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Saturday, October 26 2024
This Week:
Tue:
10-11 Zoom Huddle. All welcome!
12-12:30 Zoom prayer for our trunk or Treat
Wed:
10-12 Bread Ministry
6-8: Dinner Huddle and Family Ministries
Friday
2 PM Package hot dogs for Trunk or Treat
4:30: Close 5th street and set up for Trunk or Treat. (we are permitted to use St. John's lot. Only cars being used for Trunk or Treat permitted on our lot
URGENT NEED!!!! We need at least four more cars from our church to have a good trunk or treat. Please contact Don or Sarah if interested. Expectation is that you provide some candy and the church will supplement. (we expect 800-1000 kids) I am buying more candy this week to help any that need candy supplied. Please we need you to make this outreach work! Thank you!
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I'm not sure because I really don't watch TV or keep up with the news, but I may have been triggered by that FB post I shared about yesterday. I do try to stay neutral while encouraging you to seek candidates that honor God and to pray for all to know God and follow His ways. (Check out Harvest prayer about that below). Anyway, someone said that the protester did not yell "Jesus is Lord" but something about pro life. Either way, Kamala mocked them. God does not approve of abortion. It's like when in the Old Testament days when people sacrificed their babies on the altar of Moloch. How many babies have been sacrificed on the altar of convenience, self serving and even for "freedom". Jesus is Lord! Amen! And God opposes abortion. Be informed in your vote and pray for the sanctity of life and for God's ways and candidates to be raised up and honored. May His Kingdom come and will be done and may we vote informed and well. Amen
(OKAY, enough of that...I'm shrinking back and turning off the noise. My heart breaks for this nation, our division, lies and deceit and ungodly choices. I want to focus on the souls God is giving me to lead to Him and disciple in His ways. Help me Lord. Turning off the noise is something I still need to work on!)
Good Morning Thriving from the Pit Followers of Jesus! Oh please Lord! Yesterday Sarah discussed how we all have faced and maybe are facing some pit of despair or another. We are or may be waiting on the Lord as we enduring some imprisoning circumstances. BUT GOD!!!! God is preparing, equipping and stretching us in many different ways to lead us to His best. Sometimes that stretching shows up as God teaches us to patiently wait on Him for His perfect timing or provision to come. So, how ya doin' with dat? How can we help each other to be more like Joseph or Job? "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Praise to the Lord!"
God created us and placed us where we are for such a time as this. We have potential and purposes to strive toward, chief of which is becoming more like Jesus--living and loving more like Him. Focus on that today, this week and for the rest of your life! You are made for such a time as this. What does God have for you today to shine His Light and make His love know. Who does he have for you to lead to Him. Yes let's commit to earnestly focusing on that! That's more than enough for today. You are saved, equipped, being prepared, empowered and sent to change the world one souls at a time. We all have age and circumstance appropriate purposes in His Good News Delivery Co. Focus on and work on that and find some partners to journey with towards that. That is God's best and why we are still here. May we focus on things above and earnestly pursue Him and His best. Yes, help us Lord!
Below are a few devotionals that thread through this. What's God saying to you? How might you pray, respond, serve today? He does have great plans for you to focus on. Turn off the noise and keep your eyes on Jesus! Amen!
Harvest Prayer:
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October 21 - DAY 25 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For Justice And Accountability In Government
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“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 NIV).
Author, Steve Johnson, wrote an insightful article about the biblical role of government. Here are some excerpts from “What Is the Role of Government According to the Bible?”:
According to the Bible, “all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God” (Romans 13:1). This means that it is God who has ordained the institution of government and that the role and purpose of government is mandated by Him. It is also important to understand that only God is sovereign, and the role of government is limited. This is because God has not only ordained the government but also the church and the family. They have their own authority structures and the state should only interfere in exceptional circumstances in order to carry out justice.
The essential role and purpose of government is to exercise justice. Government is to seek, serve, and promote the common good of the people, not the good of the rulers (Romans 13:4). It must promote and never prevent progress toward the peace and prosperity of the society. It is to preserve human dignity. Harm done to another person is a violation of human dignity. Although God has ordained government and its purposes it does not have the solutions for all the problems and troubles in society. Those who govern are fallible people just like us needing God’s wisdom just as much as we do.
Sovereign Lord, You have ordained government for the sake of justice for Your people so that we may walk humbly and in peace together before You. Help us to pray for our government officials more than we criticize them. Give us love for those who are not governing according to Your principles, and through our prayers, turn their hearts towards You. May our nation once again be a shining light on a hill for Your glory.
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- Ask God for biblical justice to once again rule in our nation.
- Pray for the eyes of those who have been deceived or blinded by the devil to be opened to the truth of His true justice.
- Pray that all people, including our government officials, will do justice through loving kindness and walk humbly with Him.
- Pray that all government officials will be held accountable and that those who continue to govern with evil intent will be removed.
- Pray that justice will be fair and equitable for all people in our nation.
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Upper Room: All-Embracing Love
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword? - Romans 8:35 (NRSVUE)
One day in the grocery store parking lot I heard a young woman singing a song about God. As I listened to her singing, I became fascinated with her voice and how much love she put into each note of the song. When she finished, I walked over to her and asked her why she was singing that particular song. She smiled and said, “God loves everyone. You won’t see one person out here that God doesn’t love. That’s why I am singing.” Her answer surprised me; yet her words were true. When I left, I looked around at the people in the parking lot and thought of how God loves each one of them.
With so many painful events taking place in the world that divide and dehumanize, it is good for us to take a minute to realize that God loves each person no matter what they may be going through at any given moment.
Today's Prayer
O God, teach us to love as you do so that we can show love to all people. Amen.
TWFYT:
Sarah Young:
Charles Stanley:
Saturday, October 26 2024
Good Morning Faithful Ones of God--True Worshipers! Let us enter His courts with thanksgiving and praise! Prepare your hearts to worship in Spirit and Truth. May we stay faithful to God always and show our worship as we trust and obey. May we be prepared vessels of the Potter as we follow Jesus to our custom made purposes for such a time as this. You know that thought comes from the story of Esther who braved the uncertainty of being faithful to God and His people. Like her, we are being prepared for such a time as this. I thought God had me all ready to share thoughts from our devotionals today. And I may at least still just share copies of those below. BUT GOD! He opened my eyes to an urgent prayer item. Join me and Harvest Prayer in interceding for our nation and leaders.
As I was preparing to write this, I saw a post from a Kamala rally. People shouted, "Jesus is Lord!" Her response was laughter and saying that they must be at the wrong rally and come on get real. And the crowd of God haters erupted in cheers. Help us Lord!
Jesus is Lord! And He will raise up His leaders. If we want to see revival in this nation, we need to carefully examine the candidates and seek God's guidance for our votes. And we need to do our part for such a time as this! What candidates honor God and will allow us to continue to worship and share the Good News freely? Vote for those. The Bible says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Is Jesus the Lord of your life? We can see that for many, He is not and they laugh at and belittle His followers. Engage with and pray through the Connection devo of Harvest below. Pray earnestly for this nation, for God to bring revival and for Him to raise up His leaders for such a time as this! You are being prepared to be His vessels for such a time as this too! May we be God's revivalists as we go and share the Good News of Jesus and our salvation. May we see and expose the darkness hidden as light. Jesus is the Light of the World. May that Light shine bright through us, His people, custom made servants, prepared for such a time as this! May we be His faithful ones living this life as an act of worship! Amen! It's time to rise up as prayer warriors and faithful servants! Move us Lord!
Harvest:
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October 20 - DAY 24 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For Exposure Of Malicious Intent In Government
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“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them.” (Ephesians 4:2-3 NIV).
“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
One of the best biblical accounts of the exposure of malicious intent is the story of Esther, who was raised up “for such a time as this” in order to expose the evil plan behind a plot to kill the Jewish people.
The Persian king’s evil official Haman was bent on the total eradication of the Jews (very much like the enemies of the Jews today), simply because of his hatred for one Jewish man, Mordecai, who had refused to bow before him. The plot was discovered and Queen Esther was tasked with saving her people. She heroically risked the king’s anger by appearing before him without being officially summoned. Esther very cleverly revealed the plot to the king, the edict to kill the Jews was reversed, the evil official Haman was exposed and hanged, and Mordecai was elevated to the most important position as second to the king. Even though His name is not mentioned, God’s hand was very clearly at work throughout the story of Esther.
Merciful Father, You have the good of those who love You in Your heart, and You love those who do not yet walk in Your ways or who have turned their backs on You. Please work in my heart and the hearts of all of Your people to expose anything that displeases You. Help us to quickly repent before You. Then, Lord, would You work in our nation as You did through Your servant, Esther? Would you root out and expose the dark deeds, intents, and plots that are so evidently at work in the government of America? Send revival, Father! Use us to bring light to the darkness like never before!
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- Pray in the powerful name of Jesus that God will push back the forces of darkness and bring evil into the light.
- Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life and the lives of everyone in our nation to recognize and resist the influence of evil.
- Pray that you and the church in our nation can boldly declare faith in God’s protection and unfailing love.
- Pray that the rotten fruit of evil intent and evil deeds in our government can be clearly seen and turned away from.
- Pray that God will raise up godly men and women to take the places of those who seek to do evil.
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Connection Prayer Devotions Sign Up
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Here are the rest of the devotionals God led me to this morning. Keep your eyes fixed on things above, looking for God to be at work, and willing to join Him as He leads you. You are His and He is with you--always. Trust and obey and glorify Him in all you think, say and do. Allow Him to shape and prepare you and send you to your custom made mission for such a time as this! Amen My hope is in the Lord! Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness! Know His peace, love and joy beyond understanding! Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! May He rule and reign in your heart and direct your steps for such a time as this! Amen!
Upper Room: Looking for God
Those who look to [the Lord] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. - Psalm 34:5 (NIV)
My job vanished suddenly. Though my supervisor had told me, “You have planted good seed; we appreciate you, so don’t lose hope,” a shadow covered my heart. I had been struggling with a season of losses: the death of a beloved friend, a missed opportunity to move abroad, an empty nest after our three children had all moved away.
But the Psalms gave me strength; I found myself crying along with them: “I have come into the deep waters. . . . I am worn out calling for help. . . . My eyes fail, looking for my God” (Ps. 69:2-3). Eventually, though, I read the words above from Psalm 34: “Those who look to [the Lord] are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” I had found God’s promise!
So do not lose sight of God’s love. When dark thoughts come, ponder the psalmist’s words and look for God’s presence: in scripture, in prayer, within your spirit, in beautiful friendships, in acts of love and forgiveness. When we see no light ahead, we can trust the psalmist’s words; God is right beside us.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, sometimes it is not easy to rest in your love and care. But we choose to fight against anxiety and sorrow with your help and that of the people who care for us. Keep us safe in difficult times. Amen.Chuck Swindoll
Sarah Evans:
Joyce Meyer
Our Daily Bread
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In 1921, artist Sam Rodia began construction on his Watts Towers. Thirty-three years later, seventeen sculptures rose as high as thirty meters over Los Angeles. Musician Jerry Garcia was dismissive of Rodia’s lifework. “That’s the payoff,” said Garcia. “That thing that exists after you’re dead.” Then he said, “Wow, that’s not it for me.”
So what was the payoff for him? His bandmate Bob Weir summed up their philosophy: “In eternity, nothing will be remembered of you. So why not just have fun?”
A wealthy, wise man once tried to find the “payoff” by doing everything he possibly could. He wrote, “I said to myself, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good’ ” (Ecclesiastes 2:1). But he noted, “The wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered” (v. 16). He concluded, “The work that is done under the sun was grievous to me” (v. 17).
The life and message of Jesus radically counter such shortsighted living. Jesus came to give us “life to the full” (John 10:10) and taught us to live this life with the next one in view. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,” He said. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). Then He summed it up: “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (v. 33).
That’s the payoff—both under the sun and beyond.
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
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How do you want to be remembered? What does it mean to “store up treasures in heaven”?
Father God, please help me serve You joyfully with eternity in view.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Should we view this life’s frustrations as a gift? For that matter, is even death itself a gift? Those are questions we must consider given the Teacher’s (see Ecclesiastes 1:1) conclusion here: “The wise, like the fool . . . must die” (2:16). The prospect of his own death compelled him to ponder where he might find true meaning. If he’d found satisfaction in the temporary pleasures and even the good things he pursued, the Teacher might not have acknowledged the only true source of fulfillment—God Himself (see 12:13). Awareness of our own mortality can prompt us to seek God.
Tim Gustafson |
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The Word for You Today
Charles Stanley
Saturday, October 26 2024
Today is Clothing Closet from 10-1. Praise God for our volunteers (most are not members). Thank God for His provision and opportunities to be Christ and to show His love and care to neighbors. Pray for unity of the team and for God to move through their ministry, begin some relationships that will lead to a relationship with Jesus.
Tomorrow we worship at 10 in person and on Zoom. Invite some friends (or enemies). Pray for some to come and try us out. Pray we worship in Spirit and Truth and glorify God. Pray for Sarah as she brings the Word.
We are collecting for our Light in the Night Trunk or Treat (Our Rally Day envelopes will be used to fund this and Family Ministries. We can use candy or money to buy needed supplies. Pray that we connect to many neighbors on Friday and begin relationships that lead to a relationship with God. Pray for unity with Revival Church as we serve together. Pray for provision including enough cars to fill our lot. Sign up to help on bulletin board and talk to Pastor Don or Sarah for how you might help.
Pray for next Sunday's brunch and for our Bishop Sizemore who will joining us and preaching. Sign up sheet for brunch is on bulletin board or let Lori know you are coming. Invite some friends for this day of worship, food, fellowship and fun.
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Good Morning Drawing Close to God Servants of the Lord! Be still and know, pray, plan and go love like Jesus! He has some amazing things in store for you and us for the rest of the year and beyond as we seek to Become More in '24--more of Him and less of me. Our devotionals for today (below) thread through all of this. God's always speaking and wanting to lead you to His best. PTL! What's He saying to you and what will you do about that? Who is He wanting to partner you with as you go live and love more like Jesus? Pray into that! Be still and know then go!
Keep your eyes on Jesus! Die to self, take up your cross today and crucify self and sin as you prepare to follow Jesus. As you dwell in His loving presence, He will cleanse, purify and prepare you to follow. He is our all in all! But is He the center of your focus and life? Draw close and He promise to draw close to you and walk with you to his best for you. Amen! You are custom made for such a time as this. God has created you, gifted you and placed you right where He wants you. PTL! Ask Him to lead you to His perfect plans for you and for a willing heart. Don't grow weary as you pursue Jesus's best and endure living in this world with all it's anti-God ways and distractions. Persevere! Remember that waiting on the Lord is an active thing as we keep about His business, allowing Him to lead in His timing to His perfect plans for you and us as His Body. It's a time to meditate on His Word, pray, plan with others and keep doing the last thing He led you too until He leads to the next. Keep seeking, knocking, preparing and stepping out in faith with Him as your guide. I often think of Proverbs 3:5-6's reminder to not lean on my own thinking but to allow Him to steer to his best.
There's a lot to digest here. May God draw you close, speak to your heart and direct you to your part in His Good News Delivery Co. Be still and know. Prepare and go. Live and love more and more like Jesus every day and every step of faith along the way. He does have some awesome plans just for you and for us as His Body. He is leading us to become His dynamic movement to transform this world! Amen! Go prepared and in his peace today!
Sarah Young:
ODB:
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As the “voice of the Denver Nuggets,” team chaplain Kyle Speller is most known for his rip-roaring, public address announcing during the championship basketball club’s games. “Let’s go!” he thunders into the mic, and thousands of onsite NBA fans, as well as millions more watching or listening to the action, react to the voice that earned Speller’s nomination as the 2022 All-Star Game PA Announcer. “I know how to feel the crowd and kind of set that home court atmosphere,” he says. Still, every word of his voice artistry—featured also in TV and radio commercials—is to glorify God. His work, Speller adds, is “just doing everything for an audience of One.”
The apostle Paul stressed a similar ethic to the Colossian church, whose members let doubts about Christ’s divinity and sovereignty seep into even their practical lives. Instead, wrote Paul, in “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
Paul added, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (v. 23). For Kyle Speller, that includes his role as a chaplain, of which he says, “That’s kind of my purpose here . . . and the announcing is the icing on the cake.” Our own work for God can be just as sweet for our audience of One.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
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What’s the key factor in your work ethic? How would working as for God change your perspective?
Thank You for my work, Jesus, and inspire me to do it all as for You.
For further study, read How Can I Find Satisfaction in My Work?
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us of whom we serve: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart . . . . It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of living before the audience of One. Notice these statements from Jesus: “My food . . . is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (John 4:34). “I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me” (6:38). “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him” (8:29). In everything He undertook, Jesus had one overarching purpose—to please His Father. That truly is what it means to live before the audience of One. With the Spirit’s help, we can aspire to live out His example.
Bill Crowder |
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Chuck Swindoll:
Upper Room: Uniquely Made
You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance. - 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (NIV)
We have a shelf in our home where we store an assortment of tools. Some are new and others are old. Some require electric power, while simpler hand tools require only arm strength. Together the tools allow us to complete a multitude of projects, ranging from small crafts to home improvements.
These tools remind me how God created each of us as individuals, but made us all in the divine image. God has blessed each of us with specific talents, abilities, and strengths to build the kingdom of God on earth. We are better equipped to serve God and others when we pray, meditate, study scripture, and worship with other believers in the community of faith.
Just as each tool on our shelf was created for a certain task, we as believers can work together in our churches and communities to build strong relationships. We can support others by showing the love God revealed to us through the life of Jesus Christ. And no matter where we are, God shapes us and guides us toward a life of loving service.
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide our words and actions as we work with others in unity to further your kingdom. Amen.Joyce Meyer
Charles Stanley
TWFYT:
Friday, October 18 2024
Nov 2024 St. Matthew’s Prayer Guide
Pray that we become a dynamic movement of God led by pastors and laity who have a burning passion for God and a missionary zeal to reach those who don’t yet know Christ
Pray for St. Matt’s to become a house of Prayer for the Nations and for many to embrace their power and purpose in praying
Thank God for His provision and protection. Pray we continue to sow lavishly while being the best stewards of all His blessings. Pray for our budgeting process to be led by wisdom from God. Pray we have faith to sow lavishly.
Pray for our Bread and Clothing ministries to connect to neighbors and meet needs. Thank God for the volunteers.
Pray for our Wed. night ministries and our Sun. 2 Peas in a Pod Brunches to flourish and connect people to God.
Pray for small groups to be started in the building, homes, and businesses around the area. Pray for leaders for them. Ask God to lead you to some partners to journey with.
Pray we bring joy and love alive. Pray we find new connection points to our neighbors and start growing friendships that lead to a relationship with Jesus.
Pray for harvest workers to be raised up from the harvest that is coming. Thank God for the harvest. Ask Him what your part is in His Good News Delivery Co. and for help to step into it.
Friday, October 18 2024
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! Amen and PTL! What love, grace and mercy He showers over us! Jesus loves us so much that he hung on the cross for your forgiveness. he had you and still has you on His mind and in His heart. Yes what love! Thanks Lord for forgiving a wretch like me--amazing love and grace are from You1 Thank You! Help me repent of all sins and allow You to refine and reshape me. Come! Have Your way with me! Thank You Amen!
Good Morning Redeemed, Molded, Prepared, Followers of Jesus. He is our Good Shepherd. He is Love. He has great plans for you and is shaping and preparing you for those. PTL! Yesterday we discussed following the Good Shepherd and today's devotionals flow from that and led to this blog. God inhabits our praise and leads us through the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Amen!
Sometimes the journey is very hard and the enemy loves kicking us when we are down. Sometimes we just want to give up as we weary of staying true always. Our Daily Bread talks about being spread out too thin and asks, "How can you put your trust in God when you're tired and overwhelmed?" great question, right? Check out this song. You're gonna be okay. Turn off the noise and tune into God. Fix your thoughts on things above: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj_RNYbynU4. Don't give up. Seek some fellow travelers to hold you up and help you along too.
The rest of our devos flow through this reminder: God is with you and making a way. Keep your eyes on Jesus and feet following. Be renewed and directed as you dwell in Hid Love and Word. And go live and love like Jesus and help someone along the way today. God loves you and has great plans for you today. He inhabits your praise. Keep worshiping and your eyes on things above. I'm praying for you and here if you need to chat or pray. Shalom--dwell in His Love today!
ODB:
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In J. R. R. Tolkien’s book The Fellowship of the Ring, Bilbo Baggins starts showing the effects of carrying, for six decades, a magical ring with dark powers. Weighed down by its slowly corrosive nature, he says to the wizard Gandalf, “Why, I feel all thin, sort of stretched, if you know what I mean: like butter that has been scraped over too much bread.” He decides to leave his home in search of rest, somewhere “in peace and quiet, without a lot of relatives prying around.”
This aspect of Tolkien’s story reminds me of an Old Testament prophet’s experience. On the run from Jezebel and wrung out after his battle with false prophets, Elijah badly needed some rest. Feeling depleted, he asked God to let him die, saying, “I have had enough, Lord” (1 Kings 19:4). After he fell asleep, God’s angel woke him so he could eat and drink. He slept again, and then ate more of the food provided by the angel. Revitalized, he had enough energy for the forty-day walk to the mountain of God.
When we feel scraped thin, we too can look to God for true refreshment. We might need to care for our bodies while we also ask Him to fill us with His hope, peace, and rest. Even as the angel tended to Elijah, we can trust that God will impart His refreshing presence on us (see Matthew 11:28).
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
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When you’re wrung out and exhausted, what actions tempt you? How can you put your trust in God when you’re tired and overwhelmed?
Strengthening God, I look to You for true rest. Please help me put my hope in You and fill me with Your presence.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Elijah’s plea for God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4) may give us some insight into his condition. His wish for death wasn’t just because he feared Jezebel’s death threat, but because he felt he was “no better than [his] ancestors” (v. 4). It’s possible that his depression was rooted in the reality that though he’d trusted God to do the impossible when He consumed the burnt offering (18:38-39) and witnessed His power when He sent rain (vv. 41-46), he’d immediately fled in fear of Jezebel. Perhaps he felt that his own faith, like that of his ancestors, was weak and fickle. Or he may have been discouraged because he’d failed to rid Israel of Baal worship and idolatry.
J.R. Hudberg |
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Sarah Yong:
Upper Room: Dwelling on Blessings
You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted. - Psalm 40:5 (NRSVUE)
Recently, I decided that every night when I lie down to sleep, I would give thanks for three things I noticed that day. Some days my gratitude is for something as simple as finding what I needed at the grocery store, getting an encouraging text or email, or feeling the warmth of beautiful sunshine. Other times my prayers of gratitude focus on finding the solution to a computer problem I had spent hours working on or rejoicing with a friend who experienced healing. Many nights, my list is far longer than three things! I am realizing God’s goodness encompasses my day in ways I often did not notice before.
Focusing on God’s goodness has boosted my spirit immensely. Sleep often comes much more quickly than before, and I am blessed with peace. I have found that when I go to sleep dwelling on God’s blessings, I wake up the same way. What a difference this practice has made in my attitude and feeling of well-being throughout the day!
Today's Prayer
Gracious God, open our eyes to the wonderful blessings we receive each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Joyce Meyer:
Charles Stanley:
Friday, October 18 2024
Today: Bread Ministry 10-12, Chosen Dinner Huddle with Family Ministries 6-8pm
Wagner's update below
Good Morning Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus, Joy-Filled, Encouraging, Co-Laboring Followers of Jesus! Hey that's a mouthful but PTL! That is us or at least we are moving towards being and doing these! Pronounce these over you and us in prayer. Keep working at becoming the people you are created to be and doing what you are created to do for today and for such a time as this. We are teammates, gathered to encourage each other and grow God's Kingdom. He has great plans for us to activate in prayer and action as we seek His Kingdom first, fix our thoughts on things above and follow Jesus! Say this out loud as you proclaim it and enact these in prayer: I am/we are Fixing Your Eyes on Jesus, Joy-Filled, Encouraging, Co-Laboring Followers of Jesus! Amen!
Check out our devos below that flow through this thinking and truths. IDK why but Go awoke me at 1:30 to discuss these, encourage me and call me to releasing these blessings in prayer and to encourage and spur you on. Lord willing He will allow me some more sleep before I begin my 12+ hour day. He has great plans for me which include being still at His feet, receiving and releasing what He has for me and us today, allowing Him to prepare me to write this blog and then move forward informed as He leads me step by step through this day. He has plans for you custom made for you today too. Talk to Him and your teammates about these and pray into and get busy following Jesus with your eyes fixed on God and His plans.
I've had an amazing day with the Lord already and it's only 3:30am! PTL! Sometimes, like Jesus, I can't resist getting up early and abiding in His presence before preparing for His plans for the day. The neatest part is that this is part of Jesus' easy yoke for me and such a blessing as I seek, trust and work at following each step. It's inviting Jesus to be my Lord and Shepherd and to inform my prayers and choices. I've already spent much time praying for you and for God to bring His plans alive to and through you and our Body. Here's the devos as God ordered them for us today. What's He saying to you? What will you do about it? How might He have you pray? Whose your buddy? Seek first His Kingdom and all kinds of blessings will flow from that and no matter what you are facing or traveling through, He can fill you with joy overflowing! Amen! Receive it and all He has for you today and then follow Jesus with your teammates. Watch for what He's about to do and be ready to join Him as you step into your purposes for today and then just worship. Yes, what joy and peace we can experience today! PTL! Put on that custom fitted easy yoke of Jesus and travel with Him today as that leads to much joy! Amen!
NOW I CAN GO REST AND ABIDE AND REFESH BEFORE I HEAD OUT FOR A GREAT DAY FOLLOWING JESUS! Pray for God to use me well today. Appreciate your prayers! Really need them! Thanks! I am...Fixing My Eyes on Jesus, Joy-Filled, Encouraging, Co-Laboring Follower of Jesus! Yes and Amen! I receive that Lord!
ODB:
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Go at the speed of joy. The phrase dropped into my mind as I prayerfully considered the year ahead one morning, and it seemed apt. I had a propensity to overwork, which often sapped my joy. So, following this guidance, I committed to working at an enjoyable pace in the coming year, making space for friends and joyful activities.
This plan worked . . . until March! Then I partnered with a university to oversee the trial of a course I’d been developing. With students to enroll and teaching to deliver, I was soon working long hours to keep up. How could I go at the speed of joy now?
Jesus promises joy to those who believe in Him, telling us it comes through remaining in His love (John 15:9) and prayerfully bringing our needs to Him (16:24). “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete,” he says (15:11). This joy comes as a gift through His Spirit, who we’re to keep in step with (Galatians 5:22-25). I found I could only maintain joy during my busy period when I spent time each night in restful, trusting prayer.
Since joy is so important, it makes sense to prioritize it in our schedules. But since life is never completely under our control, I’m glad another source of joy—the Spirit—is available to us. For me, going at the speed of joy now means going at the speed of prayer—making time to receive from the Joy-Giver.
By Sheridan Voysey
REFLECT & PRAY
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What saps your joy? How will you rest in the Joy-Giver today?
Holy Spirit, please fill me afresh today with Your love, peace, and joy.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Love, joy, and peace are key words in John’s gospel. In John 15:9-15, love and joy are associated with obedience. One can’t choose joy without choosing obedience: “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (vv. 10-11). Love and joy are listed in Galatians 5:22-23 as fruit or evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence in the lives of believers in Jesus: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Disobedience to Christ’s commands, specifically the command to love, robs us of joy. Empowered by the Spirit, however, we can obey Him, which results in joy that the world can’t give and can’t take away.
Arthur Jackson |
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SY:
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UR: Strength to Move Forward
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
The moon jellyfish is a fascinating animal. As they swim, their wispy tentacles gracefully trail behind their mushroom-shaped body. When a moon jellyfish loses or breaks tentacles due to injury, it cannot regenerate new ones. Instead, it works tirelessly to reorganize and reposition its remaining tentacles so they are symmetrically spaced around its body, allowing the jellyfish to efficiently navigate the water. The jellyfish’s muscles contract and relax constantly to rearrange its tentacles, a process that can take days.
I think about the losses I have experienced, and I recognize a parallel with the jellyfish. When a loved one dies, we cannot replace them; their loss might shatter us. But as we grieve, we also gradually heal and adjust. We work to bring back stability in our lives and look for strength to move forward. This process takes time and looks different for each person.
The psalmist reminds us of the promise that God will be close to us in our tragedy and heartbreak. As we navigate our grief, we can ask God to strengthen our spiritual muscles and sustain us on the journey. God provides healing and repair for our brokenness and “saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, when our hearts are broken, help us navigate the waters of grief. Sustain us and give us strength as we adjust to new circumstances. Amen.
TWFYT:
Wagner's update
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Greetings Friends,
We’re grateful for your faithful prayers over the last nine weeks as we transitioned back to Kenya, unpacked and re-settled into our “other home”, and started our 28th new beginning at RVA.
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| New Beginnings in our Kijabe Community |
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| There have been some very noticeable changes in our local community since we left nine months ago. You may remember the incredible devastation from the heavy rains at the end of April this year. Our friends are slowly rebuilding their lives after so much loss. As we’ve reconnected with many of them over the last few weeks, our conversations have been seasoned with hearts of thanks and hope. What a testimony to God’s faithfulness through incredibly difficult circumstances. PRAY for God’s healing comfort in grief and loss, as well as His continued provision of resources as the rebuilding of lives continues. |
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| New Beginnings in our RVA Community |
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| Change is constant on our school campus, whether it’s graduating seniors or the comings-and-goings of staff, new beginnings are always on the horizon. PRAY for new students and staff who recently joined our school community and are still getting settled into the rhythm of life here. As we began this school year, the RVA School Board received nominations for a new Superintendent and will be interviewing candidates this week. PRAY that God will clearly direct them in this decision and bring the best person to lead RVA for the next several years. |
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| New Beginnings in our Dorm |
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| We happily welcomed nine 5th & 6th grade boys into our dorm family at the end of August; two returning from last year and seven brand new to RVA. It has been fun getting to know our boys and their families. Two boys had older siblings in our dorm just a few years ago and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting their families. Considering the huge transition it is to change schools…and…do it away from their parents, our boys are truly amazing rock stars! PRAY for our boys to feel secure, loved, and “at home” as we care for them this year. |
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| New Beginnings in our “Day Jobs” |
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| Brian is excited to be back in the classroom teaching two sections of AP Calculus, working closely with the math department faculty, and helping RVA implement our growth and improvement plans for this 7-year accreditation cycle with the Middle States Association. Missy has started her new TCK administrative role with AIM and joined the education consulting team supporting AIM’s Africa-based families whose children are in a variety of traditional and non-traditional school settings. PRAY for good balance as we serve students and families in a variety of roles both in and out of the dorm. |
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| New Beginnings in our Family |
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| While amidst our own transitions, our three kids and their spouses have been transitioning, too. There have been new beginnings at home (Rachel & family relocated to another state), new beginnings at school (Hannah & Micah started grad school programs), and new beginnings at work (Lynnsi joined Interaction International as a TCK Specialist and is gathering prayer and financial partners with the goal of beginning this support-based ministry position soon). Check-out Lynnsi’s website LW - TCK Specialist to learn more. PRAY for our big kids and all their new beginnings! |
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| New Beginnings in our Students |
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| As our students return from midterm break today, RVA begins our annual Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) - five days of focused worship and deliberate teaching from God’s Word. This is often a time when our students experience new beginnings in their faith journey. The theme for this week is “Deeply Rooted” from Colossians 2:7. PRAY for Mr. John Njoroge, a well-known apologetics speaker born and raised in the community near RVA, as he shares with our students. In 2011, John and his wife, Leah, opened Valley Light Home in the town just below RVA that provides residential care for orphans and abandoned children in a family setting. PRAY that our students will not be distracted or discouraged by the evil one who wants to fill their minds with doubt. PRAY that they might know Christ more fully during this time. |
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| “I am about to do something new. It is beginning to happen even now. Don’t you see it coming? I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert. I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.” ~Isaiah 43:19 |
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We deeply appreciate your love, care, and prayers in all our new beginnings!
Brian & Missy |
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Friday, October 18 2024
NOTE: The Rally Day Envelope in your giving box will be used to boost the Family Ministries Fund. This fund is used to buy most of our food, supplies for activities and is being used to purchase stuff for our Trunk or Treat next week. We expect to invest close to or more than $1000. for the Trunk or Treat and we spend anywhere from $150 to over $500 weekly for food and supplies. Thanks for giving! God keeps providing in miraculous ways through your faithful giving and support!
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Good Morning Faithful Followers of the Good Shepherd! Amen! May this be so of us Lord! Thanks for being our Good Shepherd! Thank you for the faith You have given us. We do believe! Forgive our unbelief! Move us to grow in faith and following well always. Thanks for the great plans you have for me, each of us and us as Your Body. Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through, and around me and us for Your glory! Thanks! Keep growing our relationships with You and open our eyes and move our feet to what You are doing and have for us. Thanks! Lord send Your Spirit to fill us, counsel us and guide us today. We cast all anxiety unto You and seek to grow in trust as we follow You and see Your faithfulness and good plans come to life. Come! Have Your way with me and us today and glorify Your holy name. We are the flock of the Great and Good Shepherd. Come shepherd us! And lead us to those sheep that need Your rescue and use us to help. Show us Your good plans today and move our feet to join and do our parts. Thanks! Amen!
Today, my devotionals thread through this line of thinking. I love how God does this. He is speaking to some of you too. Be still and know and be open and receive, then trust and obey and follow Jesus to His best plans for you today. He is calling you by name and inviting you to follow Him and into a deeper relationship. How cool! He longs to bring His rest, shalom and joy to you today! Rejoice! Check out the devos below. What's God saying to you? I'd love to hear!
Last night during the Chosen Dinner Huddle we discussed how God's ways are not our ways and the need to stop leaning on our own understanding of things and His will. We discussed God's three answers to our prayers: Yes, Wait, and No, I've got something better. We discussed how hard it is to keep our focus on God, especially as we move through grief and can't see Him or sense His presence with us and can't understand why. Please, prepare your hearts and minds for the hard times by working on your relationship with our ever-present, caring, God today. Last night we experienced how it must be for God as He grieves with you and your not understanding that He has allowed what He has to to lead to His best plans for you, us and His Kingdom. Man, it hurts sometimes! BUT God! Keep your minds fixed on our Good Shepherd always. He is calling you by name and saying come and allow me to embrace you and walk with you through this dark valley. There are still waters and green pastures to come. His shalom is available. He says, I do have plans to prosper you, even when you can't fathom how "this" is good. He is there with His open arms of love and promised comfort and strength to move forward in faith. Allow Him in and to help. Invite Him in to lead. Remind Him of His promises. Trust and follow your Good Shepherd today--always. Amen! He is worthy f all praise, glory and honor. he has created and gifted you for such a time as this. Dwell in His love and yoke to your Good Shepherd. And receive His peace and strength. I'm praying for you and for God to lead us to His best. May it be so Lord! Come!
Chuck Swindoll:
Joyce Meyer:
Sarah Evans:
Our Daily Bread:
The world was amazed when four siblings ages one to thirteen were found alive in Colombia’s Amazon jungle in June 2023. The siblings had survived forty days in the jungle after a plane crash, which killed their mother. The children, who were familiar with the jungle’s harsh terrain, hid from wild animals in tree trunks, collected water from streams and rain in bottles, and ate food such as cassava flour from the wreckage. They also knew which wild fruits and seeds were safe to eat.
God sustained the siblings.
Their incredible story reminds me of how God miraculously sustained the Israelites in the desert for forty years, which is recorded in the books of Exodus and Numbers and mentioned throughout the Bible. He preserved their lives so that they would know He was their God.
God turned bitter spring water into drinkable water, provided water from a rock twice, and guided His people in a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. He also provided manna for them. “Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: Everyone is to gather as much as they need’ ” (Exodus 16:15-16).
The same God provides us with “our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). We can trust Him to provide for our needs “according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). What a mighty God we serve!
By Nancy Gavilanes
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How have you experienced God’s provision? What are you currently trusting Him for?
Dear God, thank You for providing for my every need.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The children of Israel experienced God’s provision in the wilderness for forty years (see Exodus 16:35; Nehemiah 9:20-21). The Scriptures are full of reminders of how God faithfully provides for us. One great promise is found in the book of Lamentations, a collection of laments over the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. The bleak collection of poems is full of sadness, but there in the midst of lament and despair we discover a timeless, priceless jewel: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even in seasons of dark lament, God’s faithfulness shines.
Bill Crowder |
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The Upper Room: God's Good Purposes
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (NIV)
A highway that I use to travel to and from work was upgraded several years ago. Despite the promises of an improved motoring experience and reduced commute times, I felt apprehensive and occasionally frustrated by the roadwork. However, the disruption was worthwhile when the completed project resulted in freely flowing traffic. Another upgrade is now in progress, and I have learned to trust those charged with the planning and execution of the work for the final result, despite present appearances.
God’s purposes in our lives, like the roadwork, can appear to be disruptive, inconvenient, and unclear. But when we set aside our misgivings and put our trust in God, Romans 8:28 assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” In all circumstances, especially the challenging ones, we can trust that God is working in our lives.
Today's Prayer
Lord God, help us to trust your work in our lives so that we better reflect you to the world. Amen.
The Word for You Today:
Don 
Friday, October 18 2024
This week:
Tue. 10-11 Zoom study group. All welcome
12-12:30 Zoom prayer with Revival Church for Light in the Night
Wed. 10-12 Bread Ministry
6-8 Chosen Dinner Huddles for families and adults.
Sat. 10-1 Clothing Closet
Don't forget to pray for and sign up to help with our Trunk or Treat Fri Oct 25 from 6-8. We are in need of candy or donations for candy to be able to give to those passing through our lot.
Sunday Oct 27th Bishop Sizemore joins us to preach and eat with us at our 2 peas in a Pod brunch. Invite some friends. Sign up with Lori, Sarah or me.
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Good Morning Very Loved, Called By Name, Redeemed of the Lord! We are created in love to receive and give love. Our Creator, Jesus is calling you by name this morning and reminding you that you are His and that He has redeemed you. He is hearings your heart this morning and answering your prayers. He is in the process of working all things together for good for those who believe and are called according to His purposes. (That's us!) He has some great custom made plans for you to discover and step into. His Holy Spirit in you has gifted and empowered you and will go before you to spur each other on, encourage and build His Church. We are His and He is ours. Dwell in Him and His love this day. Receive His healing, stretching, molding and refining love. Allow Him full access as you surrender and offer yourself to Him. He is worthy of all of our being in worship and all praise glory and honor. Amen! Worship with full abandon! Receive His Light and Love. Let go and give all your hurts, anxiety, sickness, addictions to Him who is our Deliverer, Healer and Chain Breaker! He is our Savior! Allow Him to prepare you to go live and love like Jesus. We are all custom made for custom purposes--some big, but most small faithfulness's to go and love like Jesus. Today is the day of the Lord's favor! Receive it and share it boldly. All of this flows through the devotionals I used during my quiet time this morning. Check them out prayerfully below. What's God saying to you? How is He redeeming and wanting to bless you? How will you honor and worship Him? He really does have some amazing things planned just for you. PTL! Step into them as you step more fully into your new nature and your created purposes and potential in Christ.
God continues to minster to me through a full weekend of worship, ministry, study and prayer. Yesterday we discussed Col. 3:1-17. We are called to live Christ as we repent of all sin and unrighteousness and allow God to transform us and move us to live this life earnestly. Why? For in this life Christ is all that matters and He lives in us. He not only lives in us but wants to go love through us and use us as His vessels to redeem the world around us. Amen! My Sat. night worship overflowed into our worship yesterday morning. It's time to praise the Lord for He inhabits our praise. As He comes to us He leads us to go incarnate Christ to the world around us and change the world one step of faith at a time and one soul at a time. God has prepared you for someone and someone for you. Who is your buddy to go with and pray with and encourage? Watch and allow Him to use you, pray through you and transform through you. We are blessed to go be a blessing and then we are blessed back for being faithful. Amen! Then God led me to Revival Church's worship and ministry night last evening. They do this every second Sunday evening from 5-7. All are invited to join the next one. I'd like to encourage you to try it out. Last night the Holy Spirit fell on our sanctuary and brought ministry to many and healing to some. Miracles are coming and God is moving our building to become a house of prayer for the nations. Again several pastors and leaders prayed over me and our church. They prophesied some great things to come to us and through us. Receive these and keep praying for miracles and connections to new people to connect to God's healing redeeming, delivering love. God is on the move! Amen! And He does have great plans just for you and us! PTL! Receive them and release them in prayer and obedience. Amen! Yes God is on the move! Hallelujah! Revival is growing and will come alive in and through us as we surrender and allow God to use us for His glory. That is an act of worship that God finds a sweet aroma. You are loved, redeemed and being prepared to go live and love like Jesus today and for such a time as this. We are made for more and He's not finished with us yet! This is the year of the Lord's favor! Step into it! Amen! PTL! Come Jesus!
Joyce Meyer:
Charles Stanley:
The Word for You Today:
The Upper Room: Just Let Go
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
When my sister and I were younger, we were given a zip line for Christmas, which our father installed between two trees. My sister and I loved our zip line and wanted our cousin to join in on the fun. She was a little nervous at first, but after watching us, she decided to try it. She was doing great until she got closer to the tree at the end. We repeatedly yelled at her to let go, but she held on — hitting the tree and falling backward onto the snow. Thankfully, she was not injured.
At the time, I couldn’t understand why she would not simply let go before hitting the tree.
I wonder if God ever wants to yell at us to “just let go” when we try to do everything on our own, carrying things we were never meant to carry alone. God loves us and offers us rest. We can find this rest when we let go of what we’re holding and turn it over to the One who can truly give us peace.
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help us turn our burdens over to you. Guide us to the peace that only you can provide. Amen.
Our daily bread:
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When my mom was in hospice and nearing her last days on earth, I was touched by the genuine kindness of a nursing home caregiver. After gently lifting my frail mother from her chair and tucking her into bed, the nursing assistant caressed Mom’s head while leaning over her to say, “You are so sweet.” Then she asked how I was doing. Her kindness moved me to tears then and still does today.
Hers was a simple act of kindness, but it was just what I needed in that moment. It helped me to cope, knowing that in this woman’s eyes my mom wasn’t just a patient. She cared for and saw her as a person of great worth.
When Naomi and Ruth were bereft after the loss of their husbands, Boaz showed kindness to Ruth by allowing her to glean leftover grain behind the harvesters. He even ordered the male harvesters to leave her alone (Ruth 2:8-9). His kindness was prompted by Ruth’s care for Naomi: “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband” (v. 11). He saw her not as a foreigner or widow but as a woman in need.
God wants us to “clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). As God helps us, our simple acts of kindness can cheer hearts, bring hope, and inspire kindness in others.
By Alyson Kieda
REFLECT & PRAY
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When has someone shown you a simple act of kindness? How did it inspire or encourage you?
Dear God, I want to be clothed in kindness. Please give me opportunities to show it to others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Israelite landowners were told to intentionally not harvest all the grain so that the poor could glean the leftovers (Leviticus 19:9-10; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-22). In obedience, Boaz permitted the poor to glean in his fields (Ruth 2:3). When Boaz found out that Ruth was a close relative, he invited her to get her food from his land exclusively (vv. 8-9). He protected her from harm and provided her with water and food (vv. 9, 14). He even ordered his servants to deliberately “pull out some stalks for [Ruth] from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up” (v. 16).
K. T. Sim |
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Harvest: Thank God for our volunteers and His provision to our care giving ministries, of bread, food, cloths and compassionate prayer.
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October 14 - DAY 18 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For The Poor, Homeless, Depressed, And Sick In America
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“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked” (Psalm 82:3-4 NIV).
Jesus was very pointed when He spoke about the “least of these” to His followers. He was also clear (James 2:15-17) that faith without works is dead. We can be concerned for the least and the lost in our nation without actually doing anything for them. But Jesus offers a promise for those who will act in faith: “One who is gracious to a poor person lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his good deed” (Proverbs 19:17).
One incredible truth about prayer is that when we seek God on behalf of others, He gives us a fresh depth of compassion and love for them. The act of prayer is a conduit for the Holy Spirit to speak kindness, generosity, and the desire to care and comfort into our lives. Prayer changes our trajectory of activity to focus on those whom God puts into our lives to bless. Our nation is filled with people who are in desperate need of a touch from Jesus through His people! “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me’” (Matthew 25:40).
God of comfort, forgive my lack of compassion for the forgotten, the needy, the sick, and the disenfranchised people all around me. Renew my heart to look at people as You see them, and to care for them as You desire me to. Wake up Your church, Lord, to see with fresh eyes the needs before us. May the Holy Spirit prompt and urge us to step up and care for those in need so that more people in our nation will see You at work and put their trust in You.
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- Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a purposeful life of compassion, filled with the joy of giving.
- Pray that you are quickly able to see the needs around you and respond as God leads.
- Ask God to help you encourage people in your family and in your church towards love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).
- Ask the Father to give creative solutions to His people to meet the needs of their communities with love and compassion so that His glory will be evident to all.
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Friday, October 18 2024
Today: Zoom Huddle 10-11; Prayer for Trunk or Treat with Revival church, noon-12:30 on Zoom (all welcome) Link: Today Noon and 6:30 pray with Revival Church for Light in the Night Trunk or Treat. Link:
Topic: Light in the Night Prayer Call Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet every Tues at noon and/or 6:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9852381129?pwd=V2oXjq2YIpVu2btu0b7Nk4j2Bax7Wl.1&omn=84653669862
Meeting ID: 985 238 1129 Passcode: prayer
Good Morning Lavishly Sowing Prayer Warriors and Servants of the Lord! Oh please keep or start sowing lavishly for revival, new connection points, new ministry opportunities, Light in the Night, and for God to lead new families and children to our fellowship in prater and actions. Our fervent, lavish prayers do produce His plans and good fruit to come alive. Check out a few devos on that today and keep praying! We need your prayers! God answers your prayers because you are clothed in Jesus' righteousness. Amen! Pray for His Kingdom to come and will to be done. Pray for our vision team to see and hear and make His plans for the rest of the year and into 2025. He has great plans for us and fruit is budding. may we see, follow and produce good and lasting fruit as we sow lavishly in prayer and action. May we be the best stewards of all His blessings and follow Jesus well! Amen! Come Jesus! Lead us today and always to be lavish sowers and great fruit producers for Your glory. Amen! And join us as we pray through the day and serve always and incarnate Jesus daily. I'm sowing lavishly over you, our Church and ministries. May God use us well! Amen
TWFYT:
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It was June 2016 during the official celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s ninetieth birthday. From her carriage, the monarch waved to the crowds, passing in front of long lines of red-coated soldiers standing at perfect, unflinching attention. It was a warm day in England, and the guards were dressed in their traditional dark wool pants, wool jackets buttoned to the chin, and massive bear-fur hats. As the soldiers stood in rigid rows under the sun, one guard began to faint. Remarkably, he maintained his strict control and simply fell forward, his body remaining straight as a board as he planted his face in the sandy gravel. There he lay—somehow still at attention.
It took years of practice and discipline for this guard to learn such self-control, to hold his body in place even as he was falling unconscious. The apostle Paul describes such training: “I discipline my body and keep it under control,” he wrote (1 Corinthians 9:27 esv). Paul recognized that “everyone who competes . . . goes into strict training” (v. 25).
While God’s grace (not our efforts) undergirds all we do, our spiritual life deserves rigorous discipline. As God helps us discipline our mind, heart, and body, we learn to keep our attention fixed on Him, even amid trials or distractions.
By Winn Collier
REFLECT & PRAY
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Where is it most difficult for you to discipline your heart, mind, or body? How do you sense God inviting you into deeper discipline?
Dear God, please teach me how to be more disciplined for You. I want to grow my love for You and keep my heart close to You.
For further study, read The Sword, The Son, and a Rest for God’s People.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s original audience would have immediately resonated with his sports metaphors. Corinth hosted the Isthmian games on the years before and after the Olympic games. The athletes who competed were required by the rules to train for a minimum of ten months. Failing to do so would disqualify them entirely.
In his letter to the Corinthian believers in Jesus, the apostle exhorts them to live with the same kind of discipline that an athlete would have (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)—not to compete in the games but to live faithfully in the example of Christ (Hebrews 12:1-3). He’s not pitting them against each other like the games would, but he does call them to the same level of commitment in following Jesus. Instead of ten months, though, the life of the believer in Him calls us to a lifetime of growing discipline aimed at walking in His footsteps and ultimately sharing in His prize (2 Thessalonians 2:14).
Jed Ostoich |
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UR: Teaching Children
Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6 (CEB)
Evelyn is my 10-year-old daughter. For a while now, when I sit to compose meditations to send to the editorial office of El Aposento Alto, she has sat down beside me. One morning, to my surprise, I found her writing a few paragraphs about our family. When I asked her about it, she said she was composing some meditations she plans to send to the magazine with the hope that children around the world would place God at the center of their family life and experience the goodness of God.
Today’s scripture from Proverbs immediately came to mind. God always surprises me. For a while I had wanted to teach my daughter the ways of God, but had, to my dismay, found it easier for me to quote that verse rather than put it into practice. But the good Teacher taught me a great lesson. Evelyn watches what I do and does the same. She writes a few lines, checks the scripture verses in her Bible, and sits with me while I write and edit my own meditations. I will continue to let scripture guide me as I seek to train my daughter in the ways of God, remembering that she is watching me.
Today's Prayer
Inspire us, God, to set a good example by sharing your teachings with our children so that they may gain wisdom and be nurtured in faith. Amen.
Friday, October 18 2024
Good Morning Worshipers! May all we do be an act of worship poured out before our awesome God from hearts sold out and on fire for Him and His glory! Amen! Yes PTL! Rejoice! May all we think, say and do be an act of worship. May our lives lived well in Christ be a sweet aroma to God and draw many from the stench of this world. Pour out your life and praise before God today as you prepare to come and worship in Spirit and Truth. Enter His courts with praise and thanksgiving! Cry out for revival for you, us, His Church, our communities and this nation. May we be His people who repent, turn from our wicked ways, humble ourselves in worship and obedience and walk in His ways that He would come and even use us to restore this land. Come! May He come and inhabit our praise this morning and fill us with His Spirit and Love to overflowing! May we shed the old and step more fully into our new in Christ nature and invite Him to use us for His glory. It's time for surrender and earnest praise and living! Come Lord! Use us as You have planned from long ago for such a time as this! Holy Spirit activate Your people! Come! Amen!
Last night Karen and I had an awesome night of worship, praise, repentance, prayer and dwelling in the Holy Spirit's presence during an amazing concert! May that overflow to today and continue through us as we offer ourselves as an offering to God. May He refine, prepare and send us into the harvest. May we have many stories to share of how God moved in, through and around us to revive us and our community. May this overflow as He builds a house of prayer in our building. He has great plans for you and us for such a time as this--custom made plans from long ago. Amen! Come Holy Spirit. Ignite a fire in me, us and all who gather to worship and prepare us to go in Your name to bring revival to this nation. Come! Fill us! Prepare us! Send us! Amen!
Yesterday was quite the day for me of abiding, learning, worshiping and inviting Jesus to come do His thing in through and around me and us. I spent some time in learning, encouraging and prayer with some church planters and disciple makers late yesterday morning. That time flowed from my morning worship, blog writing and sermon refining. That led to an afternoon of resting in the Lord before heading to the concert. I expect all of that to overflow into my day today and our worship. God is speaking and moving and He wants you to join Him in the plans He has for you today and this week as you prepare your hearts and feet to go and love like Jesus. Amen! Come! I'm praying for you and us to become the people God created us to be and to be doing all He has for us for such a time as this. Prepare yourself to be His vessel of revival and worship! I can't wait to see all He has for you and us and the stories He is writing for each of us to share. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and He lives in me/us! PTL! May His way come alive in and through us as we earnestly pursue Him and offer our lives as a sacrifice of praise! COME! May we glorify You and Your holy name, Jesus! Amen!
Here are some devos that thread through this and all God is and will do as we offer ourselves to Him and live our lives as an act of worship. He will inhabit our praise and lead us to His perfect plans. Be still, know and follow as you surrender all for His glory. It's time to pour ourselves out like a drink offering before the Lord! It's time for revival and for Jesus to come! Are you ready for both? Let us prepare to follow Him together as each of us earnestly steps into our custom made parts. May we encourage, spur each other on, pray like crazy, travel together and build His Kingdom! All for Your glory Lord! May God pour His Spirit out upon us and use us well for His glory as we worship, praise and follow Jesus! Come! Amen!
What is God saying to you--leading you todo? What will you do about that? Who are your partners? What story is He writing through your life lived well in Christ? Let's talk about, process, pray into and plan to go live and love like Jesus! More of You and less of me Lord! Come!
Sarah Young:
Joyce Meyer:
The Word for You today:
Charles Stanley:
Upper Room: God Always Listens
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
In 1985 my father was suffering from pneumonia. The doctor told me to contact my relatives, but I had no way to reach them. I was young and in my last year of school, and my father was our family’s primary income earner. I was unsure what I would do if he did not recover. Late that night, the doctor told me that my father’s condition had deteriorated and he might not survive. I was shaken and broken, and I felt alone.
My parents always taught me to trust in the Lord and to pray earnestly because God listens and answers our prayers. So I knelt by my father’s bed, read Psalm 23, and prayed, “Lord, I am too young and helpless to take care of my family. I love my father, and I know he is very sick. But you are a kind and loving Lord who can do anything. Please give my father five more years to live.”
When I awoke the next morning, my father’s condition had improved. He was discharged days later, and he lived for 10 more years. I completed my academic degree and started working so I could help support the family and give my father all the comfort I could.
When we pray, God answers us.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for listening to all our prayers and for loving us unconditionally. Amen.
Our Daily Bread:
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You may have seen or heard some variation of this saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” It’s a lovely thought, isn’t it? But is there any solid research to reassure us that these words are not just lovely, but true?
Yes! In fact, one such study by British and American researchers demonstrated that people estimated the size of mountains as significantly smaller if they were standing with someone else as opposed to when standing alone. In other words, “social support” matters—so much so that it causes even the size of mountains to shrink in our minds.
David found that kind of encouragement to be both lovely and true in his friendship with Jonathan. The jealous anger of King Saul was like an insurmountable mountain in David’s story causing him to fear for his very life (see 1 Samuel 19:9-18). Without some sort of support—in this case his closest friend—the story could have been drastically different. But Jonathan, “grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David” (20:34), stood by his friend. “Why should he be put to death?” he asked (v. 32). Their God-ordained friendship bolstered David, allowing him to become Israel’s king.
Our friendships matter. And when God is at the center of them, we can spur each other on to do greater things than we might imagine.
By John Blase
REFLECT & PRAY
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Where are you finding your social support? Who can you support with your friendship?
Thank You, Father, for those You’ve placed in my life who’ve kept the mountains in perspective.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The friendship between David and Jonathan was one that withstood the test of time and circumstances. Jonathan risked his life to go against his own father, King Saul, in order to protect David (1 Samuel 20). As the heir to Saul’s throne, Jonathan didn’t see David, his brother-in-law, as a political rival, but chose to forge a deep friendship with him (vv. 12-17). Jonathan encouraged David by assuring his safety and making a covenant to affirm David as king (23:17-18). David promised Jonathan that even after his death, he would treat his family with love and unfailing kindness (20:14-17, 42). After Jonathan died in battle (31:1-2), David ordered the people of Judah to remember Jonathan as their hero in a national song (2 Samuel 1:17-27). David also honored this friendship and took care of Jonathan’s disabled son, Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9).
K. T. Sim |
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Harvest:
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October 13 - DAY 17 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For Transformation In Schools And Universities
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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).
Only one-third of young adults believe they know a caring adult who believes in them. A huge percentage of Generation Z is missing a biblical worldview. Reports also show a high percentage of young people who grew up in church walking away from their faith when they leave their homes either to go to college or enter the workforce. The next generation needs our prayers!
But we have seen God move and there is great hope among our schools and college students! Most of us heard about the Asbury revival and the effect it had on students at other colleges across, not only the nation but the whole world. Here is a hope-filled commentary: “What’s happening at Asbury is not everything but it is something, and right now we need something to shock the system so that this generation can experience for themselves the life-changing power of God,” wrote the founder of 24-7 Prayer International Pete Greig. “We need repentance and holiness. We need the kind of outpouring of the Spirit on campuses that can incubate and detonate a new generation to preach the gospel with greater confidence, fight injustice with greater defiance, and transform society with greater intelligence.”
God of the generations, keep us focused on praying and mentoring our youth. Help the testimonies happening in schools and on college campuses to be more broadly seen across the media so everyone can have hope for the youth! Keep the enemy far from them and guard their hearts and minds in Christ! Thank You, Jesus, that You are on the move in the hearts and lives of young people! Help all believers to run alongside them with encouragement and much prayer!
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- Pray Jeremiah 29:11: God knows the plans He has for them – plans for good and not for evil, to give them a future and a hope.
- Pray that when students lack wisdom they will ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach (James 1:5).
- Pray that these young people will trust in the Lord with all their hearts rather than leaning on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).
- Pray that in all their ways they will acknowledge God so that He will make their paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).
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