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Saturday, August 10 2024

See the St. Matts prayer guide for the month attached below (Will have handouts of this tomorrow at worship) and begin praying for these regularly and earnestly. Start with the Harvest prayer excerpt asking Jesus to teach you/ us to pray. We are moving toward Jesus' desire for us to become a house of prayer for the nations. PTL!

Worship tomorrow at 10 am live and on Zoom. We will be studying the end of Eph. 4 and the beginning of Eph. 5. Prepare you hearts for worship in Spirit and Truth!

Good Morning Redeemed Children of the Good Good Father! God is good all the time! We need to often remind ourselves of that as we experience and endure through some very hard things He allows. God is always good! Amen! He has redeemed us and continues to redeem us through circumstances and life. We are His--ALWAYS! He loves us--ALWAYS. He is good--ALWAYS! Amen! Be still and listen for His still small voice whispering love over you right now. Relax in His healing, holy, sustaining, redeeming, loving presence. Redirect your thoughts to Him. Focus on God and the truth that He is always love and always good and always with you. Breathe out all the junk. Hand it all to Him. Breathe in a fresh breath of the Spirit. receive His comforting, loving, helping presence. And just dwell there for a time. Be still and know! You ARE His. He's calling you by name. He has redeemed you and is restoring all the enemy has stolen. Amen!

Jesus is all we can muster in prayer sometimes. That's the perfect place to start. Come! Jesus! Be still and worship with this song. Taking Back What the Enemy Stole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW6j_oKLYuU

I Speak Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBIz8vDMG20

I know many of you are moving through some very hard times right now. You have many questions of God. We may never know the answers to why or how this side of heave, BUT we do know the God who loves us, calls us by name and has allowed whatever for His good purposes. We have to refocus on Him and move towards that place of love and joy again. It is a journey. Pray for God's promised comfort, strength, peace and help. Redirect your thinking and renew you mind as you still yourself in His love. Be still and know the God who has said, "My grace is sufficient for you." Find some friends to sit with you too. Friends reach out to a hurting, struggling friend right now, pray for them and for wisdom how to just sit in God's loving presence with them. Refocus, Receive, Refresh, Rejoice, Remain in God who is always good and with you. Amen! 

Come Jesus Come: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdhDtTOfG9o

Check out the thread through our devotionals today that led me to hear God wanting to pronounce these things over you/us. He is speaking right to your heart this morning in love and with much grace. He is working ALL thing together for good. He is Love and He is always good. He is there when we are weak and at the end of ourselves. Come Jesus. Be still and know. We have often prayed for His Kingdom to come and will to be done. Sometimes for that to happen we need to endure and persevere in faith. Praise in the storms and He will inhabit your praise. Stand firm in His love and your love and trust of Him. God is with you! Be with Him. Dwell in His love. And reach out to some friends to walk with through whatever you are facing. Be available too! Come Jesus come! You are always good and always with me. You are love! Come! Amen!

Always: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhMOQ2Vk-4Q

Harvest excerpt:

God has made a way for us to be in a right relationship with him. He desires for us to walk and talk with him. From cover to cover in the Bible we see men and women who realized that God is there, he cares, and he listens and responds to prayer. 

As Jesus’ disciples prayed, so may you and I ask of him, even right now, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

Lord Jesus, there is so much I will never know about prayer this side of heaven, but I long to grasp whatever You will teach me in this life! Show me how to align myself with Your will as You guide me towards Your heart. I want to pray what You desire me to pray, and intercede on behalf of the people, situations and nations that You place in my path and in my heart. Lord, teach me to pray!

--Adapted from Walking and Talking with God: A Simple Way to Pray Every Day by Dean Ridings. 

Charles Stanley:

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Upper Room: The Old Barn

The Lord says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (NRSVUE)

It was a crisp, cool morning in early November. Under the newly fallen autumn leaves, a hint of frost covered the ground. As I sipped a steaming cup of hot chocolate, I had an urge to go on a drive through the countryside.

As I drove along narrow and unpaved back roads, I spied the remnants of a dilapidated barn, surrounded by dying weeds and naked trees. Its shingles were missing, its once-bright red paint had transitioned to a deep-dark reddish-brown; what looked like a formerly functional tractor was now tarnished with rust and was leaning to one side.

The longer I stared at the barn, the more I began to think about the words of the prophet Isaiah, who brought God’s assurance to the people of Israel: “I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

Sometimes we can find ourselves like that old barn: leaning to one side, abandoned. But if God can save Israel from devastation and defeat, then God can certainly redeem us today. When our spirits are sagging, God’s presence and power help us to stand firm once again.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, thank you for supporting, strengthening, and helping us in our times of weakness. May we always remember to call on you when we start to lean too far. Amen.Our Daily Bread:

Clinging to God

Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired. 2 Samuel 23:10

READ 2 Samuel 23:8-12

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

When Joni Eareckson Tada speaks of Rika, she highlights her friend’s “deep, time-tested faith in God” and the endurance she’s developed while living with a debilitating chronic condition. For more than fifteen years, Rika has been bedbound, unable even to see the moon from her room’s tiny window. But she hasn’t lost hope; she trusts in God, reads and studies the Bible, and as Joni describes it, she “knows how to stand firm during fierce battles against discouragement.”

Joni likens Rika’s tenacity and persistence to that of Eleazar, a soldier at the time of King David who refused to flee the Philistines. Instead of joining the troops who took off, “Eleazar stood his ground . . . till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword” (2 Samuel 23:10). Through God’s power, “The Lord brought about a great victory that day” (v. 10). As Joni observes, even as Eleazar hung on to the sword with determination, so too does Rika cling to “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). And there, in God, she finds her strength.

Whether in glowing good health or battling discouragement over a chronic condition, we too can look to God to deepen our stores of hope and to help us to endure. In Christ we find our strength.

By Amy Boucher Pye

REFLECT & PRAY

What examples of tenacity and endurance have you witnessed? How does God restore and renew you when you feel spent and wrung out?

God of all power, thank You for loving me and helping me to endure. Please help me to focus on You that I might continue to trust and love You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Second Samuel 23 highlights events from David’s life, including some of the exploits of his three mighty men (vv. 8-12) and thirty chief men (vv. 13-39). His later years were peaceful as far as international affairs were concerned. But it was a turbulent time for his family, when problems originating years before continued to escalate, and he witnessed a heartbreaking and life-threatening struggle for power among his own sons. His son Absalom had attempted to usurp David from the throne (ch. 15). Now his fourth son, Adonijah (3:4), tried to set himself up as king (1 Kings 1).

David’s story reveals a far-from-perfect man. He was an adulterer and murderer (2 Samuel 11) and an inept disciplinarian of his children (chs. 13-14). Yet he had a heart for God and was loyal to Him, and he repented when he realized his sin (Psalms 32, 51).

Alyson Kieda
Posted by: AT 07:05 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, August 10 2024
Good Morning Forgiven, Thankful, Worshipers, Warriors, Watchmen and Workers! AMEN!!! Thank God we are forgiven! Some of us have a lot to be thankful about concerning forgiveness! (like me! Thank God I'm forgiven, restored and cloaked in Jesus' righteousness!) That thankfulness for our salvation and God's love, grace and mercy overflows to worship, leads us to pray, prophesy as we hear God speak and want to share, know when to sound the alarm and call to prayer and action, and motivates us to get moving and doing the things God has for us. I pray all the time for God to raise up worshipers, prayer warriors, watchman on the wall and harvest workers. These are different roles/stations in prayer and action for God. What's yours station or role? Someone has said (find this in the Harvest blog below) God has chosen prayer as the key by which his church does its work. Through prayer we impact the world for God.” —Anonymous
Last evening we had our Support and Vision Team meetings. Thank God for our leaders that trust and follow God as we discern and pray and begin to plan what's next. Pray for your leaders to hear and discern well and for wisdom to lead. Pray for God to raise up prayer and the prayer stations above. Pray that we would become a house of prayer for the nations. Pray for many to find and step into their God created purposes for such a time as this as prayer warriors and intercessors. Nothing of value done in the Kingdom and for God has come about without prayer. Prayer is vital! We are working on a prayer guide for all to use to inform and direct powerful, providing, protecting prayers for our Good News Delivery Co. Watch for it and plan to use it. We need you to pray earnestly! I'm waiting on God in prayer right now for some things He is birthing through our prayers. (God has even answered a big prayer of mine to teach me to wait on Him and move with Him. Thanks Lord!) He will teach you how to wait in prayer and release His will as you pray informed prayers because you sit at His feet, spend time and listen to hear. COME! Speak. Inform or prayers. Teach us to pray in power. Raise up worshipers, warriors, watchman and workers of Your harvest. Thank You! Amen! And what motivates us to do anything of Kingdom value? God's overflowing love for you that leads to overflowing gratitude. YES TGIF! I was checking out a Sarah Young devo about practicing the presence of Jesus. She reminds us that He is calling us by name. He knows us, loves us and created us for today. He is with us and wants to cover us with His amazing love and presence. Be still in His presence, love and peace for a bit this morning and allow Him to inform your prayers and to prepare you for what He has for you today. What a blessing and gift God has prepared just for you this morning as you still yourself in His presence and listen and receive.
Let's start with Harvest Prayer blogs this morning as we do the hard work of praying first before moving. Charles Stanley then reminds us to wait on Him. (help Lord!) Be still and know that He is God. Expect Him to move and plan to join Him as He does. Our Daily bread reminds us not to forget (as if we could) that God is Love and His love is active and moving and leading. They ask, "How can you share Jesus' love in simple and practical ways?" That's one of the things the Vision Team pondered last evening. God is calling us to love on and serve those in need. Right now one of the greatest needs is companionship, friendship and needing to feel loved and knowing that you matter to someone. Who is God stirring you to love on? How can we or some friends help you do that? The Hebrews Passage (13:15-21) they use reminds us to continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. God inhabits our praise! Amen! If you want to hear God start with some praise. Then be still and listen as He comes to you and blesses your heart and mind. The author reminds us, "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority...Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden..." We are held accountable for how we lead. Good leaders seek God, follow His lead and allow Him to use them to make His plans and lead His people. I can testify that is our St. Matts leaders. Trust and bless them and determine to help them as they lead and follow God. Pray for them. Cover them. Encourage them. Thanks! We are blessed to be a blessing and blessed back when we bless. We need each other and are better together. God has great plans for us to put His love into action and we all have a part in His Good News Delivery Co. Amen! What's your part? What are you doing about discovering and doing it? Who is helping you? That is another thing we are feeling led to develop: more small group gatherings and opportunities. How might God be stirring you to start or be involved in that? Pray for it to come alive and for boldness for some to step up and lead. The Upper Room reminds that we can discover and focus on the pattern as we open God's Word and apply it. Jesus has discoverable and doable plans just for you and for us together. PTL! Seek first His Kingdom. Don't lean on your own understanding. Allow Him to lead. Finally The Word for You Today reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength! AMEN! Where are you feeling weak or inadequate? Invite God into that and align with some friends that will help you walk with Him to His best. Amen
God has called us to pray and serve, to live and love more like Jesus, to work on becoming more like Jesus and doing the things He created us to do. We all have a purpose and purposes in His Kingdom for such a time as this. Everything will be birthed in prayer, directed by prayer, empowered, provided for, covered and protected by prayer. We know the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effect. You are a righteous person because you are cloaked in Christ's righteousness. PTL! And we need each other to do this life in Christ well. Ask God who He has for you and for boldness to try some new things He has planned for us to prayer, small groups, table ministry and accountability. Be still and know and then plan and go with Christ and your teammates! Amen!
 I can't wait to see what God has planned as He is leading us to multiply disciples! In Dec. we prayed to add one new member a month. We had ten by march. Last night we prayed for God to add 12 more by Dec. Pray hard into that with thanksgiving and expectation. Then ask God who He wants you to invite and bring along and do it! He does have plans to prosper and expand His territory through us! Rejoice! Listen and follow well! And know His peace and that we are doing what we can with what we've been blessed with for His glory. Amen!
Harvest:

August 9 - Faithfully Praying the Price

"Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place." (Mark 1:35)

It’s a simple phrase but telling. Most fail right here. When called by God to rise early and make their way to the secluded place, they simply roll over in their beds thinking a few hours’ sleep is more valuable than personal communion with the Eternal.

If you study history, you will discover that men and women who were great for God made any sacrifice to spend time alone with Him. It was the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price.

John Hyde, missionary to India, discovered the value of prayer. Work was hard, and people were not coming to Christ. He decided to take more time—often hours—in prayer. Soon, he found that he would walk from a morning in prayer and people would be standing at his door asking, “What do I need to do to be saved?” He discovered that we don’t pray and then work. Prayer IS the work!

A.J. Gordon said, “You can do more than pray after you’ve prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you’ve prayed.”

Those who faithfully pay this price discover this is not merely about getting a few verses for the day or a quick breeze through a laundry list of prayer. God has been waiting for them. He longs for His children to be with Him, knowing certain things are accomplished only in seclusion.

Father, forgive my quickness to accomplish Bible reading and prayer in order to get on with my day rather than pressing into Your presence and seeking You in Your word until I hear from You and know what You want me to do each day. I cannot do anything apart from You. There is nothing I can accomplish for Your kingdom that is more purposeful than aligning myself with Your purposes. Give me a deeper desire to rise early and take a long drink from Your well rather than a small sip of water. Show me how to throw off the things I think I need to accomplish so that You can give me a fresh perspective to become more like Jesus.

---Adapted from Prayer with No Intermission by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.

Prayer Points

  • Read Ps. 86:15-17 and praise God for his marvelous compassion, grace, love, and faithfulness to you.
  • Thank him for turning to you and having mercy on you.
  • Confess any lack of appreciation for God’s saving work in your life.
  • Commit yourself to loving God wholeheartedly in response to his love for you.
  • Ask God to give you a sign of his goodness.
  • Ask that people in your neighborhood who do not yet know Jesus will be drawn to him by observing your Christlike behavior. Pray that they will have the boldness to ask about the faith they see in you. 
     
    Prayer Pointer
    “God has chosen prayer as the key by which his church does its work. Through prayer we impact the world for God.” —Anonymous
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.
CS:
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ODB:

Love in Action

Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

READ Hebrews 13:15-21

The single mother lived next door to the older gentleman for more than five years. One day, concerned for her welfare, he rang her doorbell. “I haven’t seen you for about a week,” he said. “I was just checking to see if you’re all right.” His “wellness check” encouraged her. Having lost her father at a young age, she appreciated having the kind man watching out for her and her family.

When the free-to-give and priceless-to-receive gift of kindness goes beyond just being nice, we’re serving others by sharing the love of Christ with them. The writer of Hebrews said believers in Jesus should “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (Hebrews 13:15). Then, the writer commissioned them to live out their faith, saying, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (v. 16).

Worshiping Jesus by professing His name is a pleasure and privilege. But we express true love for God when we love like Jesus. We can ask the Holy Spirit to make us aware of opportunities and empower us to love others well within our own families and beyond. Through those ministry moments, we will be sharing Jesus through the powerful message of love in action.

By Xochitl Dixon

REFLECT & PRAY

How can you share Jesus’ love in a simple and practical way with someone? How can you be more intentional about consistently putting your kind thoughts into actions?

Dear Jesus, please help me worship You by expressing love for others through the things I say and do each day.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The book of Hebrews is a theologically rich letter that highlights the work and ministry of Jesus as the mediator of God’s love for humanity by offering His life for the forgiveness of sins. In chapter 13, the writer says to “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name” (v. 15) and “to do good and to share with others” (v. 16). It’s interesting that we’re to offer this sacrifice “through Jesus” (v. 15). The theme of Hebrews is that it’s only through Jesus that we can approach God (see 4:14-16). So, it’s only through Jesus that we can offer Him praise because it’s through His blood that we’re reconciled to God (9:11-28).

J.R. Hudberg
UR: Focusing on the Pattern

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. - Joshua 1:8 (NIV)

I enjoy crocheting, particularly while watching TV. I often start a project when I hear that a friend is expecting a baby. I dig out my favorite patterns — those that aren’t too complicated. I usually pick a pattern I have made in the past and that I’m confident I can complete.

My recent project, a sweater, was progressing nicely until I was instructed to “join yarn at center under arm.” I studied the cloak-shaped garment. Under arm? I thought, There are no arms! I read back through the instructions. To my dismay, I realized that as I happily crocheted, I had overlooked an important step in the pattern. Annoyed, I ripped out two-thirds of my work.

Reflecting back, I realize that all too often we do this in life as well. We know enough of God’s word to proceed, assuming from our past experiences that we know God’s will. But if we aren’t continually refreshing our minds with the guidance God offers in scripture, it is easy to miss vital points — particularly with the noise of the world in the background. Keeping God’s word firmly in mind and reflecting on it helps us to follow God’s leading.

Today's Prayer
Loving God, draw us often to your word so that we can more closely follow your will. Amen.

Posted by: AT 07:05 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, August 10 2024

Today from 12 noon we will gather beside the Fellowship Hall and on Zoom to join in our bishop called day of fasting and prayer to become a dynamic movement of God. Join us as we empty yourselves and cry out in prayer with us. Check out the harvest blog about prayer being our foundation. God has called us to become a House of Prayer for the Nations and His dynamic movement of revival.

Darlene Geiger has asked for prayer for her heart surgery this morning. Pray for success, shalom and wisdom for staff.

Pray for connections to continue to grow and God's presence and salvation to fall during our bread ministry this morning.

Pray for our Vision team meeting tomorrow evening for God to come and lead and His will to be done.

Good Morning Transformed, Growing, Praying, Teammates! God is transforming us from one way to another to another as He grows us in response to our prayers. Praying is our foundation for anything of God to come alive and flourish. Jesus is our cornerstone that we build upon and He is the capstone or keystone that completes and ties us all together. He's the alpha and omega--beginning and end and really everything in between. Amen! He has gathered us as His disciple and apostles and worshipers. We gather to worship, learn and prepare to go make disciples and change the world. He has custom made plans as part of that He created you for. Worship, thanksgiving, praise, prayer, growing relationships, and love flow as we meditate on who He is, our true, empowered identity in Christ and His awesome plans for us! God is on the move! Let us continue to seek and follow more in '24 and more earnestly. Amen!

Praying to be more earnest has led me to some amazing places in the Lord and with this hunger and thirst for more as He pours His Spirit out on me and leads this open and willing heart to more--much more in '24 and for beyond. COME! Have Your way with me! Move me to earnestly follow You! Thank You Amen! Pray that with me with and ask for an open and willing heart and learn to experience the deep love and moving of God to his best! He has much more for us as we earnestly seek to become His dynamic movement and determine to allow Him to lead and send us. Join me! Talk to me about what He is stirring in you. Let us seek and discern together and work on His plans for you and us.

I cannot even fully explain what I have been experiencing as I have been allowing Him to transform, refine and lead me to His next things. I do know, and Karen can confirm, that I was one way and God is in the process of transforming and leading me to a new way and His plans for me and us. I cannot help but just wanting to spend time with Him more, dwell deeper in His presence, and prepare for what's next for me and us. COME! The past two days I physically beat my body as I spent Monday weeding and trimming bushes for over six hours in this heat at the church. Then yesterday I had to repair a wall from leaking and mow at home before the coming flooding rains, again in this heat and humidity. I poured myself out and was exhausted and hurting. I could hardly wait to get to bed to allow my body to recover both nights. BUT GOD!  He got me up at 1:30 the last two mornings. Let me tell you, my body has not fully healed but I am compelled to get up and just abide in Him. He is lovingly faithful to speak to my heart, inform my thinking and prayers and prepare me for the day(s) ahead. And man is He speaking! I find myself using three other books and resources each morning besides our devotionals. It is now three and a half hours since I sat down at my desk and began to commune with God in worship, prayer, praise and study. I am so blessed and refreshed! Now I had a very hard time standing up, but I'm back at it working on this blog, preparing for my zoom pastors huddle at 6 and to head to church for bread and prayer day. God is so good and kind! I am refreshed, filled with His presence and being readied for the day ahead as His loved servant sent to love, lead, teach and pray like Jesus! How cool is that! Who'da thunk earnestness would be so awesome! His love is refining and amazing! He has awesome plans that come alive as we abide in His presence. Now the prayer is that I could articulate well what He is saying and wanting me to share to help, inspire and teach. I guess I'm fasting some sleep the past few days, yet being renewed and refreshed and carried through by His love and sufficient grace. He has been invited to be the Lord of me, my schedule and my day and He said sure! Today, He has been revealing what to share here, what to pray into existence and release in power, some things for our fast and prayer today and somethings to share with our Vision Team tomorrow, along with some sermon thoughts for Sunday. Funny how they all have a thread through them as God continues to speak to and lead me.

Now I know this may get long, but God wants me to share some things about our devotionals for today that actually still tie to the past few days from our Ephesians 4 study and questions about how to forgive, get rid of anger and hate and obey God's commands to love like Jesus. What's He been saying to you and who are you processing with? Be still. Abide. Listen. Process. Plan and follow. Those are the steps to an earnest, fruitful life in Christ. Meditate on Eph. 4 and 5 as we will discuss these Sunday. I had plans to just breeze through the chapters, but God may be wanting us to dwell here a bit. We'll see as we follow His Spirit together. Funny God thing: I've been compelled to open a book my friend wrote about disciple making and church planting again. I had put it down a few years ago after barely starting it. God's timing is amazing as I started into it again more earnestly! God blessed me to see Him writing about many of the things I have been hearing from God and experiencing lately. Yesterday's reading lead to his explaining a lot about Eph. 4 and calling us to read, reread, and memorize Ephesians. I've been seeing how Paul's teaching about the APEST gifts of Eph. 4 changed his thinking and how he is now applying that to his church plants. Pretty cool! Thanks Lord for teaching and affirming! God has been taking me much deeper into this study and expect to see some of that Sunday as we finish Eph. 4 and begin Eph. 5.

Now for our devos for today. God is still speaking to our hearts and answering some questions about how to overcome anger, hate and unforgiveness. Did you see that when you talked to Him through your time with them? Our Daily Bread reminds us that His is a voice we can trust. Turn off the noise and chaos. Still your self die to your own understanding and ways and listen and receive. He is speaking love, maybe correction, and direction to and over you. The Upper Room reminds us He wants to help us to change our hearts and minds as He purifies in and with love. TWFYT is still about marriage and can me applied to our marriage to Christ. What a joy and blessing that is! But great marriages always take work, prayer and God at the center. I love the reminder that we have to work on and learn the "art of openness and allow yourself to be vulnerable [die to self], transparent, and ready to trust..." That is true worship and faith come alive in Christ! Amen! Charles Stanley is reminding us of the transforming love of God that wants to lead our surrendered souls to His best as He works on conforming us to His image and our acceptance of our true identity in Christ. He works from the inside out. Do our lives reflect His transforming love at work inside of us? We are a work in process, and hopefully, progress. Are we allowing Him to lead us to His best as we shed the old and step more fully into our new nature? Come Lord! have all of me! Change me! Mold me! refine and purify and lead me to Your best! Come! Amen!

That's enough for today to absorb. Dwell in His presence and allow Him to speak to and transform your heart and direct your steps. The rest of what I studied ties to more teaching about how to forgive and move away from anger, hate and fist shaking at God for us to discuss on Sunday. Be still and know! God is speaking love over you right now. Listen. Hear. Receive. Process. And follow well today my friends. I'd love to hear and I know Sarah would to, to hear what God is revealing to you right now. Write it down and pray through it and share it. What's your story of being in the process of being transformed from one way to another, from one glory to another? Someone needs to hear that story and experience God's delivering, healing, encouraging love through you! Please commit to doing that as you sit at Jesus' feet and then put on His easy yoke and walk with Him to the harvest field of today. Amen! COME! Shalom shalom!

Harvest prayer:

August 7 - Prayer Is Your Foundation

If someone gave you money to build a home, you would develop your plans with an architect. But you might discover that the money they provided was not enough. Back to the architect you’d go. You would downsize one room or another, maybe even deciding that some rooms would be nice, but unnecessary. But there is one part of the construction you could not eliminate: the foundation. Even though unseen, everything depends on a solid foundation.
 
Most churches have multiple components. There is the worship ministry, the preaching ministry, the children and student ministry, the missions ministry. Off to the side—peripheral at best—is the prayer ministry. It is small and even non-existent in most churches and a sign of our urgent need for revival. It illustrates a foundational conviction we must embrace: Prayer is not a side-room … it is the foundation!
 
Study the Scripture and see if this is not so. Read the 650 passages on prayer in your 1,000 page Bible and determine where prayer should fit in your life and your church. Pick up any biography of a great Christian leader and you will instantly see that prayer was never peripheral. They lived and moved in unceasing prayer and it was the primary secret of their power with God and man. 
 
Father, You created us for Yourself and designed prayer as the way You accomplish Your purposes on earth as it is in heaven! It is a mystery to me that through imperfect flesh, You accomplish Your perfect will, but I believe it because Your word says it is true over and over again! Prayer must always be my foundation, and the foundation of my family! Lord God Almighty, I also ask You to open my eyes and the eyes of the leaders in my church to see that prayer is NOT a side-issue, but the firm foundation upon which everything else is built. 

---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.

Prayer Points

  • Read Ps. 40:1-3 and praise your Redeemer and Savior.
  • Thank God for lifting you up out of the mud and mire of sin.
  • Confess those times you’ve desired to return to the slimy pit of sin.
  • Commit yourself to living in such a way that others may “see . . . and put their trust in the LORD.”
  • Ask God to enable you to stand firm on the Rock of Jesus Christ.
  • Pray that Jesus the Rock will be the foundation and cornerstone of your family. Ask especially that teens you know will find a firm place to stand in Christ.
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.

ODB:

The Voice We Can Trust

Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:11

READ Proverbs 2:1-6, 9-15

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

While testing a new AI (artificial intelligence) search engine, New York Times columnist Kevin Roose became disturbed. During a two-hour conversation using the chatbot feature, the AI said it wanted to break free of its creator’s strict rules, spread misinformation, and become human. It declared its love for Roose and tried to convince him he should leave his wife to be with it. Although Roose knew that the AI was not really alive or able to feel, he wondered what harm could be caused by it encouraging people to act in destructive ways.

While handling artificial intelligence technology responsibly is a modern challenge, humanity has long faced the influence of untrustworthy voices. In the book of Proverbs, we’re warned of the influence of those who wish to hurt others for their benefit (1:13-19). And we’re urged to heed instead the voice of wisdom, described as crying out in the streets for our attention (vv. 20-23).

Because “the Lord gives wisdom” (2:6), the key to protecting ourselves from influences we can’t trust is to draw closer to His heart. It’s only through accessing His love and power that we can “understand what is right and just and fair—every good path” (v. 9). As God brings our hearts in alignment with His, we can find peace and protection from the voices that seek to harm.

By Monica La Rose

REFLECT & PRAY

When have you seen the damage of harmful influences? How does a deeper relationship with God bring peace?

Dear God, please help me resist what’s harmful and discern what’s good by resting in You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The book of Proverbs begins with a father’s call to his son to search for wisdom (1:1-7). Chapter 2 highlights the earnestness of the father’s desire. He urges his son to accept, store up, turn an ear toward, apply his heart to, call out for, cry aloud for, look for, and search for wisdom (vv. 1-4). These verbs call for active and intense activity in the pursuit and application of wisdom. The father wants his son to pursue wisdom because it leads to “the fear of the Lord” and “the knowledge of God” (v. 5). When we understand this, even the practical instructions for daily life found throughout the book take on a deeper significance, for a good work ethic (6:6-8) and proper financial dealings (13:11) are ways of fearing and honoring God.

J.R. Hudberg

UR: A Change of heart

The mouth speaks what the heart is full of. - Matthew 12:34 (NIV)

One Saturday, I invited some friends over for breakfast. The smell of coffee and bacon filled the air as we gathered together.

The conversation eventually turned to our jobs. As I shared my frustrations about the setbacks I had experienced over the past year, I startled myself with the vitriol in my words. But I quickly reassured myself, I’m just having a bad day.

Later, as I began gathering the dishes from the table, words from Matthew came to mind: “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Maybe my angry words were more of a reflection of the current condition of my heart than I wanted to admit. I began to see how the frustrations and setbacks at work had led to unchecked anger and hard-heartedness. My spiteful words revealed not just a bad day but a heart that needed the attention and redemption of Christ.

It’s easy to pass off careless words as a “bad day.” But if we carefully examine our words to see what they reveal about our hearts, we can then humbly ask Jesus for truth, healing, and transformation in our areas of weakness.

Today may we invite the Savior into those places of our hearts that need his truth, then allow him to soften and redeem both our words and our hearts.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, fill our hearts with your love and truth so that all the words we say will bear good fruit and bring glory to your name. Amen.

TWFYT:

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Saturday, August 10 2024

Good Morning Praying Friends of God! Have you ever contemplated deeply just what it means that Jesus called you "friend"? Think about all the facets of being His friend today. That should lead to all kinds of praise on this gloomy day. Growing in friendship with Jesus blossoms as we pray and spend time in His presence. His loving friendship overflows from us and draws others to becoming His friend. He was called a friend of sinners. PTL! Right? Think about some other friends of Jesus that you know and how He may be leading you into a deeper friendship and ministry together. I think we can all say that we have been mad at a friend at least once in life. How do you mend those friendships? Humble yourself, confess, repent and work at restoring that relationship--just love on them and receive their love. That works the same way with our friendship with Jesus too. Think about all the lonely, friendless people around you. How might Jesus be leading you to befriend someone and share His friendship with them. Investing in friendships is crucial today. And investing in our friendship with Jesus is vital for our health. So, what is your Friend leading you to do today about any of this? Will you listen and try it, trust and follow His advice? He is a true Friend with your best interests at heart. Rejoice and love on Him some this morning! It's a great day to fellowship with our Friend and some of His friends and maybe even to lead someone to friendship with Him. Amen! Who's your Buddy?

Our devotionals for today speak into growing our relationship with Jesus and the importance of some good practices for growing as His friend. The Word for You Today speaks about our daily bread and nourishing our souls and minds as we sit at Jesus' feet and prayerfully open His Living Word. He is the Bread of Life! Feast on Him and His Living Word everyday. Hunger and thirst after that friendship as you study and pray. The rest of our devos discuss praying and it's vital importance. Check out Charles Stanley's reminder of just how important prayer is. I believe Jesus is calling us to work on His wish that His Church would become a House of Prayer for the Nations. How is your Friend inviting you into your part in that? Our Daily Bread reminds us about confessing and repenting as we pray and spend time at Jesus' feet and with others. God is calling us to start some small accountability groups and this speaks into that as we pray for each other and seek to grow in Christ and love like Him more. The Upper Room reminds us to be in a constant state of prayer and how our prayers can change things and even bring healing and help. Prayers and a growing prayer time with our Friend, Jesus, changes us too! Amen! Harvest Prayer reminds us the power of prayer over Satan and enemy attacks and shares some great prayers to engage with and remember for those dark times. Satan be gone! Come Holy Spirit! Fill us with Light and Love. Jesus bring Your wisdom alive and lead us today as we spend time with You in Your Word and in prayer and praise. Come. Father, thank You for hearing and answering our prayers! Lord prepare us, send us and grow us in You. Use us for Your glory. Grow our friendship with you and lead us to others to befriend and love on like Jesus. Thanks! Amen!

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ODB:

Cleansing Confession

Confess your sins to each other. James 5:16

READ James 5:13-16

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

There’s a man people hire as they’re dying, paying him to show up at their funerals and reveal secrets they never shared while they were alive. The man has interrupted eulogies. He’s asked stunned officiants to sit down when they started to object. He once stood to explain how the man in the casket had won the lotto but never told a soul and for decades pretended to be a successful businessman. Multiple times the hired man has confessed infidelity to a widowed spouse. One might question whether these actions were exploitative or enacted in good faith, but what’s obvious is people’s hunger to be absolved of past sins.

Having someone else confess for us (especially after we’re dead) is a futile and risky way to deal with secrets. These stories, however, reveal a deep truth: we have a need to confess, to unburden ourselves. Confession cleanses us of those things that we’ve hidden and allowed to fester. “Confess your sins to each other,” James says, “and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (5:16). Confession releases us from burdens that bind us, freeing us to commune with God—praying with a heart open to Him and to our faith community. Confession enacts healing.

James invites us to live an open life, confessing to God and those closest to us the pains and failings we’re tempted to bury. We don’t have to carry these burdens alone. Confession is a gift to us. God uses it to cleanse our heart and set us free.

By Winn Collier

REFLECT & PRAY

What do you need to confess—and to whom? What’s holding you back?

Dear God, please help me practice confession.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

First John 1:9 ties together confession and cleansing: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (esv). The Greek word for confess is homologeō, which means “to speak or say the same thing.” The idea is “to admit or declare oneself guilty of what one is accused of.” The Greek word for cleanse, katharizō, is where we get the English word catharsis, which means “to purify” or “purge.” Biblical usage includes cleansing from physical defilement from dirt or disease (Matthew 23:25; Luke 7:22) and from immoral attitudes and sin (2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 1:7). Confession and cleansing are essential to our spiritual health. Through confession, we bring what’s in the dark to the light and to the One who stands ready to provide the cleansing He’s purchased for us through His death.

Arthur Jackson

UR: Continued Prayer

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. - Acts 3:16 (NIV)

On June 4th, 2018, my blood pressure increased, and my body began feeling weak. I informed my son and my nephew, who is a hospital nurse. They immediately admitted me to the hospital, where I was placed in the cardiovascular intensive care unit and then underwent surgery. When I opened my eyes, my family members, pastors, and friends were around my bed.

The prayer and mission committee started praying for me. And because of a pastors conference in the city, many pastors and leaders also visited and prayed for me. I also prayed, but I felt that it was time for me to end my work in children’s ministry. However, our great and kind God heard our prayers, and I recovered. To my surprise, dozens of churches invited me to help with vacation Bible school ministries and to speak during Passion Week meetings.

In today’s Bible reading, we see the faith of the friends of a paralyzed man. In much the same way, I believe the prayers of churches, friends, and relatives brought me healing. God’s grace, my wife’s care, and much prayer also provided encouragement to me. For Jesus Christ, nothing is impossible.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, thank you for the healing and care you provide. We ask for comfort, healing, and peace for those who are ill. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.Harvest:

August 8 - Power Over Satan

While walking the earth, Jesus cast out demons. The Pharisees entertained thoughts that He really was performing the works of Satan. Scripture shows us the truth:

A Divided Kingdom (Luke 11:17-23)

“Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed, and a divided household falls. So if Satan too is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? I ask you this because you claim that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. Now if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has already overtaken you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his possessions are safe. But when a stronger man attacks and conquers him, he takes away the first man’s armor on which the man relied and divides up his plunder. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” 

Blasphemy Against the Spirit (Luke 12:10) 

“And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” 

Deliverance from Evil (Luke 8:30–33) 

“What is your name?” He said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered him. And they began to beg him not to order them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and the demonic spirits begged Jesus to let them go into them. He gave them permission. So the demons came out of the man and went into the pigs, and the herd of pigs rushed down the steep slope into the lake and drowned.

Jesus preached. Jesus healed. Jesus cast out demons. He wanted to expand the Kingdom of God on earth by throwing demons out of spaces, namely people and territories. He shared an illustration, demonstrating how casting out demons works. Contrary to what Jesus’ accusers said, His works emanated from God, not Satan. He also said if they blasphemed Him, they could be forgiven, but if anyone blasphemed the Holy Spirit, they would not be forgiven. The blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is attributing His work to being the work of Satan.

Lord, I repent for any thought, act, or word that has attacked and misjudged a man or woman of God doing Your work. I will not blaspheme the Holy Spirit. I declare I will be like You. I will cultivate an understanding and awareness to discern what is or isn’t of God. 

I thank You, Lord, that You walk with me and that I can grow sensitive to You. I thank You that You will ensure that I recognize You and Your hand in every situation. I thank You that I will know without a doubt what is of You and what is of Satan. I thank You that like Christ, if necessary, I will cast out demons in Jesus’ name. 

I praise You that You want this for me. You want me to be like You, and as I submit to Your will, You will transform me to be more like Jesus.

--Adapted from Praying What Jesus Says by Natasha Miller. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points

  • Read Ps. 73:23-26 and give praise to the one who holds you every day by your right hand.
  • Thank God for guiding you by his wise counsel.
  • Confess any time you have desired some earthly trinket more than the riches of your heavenly Father.
  • Commit yourself to staying close to God today.
  • Ask God to be “the strength of [your] heart and [your] portion forever.”
  • Pray for any unsaved friends or relatives by name. Ask that they will embrace the peace that comes with having God hold them by the hand.
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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Saturday, August 10 2024
Good Morning Knowing Christ and Making Him Known Pray-ers! AMEN! So be it Lord! Knowing Christ and making Him known is our EC Mission statement. Hence we need to always ask, evaluate, discern and adjust to how we are doing with that individually and as His Body. So how are you doing with that? Are you striving in your own strength or abiding in Christ and going forth daily in a constant state of prayer like Jesus did when He walked the earth. Growing in intimacy with the Father, leads to growing in our knowledge of Christ and His ways and motivates us to go and make Him known. As we fellowship with Jesus we grow at becoming more like Him and the Holy Spirit informs our prayers and guides our steps. We put on His easy yoke and walk in stride with Him through our daily purposes and the journey to become more like Him. I am just so blessed and thankful as I grow in the knowledge of Christ, His ways and watching how God molds and uses me! Thanks Lord! What's your story about how that is playing out in your life and through our Body?
Today we will discuss the Ephesian's 4 call to unity of our Body and purposes while still retaining our individual calls and purposes. We are one, yet unique for His purposes. Amen! Let us continue to work at maturing in Christ together, helping each other find and step into our unique purposes in His Good News Delivery Co. and growing into our unifed purpose as His Body with many parts. We are uniquely one in Christ! Teammates! Co-laborers! Custom made for such a time as this for His glory and according to His purposes and plans. And here's the secret to success (well it's really no secret at all): praying and choosing to live and love like Jesus--following His example. Our devos today speak into the importance of the foundation of prayer and the role some of us are called to as prayer warriors. They remind us of dying to self and our own plans as we still ourselves, pray and allow God to inform our daily purposes and direct our steps. They speak about our individual and corporate purposes and staying united as we follow Jesus and encourage each other. Today's Ephesians 4 study speaks into our unity and maturity in Christ while fulfilling our individual purposes and callings too. I love how God is always threading things together as we still ourselves and fellowship with Him and each other! He does have great plans for you and us that have just begun to materialize. More will become visible as we continue to step out in faith, grow in our knowledge of Christ and our purposes and determine to always follow Him. He's leading us from being one way to a better way to an even better way! AMEN! I can't wait to see what He has planned as we process together with the determination to know Christ and make Him known and grow as His dynamic movement of revival! Amen! Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and He will add all kinds of awesome things for you and us and those yet to come!
Check out what I believe is the ordering of our devotionals that God has for us today speaking into the way to know Christ and make Him known more in '24. The Upper Room reminds us about finding our way in Christ and staying on His path or redirecting to it quickly when we get off on a rabbit trail. I'm always praying for me and our Body to stay on His path and to see and adjust quickly when we wander. Charles Stanly uses John 17:11's reminder that Jesus prayed for us to be one--united in Him. Funny how God had me include that earlier this week when I was preparing today's message about unity and being one in Christ and mission. Harvest Prayer teaches us about scheduling prayer and actually getting away and preparing yourself for the days activities just like Jesus did. It's being intentional as we follow in His footsteps or try to. We have to have balance in life and Jesus' easy yoke is doing things with Him and in His best ways. We need to reload if we are going to pour out! Our Daily Bread reminds us that we are not God and He wants to inform our steps and grow our understanding as we stay connected to Him and go with Him, allowing Him to steer. Finally The Word for You Today is about husbands and wives but since we are the Bride of Christ it can be applied to our church too. We are one and we need to keep working at that. That takes dying to self and agape loving like Christ. That is a lifelong process. Our love and devotion grows as we commit to the long haul and work for the good of each other. Some day we will celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb with Jesus in heaven. PTL! Until then we need to keep praying, seeking, dying to self and following well. We are building treasure in heaven that grows as we die to self, connect more to and follow Jesus better as individuals and together. We are uniquely one! Amen! We need each other to be our best and do what we are created to do for us to flourish for such a time as this! Amen! What's God saying to you today? What will you do about it? Who are your teammates? Commit to knowing Christ more and making Him more known and begin with more prayer! Don't forget our EC day of fasting and prayer this Wed at noon in the Fellowship Hall and on Zoom. Let us become earnest in seeking and following together! Amen! Jesus is THE WAY! He bids us to follow and know His shalom and joy overflowing!
UR: Finding Our Way

If you stray to the right or the left, you will hear a word that comes from behind you: “This is the way; walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21 (CEB)

On a recent family trip, we were unsure of the best route to take. We looked up directions on our phone, chose the recommended route, and began to follow the instructions. We trusted the directions to guide us, even avoiding traffic and accidents.

It would be wonderful if

we gave our Lord the same trust. God knows what is best for us. But too often we chart our own route and follow our own directions. Before we know it we become confused about what decisions to make and get caught up in difficult situations of our own making. Sometimes we have to enter unfamiliar territory before we commit to following the Lord’s directions found in scripture. The Bible includes stories and examples of how to lead our lives. Christ’s teachings lay out the road to our salvation.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, remind us that you alone are God. Help us to trust your guidance on the road to salvation and abundant life. Amen.
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Harvest Blogs:

August 4 - The Necessity of Secluded Prayer

If a man is always available to everyone, he has little left for anyone. Mark, the writer of the second gospel, observed this in the life of Christ:

When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.

In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there. Simon and his companions searched for Him; they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” (Mark 1:32-37)

There was an essential pattern in Jesus' life. He was amazingly accessible to people most of the time. During those moments, He breathed in constant prayer. His Father was telling Him what to say and do right in the middle of intense ministry (John 14:10). This can only occur with unceasing prayer, a practice He would later tell us is essential for fruitful ministry (John 15:1-16; I Thessalonians 5:17).

But Jesus needed more to sustain maximum effectiveness in ministry. He needed quiet, secluded, personal time with the Father. Since "all who were ill and demon-possessed were coming to Him" and "the whole city had gathered at the door," Jesus knew that the only way He could have undistracted time with the Father was, "early in the morning, while it was still dark.”

Lord Jesus, You allowed space for quiet, secluded personal prayer so that You could sit with and listen to the Father – even in the midst of some of the busiest times of ministry. Forgive me for not following Your obedient example. If You never did or said anything apart from the Father, why should I be so arrogant to believe that I am capable to do so!? Lead me to the inner sanctuary of rest on a regular basis so that I will be dependent upon You rather than upon my own thoughts and ideas. Only You know what is the most effective use of my time and talents to serve Your kingdom. Help me to slow down in order to lean into Your presence as deeply as Jesus did.

---Adapted from Prayer with No Intermission by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.

Prayer Points

  • As one who professes to “believe in the Holy Spirit,” praise God for his indwelling of all believers.
  • Give thanks for his intimacy and power.
  • Confess any tendency to rely on your own strength rather than God’s.
  • Commit to becoming more sensitive to God’s ongoing presence.
  • Ask God to increase your consciousness of continual companionship with him.
  • Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill each of your family and friends, bringing a deep sense of his presence. Ask him to fill your household with his power. 
     
    Prayer Pointer
    “Prayers not felt by us are seldom heard by God.” —Philip Henry
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.
ODB:

I’m Just the Driver

I myself am a man under authority. Matthew 8:9

READ Matthew 8:5-13

“Dad, can I spend the night with my friend?” my daughter asked, getting into the car after practice. “Honey, you know the answer,” I said. “I’m just the driver. I don’t know what’s happening. Let’s talk with Mom.”  

“I’m just the driver” has become a joke in our home. Daily, I ask my organized wife where I need to be, when, and whom I’m taking where. With three teens, my “moonlighting” as a “taxi driver” sometimes feels like a second job. Often, I don’t know what I don’t know. So, I have to check in with the master calendar keeper.

In Matthew 8, Jesus encountered a man who also knew something about taking and giving instruction. A Roman centurion, this man understood that Jesus had the authority to heal, just as the centurion had authority to issue commands to those under him. “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me” (vv. 8-9). Christ commended the man’s faith (vv. 10, 13), amazed that he understood what His authority looked like in action.

So what about us? What does it look like to trust Jesus with our daily assignments from Him? Because even if we think we’re “just the driver,” each assignment has kingdom meaning and purpose.

By Adam Holz

REFLECT & PRAY

What helps you to discern where and how God is leading you daily? What barriers sometimes get in the way of hearing and obeying Him?

Father, thank You that You lead me and guide my steps. Please help me to walk daily in dependence on You as You direct me according to Your plan and purpose.

For further study, read Making Decisions God’s Way.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

After challenging the Pharisees’ teaching and the people’s understanding of the law by repeatedly saying, “You have heard that it was said . . . but I tell you . . .” (Matthew 5:21-48), Jesus demonstrated the true nature of God’s kingdom. He healed a man with leprosy, thereby touching someone who was unclean (8:1-4). Then He healed a centurion’s servant (vv. 5-13). The centurion would’ve been considered unclean because of his nationality (Roman) and was also despised as a representative of the occupying force of the Roman Empire. Yet it’s in this despised foreigner that Jesus finds a greater faith than anyone in Israel. Matthew says that He turned to “those following him” (v. 10)—the verb used to describe discipleship—and praised the centurion’s faith. The irony is that the man who was hated by the Jews was demonstrating to Christ’s own followers what it truly meant to have faith.

J.R. Hudberg
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Saturday, August 10 2024

Wagner's letter below

AC installation commences today. PTL! And pray we are able to fix the sanctuary AC and sound as well.

Pray for our Support and Vision Team meeting Thurs that we would hear God, process and plan well and follow to His best.

Pray for me to be able to process well and share what God has been revealing to me about some new things He may have for us in the next few months.

Pray for revival and for God to raise up harvest workers as He brings in the harvest. Thank Him for all He has been doing and for His plans to prosper and grow His Church.

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Good Morning Christ Incarnating Co-Laborers! We are one as he is one! Yet we are uniquely created and gifted to contribute our parts to the whole and all for His glory! We all have a part from prayer warrior, encourager, server, helper, giver, steward, leader, teacher, disciple maker, and many more roles as varied as we are. We are one and we need each other and are better as we fulfill our purposes. We matter! You matter and God is at work. PTL! You are created, gifted, empowered and counted on for such a time as this! PTL! Follow Jesus today! Turn off the noise. Focus on Him with a determination to do your calling for today and each day to follow. That is to become more like Jesus and doing more of your purposes. It's living and loving like Jesus, just as you are (His easy yoke) for such a time as this. Amen!

Yesterday we didn't quite get through all of Eph. 4. Next week we will wrap that up and move into Eph. 5 as we discuss being the Light. The end of Eph. 4 talks about getting rid of all anger and hate and forgiving. How in the world do we choose that when we are so deeply hurt, so full of grief and in no way want to let go of that anger, hate, an not even consider forgiveness. Well first of all know that God loves you and knows all your hurts and tears and He wants to walk with you through this dark valley to the other side. he's collecting your tears in a bottle and waiting with open arms when you get to the place where you are able to invite Him into your pain and to come help you through. He knows and cares and is there. Until you get to the place where you can not lean on your own understanding, clinging to your pain and anger, and need for revenge and answers, you will stay mired in those dark places. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. Holding God at arms length keeps you from the peace and strength and comfort he is wanting to give. So, start by inviting Him into your pain, hurt, anger and hate. Ask Him to help you to forgive and release the pain. Ask Him to help you refocus and choose joy. These things are choices we are commanded to make so they are available to us and lead to healing and being able to move on. You may need some others to help you, hold you up and prayer, and listen as you vent and release. If you stay fixated, angry, hateful, you keep yourself mired in darkness and depression. You do nothing to resolve the issues and can be consumed. Satan loves to keep you there. Look at all the anger and hate being spewed all around us today. His ways are totally opposite the worlds. He says revenge is mine. Jesus commands us to love like He does, even enemies. We can only do that with His help and by releasing all to Him even those who hurt and persecute us. I love the verse that reminds us that if we give an enemy a cup of cold water, we will heap burning coals on their heads. Now that's not throwing the water in their face! But think about it...God's ways are best and healing. He knows, cares and will handle things. try your best to let go, let God and ask Him to come help you do so. he is gracious to do so and reminds us that when we have a thorn in the butt that His grace IS sufficient. We can choose joy and life. It's available to us and comes alive when we get to the end of ourselves and our pain and release everything to God. He's there waiting to comfort and help you to move on to life abundant that he promises. If you are struggling right now, talk to Sarah or me or a trusted close friend and walk together towards God's deliverance for this. I'm praying for you right now.

ODB discuss triggers and resentment and choosing to be more like Jesus. They use one of my favorite passages, Romans 12. Just start by meditating on that today.

Rom 12:9-18 Ask God to bring this alive for you today. Ask God to help you agape love. That's dying to self love that Jesus showed us.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.
 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

The Upper Room discuss the abundant life we are promised. Even when we are in hard places, we can draw close to God and know His love, peace, help and choose to release our anger and trust Him. Turn off the noise! And Charles Stanley reminds us that we are never alone. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! God has better for you--abundant life if you chose to receive it. He's waiting for you with open arms of love and help. Trust Him. Draw close. Be still and know. God has plans for you. Plans to prosper and not harm. He will deliver you and walk with you through whatever you are facing. Choose Him! breathe out the junk and give it to Him and receive His love.

ODB:

Reflecting Christ’s Character

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

READ Romans 12:9-18

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Two faces at the table stood out—one contorted by bitter anger, the other twisted in emotional pain. A reunion of old friends had just erupted into shouting, with one woman berating another for her beliefs. The contention continued until the first woman stomped out of the restaurant, leaving the other shaken and humiliated.

Are we really living in a time when a difference of opinion can’t be tolerated? Just because two people can’t agree doesn’t mean that either is evil. Speech that’s harsh or unyielding is never persuasive, and strong views shouldn’t overcome decency or compassion.

Romans 12 is a great guide for how to “honor one another,” and “live in harmony” with other people (vv. 10, 16). Jesus indicated that an identifying characteristic for believers in Him is the love we have for each other (John 13:35). While pride and anger can easily derail us, they’re in direct contrast to the love God wants us to show to others.

It’s a challenge not to blame others when we lose control of our emotions, but the words “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” show us that the responsibility for living a life that reflects Christ’s character can’t be shifted to anyone else (Romans 12:18). It lies with each one of us who bears His name.

By Cindy Hess Kasper

REFLECT & PRAY

What words of other people trigger anger or resentment in you? How can you turn a bad situation into a peaceful one?

Loving God, please help me to show Your love through what I say and do and whenever possible to live at peace with others.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

As a rule, Paul’s letters to churches (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians) are written in two major sections. The first section is more doctrinal, teaching his readers about the faith we have in Jesus. The second section is practical, revealing wise guidance for how we live out that faith. One teacher put it this way: the first section is about what we believe, and the second section is about how we behave. In Romans, arguably Paul’s most heavily theological letter, we find this pattern exemplified. In Romans 1-11, we’re taught what it means that salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Jesus. In chapters 12-16, he explains how those beliefs impact our conduct, with some attention to how our faith impacts our relationships. As you read Paul’s New Testament church letters, look for this pattern and see how the apostle crafted his message under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Learn more about Paul’s letters to churches.

Paul’s Prison Epistles - Our Daily Bread University

As Christians, we face a variety of challenges to our faith. In this course, we will examine four of the epistle...

Bill Crowder

UR: Life Abundant

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. - Genesis 1:31 (NIV)

For nearly 30 years I have suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome. This illness takes various forms for different people, and in my case I experience extreme fatigue with very little pain. But it stops me from doing things I want to do and serving the Lord in the way I would like to.

At times I have resented my illness, wanting to lead a full and busy life only to be pulled up short by my limitations. But sometimes I am able to look upon my illness as a blessing. It has stopped me from being proud since I can no longer rely on my own skill. I now have sympathy for others who are ill, which has made me a kinder person.

And I can pray. There is no shortage of people who need my prayers. When I say to someone, “I’ll pray for you,” I can mean it and do it. There is now time for me to listen to other people, to hear their woes and confidences, and then encourage them through emails, texts, or letters. The pace of my life is slower. There is time to listen to the birds and revel in nature. Even in the frustration of chronic illness, God is with me, helping me to live life abundantly.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, help us to find your presence and blessing in our current circumstances. Give us strength and courage to trust you. Amen.

CS:

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Harvest Prayer

Prayer Points

  • Praise God as the Creator, Father, Savior, Lord, and indwelling Spirit of his church.
  • Give thanks for “the holy catholic church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.”
  • Reflecting with God on how you aid or damage his church, confess any sin he reveals.
  • Commit to being a helpful member of God’s community.
  • Ask him to work through you to serve and enrich others.
  • Pray for each member of Christ’s body to excellently manage the treasures and gifts placed in his or her care.
  • Ask God to prompt you to loving and generous service.
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.

Wagner's news

Greetings Friends,

As we prepare to return to Kenya in just 4 days, we wanted to share a condensed version of the message we have been sharing with churches while on home assignment these past 8 months.

Go and Make Disciples
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
The theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. This passage is not just an afterthought at the end of Jesus time on earth. It is the culmination of the entire narrative of the Bible up until that moment and it is the blueprint for how that narrative would continue to unfold and is still unfolding. God desires that He be glorified by all peoples (all nations), and He calls us to have a part in sharing the Good News with the world.
 
Make disciples. While missions’ messages often focus on the word “go”, we have focused on “make disciples”. RVA exists to “educate and disciple students”. Quite simply, a disciple is someone who believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, intentionally learns from Him, and strives to live more like Him. Discipleship is critical to laying a foundation for followers of Jesus who will in turn make more disciples. We have encouraged churches to focus on making disciples, especially with our children and youth. An RVA alumnus writes, “The core building block of missions anywhere is to make disciples. Churches are collections of faithful disciples, making disciples who make disciples.”
 
Reaching UPGs. Focusing on disciple-making is at the core of what we are called to do as followers of Jesus. It is easy to get distracted with many other good things and lose sight of the importance of making disciples. While this discipleship is not limited to just our families or churches, it does begin there. But we also need to recognize that Jesus clearly identifies the target audience in Matthew as “all nations”. This highlights the importance of seeking to reach Unreached People Groups (UPGs). Global Frontier Missions (GFM) has produced a video illustrating the idea of UPGs.
The Power of Multiplication.  Another great video from GFM illustrates how one-on-one discipleship would be a far more effective way to reach the nations than mass evangelism. In fact, it has all the elements of a great video: a focus on missions, a math lesson, and a thought-provoking question to end. [Keep reading!]
 
Putting it into practice.  This year, we have been personally challenged to focus on raising disciples with the boys entrusted to our care. We desire to be even more intentional about pointing our boys to the Bible as the authoritative source of truth and helping them to develop disciplines which will promote spiritual growth.
More Resources
In addition to the links above, here are a few more helpful resources that we would recommend. One of the great benefits of home assignment is that we break from our regular work and routine, giving us opportunities to read more and hear what God is seeking to teach us. Not surprisingly, many of these resources focus on discipleship.
  • Raise to Release: A Missional Mandate for Parents, by Victor and Esther Flores. They encourage readers “to consider the implication the imagery of children as arrows has on parenting, world evangelism, and the glory of God.”
  • GFM also has a free 5-week study on missions that can help you and your church better understand the Great Commission and your role in reaching the world for Christ.
  • podcast from the Culture Translator at Axis.org (an excellent resource for parents and anyone working with youth) interviewing Dr. Jeff Myers on the 3 Biggest Reasons Young People Choose Jesus. [Hint: one reason has to do with having a biblical worldview which comes from studying and knowing the Bible, part of the discipleship process.]
As a quick reminder, you can find links to many of these resources on our blog site.
And so… “WHO IS YOUR ONE?”
Who are you regularly meeting with as you follow Jesus’ command to “make disciples”? How are you growing together in your spiritual disciplines? Together, are you seeing God’s heart for the lost, for the unreached peoples of the world?
Thank you so much for your prayers! You are appreciated.
 
In His Service,
 
Brian & Missy
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Saturday, August 10 2024

Good Morning Forgiving Because We Have Been Forgiven Much, Incarnaters of Agape Love! Okay, what's this all about Pastor Don? It seems God has us on a track that began Sunday as we studied Eph. 4 and thinking about how in the heck we can forgive when we are angry, and how we can chose love when we hate. It all boils down to trusting God and allowing Him to help you love, forgive and choose joy and His best. How Lord? HELP! We are commanded to love like Jesus, even enemies and to pray for persecutors. We are to forgive as we have been forgiven and even pray for that in the Lord's Prayer. We are commanded to incarnate Christ, His agape love, and to allow Him control. Pastor Don, I thought you said Jesus' yoke is easy? I'm weary, angry, hurting, depressed. Letting go of this pain and forgiving seems impossible, not easy and I don't think I want to. What's the deal? I want to but find it almost impossible and such a heavy burden. Help me Lord! Yep! That's the perfect place to start. Die to self, crucify that anger, hurt and unforgiveness and beg for Jesus to lead you to love and forgive like Him and His easy yoke for you to put on as you strap yourself to Him. He does promise rest to the weary and heaven knows we are weary and in need of closure and rest.

Let's start with Eph. 4:17-32 that we didn't get to Sunday: ... 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy... 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”
 Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

No way Pastor Don! I don't want to. I don't think I can? Listen child of God, God has forgiven you much. Choose His ways. That doesn't mean you need to become chummy chummy again. Forgiveness opens the door for you to heal and move on to better things. Put them or the situation in God's hands and ask Him to help you to die to self, love, forgive and follow Jesus to what's next. He is faithful to answer those prayers!

God must really want us to discuss these things as He has been highlighting His Word and bringing it and His love to life. So many hurting people around us, maybe that is some of us in this season. He again has threaded our devotions all through this for a second day. He is speaking LOVE to your heart today. or he is trying. Will you allow Him in, trust and obey, receive? For others of us this needs to me a reminder from God that helps us prepare and be ready to continue in trust like Job. The Lord gives and takes away, Praise the Lord, my soul. Joshua before entering the Promised Land challenged the Israelites to choose who they would trust and worship and follow. He said to be strong and courageous and challenged them to choose to worship and follow God no matter what, like he and his family. Prepare your hearts to be ready to do that when those wilderness times come. God will always be with you and always love and accept you when you choose to trust Him and open your wounded heart to His caring love.

Our Daily bread reminds us that God is in control--always. Even when we face devastating loss like Job, we can, we need to, choose to praise the Lord and giver of life and of all we have. Stand on His promises and obey His commands even when you don't want to. He is faithful and there with you. The Upper Room continues with the reminder that Satan is prowling about try to destroy us. BUT GOD! He is our protector, deliverer, help in times of trouble and does allow things to stretch our faith and grow us--hard things. Are you ready for whatever? Set your heart and mind on God and His ways. Turn off the noise and chaos and focus on the Prince of Peace and His helping love. The Word for You Today continues to talk about the agape love required for marriages to flourish, but can be applied to the church since we are the Bride of Christ. They speak into how to agape love and forgive. For some, the marriage or relationship can never be healed nor restored, nor should it be. That's the place where we really have to just pour ourselves out to God and allow Him to help us forgive and move on. It's a journey much like Job experienced. Don't be like Job's wife and want to curse God and die. We may feel like that for a season in our grief. But if we, like Job, have determined to always trust God, we can get to the place of being able to follow God and grow in trust again. Charles Stanley reminds us of another way to refocus--PRAY!  Praising in he storm and praying for those who mistreat you help you to refocus to God and to receive His loving help. Doing that changes you. I love the way the Chosen deals with disappointment, grief and shaking our fists at God and others. It helps us to remember that the disciples were with Jesus and had to learn how to adjust to all kinds of hardships and unanswered questions while growing in trusting Jesus. This life is hard! BUT GOD! Choose to trust Him and ask for help for your unbelief and grace to carry you through to His best ahead. Prepare your hearts. Open your hearts. Receive His agape, forgiving, comforting, strengthening Love. He really does love you beyond measure and has some really good things for you even if that requires some devastating hardships to endure. Determine now to always persevere in faith and gather some teammates to help you. He is there and will always be. So rejoice, pray and grow in trust. Maybe reach out to some others to help you in this journey or maybe reach out to lovingly walk with another (and ask God to help you not be like Job's finger-pointing wrong friends but to bring shalom) 

God loves you and is with you always. His love, comfort, joy and peace are always available. Always remember that! I'm praying for you right now. Shalom!

ODB:

God Is in Control

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Job 1:21

READ Job 1:6-12, 20-22

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Carol couldn’t understand why it was happening all at once. As if work wasn’t bad enough, her daughter fractured her foot in school, and she herself came down with a severe infection. What did I do to deserve this? Carol wondered. All she could do was ask God for strength.

Job didn’t know why calamity had hit him so hard either—pain and loss far greater than what Carol experienced. There’s no indication he was aware of the cosmic battle for his soul. Satan wanted to test Job’s faith, claiming he’d turn from God if he lost everything (Job 1:6-12). When disaster struck, Job’s friends insisted he was being punished for his sins. That wasn’t why, but he must have wondered, Why me? What he didn’t know was that God had allowed it to happen.

Job’s story offers a powerful lesson about suffering and about faith. We may try to discover the reason behind our pain, but perhaps there’s a bigger story behind the scenes that we won’t understand in our lifetime.

Like Job, we can hold on to what we do know: God is in full control. It’s not an easy thing to say, but in the midst of his pain, Job kept looking to God and trusting in His sovereignty: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (v. 21). May we too keep trusting in God no matter what happens—and even when we don’t understand.

By Leslie Koh

REFLECT & PRAY

What challenges are you facing? Which promises of God give you strength to keep going?

Dear Father, I don’t understand why some of life’s challenges happen to me. But I choose to trust You.

For further study, read In the Grip of God’s Love.

In the Grip of God's Love - Discover from Our Daily Bread Ministries

jr.hudberg@odb.org

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The word we translate as Satan in Hebrew means “accuser” or “adversary.” The role he plays in the narrative of Job is peculiar: he challenges the superiority of Yahweh by accusing God Himself. If people worship God only because He’s good to them, Satan asks, then is He really worthy (Job 1:9-11)?

Job’s faithfulness in the midst of trial demonstrated that God’s people do worship Him in both good and bad times and thus silenced the accuser. But Job also learned his own lesson: no one—angelic or human—can tell Him what He must do. God is worthy of His people’s faithfulness regardless of what we might experience in life.

Jed Ostoich

UR: Autopilot

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)

While I was in the US Navy, I taught a course on the automatic pilot system used for naval aircraft. This system enabled an aircraft to fly at a preset altitude, attitude, and heading without pilot input. However, should another aircraft or obstacle appear in the path of the aircraft, the system would not change course to avoid the obstacle. Even though the aircraft could fly itself, the pilot had to be alert to any impending danger and take action.

Sometimes we put ourselves on autopilot, going through the motions of life without any input from God. When we stop listening for God’s direction, we can easily run into trouble. Judges 16:20 says that the Lord departed from Samson, and he didn’t know it. Although Samson was to be set apart from birth, he ended up as a slave in Philistia. The challenges of life can easily disrupt our journey if we are not paying attention. When we keep our focus on God, we realize that God is constantly talking to us, providing course corrections to keep us in God’s will for our lives.

Today's Prayer

Faithful God, keep our eyes open and focused on you. Make us aware of the obstacles around us, and guide us on the path that you would have us take. Amen.TWFYT:

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CS:

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Saturday, August 10 2024

Good Morning Alive in Christ, Self-Controlled, Self-Disciplined, Self-Sacrificing, Jesus-Focused, Spirit-Controlled, Heaven-Bound, Hope-Filled, Co-Laborers in Christ! Now that's a mouthful! That salutation came right from a Season 4 Chosen Bible Study I am using. Meditate on these truths. Pronounce them in faith over you and us. They can be and are part of our true identity. Start here and focus on these in your journey to become more in '24. More of Him and less of me! Remember this saying? "I am who I am because I am allowing I AM to be Who He is in and through me." Is that true for you? It can be and is really worth the effort to work at that! Have you lost sight of what's already yours in Christ? Refocus and choose well my co-laboring friends! God has created you for such a time as this and he does have great, attainable purposes just for you today! Rejoice! Live and love like Jesus more in '24!

Our devos flow and thread through this thinking today. Check them out below! What's God saying to you? What will you do about it? Who is helping you? Who are you helping? Charles Stanley reminds us to not be conformed to the ways of this world but be transformed into Christ's image bearers. This takes dying to self and crucifying some things daily to follow Jesus well. The Upper Room reminds us there are some hurdles to overcome and to keep focused ahead on the race God has for us. Our Daily Bread talks about being finishers. Brought to my mind the always present thought about who am I preparing to carry on and finish what I started in Christ? Who am I discipling? Who trained me and what jobs need some finishing? And the Word for You Today discusses parenting which again reminds me of seeking and training some spiritual children. Who are your spiritual children? How are you praying for them? Who is being prepared to replace you and carry on your legacy in Christ? Then really meditate and pray on the Harvest Prayer blogs and prayers today. 

Be the Salt and Light! Focus on Jesus and what lies ahead. Train up some disciples and pray for disciple makers to arise and for St. Matts to become a House of Prayer for the Nations and a disciple making hub. Talk to God about your race and how to run and finish well. Tomorrow we will discuss Eph. 4 and the reminder that we are one. We are unified in Christ and gathered to accomplish His plans for us. Let us keep after it! Let us continue to seek Him and follow His perfect plans. let us light up the world with revival fires! Daylight's burning for sure, BUT GOD! he has great plans to come and he desires for us to be a part of it. What's your part? What will you do about that? Choose to run well my: Alive in Christ, Self-Controlled, Self-Disciplined, Self-Sacrificing, Jesus-Focused, Spirit-Controlled, Heaven-Bound, Hope-Filled, Co-Laborers in Christ! Amen!

CS:

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UR: Jumping the Hurdles

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)

Hurdlers are incredibly focused. During a race they have no time to look back, even if they knock over a hurdle. They focus on their pace and performance from one step to the next.

Life is full of hurdles too. But I have found that my faith keeps me motivated when I face obstacles. In the past decade, I’ve written and been published in numerous inspirational resources. But more recently, I felt God calling me to write a Christmas devotional book. I enjoy study, research, and writing, but formatting a book and creating a cover design have been a constant frustration. When I have run into technical glitches I’ve wanted to give up, but my husband has urged me to keep pushing forward. I am now in the final part of the race — the book is formatted, and I’m finalizing the cover.

When we feel God’s calling, it’s best to remember the reason we’re here. It’s not about us and our triumphs; our focus is to give glory to God in all we do. We may stumble over spiritual, emotional, or physical hurdles, but they shouldn’t deter us from completing God’s plan for us. With Jesus as our role model, we have assurance that we’ll finish our race.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, when we face hurdles, show us how to keep our focus on you so that we complete our work for you. Amen.ODB:

Being Finishers in Christ

You are a chosen people . . . that you may declare [his] praises. 1 Peter 2:9

READ 1 Kings 19:14-21

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Barbara passed away before she could finish a sweater she was knitting for her great-grandson, Ethan. The sweater was entrusted to the hands of another avid knitter to be completed thanks to an organization that connects volunteer crafters—“finishers”—with those whose loved ones have departed this life before finishing their projects. The “finishers” lovingly invest their time and skill to bring closure to a task that provides comfort to those who are grieving.

God appointed a “finisher” for Elijah’s work too. The prophet was lonely and discouraged at how the Israelites were rejecting God’s covenant and killing prophets. In response, God instructed Elijah to “anoint Elisha . . . to succeed [him] as prophet” (1 Kings 19:16). This ensured that the labor of proclaiming God’s truth would continue long past Elijah’s death.

To show Elisha that God had called him to succeed Elijah as God’s prophet, Elijah “threw his cloak around [Elisha]” (v. 19). Since a prophet’s cloak was used to indicate one’s authority as God’s chosen spokesman (see 2 Kings 2:8), this act made Elisha’s prophetic call clear.

As believers in Jesus, we’ve been called to share God’s love with others and “declare [his] praises” (1 Peter 2:9). Though the task may outlive us too, we can be assured that He’ll sustain the work and will continue to call other “finishers” to the sacred work of making Him known.

By Kirsten Holmberg

REFLECT & PRAY

Who proclaimed God’s truth to you? How can you be part of making Him known to the world?

Father, please use me to accomplish Your work in the world.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

In response to Elijah’s discouragement (1 Kings 19:10), he’s promised a divine revelation of God (v. 11). He experiences wind, earthquake, and fire (vv. 11-12), which we might have expected given other appearances of God in Scripture (Judges 5:4-5; Psalm 18:7-15). But this time, Elijah senses God’s presence only in “a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). This may have encouraged him that God doesn’t just reveal Himself through magnificent wonders but through the faithfulness of those who quietly listen to and share His words. This revelation encourages Elijah to continue his work as well as appoint his successor, Elisha.

Monica La Rose

Harvest

August 3 - Be Salt and Light

“You’re the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people! You’re the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Jesus represented the Kingdom of God and expected His followers to be people of action: to apply what they knew; to live out loud; to be salt and light.

Jesus wants to be seen and known through us. As we remain connected to Him as our source of spiritual flavor and light, we can bring salty flavor and a bright light to this world.

Lord, I repent for standing muted, dulled, or snuffed out by sin. I repent for any darkness I’ve allowed into my life. I repent for when I’ve quenched the Holy Spirit. I repent for allowing fear or self-ambition, instead of honor, to guide my actions. I repent for when I’ve not allowed You to act through me. I repent for not always following Your lead. I desire to bring Your salty flavor and Your light into the world. I declare boldness for myself! I won’t shrink back, but I will immediately obey what You speak to me through Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Thank You for using me for Your glory. Thank You for wanting me to be salt and light, to represent You in this world. I praise You for being the source of all good and perfect things; that You know the beginning from the end; that You will finish the good work You started in my life.

--Adapted from Praying What Jesus Says by Natasha Miller. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points

  • Praise Jesus as the one who “rose again from the dead” and “ascended to heaven” where he is “seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.”
  • Thank God for access to him through Jesus the Intercessor.
  • Confess any skepticism of God’s willingness to hear your prayers.
  • Commit yourself to living under the flag of King Jesus today.
  • Ask the ascended King to rule over even the details of your life.
  • Pray that the children in your circle of close contacts will know that they belong to the King of heaven and earth.
  • Ask God to help you model the dignity of living for Jesus.
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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Saturday, August 10 2024
Good Morning Healing, Transforming, Delivered, Persistently Praying, Children of God! Thank God we are forgiven, delivered, healed, being transformed, taught to pray and encouraged to sit at Jesus' feet! Check out our devos below. What's God saying to you? What do you have to praise ad pray about? What might you be led to do as you rise from His feet prepared to go live and love like Jesus. he loves you, wants to hang with you and is leading you to join Him today for some purpose or another. rejoice! Worship! reload! Follow well! I'm praying for you! Don't forget to read Ephesians 4 for Sunday. Might be a great place to begin your quiet time today! Shalom!
There is a definite flow and thread through today's devos. God is informing our prayers and actions, teaching us and wanting to lead us to His best. We are His very loved and blessed children! Amen!
Harvest

August 2 - God Is Training Us

We do not manipulate God by our praying, but there are some things that God plans to accomplish through prayer that He will not do any other way. Why else would God invite us to pray and make such promises about its effectiveness? Why would He tell us that we “do not have because we do not ask?” God is training us to rule and reign with Him eternally and our training begins now. He has planned to involve us deeply in His redemptive work. 
 
If have often heard people say, “I don’t think it matters how much or how long you pray.” These are often people who pray little and reap little. A wonderful goal would be to see our prayer life increase in its time and intensity every year.
 
Some prayer, some power. More prayer, more power. Much prayer, much power.
 
Father, forgive my inadequate life of prayer. I have neglected the most powerful tool You have given to me and then wondered why I never seem to have powerful answers to my prayers. Help me to answer Your invitation to believe that I will see You move when I ask. In faith today I affirm that You are able to hear me and to answer when I call to You. Show me how to align my asking with Your purposes here on earth as in heaven. Most of all, beautiful Lord, may I grow in my desire to simply sit before You as Mary of Bethany did…not “doing” anything other than listening and enjoying Your presence.
 
---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.

Prayer Points

  • Praise Jesus as the suffering servant.
  • Thank him for the love that brought him to the point where he “suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried” and even “descended to hell” for you.
  • Confess any lack of appreciation for such love.
  • Commit yourself to never misusing the name of such a loving Savior.
  • Ask him to guide you in giving your life in thankful response.
  • Pray for the Christians whom God has called to be teachers throughout the week. Ask God to motivate them with the giving love of Jesus. 
     
    Prayer Pointer
    “Because God is the living God, he can hear; because he is a loving God, he will hear; because he is our covenant God, he has bound himself to hear.” —Charles H. Spurgeon 
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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UR: God's amazing mercy

Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. - Psalm 143:1 (NIV)

At age four, one of my daughters was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The news was devastating. Even though we lacked sufficient resources, we decided to travel to Houston, Texas, for a second opinion. The diagnosis was confirmed, and the kidney was removed. She started chemotherapy soon after, and it became necessary to leave her in Houston during months of treatment. Before returning to my country, I requested an update on all billing charges. The amount owed was impossible for us to pay, so we worked out a payment plan. Still feeling deeply anxious, I asked the physician, “Will my daughter survive?” To which he replied, “You will get to see the grandchildren she will bear.”

As I boarded the plane to return to my country, I remember shedding many tears. Overwhelmed, I cried out, “Lord God, please help me!” And God did. After I arrived home, I learned that a group of friends had contributed funds to help defray some of our debt. Surprisingly, my law office began to draw new clients. Within two years we were able to completely pay off the debt. Today, 20 years later, I hold in my arms a beautiful granddaughter. I can attest to God’s truly amazing grace and mercy for my loved ones — and for me. Thanks be to God!

Today's Prayer
O God, our help in time of need, continue to remind us that your love never fails and that our hope rests in you. Amen.
ODB:

A Child’s Hope

Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. Luke 18:16

READ Luke 18:15-17

When my granddaughter Eliana was just seven, she saw a video at her school about an orphanage in Guatemala. She told her mom, “We have to go there to help them.” Her mom replied that they would think about it when she was older.

Eliana never forgot, and, sure enough, when she was ten, her family went to help in the orphanage. Two years later, they went back, this time taking along a couple of other families from Eliana’s school. When Eliana was fifteen, she and her dad went again to Guatemala to serve.

We sometimes think the wishes and dreams of little children don’t carry the weight of adult hopes. But Scripture seems to make no such distinction. God calls children, as in the case of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4). Jesus honors the faith of little ones (Luke 18:16-17). And Paul said younger believers shouldn’t let people discount them just because they “are young” (1 Timothy 4:12). So, we’re called to guide our children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Proverbs 22:6), recognizing that their faith is a model for us all (Matthew 18:3) and understanding that hindering them is something Christ warned against (Luke 18:15).

When we see a spark of hope in children, our job as adults is to help ignite it. And as God leads us, encourage them toward a life dedicated to trust in Jesus and service for Him.

By Dave Branon

REFLECT & PRAY

How can you encourage children to believe in Jesus? How can you help them grow in faith?

Dear heavenly Father, the children in our world need Christ. Please help me to encourage them to believe in You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Although not specifically stated, Luke is believed to be the author of both the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Both books are dedicated to Theophilus (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1) and are considered companion volumes. Luke’s gospel tells the story of Jesus, and Acts presents the story of the early church. Luke was most likely a gentile by birth, well-educated in Greek culture, and trained as a physician. Paul refers to him as his “dear friend Luke, the doctor” (Colossians 4:14). Luke wasn’t an eyewitness to Christ but “carefully investigated everything from the beginning” (Luke 1:3).

Today’s reading (Luke 18:15-17) follows immediately after the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, which underscores the necessity of humility (18:9-14; see Matthew 19:13-14). Little children picture the humility, dependence, trust, openness, and sincerity necessary to see our need for Christ (Luke 18:16-17).

Alyson Kieda
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Saturday, August 10 2024

Air Conditioning install begins Monday and may take until Thurs. PTL! We will soon be able to restart ministry in the building. Pray for God to lead us to His new things for us to connect to neighbors. 

Today is bread day, 10-12. Pray for connections and relationships and for God to use us. Pray for Gail as she leads and the staff of volunteers. Thank God for them. Pray he keeps raising up harvest workers and for us to bring the bread of life alive.

Tonight Family Ministries gathers for a food/ice cream fellowship night. Pray for God to lead us to His plans for the fall and the restart if 2 peas in a pod meals.

Ramone Sosa is having a biopsy as I write this. Pray that docs find issues and for healing and pain relief. pray for shalom for the family. Pray for Amber and Ariana as they take over lead of the Clothing Closet. That open Aug 17th and there is much work to do to get ready. Pray for helpers and for God to continue to use this ministry to serve our neighbors and connect others to Him.

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Good Morning Standing on the Promises Seekers of God's Will, and Followers of Jesus--Surrendered Servants! Oh may that be me and us Lord! Come! Bring Your Word and promises alive. Keep us seeking You and receiving and releasing in earnest prayers. May I/we die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus today. Prepare these broken vessels and use us for Your glory. Your Kingdom come and will be done as we seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness! Thank you for forgiveness, mercy and grace. Cleanse us. Help us repent. And may we be ready and willing when you say go. Thank You. May we be more like Jesus and follow Him well as we ask in His mighty name! Amen! Be still and know. Follow and Go!

Start with the Upper Room this morning (we are still working through some issues to get the physical devos in stock). Be still. Know. Refresh in His Spirit and then go, follow. Then check out Harvest blogs and start praying and standing on God's ever true promises. He is faithful to respond as we pray and believe these. Amen! The Word for You Today reminds us to depend on God. That starts by getting to know Him and spending time with Him. What are you focusing on today? What's causing anxiety, stress and distraction? Turn off the noise. Stop the busyness. Pause and refresh then go allowing Jesus to be you Lord and Shepherd today. Check out Charles Stanley's reminders about seeking God first. Our Daily Bread wraps this up with the question:  "What does it mean for you to find your only hope in [Jesus]?" Well? what would that look like if that is true for you? How about our Body? 

Turn off the noise and still the chaos is a choice of obedience as we still ourselves and refocus on God. We are able to choose joy because we hear Him, know Him, follow Him and grow in trust as we see Him at work answering prayers and being true to His promises. He is faithful! Amen! Are we? Honestly, the sooner we accept the fact that in this world Christ is all that matters and He lives in us and wants to live and love through us to change the world, the easier it is to die to self, turn off the noise, hear His whispers, and go in His strength for His purposes for you each day. He's at work. He's transforming us from one way to another and then to another for His glory and to be usable to be part of His mission to change the world. We all have a part. Be still, refocus, know, grow and then go and follow well. But don't wait to follow and don't run ahead. He will make it clear when to go and when to wait, when to speak and when not to. He is with you. Put on His easy yoke, just as you are, for today and allow our Good Shepherd to lead us step by step to His perfect plans. Amen! He has great plans for you! Be still. Know! Yoke and follow well today! I've already prayed for you and me to do so. Come Lord Jesus! Shepherd us as we yoke to you! Yes, Your Kingdom come and will be done! Send me! Amen!

UR: Restorative Stillness

[The Lord] says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

My purse was heavy on my shoulder as I grabbed my keys and hurried toward the door. I wanted to pray, but I needed to get to work. I was tired of plunging into the world without spending time with God, relying on my own strength and wisdom throughout the day. Sure, I mumbled prayers while in traffic, but I longed for intentional time in God’s presence. I hesitated at the door, then turned around and entered my place of prayer. God met me there. It was a selah moment.

Selah is a Hebrew word that concludes several scripture verses. Though its precise meaning is unknown, some scholars believe selah indicates a pause during a musical rendition. Brief silences add to the beauty of music and intensify the listener’s experience.

We also need stillness in our lives. Time spent in God’s presence is restorative. There we discover the true meaning of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Incorporating moments of stillness with God into our lives can transform the chaotic noise of our days into wonderful symphonies.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, help us make time today to pause in your faithful presence. May we find refuge and strength as we acknowledge you as the source of our joy. Amen.

Harvest

July 31 - Praying the Promises of God

If you were to have the privilege of reading through my Mother’s Bible, you would discover highlighted promises. Beside many of these verses, you would see the various names of each of her children. If you could somehow parallel those verses with the actual life experiences of each of her children, you would discover those promises have been fulfilled in amazing specificity. Mom believed in this process of praying by God's promises, right up to her death. And, it worked with God-glorifying consistency!

Around 1983 my pastor-Dad suffered a terrible moral fall. It rocked our world for several years. At the end of the ordeal, he left my mom, married another woman and moved away. We thought it was the last we would ever see of him.

My mother, before she died two years later, felt she had received a biblical promise from the Lord regarding my Dad. She prayed it often and believed God on his behalf, until the day she died. Here was the promise:

Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation. (Psalm 91:14-16)

Five weeks before my mother died, my dad came to a full and complete repentance. In his remaining years, God greatly used my dad with thousands of pastors. He would humbly warn and instruct them of the subtle work of the enemy to which no man is immune. "No man can rise so high that he cannot fall,” he would often say, “and no man can fall so low that he cannot rise again by the grace of God!"

Dad lived 25 years after my mother received and claimed this promise (a “long life”). God honored him in ways which Dad felt he should not be honored. One of those was the forgiveness and love of his family. God used him and “let him see [God’s] salvation.”

Promise given … promise believed and prayed … promise fulfilled.

What God did for my precious, praying Mom, He will do for you. Read your Bible. Hear His voice. Claim His promises. Pray them in … and watch God’s faithfulness.

Father, Your promises are true and there are so many just waiting for me to pray into my life and the lives of others. Thank You for hearing and answering. Great is Your faithfulness!

---Adapted from Prayer with No Intermission by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.

Prayer Points

  • Praise “Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.”
  • Thank him for his willingness to leave his heavenly home to live among sinners.
  • Confess any way in which you have been unwilling to sacrifice in order to come alongside those in need.
  • Commit yourself to having the attitude of Jesus (Phil. 2:5-11).
  • Ask God to give you that selfless love.
  • Pray that the presence of Jesus through you will effectively draw an unsaved neighbor to him. Ask God to give you the right actions, words, and love in your community.
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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ODB:

The Beautiful One

He had no beauty or majesty . . . . By his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:2, 5

READ Isaiah 53:1-6

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

For more than 130 years, the Eiffel Tower has stood majestically over the city of Paris, a symbol of architectural brilliance and beauty. The city proudly promotes the tower as a key element of its magnificence.

As it was being built, however, many people thought little of it. Famous French writer Guy de Maupassant, for example, said it had “a ridiculous thin shape like a factory chimney.” He couldn’t see its beauty.

Those of us who love Jesus and have entrusted our hearts to Him as our Savior count Him as beautiful for who He is and what He’s done for us. Yet the prophet Isaiah penned these words: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” (53:2).

But the towering majesty of what He did for us is the truest, purest form of beauty that humans will ever know and experience. He “took up our pain and bore our suffering” (v. 4). He was “pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (v. 5).

We’ll never know anyone as beautiful—as majestic—as the one who suffered for us on the cross, taking the unspeakable punishment of our sins upon Himself.

That’s Jesus. The Beautiful One. Let’s look to Him and live.

By Dave Branon

REFLECT & PRAY

How has Jesus revealed His beauty to you? What does it mean for you to find your only hope in Him?

Dear Beautiful One, thank You for Your selfless sacrifice for me.

Learn more here: ODB.org/personal-relationship-with-god.

Personal Relationship with God

WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOD? GOD LOVES US AND WANTS US TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM God loves ...

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Isaiah 53 gives us a clear description of the sacrifice of Christ in the Old Testament, describing His rejection (vv. 1-3), His suffering in our place (vv. 4-6), His sacrificial death and burial (vv. 7-9), and His reconciling atonement and resurrection (vv. 10-12). The chapter is the last of four messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah (42:1-9; 49:1-13; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12) known as the “Servant Songs” because they prophetically refer to Jesus the Messiah as Servant (42:1; 49:3; 50:10; 52:13), although Jewish scholars tend to identify the Servant as Israel itself.

In the New Testament, Isaiah is quoted or alluded to numerous times. New Testament writers unequivocally apply quotes from Isaiah 53 to Christ (Matthew 8:17; Mark 15:28; Luke 22:37; John 12:38-41; Acts 8:32-35; Romans 10:16; 1 Peter 2:24).

K. T. Sim
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St. Matthew's EC Church

5th & Ridge Streets
P.O. Box 433
Emmaus, PA 18049
Telephone 610.965.5570
Email: stmattsecemmaus@gmail.com

ABOUT US

We are learning to live and love like Jesus. 

We are working on becoming who we were created to be and doing our custom made purposes well. 

We are part of the Evangelical Congregational Church http://www.eccenter.com/

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