Thank God I'm Forgiven! Man, there are so many facets to that to begin your day in praise with! Try it! List a bunch and add to you gratitude lists! Thank God I'm forgiven. made new, redeemed. restored, filled, enabled, His, being prepared and sent to share this Good news. Thank God for love, mercy, grace forgiveness, help to repent, transformed! And so many more! What are you thankful about
? Lift it! Share it!!
Good afternoon Love Church, Joy Church, Church of the Redeemed, God's Church! And the praise can continue as His love overflows from us into our Body and put of our walls! yes, thank God I'm forgiven! Amen! We are God's masterpieces. (Eph. 2:10) Made new in Christ, gifted, filled, empowered, enabled, gathered and sent to do all the things He created us to do. Discovering and walking with Jesus toward it is the easy yoke of Christ we long for and that brings joy and peace. Amen, meditate on these things and process them and pray into them with your teammates and our Body!
So God has heard. answered and is delivering me from my sickness, attack and testing. PTL! He broke through my thick skull (I heard the voice you used with the disciples..."You thick-headed! How long must I put up with you?) He is teaching me and delivering me and hearing and answering your and my prayers. Check out the thread of devos below as God highlights what is going on and His wise plans and ways to me, you and us. I'm learning, being refined and being delivered and transformed more into His image. PTL! I slept 11 hours, have new CPAP settings which helped, have been affirmed and corrected by our leadership team. They have shared your concerns about my health and choices as well. I am a new man in Christ, renewing my thinking, repenting and being led to healthy new choices and ways of Christ. PTL! Thank you for the love, patient prayers, concerns and encouragement! God has truly blessed me with an awesome Body and call! I love you guys! Thak you! We have much to celebrate as God is helping us to use what He's given us to do what we can as he leads us to His perfect plans and easy yoke! PTL! We'll discuss this more another time. Just keep praying, trust and doing your part and God will bless us, hear our prayers and lead us to His plans and our Promised Land. Amen!
Time to get to the day ahead.
is usually my day off and
, I slept until after 9 so time to get to some things I need to do. Just know that I have been still, praised, reloaded and am walking with Jesus as he leads into His plans for me
. And they will be perfectly fitted just for me and where I am in my journey to Christlikeness. Amen!
Check out the Sarah Young Devo! So perfect for
. We could just stop and meditate on that for awhile--I did!. The I to We devo continues to remind us how we all mater in God's Body and all have an age-appropriate, circumstance appropriate and ability appropriate role to play. We are family and we do need each other. What's your part and God's plan for you
? Process that with some friends and walk with Jesus as your Lord and Shepherd! ODB, UR and TwFYT continue to flow with words of wisdom from God. Put on that armor, easy yoke and offer your open and willing heart to God
. he loves you is with you, will lead you and give you stories to share and celebrate as we go! Amen! Let's keep it simple, work at being who we are created to be and doing what we are created and gathered to do and commit to doing what we can with what we've been given. Then celebrate a lot for who God is, who He is in me/you and His perfect easy yoke! Yes PTL! He does have some perfect things for you and us to discover and step into! Rejoice!
Love you all! God has truly called me to the perfect Body and great friends to love, encourage, grow and go together! Thank you for making pastoring such a joy! You guys are Christ in the flesh and bringing His love and wisdom alive! Keep it up! I'm praying and praising for you always!
Praise God and pray into what my fortune cookie says. Invite someone to come experience the love and joy and God's Word with us!
Sarah Young
I to We
ODB
Standing Firm in Faith
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him. 1 Peter 5:8-9
On my walk to catch the train to work a few years ago, I saw a woman with a ferocious-looking dog heading toward me. I grew up around pet dogs, so I’m usually not afraid of furry friends, but this one looked menacing. As the dog got closer, he barked at me. I tried to laugh it off. But then he lunged at me, so I screamed. Thankfully the dog couldn’t harm me because he couldn’t reach me. His owner held on tightly to his leash.
That scary encounter reminded me that as believers in Jesus, Satan is also “on a leash” but waiting to attack if we give him the opportunity. In 1 Peter, the apostle Peter warns us, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (5:8). He growls and snarls and lunges at us to try to scare and intimidate us and to paralyze us with fear, but we can stand firm in our faith and “resist him” (v. 9).
When you feel the enemy taunting or tempting you, remember this: He’s no match for Jesus. We can cry out to Him and He’ll help us. He “will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (v. 10).
When we’re under spiritual attack, we can choose faith over fear because Jesus is always with us.
By Nancy Gavilanes
REFLECT & PRAY
How do you react when you feel the enemy taunting or tempting you? How can you focus on Christ during spiritual battles?
Dear Jesus, thank You for always being there for me even during the toughest trials.
There’s a stark difference between how believers in Jesus are to relate to God and how we’re to respond to the devil. To confuse the two is unwise and dangerous. Humility—to trustingly bring oneself low in non-anxious dependence—is always in order before God Almighty (1 Peter 5:6-7). On the other hand, we’re to be “alert and of sober mind” and must “resist” the devil (vv. 8-9), for he’s a prowling spiritual predator—the adversary of those who believe in Jesus. James’ words echo those of Peter: “ ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:6-8). Revelation 12:9 speaks of the devil as “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” In Christ, however, by faith we can resist the devil and stand strong.
Arthur Jackson
UR: Peace in the Storm
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
As I
by the window, raindrops splattered against the glass. The storm outside mirrored the chaos I felt inside. Uncertainty, fear, and doubt engulfed me. I turned to the Bible, seeking solace. Psalm 46 spoke to my soul. How comforting it is to know that in the midst of life’s storms God stands as our unwavering anchor, offering refuge and strength.
In that moment, a memory surfaced of a time when I had been caught in a storm while hiking. Lost and soaked to the bone, I prayed for help. Suddenly, a stranger appeared and guided me to safety. Reflecting on that encounter, I realized that God’s presence is like that stranger — near to us and leading us through life’s tempests.
I felt God nudging me to seek peace through prayer, so I poured my heart out to God, releasing my burdens and fears. I discovered that talking to God felt like talking to a trusted friend who listened with compassion and understanding. A sense of calm washed over me. God’s promise of refuge and strength is a profound truth we can anchor our lives upon.
Now, when I hear the patter of raindrops, I am reminded of God’s constant presence. Storms will come and go, but God’s love remains unshaken. When we seek refuge in God during life’s trials, we will find a peace that surpasses all understanding.
's PrayerDear God, thank you for your abiding love and for being with us always. Amen.
Good MorningPraying, Seeking Jesus and Longing to Follow Him Well Friends! AMEN! May that be us Lord and may we do so in the way of Jesus for Your glory alone! Amen!
There has been some breakthrough for me the past two days as God spoke, I listened and began processing and He answered my/our/your prayers! PTL! I slept through the night! Now I feel rushed as it's been over a month since I was able to have morning quiet time and I have to get going to get the donuts and set up for
. BUT GOD! He knows, cares, loves, is with me, and has a perfect plan ahead for this day. So, I trust Him as I surrender, die to self, crucify me and allow Him to lead. Come Lord! Your will. Your way. Your timing. I am your servant and ready to watch ad follow. Thanks! Come and continue to breakthrough and deliver me. Amen!
The past few nights as I lie awake I started turning this song into my confession and prayer, begging God to break through, deliver me and bring sleep. Why not start
I am and was desperate for a move of God, crying out for help and deliverance and begging for sleep and He answered! PTL! What are you desperate for? Have you cried out with broken and humble heart? God knows, cares, hears and respond to the desperate, broken, repentant heart. Come Lord! We are desperate!
There is so much I want to process with you but time does not allow
. maybe you'll hear some at donut day or dinner huddle
. Reread my blog from
, that is where the break through began as I realized I have been striving in my own strength and kept banging against the closed door of my plans my way. It's like Paul's scales fell from my eyes and I can see clearly now and have some repentant, seeking, abiding work to do now. I also have some processing to do with some of you, including our support team at our meeting
. Please pray into that. And embrace this: stop striving in your own strength and for your own plans. God made you for such a time as this and he has transformed you, equipped and activated you to do His plans in His time. Hold loosely to your plans and agendas. be still and watch for how He wants you to join Him
. Receive His deliverance from the weariness of striving and don His easy yoke as you watch for and walk with Jesus
. he will refresh you and lead you to His perfect plans for you. he does know you and what you are made to do
and
and next year. trust Him. Surrender. Repent. Trust. Follow. Amen! Let jesus build His Church and be available to allow Him to use you according to His plans for such a time as this. It will be good, a joy and easy yoke to bear. Amen! Follow Jesus' way and example to a healthy, fruitful, enjoyable life of living and loving like Him. He made you for
and the Sabbath for us to learn to abide and rest in Him and be ready to go with Him when the time is right in ways that are custom made for us. Amen! he did tell me to stop forcing things and striving to please Him with my own ideas and AGENDAS AND JUST WATCH FOR WHAT HE'S DOING IN THE MOMENTS OF THE DAY AND ALLOW HIM TO USE ME AS I AM for HIS plans! Let us all pray into that for each other and encourage and walk with each other in love and accountability to it. Amen
Are you honest with God?
Confession means agreeing with God about our sinful ways. If He has told us in His Word that something is sinful, then it is. Open your heart to the probing of the Holy Spirit; let Him reveal what aspects of your life need to change and what sins need to be confessed. Then repent and trust AS you walk with Him.
Ok gotta fly but if able you may be able to thread through and piece together some of all God has revealed to me
after 9 hours of sleep and stillness in Him. Amen
If you see me
and God spurs you, let discuss and pray together. he has perfect plans that bring peace and joy and fit you perfectly. Stop forcing things! I think of my grandmother who had fluid bloated feet saying, "Well, that's a lot of foot for that shoe!" Yet she tried to force it on and struggled with uncomfort, even pain. God has a custom fit day for you. Step into that! I'm praying for you, me and us! Come Jesus! Lead us!
Betty is ready. She began following Jesus as a teenager and has taken opportunities her whole life to serve and please Him. She attends Bible studies, worship services, and prayer meetings. She’s taught studies, visited mission fields, worked in the nursery, served alongside her pastor-husband, and she loves being with God’s people every chance she gets. And remarkably she’s 102 years old and is still ready to do whatever pleases God. She’s an inspiration to many who might not feel like gathering with other believers some days. Then they remember, Betty will be there. I certainly can get there! Betty now says she’s eager to get to heaven to be with her Savior. She says, “I’m ready to see Jesus; I love Him so.”
The apostle Paul said he “would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). But he knew God had work for him to do in encouraging believers in many churches (Philippians 1:23-24). So he kept serving and living “by faith” and “not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Paul remained ready and kept serving under God’s direction.
Whatever our age and stage in life, let’s ask God to help us make it our heart’s goal “to please [Christ]” (v. 9) and stay ready. Betty is ready. And if someday she isn’t ready, it’s because she’s already seeing Jesus face-to-face.
By Anne Cetas
REFLECT & PRAY
In what ways can you practice answering God’s call to service? How can you become more ready for His call to heaven?
Dear God, I love You with all my heart and want to please You in whatever ways You want. I look forward to seeing You soon!
In 2 Corinthians 5:6-9, Paul describes the tension of living on earth (“at home in the body,” v. 6) and life after death for believers in Jesus (“at home with the Lord,” v. 8). Metaphors like “jars of clay” (4:7) and “earthly tent” (5:1) point to our mortality. But Paul assures us that “we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself” (v. 1 nlt). We will “put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing” (v. 2 nlt).
As we answer the call to serve Christ, our goal is “to please” Him (v. 9). We’ll receive or suffer the loss of rewards depending on how we’ve lived (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). And by staying ready and serving in God’s strength, we’ll truly live well.
K.T. Sim
UR: Getting It Straight
I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. - Proverbs 4:11 (NIV)
I was in a hurry as I pulled into the parking lot. I spotted an empty parking space near the entrance and quickly maneuvered my car into it, intending to dash into the store for the one item I needed and back out again. But, try as I might, I could not get the car parked straight. After several unsuccessful attempts, I got out of my car to determine what was wrong. I realized I had been using a vehicle next to me as a guide, but the car was parked almost diagonally! Instead, I should have been using my side and rearview mirrors to align my car within the markings on the ground.
Even though it has been quite a few years since that incident, every time I think or talk about it, a larger lesson stands out for me: Be careful whose life you try to align your life with. When we look at other people who seem to be successful or who are living a life that we aspire to, we may feel that we need to emulate them to achieve the same level of accomplishment. But doing so may lead us in a direction we don’t want to go.
While there’s nothing wrong with having good role models, we should strive for our lives to line up with the word of God above all else. When we focus on Jesus and pattern our lives after his, he will guide us in the way we should go.
's Prayer
Thank you, God, for your promise that when we pay attention to your words you will keep our paths secure. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Good Morning Ministers of the Lord, Co-Laborers in Christ! That is you and we are united in Christ and gathered and then sent to minister together. We are all custom made for custom purposes which includes being unique ministers. Have you ever thought about that? We are gifted to spur each other on. That's ministry. We are created as prayer warriors and we all are called to pray. That's ministry. We are called to be givers--ministry. We are called to make disciples--ministry. We are called to lead, teach, sing, clean, mow--ministry. What's your ministry or ministries? We all have at least one we are gifted and empowered to do. And it's our role too in God's Good News Delivery Co. We all need each other! And we are all ministers. Check out the I to We devo about this. This is one of my big prayer requests--that we all discover and step into our roles, purposes and ministries and that we train others to take over for us someday as we make disciple making disciples of Jesus and as we become a House of Prayer for the Nations. Amen!
ODB discusses having a generous heart and doing good as we bless others. Hey, that's ministry! But I am going to include the Hebrews passage tied to it to contemplate prayerfully as well right here. Think about this passage because I do often. Your church leaders and pastors are going to be held accountable to a higher standard. That is part of what drives me to keep pushing to expand the kingdom, become a House of Prayer, become disciple makers and try new things. And we need your prayers and help to make our ministries a joy. Sometimes, especially when we are forging ahead or lagging behind or we are getting complaints and pressure, it's not always a joy. But for the most part, my call to pastor St. Matts and serving with you is a joy. Just realize that sometimes we push because of the higher accountability we will face. One of the most important questions I am facing and we all must is are we doing what we can with what we've been given? Our we stewarding our lives and God's blessings well? We need to do that before we move on to new things. I think many of us are and as a church as well. Let's keep at it--doing what we can with what we've been given. And remember we also do serve a miracle working God that provides as we go and grow. Amen! TWFYT has been discussing the crowns we can receive and
's ties to pastors and minister as well. What's God say into you as you engage with it? What might He want you to do about all of this? Pray and process with your teammates. God's got great custom plans just for you--minister! I'm praying for you and us! Join me!
One last thing to remember and embrace--abide before fruit and work from rest and this too...
Hebrews 13:15-21
15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.
18 Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. 19 And especially pray that I will be able to come back to you soon.
20 Now may the God of peace—
who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
21 may he equip you with all you need
for doing his will.
May he produce in you,[a]
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
I to We
ODB
A Generous Heart
Do not forget to do good and to share with others. Hebrews 13:16
When soccer star Sadio Mané from Senegal was playing for Liverpool in the English Premier League, he was one of the world’s highest-paid African players, making millions of dollars per year. Fans spotted a picture of Mané carrying an iPhone with a cracked screen and joked about him using the damaged device. His response was unflustered. "Why would I want ten Ferraris, twenty diamond watches, and two jet planes?” he asked. “I starved, I worked in the fields, played barefoot, and didn't go to school. Now I can help people. I prefer to build schools and give poor people food or clothing. . . . [Give] some of what life has given me."
Mané knew how selfish it would be to hoard all his prosperity when so many of his neighbors back home struggled under crushing conditions. Hebrews reminds us that this generous way of life is for all of us, not only for those who are wealthy. “Do not forget to do good and to share with others,” the writer says, “for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (13:16). Nurturing a generous heart isn’t only the right thing to do, but according to Scripture, generosity also makes God smile. Who doesn’t want to make God pleased?
Generosity isn’t defined simply by how much we give. Instead, generosity refers to the posture of our heart. One thing we can do that’s “pleasing to [God]” (v. 21) is to simply open our hands and share what we have.
By Winn Collier
REFLECT & PRAY
How have you shown generosity? What helps you cultivate a generous heart?
Dear God, thank You for the generous heart You’ve shown me. Please help me to be generous too.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The letter to the Hebrews is anonymous. This, however, hasn’t prevented centuries of scholarly speculation as to the identity of the author, which includes Paul, Luke, Apollos, as well as Barnabas, Priscilla, Silas, and Philip the evangelist. While human authorship can be debated, the divine authorship of the Holy Spirit is unquestioned. The audience for the letter was Jewish believers who’d been through great hardship and were in danger of abandoning their faith in Jesus the Messiah due to their struggles. This letter encourages them to keep on believing and trusting in God, with a series of warnings to that effect (2:1-3; 3:7–4:11; 6:4-6; 12:25-26). To encourage them, the author sets out to show the superiority of Jesus over everything—angels, Moses, Joshua, the priesthood, the sacrificial system, and more. And not only is He superior; He’s also the model of true sacrifice and generosity. As we practice generosity, we reflect His heart.
Good Evening/Morning! I started this before midnight. Tried something new for sleeping that didn't work so might as well do this so, Lord willing, I can sleep in
. You know in my quest to try to discover what's causing this sleeplessness, the thought came that I may be trying to hard. Now I'm not positive that this is from God because I haven't ha time to pray and process. However, it makes sense, at least during my sleepless stupor.
Then I opened the Sarah Young devo and boom! This sure sounds like me--ever planning, busy doing all I can to advance the Kingdom and bless God's church and others. I started thinking about the several (too many really) times God had to set me down to get my attention and remind me to be still and watch and know as I hold more loosely to what I think I need to be doing. I don't mean this as a pat on the back, but man, it can be very wearying be a servant leader. There are only so many hours in a day and only so much that God really does have for me to do. I can't do it all, but sure try too often! Forgive me Lord. God did bless us with a great refreshing vacation and then I was slammed down and pretty much incapacitated for over a month now. I love the line from the devo that feels like it's right from God's heart to mine..."Give your mind a break from planning." As if! Wish I could! I have lists for my to do lists. My mind is always planning. Now that is not why I can't sleep. I'm usually in that empty box and thinking of nothing but trying to sleep. BUT I do need to slow it down and allow God to lead for awhile. Maybe we are doing all we're supposed to be doing for such a time as this? Maybe we are to enjoy and celebrate how God has been using us and allow Christ to build he church, not Donald. So, I'm going to try a more hands off approach and juts watch for where God wants me/us to join Him as we go. Pray for that for me please! Thanks! It's time to let His Spirit lead more without all the planning, maybe. May I choose to rest and abide, trust and obey all day, daily.
It's too early to be posted yet, but ODB reminds us to plan prudently. Now that's a good word for me and us! "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways." Amen! Help me plan with You Lord--prudently according to Your perfect plans and timing. May my choices honor You and follow the way of Jesus who worked from rest. Thanks! Amen! Check out the devo if you have it. Good stuff! Ok that's enough for now and gives you some prayer requests for me and us and some accountability opportunities to check in on me with. Jesus said, come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest for your souls." Yes please! Amen and shalom to you all too!
Sarah Young:
Wagner's Update
Greetings Friends,
Crazy to think that we are half-way through the final term of this school year! Here’s what we’ve been up to since our last update.
African Field Studies in Cape Town
During our week-long school trip with seven juniors and seniors, we learned about the history of South Africa from early settlers to the end of apartheid, marveled at the diverse natural history and neighborhoods in and around Cape Town, experienced current ministries going on in the area, and were challenged by the complexity of contemporary issues facing South Africa and ways those issues are being addressed. We also thoroughly enjoyed tasting traditional South African cuisine!
Term Break Blessings
We had two glorious weeks of heart-filling joy, laughter, and fun with our grandson (& his parents), Micah & Lynnsi, as well as dear friends and RVA alumni at a marriage celebration! We returned to Kenya with tired bodies, thankful hearts, and special memories from our time together.
Third Term, Part 1
Here are some of the highlights from the first half of this term!
Ways to Pray
Brian is currently Stateside scoring AP Calculus exams while Missy is single parenting our nine boys as RVA heads into the final stretch of the school year. PRAY for good health, strength, and restful nights at the end of long days.
The senior class is experiencing their *lasts* with graduation just five short weeks away. PRAY for good closure as they make final memories together and excitement as they look ahead to where God is leading them next.
In the same way, current RVA staff will be leaving while new staff are preparing to come. As we look toward starting a new school year in August, there are still needs for teachers, dorm parents, and support staff. PRAY that God will graciously fill these needs with the right people at the right time.
Family News
Rachel & Luke (along with Bibi & Babu) are anxiously awaiting the birth of their second baby (grandbaby) any day now! PRAY for a safe delivery and that this sweet addition to the family would arrive in plenty of time to receive love and snuggles from Babu before his return trip to Kenya. PRAY for a healthy baby and a smooth transition to a family of four.
Along with grad school classes and church commitments, Hannah & Jamie are preparing for a long-awaited trip back to their childhood homes in Kenya! They’re looking forward to arriving in time for RVA’s alumni weekend, spending time with both sets of parents, visiting special people and places, and vacationing together at the Indian Ocean. PRAY for good health and safety in travels, along with making fun new memories together.
Micah successfully finished his second year of teaching middle school math & Lynnsi is fully funded and excited to begin her new role as a TCK Specialist with Interaction International! Check out her website to learn more: https://lynnsiwagnertckspecialist.my.canva.site. PRAY for all they have going on this summer between grad school courses, week-long camps for TCKs in transition, and preparations for changes in their jobs.
We’re so grateful for an amazing team of prayer warriors over many years of life and ministry at RVA. You are a blessing!
May the Light of God fill you to overflowing and gush forth from you driving back that darkness that seems to have a stranglehold on our neighborhoods. Sarah Youngs devo for
flows from
's message to next weeks (God is Light 1 John 1-2/ God is Love 1 John 3-4) What's God saying to you as He invites you to come dwell in His Light and Love and what will you do about that? May we be radiant with the Light of His presence!
Sarah Young devo:
You know this doing my blogs between 1-3 is becoming norm. But I question often why God is allowing it? Is my faith being tested? Am I under spiritual attack? Is there some heart issue that needs surgery? Or maybe some sin that needs repenting? IDK but my aim is to stay faithful and cease the moments I can to abide and hang out with Him. I'm actually becoming more alert during these wee morning hours before he allows me sleep. Check out ODB and ask God if you need some heart surgery. Do you have a heart of flesh or stone? Are others noticing the change in you from that surgery? Remember, we are made new and being made new in Christ when we submit to Him and stop leaning on our own understanding or ways. Ask for a supple heart, an open heart for Him to operate upon. Then watch the transformation as he leads you to much better things and ways. He does have great plans for you and us he is in the process of working together! PTL and cooperate!
ODB:
Heart Surgery
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. Ezekiel 36:26
Some years ago, after exchanging heated words, Carolyn and I resolved our conflict through compassion and love for each other. I confessed my wrongdoing, and she prayed for me, referencing Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” I sensed that God was conducting a form of spiritual heart surgery on me, taking away my fears and bitterness as He enfolded me in His love.
God delights for us to engage with the Scriptures as I did back then, but it’s important to note the passage’s original context. Ezekiel spoke on God’s behalf to His people with the promise that He would cleanse them. Why? “It is not for your sake . . . I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name” (v. 22). God would do His purifying work among His people so that all the nations would revere Him and know that He is God.
God works His purposes in our lives not only to help us flourish and grow, but so we would bring Him honor. Even as He gave the Israelites the promise of a new heart and a new spirit, so through the inward work of the Holy Spirit, God replaces our cold and hardened hearts with those that receive and share His love and life.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
How have you experienced God’s “heart surgery”? How have others noticed the changes that He’s brought about in your life?
God of all life, thank You for changing me, for forming in me a new self that’s rooted in You. Please pour out Your love on me
Ezekiel, exiled in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1), ministered to the exiled Jewish community during and after the destruction of Jerusalem. God promised restoration and a bright future to His people if they’d repent of their covenantal unfaithfulness. He’d forgive them and transform them into a holy nation. Only with a new heart and a new spirit would they be able to honor God (36:26-28; see 11:19-20). This new heart and spirit are central to God’s redemption plan.
The prophet Jeremiah also prophesied of God’s new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34. And Jesus spoke of “the new covenant in [His] blood” (Luke 22:20) hours before He died on the cross. He’s the mediator of the new covenant through “the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness” (Hebrews 12:24 nlt). And He alone can change our hearts.
K.T. Sim
Might as well wrap up with The Upper Room's speaking into trusting and following God and our Proverbs 3:5-6 verses. Hold loosely and allow God to have His way. Die to self, take up cross daily and follow Jesus prepared and ready! Amen!
UR: Right Conditions
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
“Sorry, Cindy, but the compost you were going to use is unsuitable,” the school custodian apologized. “The sunflower seeds will die before they have the chance to grow.” Disappointment and frustration flooded me. The children and I had been looking forward to planting our seeds during our lesson, but we would have to
wait for some fresh compost to arrive. Instead, the children drew pictures of sunflowers and wrote facts about their life cycle.
A few days later, when someone else was covering the class, I was able to plant the seeds with individual children. It turned out to be a calmer experience than trying to teach and plant seeds at the same time.
I thought about how often I have prayed for a goal or dream and wondered why God didn’t answer my prayer at that particular time. The truth, I later discovered, was that the conditions were wrong and I wouldn’t have been able to grow as a person on my journey. If the circumstances aren’t right, our dreams and hopes, like the seeds, can fail. Sometimes God calls me to trust, wait, or even change direction completely. I have to trust and obey God. It is still a learning process, but I know with God’s help I can improve.
's PrayerCreator God, your timing is mysterious but perfect. Help us to trust and wait for your guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Sarah Update:
Good afternoon, church family,
What a great day of worship
. Glad you were able to join us either in house or by way of Zoom. If you were unable to attend
, we pray that you are okay, and look forward to seeing you
.
Pastor Don shared from 1 John 1,2. Read through these two chapters and see what God is sharing with you.
** ** **
Praises shared
:
Debbie Siegfried is praising God for the safe and healthy delivery of her and Gerry's second grandson, Arthur John. Prayers for Michele, Michael and AJ as they grow together as a family of three.
Gary Bastan's praising God for his relatives receiving some good news: Mary - there is no cancer present in her stomach. Howie - is home and on medication to continue to heal blood disease. He is doing very well!
Lisa Wenner praising God for increasing the weight of the second twin that her niece, Lauren is carrying. Both twins are doing well!! They will continue to give her ultrasounds every two weeks. Praying for momma and babies.
Pastor Don is thankful for the tee shirt someone purchased him - it says " This Pastor has an awesome congregation". He is praising God for
each of our church family members!
Sally Williams is praising God that her grandson, Gaven, is graduating High School! Prayers for what the future plans are for Gaven.
Kay and Nancy are praising God for the safe traveling of Larry, Enol and their sons. They arrived home here in the states
, They are all looking forward to a time of rest. We hope to see them
in Worship. Richard will be attending Lehigh University,
beginning in September. Please keep Richard and his family in prayer as they get him settled in for college life.
Prayer needs:
Harry Waterman has several neighbors that have some health issues and is requesting prayer for them:
Goldie Graber (97 years old), Doug Beachim, Ronald Boyer, Dan Casey.
Millie Flexer's husband had his procedure this past week, but needs another procedure later this month. Prayers for healing.
Amber Sosa's mother's Aunt passed away - they are asking for prayer for the family during this difficult time.
** ** **
What's happening at St Matthew's this week:
- 10:00am Zoom Huddle/discussion
- 10 - 12pm Donuts/Coffee/Conversation - you are all welcome to come and hang out and make some
connections with those who enter our FH doors.
- 6:00pm FM/Adult gathering, beginning with a meal at 6:00pm followed by study and discussion.
All are welcome to attend.
Pray for on another; Sisters in Christ groups continue to pray for one another and communicate your prayer needs
with one another.
Have a great week, choosing JOY !!
Blessings,
Sarah
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Good Morning Worshipers! Prepare your hearts to worship in Spirit and truth and to enter His courts with
! Worship can be a 24-7 thing as we live our lives for Christ and pour ourselves out like a drink offering. Obedience is an act of worship too. Spending time in constant prayer is an act of worship. Being who you are created to be, doing what you are created to do, maturing in Christ are all acts of worship. So, how might you worship God
? This week? In the weeks ahead? He is so worthy of our worship, praise, glory and honor! Yes, hallowed be His name!
Days like
can trouble me. I haven't slept yet and it's 3:30. How can I honor God and bring His Word alive when I'm half asleep? BUT GOD! You see, He has allowed this sleeplessness for a reason and I spent the time with Him in study and prayer. Hopefully a few hours of sleep will follow after hitting the send button. He knows what lies ahead and will carry me. And I have little choice ahead but to lean hard on Him and allow Him to lead and use me
. It wouldn't hurt if you threw a prayer up for me (even if you read this and do so after church, because he is sovereign and other worldly and all prayers count and are used.)
we begin a study of First John and look at God being Light and THE Light of the World. I'm only including one devo below that ties to that in a way and ties to me and my journey as well. Sarah Young reminds us that we can be filled with the Light of God's presence. Are you? Have you allowed Him to drive all the darkness from you? His Light is cleansing and transforming. Soak in His Light
and go shine bright for the world to see as we unite to drive back the darkness. God has a plan for you and for that. Let's seek Him and His plans together and work at shining brighter each day as we dwell in His pure Light. Amen!
Good Morning Unified, Focused, Body of Christ! PTL! That is you and us as we come together as His Body for His purposes, learning to die to self and work for the better good of Kingdom advancement together. And that is built as we seek to become the people we are created to be, ding what we are created, gathered and empowered to do ad built on the foundation of Christ and informed by His Living Word. Amen! Pretty cool stuff! One in Christ, gathered, activated and sent to transform the world as we bring Christ and His Word alive, as we live and love more like Him! Amen! Now that is plenty to contemplate, process with some friends and pray through this morning. What's God saying to you and will you do about that? he does have great plans for you and us and they are coming alive in '25! PTL!
Just a very brief update: I had a great nights sleep as did Karen. Today we are involved (and thrashed some this morning as Karen is already out the door) in the baby shower and dedication of the 3 month premature twins of her boss that we have been praying for. What a miracle! They were born before they could have the baby shower. So today is that and why not dedicate the babies as well. Fun but busy morning. The coming together of friends to host this reminds me of the coming together of our Body to encourage, spur on, plan, pray and go love. many parts coming together for one big happy day and event. I pray and contemplate how God may want to do that with us as we consider some new opportunities and connection points where we get to, want to, go live, love, share the Good News and make disciples of Jesus and in His way. The cool part is we get to be who we are in Christ and do what we are gifted and inclined to do anyway to make it all happen. Pray into us seeking, hearing, processing, planning and doing His will. He is working all things together for good--including us. And He has some awesome things to discover and enact over the next few months. What ideas, dreams and visions is bringing to you? Let's start praying and planning! We are family, united in Christ and better together as we follow Him! Amen!
Check out these devos as you prepare your heart this morning and abide before going in Christ. We do need each other. Let us stay unified and focused on Christ and His mission of love! Shalom
I to We
ODB
As One
Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26
A seemingly plain table with thirteen simple cups divided across separate panels make up the contemporary painting, “That They May All Be One,” which hangs in Wolfson College at Oxford University. Its simplicity actually emphasizes the significance of the event: Jesus’ last supper with His disciples. The most prominent panel, containing bread and a cup representing Jesus, is surrounded by twelve individual panels to signify the disciples’ presence.
The painting is a beautiful reminder of the meal where Jesus took bread and a cup to start a new celebration for all His followers, the practice of communion. And I appreciate the row of empty panels that complete the picture because the space seems to invite the viewer to join them at the table.
Paul encourages us that “whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Everyone who believes that Jesus’ death and resurrection provides the way for peace with God has a space waiting for them at the table.
And when we proclaim, or remember, Jesus’ sacrifice when we take communion, we act as one community of believers across the world and throughout time. It is as a beautiful image of the unity of the church.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
What is meaningful to you about communion? How does communion point to believers’ unity in Jesus?
Jesus, as we take part of the celebration You gave us, remind me that we do it as one community.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s use of the words “on the night [Jesus] was betrayed” (1 Corinthians 11:23) underscores the serious nature of the matter he was addressing. It was Christ who implemented the first Communion (Lord’s Supper), and He did so on the Passover night before His crucifixion. Paul revisits the importance of this ordinance to correct a serious error in the church at Corinth. He leads into this section by saying, “In the following directives I have no praise for you” (v. 17)—stern words to hear from an apostle of Jesus. The apostle pointed out how there were “divisions” among the people (v. 18). Some were eating too much while others went hungry, and some were even getting drunk. Paul found such behavior appalling and warned of God’s judgment on those who were offending in this matter (vv. 27-32). He concluded by appealing for their renewed unity (v. 33)—a unity we can enjoy today with other sisters and brothers in Christ.
Tim Gustafson
UR: Grow in Faith
The Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. - Acts 17:11 (NIV)
After waiting three hours to have some blood work done, I went to a vegetarian restaurant close to the hospital. When I went to the register to pay, I placed the book I had been reading in the hospital by the counter. Quickly, the person standing behind me read the title and said aloud, “Clement of Alexandria. How interesting!” When the person asked what had motivated me to read the book, I responded that I wanted to know how the ancient Christians expressed, argued, and lived their faith in a diverse society.
The scripture for today tells us that the early Christians dedicated themselves to the study of scripture. They did not simply limit themselves to listening and believing what Paul preached. They “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
We live in a diverse society with a wide variety in the ways people think, live, and believe. When we delve deeper into scripture and supplement our reading with works by Christian writers who faced great challenges because of their faith, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live and share the gospel. As Christians, we must nurture our spiritual needs so we can express, live, and share our faith according to Jesus’ teachings.
Today's Prayer
God of all knowledge and wisdom, guide us to your truth according to scripture. Grant us wisdom and increase our understanding so we can bear witness and share your good news with others. Amen.
Connection Blogs
June 7 - The Father Is Good!
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11)
The Fatherhood of God was at the core of the teaching and prayer life of Jesus. In His own prayers Jesus continually referred to God as Father. In Matthew 7:7–11 Jesus teaches the multitudes to ask, seek, and knock. He taught them that there is a loving Father that is eagerly waiting to meet them at their point of need.
This poses a problem for many people in this generation. Because there has been so much abuse of children by fathers, the term father can have a negative, perverted connotation for some believers. Jesus teaches, however, that the nature of our Father is goodness. He is a good Father, perfect in His goodness. He said, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11, emphasis added).
Everything about the Father is good. It is in His nature to do good to His children. When we focus on the goodness of the Father, it makes miraculous changes in our attitudes toward life.
Father, how often I act like a spoiled child, trying to get my way. Your heart is to shower me with Your goodness if I will only receive it! Forgive me for the times I have questioned Your love for me when things go wrong or when people I love are hurting. Teach me how to be consistently aware that my life is in Your hands, and that Your plan is always for my good, even when things look bleak. Father, change my attitude to one of complete trust in Your ability to guide my life into Your purposes for the glory of Your kingdom!
--Adapted from The Prayer Factor by Sammy Tippit. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Prayer Points
Praise God for being sovereign, all-powerful, just, and gentle—all at the same time!
Thank him for dealing gently with you in your faults.
Confess times of lashing out at others.
Commit yourself to reflecting the gentleness of God to those around you, and ask God to produce that part of his Spirit’s fruit in abundance in you.
Pray that Christians who differ with one another will present a positive example to the world of how to gently disagree in love. Ask God to present that example also through you in your own conflict situations.
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.
Good Morning Again Praying Friends! It's been awhile since I included a Connections Blog in my blogs because they are not on line yet when I blog very early (like this morning). However, with our focus on women's prayer teams and our emphasis on striving to become a House of Prayer for the Nations, we need to focus on some prayer teachings and opportunities to learn to pray in power. Praying Scriptures leads to praying in power. And we know the prayers of a righteous person (you) are powerful and effective.
As I arose the third time this morning, the Connection blogs were posted. As I read through them, God nudged me to send them to you for your reading and application and even praying. Open your Bibles and pray Scriptures as you practice and absorb Scriptures to pray at other times as needed. Wield that double-edged sword in prayer! For the women's prayer teams, talk to your team about doing this and practicing powerful prayers for our church, our outreaches, for new ideas and connection points to neighbors and even for our communities and nation and leaders. God is right there with you listening and as you lift biblical prayers He respond with powerful and effective answers. His Kingdom will come and His will is done! Amen!
Try it! And keep praying and practicing and incorporating Scriptures as you pray. Then share those stories of how God answers. He will and in power! I'm praying for you! Shalom!
Connections:
June 6 - Experiencing the Fullness of God
Prayer concerns a relationship with God and reflects His active choice to communicate with us. Communicating with God involves our thoughts, words and gestures as we reach beyond our earthly limitations toward His transcendence. In short, prayer helps us to experience God in all of His fullness. Furthermore, practicing daily prayer and Bible reading is like having two arms that reach longingly toward the heavenly Father. Such a “praying person” receives God’s loving embrace as He answers through prayer and the Scripture.
George Müller learned that “the safe guide in every crisis is believing prayer in connection with the Word of God.” Müller discovered that the power for spiritual empowerment lay in Bible reading and that once his soul was filled with God’s Word, he was able to test his daily walk with the principles from God’s Word. What was true of a crisis in his life was true in every detail of his life. He literally walked throughout his day with scripture and prayer on his lips.
Like Müller, we also recognize the value of prayer and study of the scripture as two core inward spiritual disciplines that we practice in order to comprehend and to apply the will of God. Yet, his attitude in such prayer informs me. He seemed to pray always with his entire soul opened before God. I believe “praying the scripture” includes a vital attitudinal difference; namely, that something more is longed for in my inner person. Praying the scripture refers more to being than to doing and the application of the scripture’s “two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12) with prayer implies that I long for the Spirit’s moral activity to be operative within my heart in dramatic ways. The result of this attitude of prayer provides me with a holistic approach where my entire being is linked to God in Christian communication.
Lord, so often I have neglected Your word in favor of other pursuits. Help me to employ the “two-edged sword” as I pray, having an attitude of prayer that flows from Your heart. Allow me to walk through any storm, struggle or situation standing firmly upon Your promises and precepts. May I discover, as Müller did, the spiritual empowerment for everyday life that comes from prayer that is embedded in Your word.
Praise your faithful God! Give thanks for God’s faithfulness to you even when you are unfaithful to him (2 Tim. 2:11-13).
Spend a few minutes asking God to help you think through your life and confessing any unfaithfulness he brings to your attention.
Commit yourself as God’s image-bearer to reflecting his faithfulness in your own.
Pray that Christians will be faithful to use individual and corporate outreach opportunities. Ask for the vision to see opportunities and the loving determination to follow through.
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! Real life begins and flows from that special gift from God. How many benefits and praises can you lift from that truth as you begin your quiet time. Try it! Yes, thank God I am forgiven because...
Good Morning Thankful Worshipers! Been thinking a lot lately about Job's great praise through his troubling times, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Praise be the Lord! I wonder why he allows only one night of sleep out of 20-30? But hey, Praise be the Lord because He has a plan and purpose for allowing it. PTL because I have to lean more on Him. PTL because I have to slow down and rely on others. PTL because others are stepping into their purposes. Thank God I'm forgiven and can know His love, grace and mercy no matter what I am facing or enduring! Yes, PTL!
This mornings devos really spoke to me and thread together to remind us of God's loving presence and how He works all things together for good. he is faithful--always! He doesn't waste our pain and wants to use it to grow us and the use us. he makes us new and sometimes that is through hard times. But because we are saved, we are activated and empowered to do the things He made us to do. We are His masterpieces. And the masterpieces become beautiful and useful as He pieces our lives together. Amen and PTL!
Spend some time in His loving presence today and soak in His love. he is working all things together for good! Amen! I heard Him and responded by spending time with Him and now I am very tired and praying He allows some sleep. If not, He has a plan in that. PTL!
UR: Eternal Faithfulness
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSVUE)
This verse is one we can turn to when we feel overwhelmed, and I imagine overwhelmed is what Jeremiah must have been feeling when he wrote Lamentations. Things were the worst they had ever been for Israel. Many people had been slaughtered in a losing battle, while others died of starvation.
But Jeremiah tells us that he had hope because he called to mind God’s promises. He remembered how God’s steadfast love had not changed or been altered by the sins of the people. It was based not on their performance but on God’s unchanging heart. Next, Jeremiah tells us that God’s mercies never come to an end. Even though his nation had been defeated and the enemy had burned down the temple, God continued to be merciful to them. God hasn’t stopped being merciful to us either.
God is willing to forgive anyone who cries out for mercy. Jeremiah tells us about God’s great faithfulness. He had hope because he knew that no matter what was to come, God would faithfully provide for God’s people. Today, no matter what we face, no matter what has been torn down, we can call to mind God’s promises and put our hope in God.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for inspiring us with your word. Help us to have hope in all circumstances. Amen.
ODB
No Wasted Pain
The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people . . . and I am concerned about their suffering.” Exodus 3:7
She looked into my eyes and said, “Don’t waste your pain.” My mind immediately returned to the time years prior when I’d led the memorial service for her young adult son whose life was taken in a car accident. She knew what she was talking about. She knew pain. But she also knew how God could use it to honor Him and help others—something this friend had done so very well. And as I heard her words, they comforted and encouraged me as I faced a serious cancer diagnosis. She was reminding me that God heard my cries and lament, and that He was with me in my pain and might use it to help others in a new way.
Moses also learned that God was with His people in their pain. “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt,” God said. “I have heard them crying out . . . and I am concerned about their suffering” (Exodus 3:7). The Israelites, like us at times, must have felt alone in their pain. But God assured them He had a plan to “rescue them” and that “the cry” of their hearts was heard (vv. 8-9). He would ultimately use their pain to grow their faith, defeat their enemies, and bring Him honor.
In Psalm 90, the only psalm attributed to Moses, he declared that even though our “best years are filled with pain” (v. 10 nlt), God’s “unfailing love” is with us “to the end of our lives” (v. 14 nlt). He lovingly won’t waste our pain—and neither should we.
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
What does it mean for you to know God hears your cries? How is God using your pain to help others?
Loving God, thank You for hearing my cries and using my pain to help others.
“God to the rescue!” is a major biblical/theological theme in Scripture and history. Because of His person and His promises, He’s mindful of the plight of His people throughout the ages. He’s loving, merciful, and compassionate; therefore, He sees the dilemmas and hears the groans of His people (see Exodus 2:23). And because He’s a promise keeper (v. 24), He acts for the well-being of those who belong to Him. We see this same dynamic in God’s ultimate rescue plan through Jesus (Galatians 4:4-5). Mary sang about such things in Luke 1:54-55: “[God] has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” And God was with Mary and Abraham as they experienced pain in life, just as He’s with us in our pain.
Arthur Jackson
I to We (I really love how this devo keeps affirming what I am hearing form God and His plans for us!)
Good Morning Children of the Prayer-Hearing, Miracle-Bringing, King of the Universe! I gotta fly, but PTL! He has allowed me the miracle of sleep--ten hours last night--in response to your prayers and releasing His miracle power in prayer! Thank you and PTL! (Maybe it was the Rita's Ice! We had 30 of us gather and fellowship last nitght! Fun night!)However, that leaves little time to chat this morning as I have Anna Mae's funeral and then latter pre-marriage counseling. Sat I have the baptism of twin miracle babies we have prayed for. God is awesome and always on time! Check out the I to We devo below. Just as I've been saying and taching, we all have a place and a part and on part is too small to not be needed. You were created and are activated for such a time as this! Step boldly into your anointing today. There are a few devos below that that tie through it. We need givers, pray-ers, all kinds of servants to become God's dynamic movement. And we need each other! What's your part? What will you do about it? Praying for you! Keep on praying, believing and following Jesus! I'm praying for you and us and believing there are many more miracles to come--including many new lives in Christ! Pray and believe and do your part with me! Thanks!
I to We
ODB
The Gift of Giving
Each of you should give . . . not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
In his 2024 address to 1,200 university graduates, billionaire businessman Robert Hale Jr. said, “These trying times have heightened the need for sharing, caring and giving. [My wife and I] want to give you two gifts: The first is our gift to you, the second is the gift of giving.” His words were followed by the distribution of two envelopes each to the unexpectant graduates—five hundred dollars to keep and five hundred to give away to a person in need.
Though Robert Hale’s wealth has allowed him to share like this on more than one occasion, generosity isn’t reserved for those with great means. Believers in Jesus in ancient Macedonia gave out of their poverty so the needs of believers in Jerusalem could be met. Paul said of the Macedonians, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). He commends them because “they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people” (vv. 3-4).
Those who recognize that they’ve been given much grace from God through Jesus can respond with generous hands to the needs of others. With God’s help, let’s give after the example of the one who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
What can you offer generously to someone? How have you been the recipient of another’s generosity?
Heavenly Father, please help me to give generously to others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
A fitting label for the “Macedonian churches” (2 Corinthians 8:1)—Thessalonica and Berea—is “Exemplars of Grace.” These churches were planted by Paul on his second missionary journey in Philippi. Second Corinthians 8 describes these believers in Jesus. They weren’t content simply with being recipients of God’s favor (v. 1); they became channels of generosity. Furthermore, they didn’t allow their destitution to excuse them from sharing with others: “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (v. 2). As recipients of God’s grace (v. 1), they viewed their participation not as an obligation but as a “privilege” (v. 4). Finally, the giving of their material possessions was the result of their having given themselves first to Christ (v. 5), who, “though he was rich . . . became poor, so that [we] through his poverty might become rich” (v. 9). As we give sacrificially to others in need, we reflect His giving ways.
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” - Genesis 28:16 (NIV)
Filling the watering can, I became aware that I was not alone. Two large antennae appeared at the top of the can.
Slowly but surely a gray neck became visible and then a magnificent shell, glistening and pristine in various shades of brown and cream. This scourge of the garden was a truly wonderful example of God’s creation.
The glory of God is visible even in the humble snail.
The appearance of the snail was just one of many occasions when I have gained a deeper appreciation of everyday things — when God and the wonder of human existence and creation made a strong impression upon me.
Jacob had such an experience when he awoke from sleep at a place he named Bethel. Jacob had not been looking for this experience; it happened quite suddenly. Each day and in ordinary ways God’s glory is revealed. Paying close attention to what is going on around us can be a transforming experience. God’s glory fills the earth and skies. May we be granted the vision to see it.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the surprising beauty of your creation. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear your work in the world. Amen.
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