours. God does have a plan no matter what you are going through and He is always there upholding you in His strong right hand. Amen! Speak Lord. Your servant is listening and wanting to follow you to my purposes for today. Come! Have all of me! Amen
UR: Listen
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” - 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV)
I eased back into bed hoping for a few more minutes of rest before another long day began. My original plan to sleep late had been interrupted by an early summons to attend to my husband’s healthcare needs. Although I am usually able to return to sleep quickly, that morning sleep evaded me. While I lay still in the pre-dawn quiet, I became aware of the caw of a crow, trills from a songbird, the patter of gentle raindrops, and the soft sounds of breathing. Nothing exciting. Just restful reminders that God surrounds me with small gifts of peace and joy when I take time to listen.
The day’s responsibilities still stretched before me. My body still ached for rest. Nevertheless, God’s message of hope helped me rise to begin my day with assurance that I did not have to face it alone.
As Samuel responded to God in the middle of the night, I want to remain ready to listen when God speaks. May we never allow the busyness and bustle of daily life to mute the voice of the One who loves us beyond all measure.
Today's Prayer
Loving God, grant us listening hearts, ready to respond whenever and wherever you call. Thank you for the peace of your presence. Amen.
TWFYT
Saturday, June 07 2025
Sarah update below
Zoom Huddle 10 am today
Good Morning Disciples that Jesus Loves! That is so true, but would you describe yourself that way? John did. Maybe if we did, we would be a bit more earnest in pursuit of and living for Jesus. we are so very loved by the God who is love and then saved, empowered and sent to love like Jesus. That is our mission that transforms our lives and of those around us. How's that going? Has God revealed someone to you that needs His love? Has your team discerned someone to love like Jesus loves you. Has the Holy Spirit given you dreams and visions for how to? be bold and courageous and step into your anointing today. God has great plans just for you! Rejoice, trust and follow well!
I was able to get three solid hours of sleep and some 10-30 minute naps before that. However, I need more rest as I cannot keep my eyes open right now. God has led me in a step in the right direction. That flows form abiding n matter my circumstances and then trusting and following well, just as I am. Check out the UR's reminder that as we allow what breaks God's heart to break ours we will reap with joy. What's breaking your heart right now? What are you doing about that? Ask God for eyes to see, ears to hear and for His heart and mind to step into your purposes today. Ask for willing feet and hands that hold loosely to your agenda for this day. Find someone to pray about this, to discern with and to plan and then cover you and help you. That is God's plan for you! Yes rejoice and come as you are and allow Him to move you closer to what he has created you to be and do. Amen! TWFYT asks a simple question that Jesus asked and still asks, "Do you want to be made whole?" How you answer that will determine what happens next. Choose Jesus! Choose love! Choose to trust and obey. Choose to die to self, take up cross today and allow Him to lead you to His best. He's waiting for you! And we are praying into us discovering and stepping into our purposes boldly and ready. May it be so Lord! Come! Amen! The harvest is waiting! Revival is at hand! Amen! Shalom shalom! Know perfect peace as you trust, surrender and follow today!
UR: No Labor Lost
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. - Psalm 126:5 (NIV)
At an annual event that rewards hard work and excellence across sectors in Africa, our organization won an award. I went to receive it. As I stood on the podium, the chairman named the feats we have achieved over the years, and the crowd cheered. It was a spectacular moment because the hard work we thought had gone unnoticed was finally rewarded.
Reflecting on that moment, I thought of the future time when God will honor the saints, the martyrs, the unknown heroes of faith, the peacemakers, the generous givers, and others who work tirelessly for the cause of God’s kingdom (see Matt. 16:27). Even when we feel our service has gone unnoticed or seemingly unrewarded, God takes note.
Realizing that God sees my effort even when the world does not instills in me a fervent desire to serve God and humanity. I look forward to the day when I will stand before God among the cheering saints and hear God say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
Today's Prayer
Dear God, when our heart and hands are weary, strengthen us. Amen.
TWFYT:
Sarah Update:
Good evening, all.....
What a gorgeous day it was today. Looks like the next couple of days are going to be the same.....sunshine and warmer temps.
Hope you all are able to find some time to enjoy the outdoors.
CONGRATULATIONS to Grandparents Debbie and Gerry Siegfried. They are celebrating the birth of their
second grandson, who was born this morning. Mommy and baby are doing well and Daddy is very proud.
Baby's name is Arthur John. Let's uplift this new family in our prayers as they begin this adventure together.
Parents of Arthur John are Michele and Michael Schuler.
Gwen Jones will be having surgery tomorrow morning (Tuesday) to have her pacemaker inserted. She is forever
grateful for all your prayer support, brings her comfort.
Anna Mae Diefenderfer's funeral will be at Trexler Funeral Home on Thursday, at 11:00am, viewing hours will be from
10:00 - 11:00am. Pastor Don will be officiating at the service.
Millie Flexer's husband had a heart procedure today (Monday) Continue to pray for him and the results.
Howie - Gary Bastan's relative is dealing with a blood infection. Prayers for healing.
Lisa Wenner is asking for prayer for her nephew's wife Lauren who is pregnant with twins. One of the twins is not
gaining weight as they should. There will be an ultrasound this week, and then a decision will be made as to what sort
of treatment is necessary. Prayers for an answer and wisdom for medical team.
Kay Paul and her daughter Nancy as asking for prayers for safe travel for Larry and Enol and their sons. They are due back
into the states this week. Let's pray them home safely.
Also keep Richard, their oldest son in your prayers as he transitions to college life at Lehigh University.
Also don't forget if you are not doing anything this Wednesday, we will be gathering at Rita's ice, in Emmaus, at 6:00pm.
Where your St Matthew's tee shirt, if you have one. Come one come all!
Thank you all for supporting one another in your prayers.
Blessings,
Sarah
Saturday, June 07 2025
This Week:
Tue 10 AM Zoom Huddle (All welcome)
Wed 10-12 Bread Min; 6 PM Rita's Chill Out
Sat. 10-1 Clothing Closet
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Good Morning! Please keep praying for me. I had one full night's sleep yesterday in over a month. Today seems to be back to no sleep. Gonna try again as soon as I hit send. This is really getting old! Satan be gone!
We had a great day of worship, sharing, and praying yesterday. Keep praying for our church to experience and bring revival and new life and learn to live,, love and make disciples like Jesus! Ask God what your part is in His Good News Delivery Company and step out in faith and with some friends. He has great plans for you and us! Amen! Kathy verified yesterday that we are very much growing to become the dynamic movement God and our bishop have called us to be for such a time as this. PTL!
Check out these devos. Do you see the thread? Is God speaking to your heart? Who are you processing that with? Many need deliverance and healing today. Sarah Young's devo spoke to my heart today about relaxing in God's healing. Chuck Swindoll reminds us of the importance of trusting God completely and how that can bring much inner peace. Our Daily Bread talks about persevering and running our races well and of God's loving mercy and grace when we fall short. The Upper Room reminds us how we can be part of something bigger God is doing and stepping out to advocate for and bless our neighbors. Try it!
OK. Enough! I thin God has spoken and I am now able to sleep. Please Lord!
Sarah Young
Chuck Swindoll
ODB
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“Not winning is in fact more powerful than winning,” Professor Monica Wadhwa argues. Her research reveals that people tend to be most energized and motivated not when they win but when they almost win. Falling just short of one’s ambitions tends to give people the motivation to keep growing and striving. Easy victories, on the other hand, tend to cripple energy and motivation.
Wadhwa’s perspective gives fresh insight into Paul’s analogy used in two passages that compare following Christ to running a race: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Philippians 3:12-14. In both instances, Paul emphasizes that believers ought to give their pursuit of Christ and the gospel their all, “straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13) and running “in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24).
The paradoxical truth is that what we’re striving for—faithfully sharing the gospel (v. 23) and knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8)—aren’t things we can ever say we’ve achieved. We’ll always fall short. We’ll never be able to say we’ve “already arrived” (v. 12).
But that’s okay—because it’s the experience of drawing ever closer to Christ that matters. It’s only His strength that empowers and motivates us to pour our whole hearts into pursuing Him—the one who will one day carry us to victory.
By Monica La Rose
REFLECT & PRAY
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How have you experienced growth through falling short? How can falling short encourage you to rely on Christ?
Dear God, thank You that I don’t need to fear falling short, but that You use these moments to continually draw me closer to You.
For further study, read Why Is Confession So Hard?
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The athletic imagery of running a race used in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 is also seen in Hebrews 12:1-2. The Greek word trechō, translated “run,” is used in both passages. We’re to “run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24) and “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). The “great cloud of witnesses” (v. 1) included the “sometimes winning, sometimes losing” Old Testament believers. Though perfection will continue to elude us, as we “[fix] our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (v. 2), we can grow in faith and endurance.
Arthur Jackson |
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UR: Advocates
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NRSVUE)
Montez Bailey and his two friends were shot in my quiet neighborhood park. Montez died.
The community didn’t want revenge against the gang initiate who was responsible. They wanted healing. Several people in the neighborhood began to advocate for the area. They wrote grants. They lobbied. They urged the neighborhood council to take action.
Before long, they turned a run-down park into a gathering place with expansive lawns, soccer and baseball fields, basketball courts, a splash fountain, a playground, and picnic areas. The city agreed to establish The Forgiveness and Peace Garden — the only city-supported public garden where local people can tend a garden plot. Now families and groups enjoy a safe and peaceful time at the park.
The city built a community center nearby, one which had originally been planned for a wealthier area. My neighbor, one of those involved in this effort, told me how it impacts the lives and attitudes of the local teens. They now play sports in the park or go to the community center to hang out, study, and pursue fitness.
Advocacy is powerful. This is the heart of what it means to follow Jesus, our advocate in crisis and brokenness. Jesus is our source of peace.
Today's Prayer
Healer of all things, give us the courage to stand with others to advocate for justice and peace. Amen.
Saturday, June 07 2025
Good Morning Worshipers! Let us prepare our hearts to worship in Spirit and Truth and to enter His courts with thanksgiving! What praises, thanksgivings, and Kingdom stories do you have to share and celebrate with us today? I know God has used some of us and given us stories to share, tests that have become testimonies, and supernatural workings of God we all need to hear and celebrate. Come! Let us worship!
I'm thankful God is delivering me and preparing me to lead today. May has been quit the journey! BUT GOD! He has used it and will lead me from it pruned and ready for some good fruit production. PTL! He is the Potter. We need to remember we are the clay and to stay supple and moldable in His artistic hands. For we are His masterpieces, made new in Christ, to do the things he created and gifted us to do. What's you part in His Good News Delivery Company, masterpiece? What are you created, gifted, molded, and empowered to do for such a time as this? Let's discuss that, discover together and stay committed to praying into this! Check out the I to We devo about this below. I love how God often affirms what He's been saying and leading us to. Eph. 2:10 is one of our foundational purposes and we are His masterpieces, made new to do what we are created for. PTL!
Today we will pray, seek to grow in our connection to the Vine and discover some of our purposes as we pray and discern together. Our fruit grows from staying connected to and abiding in the Vine before and as we step out in faith to His plans. That often takes dying to self and crucifying our comfort to follow Jesus better. How's that going? How can we help each other? Check out the Upper Room below about this. Stepping out in faith and releasing our comfort for His stretching can be fear causing. Fear not for God is with you--always and he is always working all things together for good. lean not on your own understanding. Trust God to lead to His best plans for you and then be bold and courageous as you step out with Jesus and some partners. Check out The Word for You Today below about trusting God and stepping from comfort zones that will lead to good and lasting fruit! And then wrap up with the Connection prayer blog as you still self, seek and abide in preparation for what's next. I'm praying for you and God is cheering you and us on! Come! let us enter His courts with praise!
I to We
UR: Divine Connection
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 (NIV)
In this age of the internet, it can be difficult to go about life as usual when connectivity is suddenly lost. All communication seems to come to a standstill. This happened to us when our home internet connection was interrupted. There was a loud pop, and then our Wi-Fi cut off. We couldn’t do any work on our computer or laptop. We had to depend on our limited mobile-phone data to complete our work and connect with others. Later we figured out that the Wi-Fi had been cut off due to a faulty power adapter.
Just like an internet connection, our spiritual connection with God can break down too. Unresolved sin in our lives can build up and make us feel distant from God.
If a strong internet connection is so important to our daily lives, how much more crucial is our spiritual connection with God! Without it, we can do nothing. We are like branches without a vine, a tree without its roots. But we can maintain a close connection with God by reading scripture, acting on our faith, and sharing the love of God with others, especially those who need hope in their lives.
Today's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the connection we have with you through Jesus Christ. Draw us near to you, and help us to rely on you. Amen.
TWFYT
Connection
June 1 - Kingdom-Minded Prayer
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Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3)
Even as a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17), our “natural man” spirit (sin nature) fights against any prayer practice—much less allowing a habit to form—that would seek to put our own prayer agenda in a secondary and submissive posture to anyone else’s, even God’s!
However, as we grow in our Christian walk with the Lord, we begin to note the prayer priorities of not only Jesus, but also men like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Elijah, Paul, James, Peter, and John; and women like Hannah, Esther, Ruth and Mary. Time and time again each of these individuals put the agenda and will of God at the top of their prayer list. Unashamedly and unhesitatingly they acknowledged that they preferred God’s will for their life more than their own. Additionally, their prayers for others focused much more often on their spiritual rather than physical needs or desires!
The Apostle Paul was totally committed to this “kingdom-minded” prayer habit; opening and closing his nine NT letters to churches in various cities with a “spiritual blessing” prayer. Is there a sweeter or more submissive-to-God’s-will prayer than that of the young woman, Mary, who prayed—when she was told of her Holy Spirit conception—“Behold, the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38). Is that not the same kingdom-minded prayer commitment Jesus expressed in His final Garden of Gethsemane prayer. Knowing the crucifixion was imminent, He prayed: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Lk. 22:42).
Lord God, You have blessed me with so many amazing examples of kingdom-minded pray-ers who lived their lives yielded to Your will. Heal me of my selfish desires that would focus upon my own wants and needs rather than Your plans and purposes. Help me to remember to pray with the mind of Christ because my life is now hidden with Him. Not my will but Yours be done!
--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 26, Habits of Effective Pray-ers by Dennis Connor). This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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Saturday, June 07 2025
It's thank God I'm forgiven Friday! Much to praise about that for sure! What amazing love and grace we know and get to share! Yes PTL!
Sarah update below
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Good Morning Praising Worshipers, faithful friends! Amen!
The hymn that goes, "I need you, oh I need you. Every hour I need You." Keeps rattling around in my head this very early morning. Yes we do need Him--every hour! And I keep singing "Peace like a river attended my way" As good as yesterday was, this day, so far, not so much. It's almost 3am and no sleep in sight. So I came down for quiet time and to write this before hopefully grabbing a few Z's before a doc appointment today. Please Lord!
It's so early the on line devos have not posted yet. I encourage you to engage with Our Daily bread and The Upper Room. They are speaking to my heart form God this morning! Thanks Lord! God does know best. We cannot see all he does nor the end like He does. We just have to trust and stay faithful. he is with us always and working all things together for good. Amen! And the UR discusses walking through those dark valleys like I've been trodding through with God by my side. PTL! I need Him--every hour and peace like a river can flow through that dark valley of we choose to keep our focus right. I'm trying! He is upholding me in His strong right hand and does have some great plans yet for me 9and for you too!)
He's looking at you and calling you by name to come abide in His love and rest. Do it! he will carry you or walk with you through whatever and peace and joy can be chosen as we cast all anxiety on Him. Amen!
Funny, God-thing, note: I pronounced that I was taking off for the month of May. I believe God is making sure I do. Just wish I was more refreshed to be still and abide and listen and receive. Seems almost everyday since our vacation (which was great and refreshing) has been a battle and very wearying---BUT GOD! Keep your eyes upon Jesus! There's just something about that name too! Jesus. Jesus. Jesus! Come! Fill us. refine us. prepare us and deliver us! Amen!
ODB just posted Find your Upper Room!
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San Fruttuoso Abbey is nestled in a cove off Italy’s northwest coast. Accessible only by boat or foot, it’s a secluded gem. But even more treasure hides in its bay. As divers venture into the sea and descend fifty feet down, the figure of a man starts coming into view. This is Christ of the Abyss, the world’s first underwater statue, placed in 1954. The bronze figure depicts Jesus in the depths, His hands raised to heaven.
The depths. Maybe you’ve experienced them. “I sink in the miry depths,” Psalm 69 says, “I am worn out calling for help” (vv. 2-3). Mocked by his foes and estranged from his family (vv. 4, 7-12), the psalmist found no comfort in others (v. 20) and feared his misery would “swallow” him up (v. 15). Whether it’s sin or sadness that takes us there, the depths are life’s moments of dark despair.
Thankfully this isn’t the last word on the depths. For while they’re cold and lonely, there is one who can be found in them (139:8). And He will rescue us from their chilly waters. “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths” (30:1).
As that sculpture reminds us, when we’re sinking under the world’s weight, we’re not alone. Jesus by the Spirit is there in the depths, His hands raised high—ready to meet us and lift us out in time.
By Sheridan Voysey
REFLECT & PRAY
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How have you experienced “the depths” in the past? How might Psalm 69:15 be pivotal in getting through them?
Dear Jesus, thank You for meeting me in the depths. Please lift me out with Your love, grace, and power.
Gain more wisdom from the book of Psalms.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 69’s vivid description of a “servant” (v. 17) of God enduring unjust suffering parallels Isaiah’s description of a suffering servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Although the psalmist refers to personal “guilt” (Psalm 69:5), this could be an indirect way of confessing general innocence—that is, God knows everything the psalmist is guilty of and knows none of it could justify such treatment.
In the New Testament, Psalm 69 is frequently quoted in reference to Jesus. He was hated without cause (Psalm 69:4; John 15:25), consumed by zeal for God’s house (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17), carried insults intended for God (Psalm 69:9; Romans 15:3), and given vinegar to drink as He neared death (Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:34, 48; Mark 15:36; Luke 23:36; John 19:29). Jesus knew “the depths” as no one else could, and He helps us as we face them.
Monica La Rose |
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Sarah Update
Good evening,warriors,
We were praying for Jim Handfest's friend Bruce who was battling cancer. They informed me today that Bruce has passed away today. They are
asking for prayer for his wife and their daughter during this difficult time.
Anna Mae Diefenderfer who is a homebound member of our church. She passed away on Tuesday. She was 92 years old.
Her service will be at the Trexler Funeral Home on Thursday June 5th, at 11:00am. There will be a calling period beginning
at 10:00am. Pastor Don will be officiating at the service.
Continue to keep Pastor Don and Karen in your prayers. He is feeling better and did get some sleep last evening.
Praise God!
Thank you everyone for praying for one another
Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend!
Blessings,
Sarah
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