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Friday, January 03 2025
Good Morning Overflowing Christ, Bold and Courageous, Givers! Amen! That is us! Maybe you need to pronounce that over you and us and receive it from the Lord and put it on, but most if not all of us are filled with Christ and all His love and ways to overflow and we are praying to be that more and more. Are you bold and courageous? You can be as you grow in trust and faith. That comes about as we see Christ at work and realize that God does always have our best at heart. Yesterday two Words of wisdom were pronounced to and over our Body. The first is the reminder and comes from the experience of a new member: "Love drives out all fear." So true! We've often discussed and reiterated yesterday the fact that we need to always stay focused on God in trust and as we grow in trust, perfect Love of God just overwhelms us and prepares us for whatever hard and fear causing things we face. PTL! Right? because as we dwell in Love and grow in trust no storm of life can lead us away from our focus on God and stepping in faith with Him. Yes love does cast out all fear. Dwell in His Love always! The other word from God ties to the Givers part pf the salutation for today. We discussed how our Body is populated with givers. And how God blesses us and as we go bless we are blessed back because we bless. It is an awesome cycle of God to step into as we give sacrificially and sow lavishly. He supplies all our needs and out of that supply we get to bless others. Freely given we freely give. The Word of God is that as we give we are seeing the results of being blessed back, stuffed down, shaken and filled to overflowing that come as a result of God's promise to all His givers. We discussed how this word pertains to tithing and God's call to test Him in giving and tithing sacrificially back to God to use to bless others. Now those blessings don't always come back in monetary results but we can trace the blessings we receive to our faithfulness to give as God has given and bless as we have been blessed. Amen!
Yesterday morning I was discussing with God about not sharing about giving and tithing very often from the pulpit. I rarely discuss that as I feel I would be preaching to the choir. You guys are givers. And many of us know the blessing of tithing and giving sacrificially and sowing lavishly back to God from what we have been given. God is blessings us! And I believe the church should tithe on the tithes and offerings we receive. Family Ministries does this quarterly and we have never had to do a fund raiser because God keeps blessing us back for our faithfulness. Talk to me sometime to hear the full story of God's faithfulness to tithers and givers. The two words tie together as well because many fear not having enough or lack if they were to tithe. But remember Love does cast out all fear and as we trust God and step out in faith we experience His faithfulness and provision that overflows as we give and sow sacrificially and lavishly. Try it! You will not be disappointed because God is faithful and He wants to bless you and as you trust and bless you will experience His blessings back. Amen!
The same principle applies to fasting and praying. We don't fast or pray to manipulate God but to draw close, release His blessings and get in step with Him. God has called us to give Him the first few days of 2025 back as we fast and pray and dedicate ourselves and the year to Him. We are to fast from the 2nd to the 5th as God leads you. Maybe a meal a day, maybe a full fast, may some TV time. Whatever God leads you to, dedicate it and yourself to Him as you empty yourself and fill up with Him to overflow. Try it! You will see God blessings coming and His ways coming alive in through and around you. Love casts out all fear! The blessings overflowing are coming and we will be coming alive in 2025. Trust God and offer all of you to Him and watch what He will do!
This is long but if you have time check out the devos below that remind us that we are God's creations made for such a time as this. he is leading you and us, His Church, to His best, even when it seems hard or we have to travel through that dark valley. He is always with us, molding us and working all things together for good. And He does have amazing things and great plans ahead as we trust, obey and follow! Watch and see those overflowing blessings that are on their way! Amen! What's God saying to you right now? What will you do about it? Who are your accountability partners? Seek first the Kingdom of God and all things needed will be add! Amen! Don't lean on your own understanding! Acknowledge God in ALL your ways and He will direct your steps! PTL!
Sarah Young
ODB
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Jim has been battling a motor neuron disease for more than a year. The neurons in his muscles are breaking down, and his muscles are wasting away. He’s lost his fine-motor skills and is losing his ability to control his limbs. He can no longer button his shirt or tie his shoelaces, and using a pair of chopsticks has become impossible. Jim struggles with his situation and asks, Why is God allowing this to happen? Why me?
He’s in good company with many other believers in Jesus who have brought their questions to God. In Psalm 13, David cries out, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?” (vv. 1-2).
We too can take our confusion and questions to God. He understands when we cry out “How long?” and “Why?” His ultimate answer is given to us in Jesus and His triumph over sin and death.
As we look at the cross and the empty tomb, we gain confidence to trust in God’s “unfailing love” (v. 5) and rejoice in His salvation. Even in the darkest nights, we can “sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to [us]” (v. 6). Through our faith in Christ, He’s forgiven our sins, adopted us as His children, and is accomplishing His eternal good purpose in our lives.
By Poh Fang Chia
REFLECT & PRAY
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What questions do you need to bring to God? How has He shown His goodness to you, even in your darkest night?
Loving Father, thank You that You care for me. Please help me to trust that You’re making something beautiful of my life.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 13 is an urgent prayer for God’s aid (vv. 3-4) as well as a lament of the psalmist’s long period of suffering, which is experienced as if God is absent and hiding His face (v. 1). When the psalm asks, “How long?” (vv. 1-2), the point isn’t asking for a specific end date but lamenting how long something has been endured and urging God to end the long wait—to act and make things right. Yet despite Psalm 13’s intense desperation, it’s also a psalm of deep trust (vv. 5-6). Through our bond with a God who we know to be good and faithful, we have the confidence and trust to honestly voice our lament. The reformer Martin Luther called prayer like that expressed in Psalm 13 the “state in which hope despairs, and yet despair hopes at the same time.”
Monica La Rose |
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TWFYT
UR: Peace in the Storm
[Jesus] said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” - Matthew 8:26 (NRSVUE)
When I was in high school, I traveled back and forth between Germany and the United States by ship several times. Although the vast ocean seemed endless, I had total faith that the captain would bring us safely to the correct destination. Even on stormy nights, the ship stayed on course and safely rolled with the waves.
At times in my life, when it seems like I am being tossed around by waves of uncertainty and hardship, fear causes me to doubt God’s plan. But if I could trust the ship’s captain, how much more can I trust the Creator of the universe? Rather than fear, I want prayer to be my first response to trials. Fear can distract me from God’s promise to be with me through every storm.
When a storm developed as the disciples crossed the Sea of Galilee, they were afraid. They begged Jesus to help them, so he calmed the storm. Jesus asked them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Even in the face of severe storms, we can trust Jesus to carry us to the destination he has for us. When we surrender ourselves to Jesus, our faith can overcome our fears.
Today's Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to remember that you are present with us during life’s storms. Give us faith to trust that you will carry us through. Amen.
Friday, January 03 2025
Good Morning Abiding In Christ Co-Laborers! We are so blessed to know Christ, have His Spirit in us always to guide, help, lead, revive, reshape and empower us. We are blessed to be gathered together as His servants growing into our mission to know Him and make Him know as teammates, spurring each other on to the good works He has planned and covering each other in prayer. GO TEAM! As we spend time abiding in Christ and God's Word and Love, we grow and come to understand our next steps of faith, our needed repentance, our call to encourage, and our need to trust as we take that next step of faith. How cool is it that God helps us with all of this and wants to be with us and lead us to His best. his easy yoke is such a joy as we step more fully from our old nature to our new and from what was to what is and what can be. And we get to do all this as a team! We are truly blessed as we spend time abiding in Him and His Word, watch for God and join Him each day! Contemplate that and ask God what's the next step for you and us and who He wants you to co-labor with and do something about that. It will be so good and joyful as we keep working at becoming who we are created to be and doing what we are created and gathered to do! I love how God works and celebrate daily all He is doing in, through and around me, you and all of us! Yes, Rejoice!
Spend some time abiding in Him as you engage with or devotionals below and open your Bibles. Dwell in His love today and soak it up to share. Determine to seek, trust and follow God to His perfect plans for you and us and keep worshiping with great thanksgiving for who He is and all he is doing! He does have great plans for you and us that are coming to life as we grow in trust and the determination to choose joy always as we follow Him. Come! taste and see! he is kind and gentle and His yoke is easy. rest in Him today. be still and know. Exhale the junk and breathe in a fresh breath of the Spirit and then go love and love more like Jesus just as you are today. Then celebrate and share those stories of what God has and is doing. I can't wait to hear them!
Sarah Young
Charles Stanley
ODB:
John was devastated when he lost his job. Closer to the end of his career than the beginning, he knew it would be hard to start over somewhere new. He started praying for the right job. Then John updated his resume, read interview tips, and made a lot of phone calls. After weeks of applying, he accepted a new position with a great schedule and an easy commute. His faithful obedience and God’s provision had met at the perfect intersection.
A more dramatic instance of this occurred with Jochebed (Exodus 6:20) and her family during the time of Israel’s enslavement in Egypt. When Pharaoh decreed that all newborn Hebrew sons must be cast into the Nile (1:22), Jochebed must have been terrified. She couldn’t change the law, but there were some steps she could take to obey God and try to save her son. In faith, she hid him from the Egyptians. She made a little, watertight papyrus basket and “put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile” (2:3). God stepped in to miraculously preserve his life (vv. 5-10) and later used him to deliver all of Israel from slavery (3:10).
John and Jochebed took very different steps, but both stories are marked by faith-filled action. Fear can paralyze us. Even if the result isn’t what we expected or hoped for, faith empowers us to keep trusting in God’s goodness regardless of the outcome.
By Karen Pimpo
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When do you find yourself frozen in fear or worry? How can you faithfully take the next God-honoring step?
Dear God, please help me faithfully take each step on the path You have for me.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Scripture offers two reasons why Moses’ parents, Amram and Jochebed (Numbers 26:59), protected Moses. First, Jochebed saw that “he was a fine child” (Exodus 2:2); she saw something special in him. He’s described as “no ordinary child” (Acts 7:20; Hebrews 11:23). A second reason is that his parents “were not afraid of the king’s edict” (Hebrews 11:23). Like the two Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15, 17), his parents feared God more than they feared Pharaoh. Hebrews 11:23 commends Amram and Jochebed as people of great faith.
K. T. Sim |
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TWFYT
Harvest
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December 28 - Prayer Is the Doorway
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After they fell to temptation, Adam and Eve were sent away from the beauty of the Garden, and their remaining days would be spent in the wearisome toil of their sin.
But God’s plan was not thwarted by Satan’s work and man’s sin. A promised One would come. His serpent-crushing, saving work was prophesied at the moment of their sin. And when He came, He would make a way for all to come again into the Father’s presence and know Him once again. To walk with Him; to hear His voice. To regain what once was lost. One day the door would open and the Garden fully restored … and the conversation would continue with no interruption. Unceasing prayer, unceasing love, unceasing joy.
This glorious walk with God is open now for us with all its riches. We can walk in the garden of His presence, in part, that we will one day experience fully in a new heaven and new earth. But for all who long for Him, He invites us now to come.
And the doorway is to simply pray.
Grace-filled Father, we adore You and worship You! You created us for Yourself…and in Your image! Through Jesus You are redeeming what was lost in the Garden of Eden. Thank You for not giving up on us and for making a way for Your people to enter into Your presence continually. We rejoice in knowing that the beauty of the Garden will one day be ours through the love and sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. May we never take for granted what You have done, what You are doing and what You will do as Your people seek Your face in prayer.
---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.
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- Praise Jesus for the depth of his redeeming love, which sent him to the cross for you (Gal. 2:20).
- Thank him for dying on your behalf.
- Confess any lack of love you feel toward a brother or sister.
- Commit yourself to remaining in Jesus’ love by keeping his commandments (Jn. 15:10).
- Ask God to show his love to you in new ways today.
- Ask that the redeeming love of God will come gently to an unsaved person you know. Ask God to reveal a glimpse of his unconditional love through you.
Prayer Pointer
“Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies beyond the will of God.” —Anonymous
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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) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here. |
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Larry Paul News
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December 2024
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our family, friends, and partners,
Larry experienced shortness of breath and tightness in his chest at the beginning of December. His Doctor agreed to monitor it for a few days. It was getting worse so Larry went to the ER and, after 4 days in the ICU to monitor his heart as he underwent tests and took medicine, they determined he was suffering from an unstable angina, basically a clogged heart artery. He's home now and resting as he learns to adjust to his new diet. So far he's doing fine at home, he was even able to take our dog for short walks. Due to the Christmas holiday, Larry will meet with the Cardiologist in January to discuss the next steps in his treatment, which will probably include an angioplasty and stent in his artery. It was a scary time for all of us and we're still adjusting to our "new normal". Larry needs to rest and cannot drive, so Enol is taking on more and more responsibilities for our family. She needs to get Larry's medicine, shop, cook different meals for him, and take our boys out to be with their friends. It's a big adjustment for all of us and we continue to seek God's wisdom to manage the changes.
Larry was managing the maintenance, grounds, drivers, custodians, and security departments on campus, and they were able to keep the campus functioning and safe during the first semester. He helped design and bid out the work to start building a new parking lot on campus as well as gathering information and pricing for future projects including adding solar panels, replacing a roof on a High School building, and replacing 20+ year old air conditionings systems. We're not sure what he'll be able to do next semester as he continues to recover from his heart issue.
Richard and Brayden enjoyed their time at the ACSC volleyball tournament in Indonesia in October. The team played hard and finished in second place. We are so proud of all of them! They are now both on the varsity basketball team which is doing well in their local league. We're looking forward to going to Bangkok in February for ACSC's boys basketball tournament. They both continue to do well in their classes and Richard is applying to different universities in the US. He wants to study business with a focus in sports management. We are so proud of them, the fine young men they are becoming and the way they are adjusting to Larry's medical condition.
Enol is enjoying her time volunteering at Faith Academy's Elementary division and being part of the team Moms for the boys' athletic teams. We're not sure what she'll be able to do when the boys go back to school since she'll also need to take care of Larry during his recovery.
Praises
- Larry's good care at the hospital
- Richard and Brayden doing well at Faith Academy, both with schoolwork and athletics.
- Enol can volunteer at Faith Academy
- God's continued provision for our needs
Prayer Requests
- Larry's complete recovery from his heart condition
- Wisdom for Larry's doctors for his next steps
- Provision of the necessary funds for costs not covered by insurance
- Enol not to be overwhelmed taking care of Larry, our boys, and her family
- Enol's sister Zeny, complete recovery from stroke, and her financial needs
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support of our ministry at Faith Academy in the Philippines.
Larry, Enol, Richard, and Brayden |
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Honoring our senior volleyball players. When Larry's men are in charge of hanging the banners, Richard gets center stage!
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Picture with our boys after winning the Faith Academy Dan Landry tournament.
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| We are so proud of our ACSC boys volleyball team! |
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ACSC boys volleyball senior recognition
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Richard performing at the Faith Academy October concert
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Richard performing at the Faith Academy Christmas concert
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Financial Partnership
Mail a check to:
Wycliffe
PO Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862-8200
www.wycliffe.org
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Friday, January 03 2025
Merry Christmas!
Good Morning Worshipers!
Today, as always, Immanuel--God is with us! My thought was to just be still and meditate on all the nuances of what that means today. So what does that mean to you? Who needs to hear that Good News? Praying for you and yours today to be filled with His Love, peace and Joy! Amen!
Here is the only devo I am sharing today because it is the same thoughts God gave to me to share. Be still and know, receive and go love like Jesus! Shalom!
Harvest
December 25 - Christmas Day!
Christmas Blessings from OneCry and Harvest Prayer!
Emmanuel
Before you begin, meditate on this thought: God is with me.
Heavenly Father thank You for coming near to me through Christ Jesus, for in Him all Your fullness lived in bodily form. He is Emmanuel, God with me. How grateful I am that because of His finished work at the cross and my faith in Him alone, I have relationship with You. You are with me and You will never leave me or forsake me. Hallelujah!
Thank You Father for the promises of Your Word that even when I pass through deep waters of trials and tribulation, it does not change who You are or alter Your presence with me. For even the hard and painful things You will work together for my good. (Pause and commit any present difficulties in your life to God and ask Him to use them to make you more like Jesus.)
I choose Lord, to not be fearful or dismayed by the raging storms of life all about me, for You are my God. In You I will be strong because You uphold me with Your righteous right hand. You are the Eternal God, my refuge, and I will rest in Your everlasting arms. Yes Father, I will rest secure in You all day long for You love me and You will not forsake me. (Pause and thank God for His presence with you in the midst of present circumstances. Ask Him to continue to go before you and to blanket you with His peace.)
This day I ask You, Wonderful Counselor, that You open my heart and mind to help me to live in such a way that it is apparent to me and those around me, that You are with me.
Mighty God, reveal Your presence in my everyday circumstances reminding me of Your continual nearness--every moment.
Everlasting Father may Your faithful love be my constant buffer from the darkness of the world.
Prince of Peace calm my anxious heart with Your peaceful assurance that You are with me and will never leave me. In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, I pray. Amen.
(Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:6-11; Joshua 1:5; Isaiah 43:2; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 41:10; 33:27; Deuteronomy 33:12; Hebrews 13:5; Isaiah 9:6; 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
--By Tiece L. King, author of the Pray the Word series: Pray the Word: 90 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word: 31 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word for Your Church. These resources are available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Friday, January 03 2025
Good Morning Fruitful Branches of THE Vine! Amen! Today some of us need to get back to the reality of the work-a-day world and refocus back to producing fruit for our bosses. Some of us still have time off while others are retired. No matter which you are, you are still called to be producers of good and abundant fruit for the Lord. Check out and begin with Harvest Blogs this morning. God has created you, saved you, gifted and trained you for such a time as this and He has perfect and custom made plans for you to produce fruit that please Him. So be still, seek Him, receive His direction and empowerment to produce the fruit He has for you today.
Let us spend the rest of 2024 meditating on all God has done and seeking Him for what He has planned for us to come alive in '25. No matter what you are facing or celebrating, God knows and is with you and will use that to lead you to His best. Trust Him. Worship. Receive. And go produce that good fruit you are created and chosen to produce. Amen! I'm praying for you! God is with you! Rejoice, receive and follow well today! Amen!
Gotta Fly! Lots to do today! I have prayed for you and for me and for Go to make clear how He has planned to use you and me today! Seek and follow well, friends! Go live and love like Jesus! Amen
Harvest Blogs
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December 26 - Give Me Your Heart
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Before you begin, meditate on this thought: God has chosen to work through me.
Father how I thank You that because I have put my faith and trust in Christ, He has made me a new creation! The old has gone--the new has come! This great redemptive work is from You Father, through Christ, for me! My relationship with You has been made right and because of His finished work on the cross You do not hold my sin against me! Hallelujah! Praise Your holy name! (Pause and be thankful that Christ Jesus has saved you from your sin.)
Now Father I ask that You help me to understand what it means that because I am in Christ the message of reconciliation is lived out and proclaimed, through me! May I be found worthy of the name “Ambassador of Christ” and faithfully implore others to be reconciled to You.
The free gift of salvation through Jesus that alone can make us to be the “righteousness of God” is good news that most around me need desperately to hear. I ask that You capture my heart again I pray, with the joy of this great salvation in You and open my lips that I might praise You and proclaim with great joy, the gospel message. You are the God of all hope and I ask that I would overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit and continually be prepared to give the reason for the hope that I have in You.
This day I ask You Wonderful Counselor, that You open my heart and mind and give me ears to hear what You would say to me, what You would speak through me. Make me increasingly sensitive to Your voice and gentle promptings, and give me a willing, submissive spirit that I might obey.
Mighty God may Your power be evident through the way I live and conduct my life, that I would truly live and move and have my very being in You alone.
Everlasting Father may Your fatherly embrace and great love be expressed through my life. In my conversations and interactions with the world around me, be glorified I pray. May Jesus be seen through me in such loving ways that many are drawn to Him.
Prince of Peace in the midst of this chaotic fearful world, may the peace of Christ be spread through my life. Increase my trust and hope in You that I in turn might minister to those around me who are as sheep without a shepherd.
Give me Your heart. Your eyes. Your ears, O Lord. That in all things I might respond as Jesus would, and be a worthy ambassador of the gospel. In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, I pray. Amen.
(2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Psalm 51:12,15; Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 3:15; Acts 17:28; Matthew 5:16)
--By Tiece L. King, author of the Pray the Word series: Pray the Word: 90 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word: 31 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word for Your Church. These resources are available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise God as the one who makes it possible for you to bear much fruit (Jn. 15:5).
- Thank him for the promise of a great spiritual harvest in your life.
- Confess sins which stunt the development of spiritual fruit in your life.
- Commit yourself to daily devotional habits which will stimulate the growth of such fruit.
- Ask God to help you produce the kind of harvest which will give him the glory and praise.
- Ask God to pour out his blessing on his church throughout the world. Pray for fruitfulness among those who remain faithful to God and are firmly united to Jesus, the true vine.
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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) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here. |
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Sarah Young
Charles Stanley
Upper room: A Global Connection
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. - Psalm 42:5 (NIV)
As Christians, it is easy to think that we must not feel despair, be anxious, or have fears. We must remain calm and happy; we must always be loving, wise, and grateful. We often think that the struggles and burdens we deal with are never a struggle for others. This can make us feel unworthy and alone with our unanswered questions.
However, in those very moments the two of us have encountered a message from Csendes Percek — the Hungarian edition of The Upper Room — in which someone from another part of the world has written about those same doubts and experiences. Csendes Percek is precious to us because we read stories about real life, not only about “perfect Christians” and happy endings. We can identify with the feelings of the writers, and sometimes a story completely reflects our own emotions and thoughts.
Most of the time we do not receive direct answers or solutions, but we do find compassion.
It is encouraging to know that people living in different cultures and places suffer the burdens of this world just like we do, and they still trust God.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, we give thanks for opportunities to experience your faithfulness. Thank you for the support you give to us and all our Christian friends around the world. Amen.
ODB
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The year 2022 was very special for my wife and me. That’s the year our granddaughter, Sophia Ashley, was born—the only granddaughter among our eight grandchildren. Sophia’s grandparents haven’t stopped smiling! When our son calls via video, the excitement gets ramped up even more. My wife and I may be in different rooms, but her joyful holler reveals that she’s getting a glimpse of Sophia. Seeing those we love from afar is now only a call or click away.
The ability to see the person we’re talking to on the phone is relatively new, but face time with God—prayer with a conscious awareness of being in His presence—is not. David’s prayer in Psalm 27—voiced in the midst of opposition that required assistance beyond the capability of the closest human allies (vv. 10-12)—includes these words: “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming’ ” (v. 8 nlt).
Difficult times rightly compel us to “seek his face” (v. 8). But that’s not the only time we can or should be in face-to-face fellowship with the one in whose “presence is fullness of joy”; at His “right hand are pleasures forevermore” (16:11 nkjv). If you listen closely, at any time you may hear Him say, “Come and talk with me.”
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
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At what time in your day do you find your heart most attuned to God? How can regular communion with Him prepare you for a “day of trouble”?
Heavenly Father, I praise You for the privilege of face time with You. Please help me to always be ready to spend time with You in prayer.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
David’s anxious prayer in the second half of Psalm 27 (vv. 7-12) must be read against his unwavering proclamation at the beginning of the psalm: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life” (v. 1). David chooses to focus on God rather than on his difficult circumstances. He speaks of Him as his light, which guides him safely into God’s presence and goodness. God is also his salvation, delivering him from dangers and death. He’s his stronghold, providing a strong, fortified place for his refuge and security. Knowing who God is, David rhetorically asks, “Of whom shall I be afraid?” (v. 1). The psalmist needn’t fear, for God won’t abandon him. Rather, “the Lord will hold me close” (v. 10 nlt). David invites us to “be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (v. 14).
K. T. Sim |
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Friday, January 03 2025
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! Just think and meditate and worship this morning as you think about that little baby in a manger that grew to the God/Man on the cross that took our sins and purged them and delivered us from eternity in Hell! How is the Holy Spirit leading you this morning as you contemplate God's great forgiving, patient love for you?
Sunday worship at 10 live in person and on Zoom. Be ready to share your stories of how God used the $50. He gave you to bless others. (Write them out if you need us to read them). We will examine all God has done in 2024 and prayerfully contemplate His plans for 2025. What's God saying to you? What are His plans for you and us? How are we doing? What might need some tweaking? What can we build on? God is revealing your part to this and maybe some ideas to spur us on to His best. Keep seeking and be prepared to share. God is on the move! Amen!
Good Morning Known, Redeemed, Loved, Sent to Love, Children of God! You are His custom made for such a time as this disciple and apostle--student who is sent to love and make disciples. Love as I have loved you is Jesus' command that we continue to work on. Thank God we are known and forgiven and helped to live like Christ more and to go love well! Often we can't imagine how or why God would wants to use some sinner like we are. Right? Who am I Lord that You are mindful of me is often a praising question I ask of our Father in heaven. Yet He is mindful, loving, forgiving and our Potter who molds us to fit our created purposes. Just trying to fathom all of this blows my mind. We have so much to be thankful about and so much to learn and put into action just as we are. He really does have good plans just for you, just as you are. And as we follow Him and do what we are created to do, we grow in Christ and more like Him and eventually will be able to live and love like Him. Please Lord, come! Have your way with me and us and lead us to Your perfect plans for today and eternity. Thanks! Amen!
This morning God really spoke to my heart as I extended my quiet time with Him and prayerfully meditated on His Word and my devotionals. Take some time to still yourself, open His Word prayerfully and maybe engage Him through the devotionals below. Then wrap up your time with the Harvest Prayer Connection blog. (Start there if you have limited time! It's another good one!) It really threads through these devos and speaks to your open and soft heart and will help you step into this day prayed up and ready for whatever God has in store for you. Rejoice for you are loved, known, redeemed and created for such a time as this and God is molding all things together for your and others good! PTL and Amen! Choose to live and love well, my friends! God is with you always and really does have great plans for you and us today and always! PTL! Thank God I'm Forgiven and being prepared and sent for such a time as this! Great fruit is budding!
Chuck Swindoll
Sarah Young
Charles Stanley
Upper Room: Unexpected Beauty
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. - Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
After weeks of high temperatures followed by torrential rainfall, the sun rose on a calm, clear morning. The blue sky was sprinkled with white fluffy clouds. I decided to take a walk. Nestled among tall pines and pecan trees, our pond seemed like the perfect place to begin. The sounds of birdsong and splashing fish and turtles were a symphony of nature. The colorful flowers and deep, green grass created a soft blanket across the ground.
But the prettiest blooms around our pond were never planned. No expert gardener prepared the soil or planted the seeds. Most folks would call them weeds, but I don’t see it that way. I see a wonderful gift of unique and beautiful blooms.
We can enjoy many things in life that were never planned. Sometimes we walk paths we never thought we would. But just as the wildflowers bloomed and brought joy, the unexpected in our lives can bring a joy all its own. Even when we encounter the unforeseen, we can trust God to walk with us.
Today's Prayer
Gracious Father, help us to find the beauty in the midst of change and challenges. Thank you for your deep and abiding love and presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Word for You Today
Harvest blog:
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December 27 - The Hope of Glory
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Before you begin, meditate on this thought: Christ in me, the hope of glory.
Heavenly Father how grateful I am for Christ Jesus in whom all of Your fullness, the fullness of the Deity, lives in bodily form. Because of my faith in Him, I have been given “fullness in Christ” who is the head over every power and authority! Thank You for this great mystery—“Christ in me the hope of glory”! Thank You for the Holy Spirit, given to me as a deposit, a guarantee of what is to come!
And now Father, by the power of the Holy Spirit, I ask that you strengthen me to live as one who has died to my earthly nature, for my life is hidden with Christ in You. May I therefore set my heart on things above, not on earthly things, for surely Jesus, who is my life will soon appear. Make me ready Lord! Renew me in knowledge of You and remind me continually that Christ is all, and in all. (Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what things have captured your heart and taken Christ’s place as Lord of All in your life.)
As one of Your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, may my life be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Help me to forgive others as You Lord Jesus, have forgiven me. And may Your peace rule in my heart. (Pause and ask that greater evidence of the Holy Spirit would be seen in the way you live. Consider what areas of your life lack peace. Invite Jesus to rule over these. Ask Him to fill you with His peace.)
This day I ask You Wonderful Counselor, that You open my heart and mind that I might understand in a deeper way the great mystery that Christ lives in my heart by faith. Reveal to me I pray the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are found in Him.
Mighty God, as this truth lands on my heart and takes root, may I truly live and move and have my being in You alone. May Your power, the same power that raised Christ from the dead, that is in me, be lived out of life!
Everlasting Father may my trust in You increase as I walk in this great truth--that Christ is in me, the Holy Spirit is mine, and You will never leave me or forsake me.
Prince of Peace because You are in me, I ask that You guard my heart and mind and fill me with Your peace. For it is written that Your peace in not like what the world tries to give. This day I choose to not be troubled or afraid.
Father I ask that You renew my mind according to the truth of Your Word that because of Christ Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit, You are with me, You are for me, You are at work through me, and You are in me. May my life be continually transformed as I walk Your ways. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, Emmanuel, Amen.
(Colossians 2:9-10; Colossians 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Colossians 3:1-15; Isaiah 9:6; Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 2:3; Ephesians 1:19-20; John 14:27; Matthew 1:23; Romans 8:31; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
--By Tiece L. King, author of the Pray the Word series: Pray the Word: 90 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word: 31 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word for Your Church. These resources are available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount
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Friday, January 03 2025
This Week:
Tuesday Christmas Eve:
Bread Ministry 10-12
Worship with Communion 4PM followed by brief meal for those who need one
Wed: Christmas Day! Immanuel! God is with us! PTL! Amen!
Good Morning Very Blessed Co-Laborers! God made us, saved us, gifted us, lives in us and loves through us! What joy we know and get to share as His love overflows from us. Think about that today as you prepare for that last sprint to get it all done before Christmas Day. God is with you and watch for how He may want to love through you today and prepare to join Him. Maybe you still have your $50. to invest in someone. Ask God to lead you. Pray for those that we have already blessed. Think and pray about someone God may want you to invite to worship with us on Tuesday. Then ask and invite. God has custom made and gifted you for such a time as this. PTL! I can't wait to hear the stories of how God has used us this season to bless many! God is sure on the move in our midst! PTL! Thanks you to all the servants at St. Matts! We truly are being blessed to go bless and then being blessed back as we go do it! PTL!
Yesterday Sarah reminded us all about love and how God is Love and Love lives in us to love through us. We've often discussed this. How is God/Love loving through you? How is Love helping you to do your part in God's Good News Delivery Co.? We will be discussing some of this in the weeks ahead as we continue to seek Him and follow Him to His best plans for you and us. Maybe start journaling all that He is doing the next few days to be prepared to share that. So many will be encouraged and led to glorify God as you share.
Today I wrap up my homebound visits, Lord willing. So many I have visited ask about all of you and say Hi. They are hearing stories of how God is moving and using us. Some are really struggling and could use some love and encouragement. Reach out as able. Some of us are facing a difficult Christmas season. Who is God bringing to mind for you to reach out and love on? Do it! Today I am just sharing two devos that are speaking to my and will to your heart. God is our provision and He fills us with Love and Light to share and He uses us to go live and love like Jesus. May today be a day filled with Christ, His Love and Light and may the and they be incarnated (brought to life) through you and us. God is writing some stories right now for us to live well and share. Dwell in His Love today and allow Him to come to life in and through you and then share those stories. We are God's love story, written in red. For God so loved you that he sent His Son. And His Son wants to love and love through you today. Rejoice and ask Him to use you well. Amen!
Harvest:
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December 23 - God Is For Me
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Before you begin, meditate on this thought: God is for me.
How I praise and thank You Father, for once I walked in darkness, but now I have seen the Light of Jesus! Thank You for giving Your one and only Son for me--He who had never sinned--for me, who sins continually. How can this be? There are no words that adequately express how thankful I am for what You have done for me!
For Your willingness to be born in human likeness and bear my punishment on the cross--Thank You Lord Jesus!
For removing my sin from me as far as the east is from the west and remembering it no more--Thank You Lord Jesus!
You are Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace and I celebrate and announce that You are the Christ, Messiah--Emmanuel!
Thank You Father for the gift of Jesus that expresses so lavishly, Your great love for me--that You are for me. If You would give me Jesus, is there anything for my good that You would withhold? If You are for me, is there anyone who can be against me? If You are for me is there anything that I should fear?
I ask Father that You give me a fresh glimpse of Your face as You cheer me on in this race that You have marked out for me, a fresh understanding of your great love for me from which I can never be separated. Spur me on by the Holy Spirit in my pilgrimage with You until I am truly able to live as “more than a conqueror”! In spite of trouble or hardship, remind me continually that Your love is holding me fast--that there is nothing--past, present or future that will ever separate me from Your immeasurable love expressed in Christ--nothing! Hallelujah!
This day I ask Wonderful Counselor that You open my mind to help me understand in a deeper way what it means that You are for me. Mighty God, reveal Your power in my life in such a way that strongholds are exposed and come crashing down! Everlasting Father embrace me with Your love and acceptance. Prince of Peace calm my anxious heart and reveal Yourself in the midst of the storms of my living, for You are for me, and nothing will separate me from You great love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Isaiah 9:2; John 3:16; Philippians 2:6-11; Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 9:6; Romans 8: 31-39; Hebrews 12:1)
--By Tiece L. King, author of the Pray the Word series: Pray the Word: 90 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word: 31 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word for Your Church. These resources are available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise “the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (Jas. 1:17).
- Thank God for remaining the same throughout all eternity (Ps. 102:27).
- Confess that sometimes you are not as consistent as you would like to be in your walk with God.
- Commit yourself to remaining true to that which does not change, the eternal God (2 Cor. 4:18).
- Ask God to glorify himself in your life.
- Pray that the stewardship of resources in your congregation will please God. Ask that members will be willing to give generously of their time and talents as well as their finances. Pray that they will experience joy in giving.
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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) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here. |
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Sarah Young
ODB:
Gregory of Nazianzus and Basil of Caesarea were celebrated leaders in the fourth-century church and also close friends. They first met as philosophy students, and Gregory later said that they became like “two bodies with a single spirit.”
With their career paths so similar, rivalry could’ve arisen between Gregory and Basil. But Gregory explained that they avoided this temptation by making a life of faith, hope, and good deeds their “single ambition,” then “spurring each other on” to make the other more successful in this goal than themselves individually. As a result, both grew in faith and rose to high levels of leadership without rivalry.
The book of Hebrews is written to help us stay strong in faith (Hebrews 2:1), encouraging us to focus on “the hope we profess” and to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (10:23-24). While this command is given in the context of a congregation (v. 25), by applying it to their friendship, Gregory and Basil showed how friends can encourage each other to grow and avoid any “bitter root,” such as rivalry that might grow between them (12:15).
What if we made faith, hope, and good deeds the ambition of our own friendships, then encouraged our friends to become more successful in this goal than ourselves individually? The Holy Spirit is ready to help us do both.
By Sheridan Voysey
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What qualities do you see in Gregory and Basil’s friendship? How could you encourage your friends to grow in faith, hope, and good deeds?
Dear Jesus, please make my friendships rich in faith, hope, and good deeds.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The words priest/high priest occur nearly forty times in the book of Hebrews. The priestly ministry of Jesus comes into view in the earliest verses of the book: “After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:3). Accolades for Jesus as high priest include words like “merciful and faithful” (2:17) and “great” (4:14; 10:21). The chorus of praise in 7:26 is of note: “Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” What are the implications for believers in Jesus that He occupies this role? The “therefore” and “let us” phrases help us. “Therefore, . . . since we have confidence . . . and since we have a great priest . . . let us draw near to God . . . let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess . . . let us consider how we may spur one another on” (10:19-24).
Arthur Jackson |
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Don 
Friday, January 03 2025
Bread ministry today 10-12 then worship with communion (and on Zoom) at 4 followed by a quick meal for those who need one. rejoice!
Good Morning Children of Light and Love because Christ Lives in Us! Amen! Shine bright today and in the days ahead! He came to save you and be with you forever! PTL!
I had this idea of what God wanted me to share today and then I encountered the harvest prayer blogs. begin with those today. The harvest blog is about the prince of peace and then Kim's link to her blog is a great place to flow to worship today. Yes Immanuel! God is with us! Amen! If you still need some time to prepare your hearts and abide in the Vine, check out the devos God used to speak to my heart this morning. You are known, loved, cared for and are being prepared to go live and love more like Jesus. That all started in the manger and became available as the Holy Spirit drew you to saving faith in Christ. Pray some we know are drawn and receive that salvation which is our joy and know the love and peace of Jesus. He has plans for some we know and are praying for. Keep at it and keep inviting in. Tear down strongholds and hindrances and soften hearts as you pray. May revival and salvation come alive today and this week. Immanuel is wanting to be with you and all those you are praying for and inviting to come and see. Rejoice! Amen!
Harvest Blog:
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December 24 - Prince of Peace
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Before you begin, ask God to reveal to your heart the ways that the enemy has robbed you of the peace that is yours because of Christ. Confess these things to Him and ask Him to pour out on you His peace that passes all understanding. Ask Him to still the storms in your life and refocus your living.
I thank You Father, that Jesus Himself is my peace and that He has completely destroyed the barrier that separated me from You! How grateful I am that I have been reconciled to Him through His blood shed on the cross and now have peace with You.
Forgive me I pray, for the times that I do not cast my cares and anxieties onto You, but instead carry them myself and allow my heart to be weighed down and needlessly burdened. I ask that Your peace, which is beyond my ability to understand, guard my heart and my mind--cover me, because I am in Christ Jesus. I belong to You. Thank You Lord Jesus, for the peace that You give to me which is so very different than the fleeting attempts of the world to quiet my heart. Guard my heart by Your Holy Spirit, that I might not be afraid. Help me to learn to be still and know that You are God, to hear Your voice in the midst of the storms that I face saying “Peace, be still.” Keep me from fear and increase my faith. May my life be characterized by Your peace no matter what situation I might face, that You may be glorified in me and through me and receive the praise that is due Your name.
May I love Your Word that I might have great peace and not stumble.
May my mind be controlled by Your Holy Spirit and produce life and peace.
May Your strength and peace fill my life because I belong to You.
Lord Jesus, You are my Wonderful Counselor, You are Mighty God, the Everlasting Father incarnate and Prince of Peace! With You all things are possible. I invite You into the impossible situations of my life and ask that as I wait on You, You fill me with Your peace – for my hope is in You alone and I trust in Your great name.
(Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 1:20; Romans 5:1; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:7; John 14:27; Psalm 46:10; Mark 4:35-41; Psalm 119:165; Romans 8:6; Psalm 29:11; Isaiah 53:6; Matthew 19:26)
--By Tiece L. King, author of the Pray the Word series: Pray the Word: 90 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word: 31 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word for Your Church. These resources are available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Focus on Jn. 15:1-17 for the next few days.
- Praise your Father, who is the gardener of your soul.
- Thank Jesus for being the true vine which nourishes and gives life to the branches.
- Confess moments when you’ve tried to sever your relationship to Jesus in some way.
- Commit yourself to welcoming God’s pruning in your life despite the pain it might bring.
- Ask God to make you more fruitful as you live for him.
- Ask that your fruit-bearing will be attractive to unsaved people you know. Pray that they will “taste [of that fruit] and see that the LORD is good” (Ps. 34:8).
Prayer Pointer
“God rules the world through the prayers of his people.” —Anonymous
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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) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here. |
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Kim's Blog: A Prayer to Emmanuel – God with Us!
Sarah Young:
Charles Stanley
Chuck Swnidoll
Joyce Meyer
Friday, January 03 2025
Week Ahead:
Sunday at 10 with new member installation followed by brunch at 11:30 (All welcome plenty of warm soup and fellowship!)
Sunday evening Christmas Concert at Revival Church 5PM (meets in our sanctuary) followed by a reception meal
Tuesday:
10-12 Bread Ministry
4PM Christmas Eve worship with communion followed by a quick meal for those that need one. Who are you inviting or bringing along?
Wed. For unto us a Savior has been born! Merry Christmas!
Reminders:
1. Don't forget to update your directory entries or add yours!
2. Don't forget to get your cards form the Christmas Mailbox in the lobby
3. Don't forget to pick up your giving envelopes at the back of the sanctuary
4. Sun Dec 29th is the deadline to use your $50. to bless the Kindness Project. If you haven't found someone to bless and want to give to the Kindness Project, put your $50. in an envelope marked for the Kindness Project and place in the offering plate. (We will send a check to them after the 29th)
5. Year end reports need to be submitted shortly
6. Our annual Congregational Meeting is Sun. Jan. 19th after worship in the sanctuary
7. PTL for 15 new members and some other new attendees in 2024! Begin praying for Him to double that in 2025! Who are your five that you are praying for?
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Good Morning Abiding in Christ, Up-Held in God's Hand, Purposeful Followers! Today is a great day to chill at home and abide in God's Word, Love and presence for a spell and to fill up with Hs love. Jesus came to incarnate God's Love and make a way for all to be forgiven and to dwell in God's love forever. Why not start or continue today to abide, receive, prepare and then go to love as He loves us. God created you for such a time as this and has allowed all you have experienced and learned to be prepared to fulfill your purpose which is to incarnate His love. That's put flesh on His love. And remember "love" is an action word. How might His purposes for you be fulfilled today as you abide in His love, fill up with His love and allow Him to love through you? That is really what Christmas is all about. Receiving and sharing God's love. He is Love and He lives in you to love through you! Amen! So how might that play out today and in the days ahead and who might He be partnering you with to go? Do you have a story to share of how God loved through you with our $50. Giving Challenge? I and others would love to hear those stories! Is God stirring you to partner with some of us in the New Year to go love more like Christ and incarnate Him and His love? Let's make some plans! All of us need to be sowing in prayer into what God has for us and for some of us, we need to begin planning to go. Spend some extra time this morning in God's presence and with your open Bibles and our devotionals below. What's he saying to you? What will you do about it! I'm praying for you and us to be guided by his Spirit to his perfect plans and that we all would have open hearts and moving feet to follow well. Amen!
Time to get out and play in the snow as I get ready to get our and about and allow God to bless through me today. How does he want to bless through you? Ask Him and do something about it! Go love as you have been loved! Amen!
Charles Stanley
Upper Room: Safe in God's Hands
Be still, and know that I am God! - Psalm 46:10 (NRSVUE)
When I was a child, every summer our family would rent a cabin on a lake for our vacation. I remember my father trying to teach me how to float in the water while we were there. Standing chest deep in the lake, he instructed me to lie on my back in the water in front of him while resting on his extended arms. Then he told me to relax as he slowly lowered his arms a few inches in the water below my body. And for a brief moment I was floating! But when I couldn’t feel the touch of his arms and fell slightly lower in the water, I started flailing about, trying to save myself from sinking — which ironically caused me to sink faster. But my father never left my side. He was right there to catch me if necessary. I simply needed to relax and trust him.
Whenever I find myself flailing about emotionally over some new frightening or overwhelming situation, I think of this experience and hear the words of our heavenly Father: “Be still, and know that I am God!” God, the Creator of all that exists, is right here with me — with all of us — loving, caring for, and protecting us. How comforting and reassuring it is to know that God will take care of us no matter what happens!
Today's Prayer
Gracious God, help us continually to be aware of your presence and to remember we face nothing alone. Amen.
Sarah Young
The Word for You Today
Friday, January 03 2025
Good Morning Very Loved Children of Light! Amen and PTL!
Begin your quiet time this morning with with Harvest Prayer's Connection blog as you prepare your hearts to worship. Then spend some time with God as you work your way through our devotionals for today below that. Sarah Young reminds us to come and rest in God's presence. During this busy season, it's best to begin from resting in God's presence and recharging to go through the day worshiping and following Jesus. Charles Stanley reminds us of the fact of Immanuel--God with us. He always is. PTL! He knows you and is calling you by name to draw close, abide in Him and follow Him today. He does have great custom made plans for you to discover as you step out in faith, trusting our Savior and Shepherd to lead you well. The Upper Room reminds us that we have the Light of the World living in us and that we are here to light up the world with His love. Our Daily Bread reminds us how tangible and knowable that love is and how His love in us spurs us on to love others as we love Him and He loves us. And The Word for You Today wraps up our time with the reminder to ask God to lead you to His plans and to desire what He desires and that includes loving as you have been loved. God loves you, is with you and desires to love through you. Will you receive and share that love after spending some time dwelling in it today? I'm praying for you and us to be His Light and Love as we learn to live and love more like Jesus--Immanuel! Amen!
Harvest
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December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Radiance of God’s Glory
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Before you begin, quiet your heart and ask for a fresh revelation of God’s great Father--love for you.
Lord Jesus, how I thank You that although You are God, You did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but You made Yourself to be nothing and took on the very nature of a servant and were made in human likeness. Thank You for Your willingness to humble Yourself to the point of death on the cross for me! Lord Jesus, You are the radiance of God’s glory and exact representation of His being--the very image of the invisible God! You are the Everlasting Father incarnate!
Forgive me, for the times that I ascribe to You attributes of my earthly father, and help me by Your Spirit to see and understand Your true character. I ask You to renew my mind in this area, that everything that sets itself up against truly knowing You would be destroyed. And I acknowledge and confess with my mouth that . . .
• You are compassionate and gracious
• Your love endures forever, it never fails
• You are merciful
• You are faithful to all Your promises
• You are mighty to save and rejoice over me with singing!
Thank You for making me Your child and for the incredible privilege of calling You “Abba” (Daddy!). How can this be? Empower me by the Holy Spirit to understand what it means, in my daily living, that You delight in me, and may this revelation change how I approach You and express my heart to You. May I become as a little child and rest in Your great Fatherly love and care, for there is a longing in my heart for intimacy that only You can fulfill. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen. Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15; Isaiah 9:6
--By Tiece L. King, author of the Pray the Word series: Pray the Word: 90 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word: 31 Prayers That Touch the Heart of God, Pray the Word for Your Church. These resources are available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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Sarah Young
Charles Stanley
Upper Room: Shining Christ's Light
Jesus spoke to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me won’t walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 (CEB)
During the Christmas season, it is customary in my part of Nigeria for people to travel — sometimes from all over the world — to their respective villages. It is a time to visit our roots and spend time with family and friends.
One year I visited a cousin who lives in a rural community. We chatted outside late into the night. Electric lights illuminated the community and made it quite welcoming. Since we were in the tropics, we were surrounded by giant trees. The noises around us were like music to my ears. Bats, owls, and biting insects began to emerge. But while we were talking, the lights suddenly went out. The surrounding darkness was intense. I realized then what a difference light makes.
We started talking about the impact of light on a community. Eventually discussion turned to spiritual light and Christmas — how light came into the world through the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we celebrate Christmas, sometimes we gloss over its significance. The light of Christ changed the world; it is our duty as believers to keep it shining!
Today's Prayer
Dear God, make us light to the world, at Christmastime and all year long. May our lives bring glory to you. Amen.
ODB:
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As I sat next to my friend Margaret, who was lying in her hospital bed, I took in the bustle and activity of the other patients, medical staff, and visitors. A young woman sitting nearby with her ailing mother asked Margaret, “Who are all the people who keep visiting you?” She responded, “They’re members of my church family!” The young woman remarked that she’d never seen anything like it; she felt as if the many visitors were “like tangible love poured out.” Margaret replied, smiling, “It all comes down to our love of God through His Son Jesus Christ!”
In her response, Margaret echoed the disciple John, who in his final years wrote three letters brimming with love. In his first letter, he said, “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16). That is, those who acknowledge “that Jesus is the Son of God” (v. 15) have God living in them through “his Spirit” (v. 13). How can we lovingly care for others? “We love because he first loved us” (v. 19).
Because of the gift of God’s love, visiting Margaret hadn’t felt like a hardship to me or others in our church. I received more than I gave, not only from Margaret, but through observing her gentle witness about her Savior, Jesus. How might God love others through you today?
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
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When have you been surprised by someone noticing God’s love in your life? How does His love spur you on to serve others?
Loving God, I love because You first loved me. Please keep increasing my love so Your Spirit will shine through me.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The night before Jesus was betrayed, He commanded His followers to “love one another” (John 13:34) as He had loved them. Such sacrificial and unconditional love would be the irrefutable proof that they were truly His disciples (v. 35). The author of 1 John (traditionally believed to be the same John who wrote the fourth gospel), says that Christ’s disciples must “live as Jesus did” (2:6)—living a life of loving God and loving others. John reminds us that “God is love” and we must “rely on the love God has for us” (4:16). Reminiscent of the language of John 3:16, the author reminds us that God loves us in this way: “He sent his one and only Son into the world . . . as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10). “He has given us of his Spirit” to help us live and love (v. 13).
K. T. Sim |
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TWFYT:
Friday, January 03 2025
It's Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! Get your praise on! Think about what this Christmas season is really all about...God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us and make a way for forgiveness and eternity dwelling in His loving presence and light. PTL! That should fill your morning with much praise and thanksgiving. Focusing on that will also help to redirect to Him and His love and prepare your hearts for His joy to flow through you today.
Good Morning Forgiven, Very Loved, ASSURED OF ETERNITY WITH OUR SAVIOR, FRIENDS! AMEN!
This is the day the Lord has made! We get to dwell in His love and peace as we worship! Amen! Today I am only sharing the Upper Room and allowing you space to populate your gratitude lists, use them and recount your many, many blessings to God. Yes, worship and rejoice for unto us a Savior has been given! PTL! What are you thankful about? Tell God and share your praise with some others today as you share the real reason for the season and the love and forgiveness you are so thankful for!
Pray for those we have blessed with our $50. gifts to sense God's love, glorify Him and share how He has blessed them. Pray for who to give to and to know it when God sends them if you haven't done so already. Pray for who to invite to Sunday worship and brunch or Christmas Eve worship and communion at 4. (Don't forget for those who need a meal that we will have one after Christmas Eve service as well) Immanuel--God is with us! PTL! Who needs to hear what that means to you today? I've already prayed for God inhabit your praise, to speak to your heart, direct your steps and use yu to glorify Him today. Start with some praise and worship and then Go and share the Good news of Jesus and His love! Shalom shalom!
Upper Room: Making A Choice
You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. - 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NIV)
One winter years ago, I was walking down our long driveway to check the mail. The driveway was covered in snow, and parts of it were icy. I could either walk in deeper snow, which would be more physically demanding, or I could walk in the tire tracks where the snow had been packed down.
After a short time of walking in deeper snow, I decided to walk in the tire tracks. While I could walk faster and more easily, I was also walking on an icy, slick path. It wasn’t long before I slipped, but thankfully I did not fall. I quickly decided to move back to the deeper snow. It would not be easier or faster, but it was the right choice.
The life that Jesus Christ calls us to can be like my walk down the driveway. Many times, the choice that is right and honors God is not easy, and the journey may be slow. Doing what is easier and faster is not always God’s will for us. But we honor God when we do what is right.
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, even when our path is slower and more difficult, may we honor you in all that we do. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:2-4, KJV). Amen.
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