Thank God I'm Forgiven ! Well TGIF everyday! PTL! Worship and keep using and filling those gratitude lists as you populate them with many praises but especially ! Focus on all the ways that your salvation leads to praise and worship and about who Christ is and what He means to you. (Abide in Him, worship, and reload for the day)
Good Morning Special Possession of God! You are His masterpiece! He is the Potter and we the clay and all that happens has been filtered through His hands which have our names engraved on them. Ponder that some. He is shaping you into the person He created you to be--PTL! He has enabled and gifted and empowered you to grow to your fuller potential in Christ and to do all He created you to do. PTL! Nothing can separate us from His love! PTL! Do as Sarah Young says, say it out loud! I am God's special possession and nothing can separate me from His love--nothing! PTL! And like the Upper Room reminds us, He walks with us. PTL! He is with us, guiding us, molding us and making a way for us to succeed and to glorify Him! PTL!
So...what are you thankful for and who will you share that joyful good news with ? I'm rejoicing for you and praying for you as we all work at going to live and love more and more like Jesus each day. He is for us! Who can be against us? Nothing can separate us from His love, protection, grace and leading, unless we choose to walk away. Please don't! He really loves you and has great plans for you. Abide. Be still. Know He is God and is with you always and then partner up and help each other to grow in His love and go in His love to love many others. Amen! What an easy yoke Jesus offers us as we still ourselves, stop striving in our own strength and trust God has it all covered and will be with us always just as we are. And He's not finished with us yet! PTL! Again I say rejoice! And choose to live this day out of and as an act of worship! He is worthy! Amen!
Sarah Young
UR: God Walks with Us
I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. - Isaiah 41:13 (KJV)
While driving home one day, I stopped at a pedestrian crosswalk to let a young girl and her father cross the road. They held hands as she happily skipped along. She was carefree, eagerly looking up at her dad and talking to him. She never looked where she was stepping or paid any attention to the cars on either side of the crosswalk.
At home, I considered how my walk with the Lord is meant to reflect what I had witnessed. Did I trust my heavenly Father to hold my hand and get me safely through life’s challenges? I could think of several times in my life where I had taken matters into my own hands, impatient and refusing to trust the process to God.
When we try to work things out on our own, the “what ifs” and “maybes” keep us in a place of anxiety and stress. But as we read in scripture, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Just as the little girl trusted her father, we can trust our heavenly Father to walk beside us and keep us safe.
's Prayer
Faithful Lord, help us to trust your promise never to leave us, nor forsake us. Lead us beside still and quiet waters as we keep our focus on you. Amen.
Good Morning Church! several times I came across this question in a book and some notes I scribbled elsewhere: "What would our church be like if Jesus was our pastor?" hmmm! Much to ponder there! I try to be Christlike and pray to live. love, teach, lead and make disciples like Jesus. No matter how hard we try, that will never happen until we get to heaven and become like Him--like but not Him! Our goal is t keep growing and moving closer and closer to be like Jesus and do the things He did, but we will never get there. But it's the journey to Christlikeness that matters most! So what's your journey like? Are you surrendered and seeking, humbling yourself, dying to self, taking our cross and following Jesus and His way? As Christians we were first known as The Way or Followers of the Way. Jesus is the way and we are created, saved, gifted, empowered and activated to become like Him and do the things He did and join Him in what He is doing . So how's that going? Do you have some partners to travel this journey with? If not, PLEASE find at least one, but more would be better!
How do you/we define "Church", "Disciple", and even "Evangelism"??? We have been going with "Discipleship as the process of becoming who Jesus would be if He were me." Disciple making begins by living and loving like Jesus as we reach out to the lost and love them to Jesus. That could be evangelism. It's just being who you are created to be and joining Jesus where He is active and leading you. How about "Church" and our role as God's Church? Church could be defined as a gathering of disciples that worship and share the Good News of Jesus. We are being prepared sent ones who go as we are and grow to our fuller potential as we do life together. We gather and worship and seek to trust, obey and glorify God in all we do. And we do that together. Now there are different definitions to these words and how you define them affects how you serve and worship. Many churches believe they are making disciples of Jesus that are really not doing so. Is our church? Depends on your definition. What do you think? Talk to God about these things and process with some friends. I'd love to hear what our leadership and vision team (and any of you) thinks and how we might react and plan for such a time as this with what we've been given to do what we can!!!!
Our EC mission statement is to know Christ and make Him known. And our bishop has called of us to join together to become a dynamic movement of God led by pastors and laity (you) who have a burning passion for God and missionary zeal to reach the lost. Now that's a church I'd love to lead and be part of. And St. Matts is growing towards that but there is still much potential to strive towards. It begins as we humble ourselves, join together, worship and pray and then follow Jesus with what we've been given and as we are and He will teach us, grow us and use us to go make disciples and grow His Church. Amen!!! And it begins with each of us stepping into our parts and joining together as we learn to live sacrificially and love lavishly like Jesus. Humble and offer yourself to God to use . Remember this saying? (Start here!) "I am who I am because I allow I AM (God) to be who He is in and through me." That sounds a lot like inviting and allow Jesus to take over your life and live and love through you. pray into that and try it. And don't forget those of you called to be our supporters through pray...please pray into these things and for us to become a house of prayer for the nations. Amen! and thanks!
Just a couple of devos to spur our thinking and quiet time. ODB's call to looking like Christ and the I to We devo call to showing His goodness together. What's God saying to you and what will you do about, CHURCH! I'm praying we live out life as God designed us and our Church and that we learn to reach the lost and then make disciples like Jesus! Amen!
ODB
Looking Like Christ
Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:14
As a child of the 1950s and ’60s, I grew up in the era when “America’s pastime” was baseball. I couldn’t wait to go to the park and play ball, and one of my greatest thrills was when I received my baseball jersey emblazoned with our team’s name—GIANTS! Though the number 9 on the back distinguished me from the others, the common uniform identified us as being on the same team.
In Matthew 5:3-10, known as the Beatitudes, Jesus identifies those who belong to the kingdom of heaven as those who “wear the jersey” of Christlikeness. The kingdom of heaven is comprised of those who assume the posture and character of their king. According to Jesus, “blessed” persons aren’t characterized by external appearance, health, or possessions. Rather, it’s the inside or heart of a person that counts. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (v. 3)—the humble—those who are spiritually needy and know it. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6)—those whose soul’s yearning is to please and honor God. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (v. 9)—those who join Jesus in the pursuit of harmony.
As the Spirit helps us, we can put on the garment of Christlikeness, which identifies us as believers in Jesus and members of His team. As such, we’re blessed indeed!
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
According to the Beatitudes, how “well-dressed” are you? What aspect of Christlikeness are you praying for?
Heavenly Father, thank You for my status as a citizen in the kingdom of heaven. Please give me grace each day by the Spirit to look like Christ.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is Jesus’ great kingdom sermon, describing what makes life in His kingdom different from life in this fallen world. While the world is marked by selfishness, self-promotion, and self-gratification, the kingdom of God is characterized by selflessness and self-sacrifice. Beginning with the Beatitudes (5:3-12), that tone is set immediately—with the remaining exposition explaining how those big ideas are lived out. For example, the statement, “Blessed are the merciful” (v. 7) echoes forth with the instructions Christ gives on loving our enemies (vv. 43-48). Additionally “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6) finds connection in Matthew 6:33, where we’re challenged to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.” As we read the Sermon on the Mount, the Holy Spirit can help us see connections that point back to the principles set forth in the Beatitudes and lead us to better reflect the ways of Christ.
Visit ODBU.org/learning-library/the-poor-in-spirit-the-beatitudes-of-jesus/ to examine the Beatitudes with Dr. Craig Blomberg.
Bill Crowder
Sarah update
Good afternoon, Warriors,
I got the JOY JOY JOY JOY down in my heart!! WHERE? Where is your JOY? Better question to ask would be, do you HAVE the JOY?
Sometimes you have to Be Still and KNOW that He is God.....to receive JOY from Him. The more that you and I rest in His
presence, the more we will receive, and He is able to allow His Blessings to flow into us.
By spending time with God, we are able to concentrate on just how WIDE, and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is HIS LOVE for YOU!!
God pours His life into all of us.....and we are presented with a choice....do we RECEIVE Him and His love and joy or do we
say 'pass'.
In the experiences that I have had, and I am sure many of you would atest to, it is better to RECEIVE His LOVE and JOY rather than
'Pass' on the offer. I challenge you - DO NOT HESITATE to receive Joy from God.....GRAB it!! Enjoy it!!!
Psalm 46:10 reminds us to "Be still, and KNOW that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth"
** ** **
From Lisa Wenner: I just found out today that my nephew Matt's fiance Shayna has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of Non Hodgkin's lymphoma. She is currently in the hospital undergoing intensive chemo. They're supposed to get married this October. Shayna's prognosis is good but the treatment will be difficult.
- Several need our prayers:
Lori Rohrer is waiting to hear if her back surgery will take place on . Praying, Hopefully she will hear something to confirm. And Prayers for
all to go well.
Beth, a friend of Neen's will be having surgery to hopefully remove all the cancer from her breast. Please pray for peace to surround Beth, and for her
medical team that will be operating. Also keep her family in your prayers.
Lindsay, a daughter of a friend of Neen and Sarah's - she will be having a biopsy on some lumps that were found in her breast. Prayers for peace for Lindsay
and her mom and family, and prayers that the lumps are not cancerous.
Tom Roland - prayers for healing for Tom after his surgery on .
Continue to keep Twin Pines in your prayers as they wrap up this week of Lotsa Luv Campers and next week will be their last week of Moms and Gals.
There are 40 campers scheduled to come for that camp next week.
Thank you for your prayers for Pastor Don and myself - for our health and for wisdom as we serve our awesome God in many ways.
Good Morning Friends of God! Man, I've been catching up on sleep and actually oversleeping often, like . Was given great report from cardiology too (although I will need an ablation soon which will get me off some meds) Thanks for your continued prayers and encouragements! Any way, time is short! Time to leave for bread day.
Check out our three devos below for . Easy to find the thread there and they speak into our call to learn to live and love like Jesus! We are a loving caring church that helps those in need. These devos should help affirm that and call some of us to deeper service or agape (sacrificial) love and laying down ones life for another like Jesus did for you. And our praise and gratitude continue to grow as we allow God to love through us. See if you can see yourself or our church in these devos and praise God. Ask God how He may be calling you to join Him in caring ministry to our neighbors and fellow brothers and ssiters. he has a perfect plan for you and us to go live and love like Him and to lead others to His love. Ponder that and share with some friends to pray, plan and go love with. I'm praying for you!
Let's start with John 15:9-17 from Our Daily bread devo then flow to the devo, the Upper Room and The Word for You . What's God saying to you? What will you do about it? begin with praise, load up as you abide and then partner up and go live and love like Him. Amen!
John 15:9-17
New Living Translation
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
ODB
A Friend at Midnight
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends. John 15:15
“Who can you call at midnight when everything has gone wrong?” This question shook me when I first heard it years ago. How many of my friendships were strong enough that I could impose on them in my hour of need? I wasn’t sure.
Scripture has much to say about friendship, describing a friend as someone who keeps confidences (Proverbs 11:13; 16:28), shares advice (27:9), and respects boundaries (25:17). But perhaps no one defined friendship more powerfully than Jesus. While to advertisers we are markets and to employers we are staff, to Him, the Master of all, we are “friends” (John 15:15). Jesus described His kind of friendship as being built on shared love of God and personal sacrifice (vv. 13, 15)—something He Himself modeled and called us to pass on (v. 12).
A couple of years after hearing that question, my wife and I suffered a significant loss. Darren, one of the few who knew what happened, traveled two hours to see me, listen to my anger and pain, and pray for me. Darren is a busy man who had plenty of other things to do with his day. But he followed Jesus’ example of sacrificial friendship. I really did have someone in my hour of need.
The question now is whether others have a “friend at midnight” in me. For there are few better ways to make more friends than to be one.
By Sheridan Voysey
REFLECT & PRAY
Who can you call at midnight when everything has gone wrong? Why is it important to be there for others in their hour of need?
Dear Jesus, please help me offer to others the kind of friendship You modeled.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In the early days of creation, God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). These words reveal how foundational relationship and community are to the essence of being human. While the immediate context is the marriage relationship, we’re called throughout Scripture to be in relationship with those around us.
Jesus said in ’s text to “love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). And Paul encourages believers in Christ to “bear with each other,” to be patient and forgive the shortcomings of others (Colossians 3:12-13). Being a “friend at midnight” means helping those who’ve been given a heavy burden to carry.
J.R. Hudberg
UR: An Abundant Catch
I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. - Matthew 25:35 (CEB)
Years ago I lived in Key West, Florida. One morning we were catching mahi-mahi almost as fast as we could bait the hooks. We realized we had more fish than we could eat, so we headed back to shore. The skipper gave us an address where we could take the extra fish.
Six nights a week, the Catholic Sisters served supper to people living in poverty. We gave them our fish and were invited back for dinner. As the Mother Superior blessed the meal, she said, “A Catholic, a Protestant, and a Jew provided our meal . Regardless of your heritage, all are welcome to eat at God’s table.”
Our gift was simple — indeed the fish would have spoiled if we hadn’t given them away. However, it transformed the rest of my time in Key West. Hardly a week went by when someone didn’t stop me on the street and ask, “Aren’t you the guy who brought us the fish? God bless you.”
Until then I had never seen those people who were struggling. People are still struggling. Look around at those who are cold, lonely, and hungry. There are countless ways to support them. The rewards of giving far exceed the value of the gift.
's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for opportunities to share what we have. Open our eyes to the people in need around us, and guide us to support them. Amen.
Sarah Update below...keep praising and praying! God hears and is with us--always!!!
Good Morning Persevering in Faith Co-Laborers! we will begin our journey through the book of James. (read chapter 1 for ). Chapter 1 is about our confident stand as Christians--persevering in faith. I see that all around us at St. Matts. Keep at it friends! God is with you and He has joined us with others to walk with. He has good plans for you and us. Plans to prosper and not harm. He walks through the darkest valleys with us and leads us to the refreshing still waters and lush green pastures as we persevere in faith and trust. And we have each other to lean on as well. Knowing these things leads to the ability to choose joy no matter what's going on around us. So, how's that choosing joy going for you ? Dwell in God's love and ask for the faith to endure and for some friends to walk with and pray for too. You are very loved. You are God's masterpiece created for special purposes only you can do. God will sometimes lead us through some things to get us where we need to be or to invite some others into. Trust Him and ask for help to choose joy . He is for you, not against you! Amen!
I thought God was leading one way then another as I engaged Him through my quiet time and with our devos. Then as I stepped back, I saw a thread through all the devos and blogs below--even my Scripture calendar. That quotes Philemon 1:6, "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." How do we come to understand all the great things we have as a result of inviting Christ to be our Lord and Shepherd? By being active in Him, doing what you are created and gifted to do and by sharing your faith. Meditate on this passage and ask God to reveal Himself so you can join Him and so you can experience all He has blessed you with! Don't forget to praise too!
Next I engaged with my I to We devo. I love this and would love to use this with some of you to learn and grow as teammates! They discuss living our lives together as priests of the Lord. What does it mean to you that we are all priests unto the Lord called to offer spiritual sacrifices that please God? (1Peter 2:5) They end with this thought and prayer: "...the Lord asks us everyday: to lay our lives down and to do it TOGETHER." Pray "Ask God to help you depend on brothers and sisters...and ask Him to convict you to ask for help when you are struggling..." That got me thinking about how you and our church leadership have come along side me to help me move through this heart stuff well, to heal and to set good boundaries of only doing what God has for me. Thank you! Who do you need to walk with, share with, pray with, be accountable with and go with? God wants us to be His co-laboring priests sharing our faith and spurring each other on. The rest of our devos for follow the I to We one below as they move through the process of helping each other through stuff. We need each other and need to be there for each other too. We are God's vessels of love, healing and hope and sometimes correction. Please pray to find a few partners and to be open for honest sharing and to seek help when needed.
I looked at my prayer journal from last year with and entry that read: "I feel God calling me to plant a church or house church. I began earnestly pursuing that." And here we are one year later. I have been pursuing this and studied, was mentored, prayed with some and now I begin a study with Adam Roberts about how we can come alongside him as he and Michelle have started a house church here in Emmaus. Pray for God to guide us, use them and grow His Kingdom through us. Pray we hear God and only do what we see Him doing. May His Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me, you and all of us together! Amen! He really does have great plans and He is helping us to do what we can with what we've been given for such a time as this. And it shows! PTL! And keep at it! I'm praying for you and for us, priests unto the Lord united in Christ for His perfect plans. Amen!
I to We
TWFYT
Connection blog
- Becoming a Servant of God
To declare “yours is the power” is to announce in an act of personal alignment with God’s movement: “ours is the submission!”
Henry Blackaby and Claude King have made this teaching more clear in our day by indicating that instead of running programs based on our desire to “help God’s work get done” we are far more likely to succeed if we simply “find out where God is working and join Him there.”
Do you want to be a servant of God? Find out where the Master is, then that is where you need to be. Find out what the Master is doing, then that is what you need to be doing. . . . Blackaby says, “When I am in the middle of the activity of God and God opens my eyes to let me see where He is working, I always assume that God wants me to join Him.”
Are you able to prayerfully submit to the plans and purposes of God rather than insisting on your own?
Merciful Father, I’m tired of striving to do things for You instead of doing them “with” You. I’m sure I have followed many rabbit trails in my quest to serve Your kingdom when I should have been watching faithfully to see Your work all around me. Help me to humble myself and look for Your activity instead of seeking to go my own way. Please give me the heart of a servant.
--Adapted from Power Praying by David Chotka.
ODB
Sustained by God
[The Lord] will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
My family and I brought my dad home from the hospital. He had a degenerative disease, and we were now adjusting to the new twenty-four-hour medical routines of his suddenly becoming bedridden and requiring a feeding tube. I was also planning for my mom’s gastric procedure and dealing with demanding clients at work. Feeling overwhelmed, I sought privacy in the bathroom one day and cried out to God: Help me, Father. Please give me strength to get through the days ahead.
David also felt overwhelmed by troubles (Psalm 55:2-5). Attacked by his son Absalom, betrayed by his close friend, and helpless over the ensuing violence in Jerusalem, David said, “Fear and trembling have beset me” (v. 5).
But David chose to trust God (v. 23). He believed “[God] will never let the righteous be shaken” (v. 22). Years of trusting the Almighty had taught David that although troubles may unsteady us, those who place their faith in God will never be irrevocably lost and hopeless. “They will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand” (37:24 nlt). David knew God would support him with His strength and wisdom: “I call to God, and the Lord saves me” (55:16).
Fourteen years later, we continue to care for my dad at home. The years have taught me that when we cast our cares on Him, He sustains us (v. 22). God bears our burdens, and He bears us up too.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
How does God remind you He won’t let you be shaken? How can you entrust your troubles to Him?
Dear God, thank You for helping me walk through the days ahead.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The Bible repeatedly assures us of God’s care. In Psalm 55, David urges, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” (v. 22). Later, the prophet Nahum writes, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7). Centuries later, Peter pens similar words: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). How do we know God cares for us? The Bible tells us He’s a “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 86:15). He loved us so much that Christ died for us—providing help and care for us now and the hope of eternity with Him (John 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:10).
Alyson Kieda
UR: Get Up Again
Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. - Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
I had undergone major surgery and was hospitalized for three weeks when we suddenly lost our source of income. We were forced to sell our house in order to avoid being crushed by the mortgage. An inner voice nagged me: You are not a good enough Christian; God would have prevented this. You should have prayed with more faith. This is the end. All I could say in prayer was, “Help!”
I then remembered ’s verse from Proverbs and found solace. Knowing that even godly people can fall took away my sense of guilt. It also gave me hope that I would get up again — no matter how severe my circumstances were.
Proverbs 24:16 rang true when I reflected on the many hardships my husband and I had already overcome. God lifted us each time. This encouraged me to get up and get on with life, knowing we would overcome this new setback as well.
God didn’t promise a smooth life without obstacles, setbacks, or challenges. Yet, as God’s children, we have a privileged position: God is by our side throughout the journey — no matter what. We must not let obstacles define us or keep us down. With God on our side, we will get up again.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to see your faithfulness in every situation. Thank you for helping us get up when we fall. Amen.
----------------------
Sarah update:
Good evening, Warriors
Here is the praises and prayer needs from 's worship.
Zoom Huddle - at 10:00am via zoom. Join us if you can!
Praises:
Mike Lacise is praising God for helping him through the past couple of years at his work, as he had to manage
two buildings, that were miles apart. He is now going to be managing one building which is only 10 minutes from
his home!! Yay God!
Josie is thankful that her dog is doing good again. the dog didn't feel well, but the Lord healed!
Darlene Geiger is thankful for family - they celebrated her 90 year old cousin's birthday. And many family members were all together
celebrating!
Enol and Braiden Paul made it home safely to the Philippians. Braiden is prepping to begin school there and Richard is getting ready to start college here,
in the states at Lehigh university.
Prayer needs:
Tim Roland has asked for prayer for his brother, Tom. he will be having surgery on , to remove a tumor from his kidney. Please pray that they are
able to remove it without having to remove part of or all of the kidney. (His other kidney doesn't have full function) Pray also that the tumor is not cancerous.
Marylou Snyder- her sister Joanne will be having an outpatient procedure on . Pray that all goes well, and for the nedical team.
Tim Derr's daughter and granddaughter will be flying back to Florida on . Please pray for safe travel for them.
Neen's friend, Beth will be having surgery on the 31st, for breast cancer. Pray that they will be able to remove all the cancer. May God's
peace surround her and her family
Millidine Waterman is having knee trouble. Pray for healing of arthritis and safety getting around.
Lori Rohrer - upcoming back surgery, hopefully , barring no issues with insurance. Pray that all goes well and for the medical team.
Prayers also for Karen Kerns as she will be having stent surgery . Prayers that all goes well, no insurance issues and may His
peace surrounds her and Don
**
Thank you everyone for helping out with the brunch. Great time of eating and Fellowship
Next brunch will be on ,
Hope you all have a great week! Stay cool and remember to check on one another!!
Thanks Mike, Sarah, Sally and Lori and the kitchen crew for an awesome of worship!!!!
Karen and I were running late and Mike jumped in and led are opening with some great thoughts and prayers. Sally Blessed us on the piano filling in for Patti and Sarah brought a great Word form God on revival! Thanks team! Then we went downstairs for a great time of food and fellowship hosted by Lori and the 2 Peas in A Pod crew! It was delicious and fun! Thanks kitchen team. (BTW the kitchen team is most of Family Ministries!)
I am so blessed to be part of such a loving, caring and serving church! We are better together and many are finding their parts in God's Good News Delivery Company! Thank you all! And I am well on my way to a full recovery and am good physically and progressing well on the mental, emotional, spiritual things. Thanks for your patience, encouragements and prayers. I am truly blessed and do have the bestest flock!
Good Morning Very Loved Revivalists! We are very loved by the God who is love, created us in love to love. He fills us with love and it overflows to others and that brings revival as many are drawn to God and His love and then want to learn and do go love like Him. So our role is to allow love to flow from us and bring revival wherever we go daily. Amen! Sarah reminded us that revival happens as we spend time in life to life relationships loving like and loving others to Jesus. Pastor Al used to talk about PoP...people of peace. Those are the people we naturally connect to and as we love on them they start to see and are drawn to God and His love. Sarah reminded us that Jer. 29:11 says we know God has good plans for us. Plans to prosper and not harm. We need to tap into those plans of God for each of us and us as His Body. Those plans are founded on love, grow as we love, overflow to others with love and lead others to His love. What a great circle as we disciple others to love like Jesus--live like Him too. And we are growing in that and that is the start of revival. Let us keep growing in His love, plowing the hard soil with overflowing love, sowing seeds of love and watering and fertilizing in and with love. Then we will reap a revival harvest of love and new life. Amen!
We are very loved revivalists sent to love as we live more like Jesus daily. We are on a journey of love and Jesus' mission to lead others to His love. God is at work! Can you see it? Taste it? Want to be a part of it? Focus on God. Turn off the noise. And pray to grow in your potential to overflow His love and lead others to His love, just as you ate and for such a time as this! In other words, just be you and who you are created to be and doing what you are created to do--LOVE! Revival is at hand as we do! Amen!
Come Jesus! Fill us with Your love and teach us to follow You as we learn to live and love more like You! Thank You for the plans to prosper and not harm. help us to not lean on our own understanding and o turn off the noise and focus on what you are ding with willing hearts and moving feet to step into our parts. May we glorify You as we dwell in and overflow Your love. Thanks! Amen! We pray Psalm 85:6 in expectation, "Won't You revive us again, so Your people can rejoice in You? Thank You! Come! Fill us with overflowing love! Amen!
Prayer Points
Praise God for his compelling love (2 Cor. 5:14).
Give thanks for that love that holds us as in a vice, never letting go (Jer. 31:3).
Confess those times when you fight against God’s love, wanting to go your own way or seek glory for yourself instead of for him.
Commit yourself to being comfortable in that “love grip” of God so that you willingly live for him, serving him gladly (Prov. 3:3-6).
Ask God to give you a greater appreciation of his eternal blessings and to be glad with the joy of his presence (Ps. 21:6).
Pray that God’s compelling love may keep believers from fear and lead them on in the daily work of ministry “in Jerusalem, and Judea . . . and to the ends of the earth” (Joel 2:21-27; Acts 1:8).
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.
Let us prepare our hearts to worship! Don't forget brunch after worship! Bring some friends!
Good Morning Worshipers! See you soon as we practice Acts 2:42 worship with the Word, Fellowship, eating together and prayer!!! See you soon as we get to gather, study, groe and hangout! May we worship in Spirit and truth and experience God coming to inhabit our praises and the Holy Spirit uniting and using us as Jesus' Body. Amen! Shalom! Now where are those pancakes?
Don't forget***Brunch after worship . Bring some friends--it's pancake day!
Good Morning Servants and Prayer Warriors! I have yo fly (get to hang with grand babies !). I have one thing to share: prayer starters from Connections. What would it look like in your life for God's Kingdom to come and will to be done? Is your life an example of that? Use these and pray into it with open ears and a willing heart and then allow God to lead you forth living and loving more like Jesus. He can and always will use the willing, humble, surrendered to pray and serve in His power. Amen! I'm praying for you! Have a blessed day with the Holy Spirit leading you. Amen!
We need a fresh view of the compassionate King. We need to understand the nature of His kingdom. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”
Compassionate King, may I have Your heart for the nations, for the poor, the homeless, the lost and the hurting! Open my eyes and move me from my comfort so that I am able to weep for what I see all around me! Give me insight into the needs of my neighbors, whether those who live near me, or all across the world. Shake my ambivalence and fill my heart with Your love for all people! Help me to be faithful in prayer!
--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.
Prayer Points
Praise God for the example of servanthood given when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet (Jn. 13:5-15).
Thank Jesus for his promise that you will be blessed in being a servant, following his example (13:17).
Confess those times you are quarrelsome and resentful, not wanting to be a servant (2 Tim. 2:24).
Commit yourself to God as Samuel did and respond: “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10).
Ask God to reveal clearly his assigned task for you, even as he did for Paul (1 Cor. 3:5).
Pray that your church will faithfully learn the joy of servanthood in every area, fixing their eyes on Jesus, not growing weary or losing heart (Heb. 12:2-3).
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.
Thank God I'm Forgiven ! Get your worship on and fill those gratitude lists . He is worthy of all praise and glory and honor! Amen! PTL! Maybe sing Jesus Loves Me or raise another praise song or hymn.
Good Morning Redeemed, Forgiven, Gifted, Activated Masterpieces! Oh yes you are! PTL! What a great day to stay inside and stay cool and worship. Turn off the noise for an hour or two and meditate on all the nuances of Jesus' sacrifice for you and your new life in Christ! Turn on some worship music and lift some praise. And remember that you are saved, forgiven, made new, gifted, activated, gathered and sent to worship as you fulfill your created purposes and gathered Good News Delivery Co. purposes. We are gifted to go and make disciples! PTL! God sends and helps. How cool! PTL! Check out the two devos below and add them to your praise and worship and prayers . Remember, God inhabits our praises. And all we do can be an act of worship if done with a right heart and according to God's perfect plans and timing. So be still and know then praise and go live and love like Jesus . he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Hallelujah! I am His very loved, forgiven, activated masterpiece! yes PTL! I'm praying for God to give you a story, testimony or answered prayer to share with someone ! (That's an act of worship too!) So, rejoice! And go and love well !
ODB
God-Given Gifts
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10
In a poignant performance of Pilgrim: The Musical, Leisa stood before a special section for the Deaf and, using American Sign Language, expressively interpreted the performance. The musical, based on John Bunyan’s book The Pilgrim’s Progress about one man’s faith journey, was deeply moving, but so was Leisa’s delivery.
When asked about her interpreting, Leisa said, “The reason I do Pilgrim and the reason I interpret is because the gospel should be accessible to everyone. And the Deaf are a group that is [largely] ignored.” She went on to say, “It’s heartbreaking because less than two percent of the Deaf worldwide have heard about Jesus.” Leisa uses her gift so the Deaf can know Jesus.
Like Leisa, we’re called to use our gifts and abilities to be witnesses of God’s love and draw others to Jesus—to impact the world with the good news. The apostle Peter wrote, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). These gifts include loving and praying for others (vv. 7-8). Whether you’re an encourager, a helper serving behind the scenes, a teacher, a speaker, a prayer warrior, or have another gift or ability, God can use you to serve others. Just ask. He’ll show you a way.
By Alyson Kieda
REFLECT & PRAY
When did you first encounter the gospel? What gift could you use to serve Him?
Dear God, please help me to find a way to serve You through serving others.
For further study, read Why Should We Help? Loving Our Neighbors at DiscoverODB.org.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
God gives believers in Jesus spiritual gifts (special abilities) to be used to serve others and build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11; 14:12; 1 Peter 4:10-11). The apostle Paul notes there are a variety of gifts, “but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4; see v. 11). These gifts aren’t natural abilities, necessarily (though these too can be used to glorify God); they’re supernatural gifts given by the Holy Spirit to be used for “the common good” (v. 7)—to bless and instruct others and honor God. Peter divides these gifts into speaking and serving gifts (1 Peter 4:11). In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul lists nine gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, and tongues interpretation (vv. 8-10). He lists additional gifts elsewhere (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:11). As believers in Jesus, we’re called to effectively use our spiritual gifts to serve and love others well.
Good Morning Activated Masterpieces of God! PTL and AMEN! PTL! I slept in until after 6 and PTL for a great time of fellowship and representing God at Rita's . I love how God has gathered us and uses us sent ones as we are for such a time as this! Now all of that ties to some of our devotionals for . It's late so I'll be brief...
Eph. 2:10 has become a foundational verse for our church. We are God's masterpieces who are activated and made new in Christ to do all the things God created us to do for such a time as this. Just being you and doing what you are created to do is part of Jesus' easy yoke we get to put on. That yoke is custom made for us just like we are custom made and custom gifted to go do what we are made to doo. What joy and peace we can know as we step into this more fully and as we team up with the partners God has for us. Let's just stop there and meditate on my I to We devo. What's God saying to you? What will you do about it? What's His plan and who are your partners for such a time as this? Do what He is leading to and invite us along. Our Daily Bread talks about Queen Esther and the "for such a time as this" placement that God has for all of us each season of life and circumstance we face. He is for us and uses us as we are where we
Opps hit send by mistake.
Here's the devos to meditate upon. And pray into. Thanks and chow!
I to We
ODB
Right Place, Right Time
Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14
A nursing convention was being held at a hotel when a guest experienced a heart attack in the lobby. Immediately, more than two dozen caregivers came to his side and worked to keep him alive. The guest was incredibly grateful for all the nurses who were at the right place at the right time.
Esther was also at the right place at the right time. She’d been chosen to be queen after winning the king’s favor and approval (Esther 2:17). Yet a decree threatened her people, the Jews, so her cousin Mordecai encouraged her to use her position to appeal to the king to save them from certain death. “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” he challenged her (4:14). Her decision to risk her life and “go to the king” (v. 16) to expose this evil plot saved the Jews from certain death (ch. 8). It’s apparent that Queen Esther understood that God had placed her in that position at just the right time.
Sometimes, we may wonder why situations happen or circumstances change. Perhaps we get frustrated and try to get things “back to normal.” God may have placed us in our current situation for a specific purpose. , as we encounter disruptions or changes, let’s ask God to show us if there’s something special He wants us to do as part of His perfect plan.
By Brent Hackett
REFLECT & PRAY
What disruptions have you had lately? What opportunities might God be presenting to you in them?
Dear Father, when I get frustrated with change, please help me see the bigger picture and understand that You may be doing something in and through me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Esther tells of a near-holocaust of the ancient Jewish people, which God supernaturally prevented through Esther’s willingness to serve. As is often the case in Judaism, great moments lead to abiding celebrations. As liberation from slavery is celebrated in the Feast of the Passover, and the Maccabean victory over the Greek/Syrian oppressors (160 BC) resulted in Hanukkah (sometimes known as the “Festival of Lights”), the Esther story led to the annual celebration of Purim. Each spring (usually in March), Purim is a time when gifts are exchanged, and people give to the poor. Children dress up as characters in the Esther story and remember God’s rescue of His people from the wicked Haman and his genocidal intentions. The story of Esther can remind us that God can use our current situation for His specific purpose.
at 6...Rita's hangout! Wear your St. Matts shirts and come enjoy a cool treat and some great fellowship!
Good Morning Led-By-the-Spirit, Loving Servants! Amen! And PTL! That's you and us! Well, it can be a choice we make and seek to live daily. How's that going for you? Living and loving like Jesus, filled with His Spirit and going in love to bless many. Has God given you any ideas to try to do this better? Is He leading you to someone or to try an activity? What will you do about that? Who is your team from processing, planning and going?
Check out the thread through our devos . We are the Light of God sent to light up the darkness around us. We are called to clearly focusing and following and may need to ask for help with our unbelief? We have been given the Holy Spirit to intercede, empower, gift and help us go with Jesus to complete our missions. We are made in love o go love like Jesus and work together to fulfill His purposes and plans.
God has made you for such a time as this? What is the next step He is leading you to in your quest to become more like Jesus and doing what He has and is doing? Who are your teammates and prayer partners? What will you do about this all? begin with abiding prayer and open Bibles. Humble yourself before God as you follow Him and learn to live and love more and more like Him. Amen!
Sarah Young
TWFYT
ODB
Led by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit . . . will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
When the navigation app suggested a route that would cut almost an hour off their drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, Shelby Easler and her brother followed the alternate directions. However, the “shortcut” led them along a dirt path for hours that left them stranded in California’s Mojave Desert during a dust storm. They were able to reverse course, but they eventually had to be towed because of all the damage to their car from the rough terrain. The app developer apologized to the numerous travelers who followed those wrong directions.
It’s important who we rely on for guidance. As believers in Jesus, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us in matters of truth.
When Jesus knew that He’d soon die and be taken from His disciples, He assured them He wouldn’t leave them stranded. He urged His disciples to obey His commands and spoke of the promised Holy Spirit, or the Spirit of truth, who would be with them forever and live inside of them (John 14:15-17). “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (v. 26).
Let’s continue to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting as we go throughout our day. We know He’ll never lead us astray.
By Nancy Gavilanes
REFLECT & PRAY
What helps you to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting? How can you get better at following Him?
Dear God, thank You for Your Holy Spirit.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jesus insisted that in His departure from earth (John 14:1-14) He wouldn’t abandon His disciples. He promised, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (v. 18). Christ could leave without abandoning His people because He’d return to be with them through His Spirit. The Spirit would unite believers to Jesus and draw them into the life of the triune God: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (v. 20). The Holy Spirit continues to lead and unite believers in Jesus .
Monica La Rose
UR: The Words You Pray
The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26 (NRSVUE)
My mom and dad taught me at a very early age to pray. But I struggle from time to time with how and what to pray. Our family regularly attended church and prayer services, and at times we prayed at the church altar if we felt led to do so. But sometimes even now I’m not sure what to say when I pray.
Memorized prayers and scriptures help when I’m stumbling over my thoughts while trying to verbalize them in prayer. My dad’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, which begins, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (KJV). These verses keep my mind focused when I wake up worried or run into any problem. They remind me how trustworthy our heavenly Father is. Mom’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (KJV). What great reminders of the Father’s desire to lead us to joy, peace, and healing!
Sometimes I still don’t know what to pray, and I get stuck. I told Mom my dilemma years ago, and her simple answer was: “Just pray his name: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Praying that beautiful, sweet name has saved my life. There is amazing power in Jesus’ name.
I to We
Connection Prayers
- Does His Presence Go with You?
The experience of Israel under the leadership of Moses is a great teacher for the Church as we cry out to God for revival. Terry Teykl, in his powerful book entitled The Presence Based Church, writes, "As a result of their unique relationship with God, the Israelites became the original Presence based people. Under the leadership of Moses, and at God’s bidding, they made the Presence the axis of their lives.
"The Ark of the Covenant was always located in the tabernacle at the very center of the camp. The 12 tribes were divided into four groups and stationed symmetrically around the Presence: three to the north, three to the south, three to the east, and three to the west. By day they saw the cloud that hung over the tent, and by night they would lie in the entrance to their own tents and watch the fire. As long as the Presence stayed, they stayed. But when the Presence moved, they followed. They were Presence led and Presence drawn" (Pg.89).
In Exodus 33, verses 13-17, there is a fascinating conversation between the Lord and Moses concerning His Presence. "The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’" Then Moses said to Him, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" The Lord replied, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."
Moses understood how critical it was for Israel to stay with the Presence of God. When the Church grabs hold of that fact, we will see revival. When the Church, like Moses, commits to going only where the Lord leads, then we will be making progress. It is time for us to cry out for the Lord to make us aware of His Presence.
Lord, how often I go my own way, completely unaware of Your Presence. I am often so busy and so convinced of my own competence that I neglect to listen to Your voice and respond in obedience. Forgive me, Father, for my arrogant ways and fill my heart with a longing to be continuously aware of Christ in me!
Praise God for not leaving you “as orphans” but for giving another helper to be with you forever (Jn. 14:16, 18).
Give thanks for God’s presence and power, and trust him to continue to energize you, keeping you on the right course.
Confess the times you are dissatisfied or frustrated in your walk with the Lord.
Commit yourself anew to God and let his Spirit help you in your weakness, especially in prayer (Rom. 8:26).
Ask him to reveal himself to you in a new and fresh way.
Pray that your family and friends will have the joy, peace, and stability that comes from knowing God personally and spending time daily with him (Col. 3:15-17).
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.
I've been sleeping through the night PTL! But feel like I've lost half a day now. I mean it's normally lunch time for me but it's 8:40 and just writing this. So here's a brief blog for
Good Morning Audaciously Trusting, Loving Community of Servants of God--Slaves of Jesus! Do any of those words apply to you? So they can and might be some words to work on--audaciously trusting Jesus, slaves of Jesus, Loving Community of servants. That one is what St. Matts is becoming known as and as people encounter God's love and care through us, they are finding a gathered and sent community that is united in Christ and God's love--a caring community that is doing what it can with what it's been provided. AMEN! Keep it up! People are noticing and being drawn to God! PTL! And as we begin to disciple these new people they are finding that our MO is learning to live and love like Jesus and audaciously trusting Him to lead, provide and protect as we go share His love individually and as His Body. Dying to self, taking up cross daily and following Jesus, yoked to Him and moving with Him reveals that we are really slaves of Jesus who are sold out to Him and committed to becoming more like Him and learning to walk in His ways, which includes disciple making as we travel through each day and week just as we are. Amen! People are also seeing the example in us that come as you are doesn't mean we stay as we are. We want to, long to, become more like Jesus and to grow into our fuller created potential in Christ. Please Lord!
Check out the I to We devo below and the link they have for discovering your spiritual gifts. Some have done this last year. When we come to Christ He gifts us to spur each other on, grow His Church and to grow into our purposes. Do you know your purposes and the gifts you've been blessed with that may need some work and practice to grow and flourish? Check it out and let's talk and see where God may want to lead you and us. Please find some teammates to work with too! PLEASE! That is the next thing God has for us--developing teams. We are Hi loving, unified community of servants! And there is always improvements we can make as we grow to become more like Jesus and doing more of what we are created for. Then think about the Our Daily bread devo reminding us that even in these hard times God does shelter us and wants to use us too. That reminds me again of the importance of small groups, teams and our community of audaciously trusting, loving servants who are sent by God to change the world! Let's figure out and pray into how He wants to use us for that. Amen! What's God saying to you and what will you do about it? Who are you teammates to pray and process and be accountable with? I'm praying for you and for God to lead us with all of this. Seek and listen and receive as you abide and reload to go ! Amen!
I to WE gifts link
I to We devo
ODB
Shelters of God’s Care
Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm. Isaiah 32:2
On a long family road trip, I spent hours driving through the sparsely populated states of Montana and South Dakota. As I drove, I began to notice a pattern: Vast stretches of farmland were dotted with groves of trees surrounding a house. As I worked hard to keep our van in our lane due to strong winds, it dawned on me that the trees were there for more than beauty. They were also intentionally cultivated windbreakers designed to protect the home and its occupants from the powerful gusts of wind buffeting the landscape.
The prophet Isaiah once described a future in God’s care as a shelter from wind and storm. Having called God’s people to repentance (Isaiah 31:6-7), Isaiah also wrote of a future time when “a king will reign in righteousness” (32:1) and all who rule with Him will be “a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm” (v. 2). The resulting blessing is people who are able to see, hear, understand, and speak truth (vv. 3-4) in peace and safety.
While we still await the full benefits of this promise, we already see God at work through those who actively look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Christ’s Spirit helps us cultivate a safe space where people can flourish even in difficult times. This is a tangible way we can exemplify God’s loving care.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
When have you experienced the protective shelter of a compassionate community? How did that inspire you?
Heavenly Father, please help me to be a shelter to others around me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Isaiah 32, God offers hope through the promise of a time when there would finally be leaders the people could trust. Instead of caring for and protecting the vulnerable, leaders had become the danger from which people needed protection. They could “with a word make someone out to be guilty, . . . ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice” (29:21).
Against this background of injustice and failure to care for those most in need (32:6-7), Isaiah lifted up the truth that God was still just (v. 1). He insisted that God could be trusted to bring about a future where justice, integrity, and compassion would finally shine through the leaders entrusted to care for others, and each would use their power to provide refuge for those in need (v. 2). , in Christ, believers know and experience the one true, perfect, and just leader who cares for them.
This is the day the Lord has made and we get to worship and rejoice in it!!! PTL!
Good Morning Made New in Christ Worshipers! Amen! And rejoice! Get your worship on and prepare your hearts to share stories of His goodness, faithfulness and love and to sing some praises. He will be blessed as we do and come inhabit our praises. As we praise God in all circumstances and as we get comfortable in our own skin and who we are in Christ, we grow in Him and see Him at work more and our praises grow. God loves that and it brings such peace and joy to our souls too and the praises keep building. Cast all your anxiety on Him and count your many blessings and recount the stories of how God has transformed and blessed you and you peace and joy will grow. Yes, get your worship on and step more fully into your true identity in Christ. God really does love that and you will bless Him and be blessed back beyond measure! PTL! Again I say rejoice!
Check out ODB and the I to We devos below. they speak into singing God's praise and how walking in your true identity changes everything. yes PTL! See you soon worshipers who are made new in Christ! Amen!
When Diana’s vision began to deteriorate, she grew concerned. She’d also been having trouble thinking and kept repeating herself. Her symptoms caused doctors to believe it wasn’t a problem with her eyes but something in her brain. They learned she had a large tumor in her brain that needed to be removed. Diana was concerned that the surgery would impair her ability to sing—something she’s passionate about and shares with her family. So her surgeon did something incredible and kept her awake for the pain-free surgery, asking her to sing during the procedure so he’d know he’d preserved that part of her neurological circuitry. The two even recorded a duet during the operation.
Like Diana, King David—who penned many of the Bible’s psalms—was passionate about singing. He often sang to God in both lament and joy. When he was delivered from his enemies, he acknowledged that it was God who set him “free from [his] enemies” (2 Samuel 22:49). Because of God’s good works, David declared, “I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name” (v. 50).
God continues to be at work in the world and in each of our lives, delivering us from the malady that plagues us all: sin. May we, like David, set our hearts on singing God’s praises for all He’s done.
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
What can you praise God for ? What invites you to worship Him in song?
Heavenly Father, I bring You praise for Your work in the world and in my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Much of the material David wrote in 2 Samuel 22 is also found in Psalm 18. The psalm’s superscription tells us that David was celebrating God’s rescue of him from “the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” It appears that since the events of David’s deliverance had happened years earlier than the events of 2 Samuel 22, David is reminiscing and reflecting on that rescue. Now, looking backward, he celebrates again the wonder of divine deliverance and faithfulness—a wonder he’d experienced repeatedly in his life. He looks back at the end of life and reflects on the consistency of God’s goodness to him. The key idea of David’s song of praise? God is faithful and will deliver His own. David’s heart explodes in worship as he remembers God’s goodness to him—something all believers in Jesus are called to do.
Reminder: Clothing Closet is closed . Will reopen in two weeks.
Worship at 10 live and on Zoom. Read the book of Jude in preparation. Invite a friend and prepare your hearts to worship!
Zoom Huddle resumes at 10-11
Bread Min 10-12
. Rita's Hangout 6PM
Pastor Don update: Cardiologist reports all looks good and to keep at what I'm doing. PTL! I've been able to get outside and work without heart issues (although had some heat related stuff from overdoing it). God has healed and is restoring my health. PTL! Now I have to work on my mental/spiritual journey back to normal (not that I was ever mentally normal!) I have been able to be still and know and spend more time with God! Over the next few weeks, I expect to move closer to normal routine with some good healthy boundaries. Thanks for your prayers and encouragements! God has a plan for me and all of you and us all together! PTL! Let us seek and follow Him, His Way and healthy rhythms together!
Good Morning United Good News Bringers! We are God's Good News Delivery Co and we all have a part in that and all parts matter. God has created you for such a time as this and in Christ we are activated, gifted, trained and sent to live and love like Jesus as we join with Him, go and do what we can with what we've been given. The reminder here for me is operate in His timing and to follow His provision of people, time, finances and being able to see what He's doing to join in with. Balance and working from abiding rest is key to good fruit production. That is my call to work on for this season. Only do what I see Jesus doing and what I am called and gifted to do each day yoked to Him. Help me/us Lord to embrace this and walk with You and in Your ways and timing. Move us to abide in you and follow well each day. Bring Your easy yoke alive for each of us according to Your perfect plans for each of us and us as Your gathered and sent people. Thanks! Amen!
I've had an amazing quiet time and am praying you do as well. Two things came up for me to share. Karen and I have been discussing what she read . Eph. 3 is very alive to her right now and so I read and abided in that passage . That flowed to my I to We devo (below). They remind us of the importance of traveling this walk with Christ with uniting with others--humbly. Dying to self and really loving and uniting may take crucifying some personal wishes and ways for the unity and good of the whole and/or necessary to follow the Jesus way each day. I'm praying for how God may want to unify and grow us as teammates. I'm praying we all find some partners and for God to orchestrate His perfect plans for us as His gathered and sent people. Eph. 4:1-3 is Paul's reminder of this (below) and I will end with His prayer from Eph. 3. What's God saying to you ? Do it! Go live and love, pray and make disciples like Jesus! That is another of my prayers for me, you and us--His beloved children. We are created for such a time as this! As we follow and incarnate Christ and His way we will find unity, peace, joy and love overflowing! And see many answered prayers as he grows us and works with and through us. Amen! We are one in Christ, gifted and empowered to incarnate Him and His ways to a lost and weary world. Ask God to show you one He is preparing and sending to you and ask for wisdom and courage to do your part. Know His peace and joy!
Ephesians 4:1-3
Unity in the Body
4 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
I to We
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth
Eph. 3:14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
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