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Saturday, November 16 2024
Good Morning Abiding, Very Loved, Seen, Forgiven, Sent Vessels of God! AMEN! You are that today and always! PTL! As you abide in Christ's loving presence today and prayerfully engage with Him through our devotional time today, you will see the thread He weaved through them to our hearts that informed this salutation! What's God saying to you? What will you do about that? Who are your partners?
Today is the day the Lord has made and we get to worship, learn and grow in it! Rejoice! Yes praise the Lord and dwell in His love, soak it in and go bring it alive! What an awesome God we know and love! Amen!
I asked God to arrange my devotionals for us as He is not only speaking and directing me, but speaking to you and our fellowship. (See below) As we abide in Him we sense how very loved we are and that He knows us and still loves us despite all our flaws and distractions. Turn off the noise! Be still and know how loved you are by the God who is the King of the Universe and our Good Shepherd! We can know we are forgiven and accepted just as we are and sent, just as we are, to bring Good News, Love, Joy and Peace to life. What an amazing God and easy yoke Jesus has for you and us! Yes rejoice! Abide! Receive! Recharge! Then Go be Christ! What a day this will be as we worship the One who made us, knows us, loves us, forgives us and wants to lead you to your full potential as you go for such a time as this! Think about that and worship! Prepare your hearts to go love well! Yes what a great day the Lord has given us today! Amen! REJOICE!
We are Abiding, Very Loved, Seen, Forgiven, Sent Vessels of God! And we get His help to go live and love more and more like Jesus everyday! How cool! PTL! Yes rejoice and prepare your hearts to worship and go in His name! Amen! See you soon!
Our Daily Bread:
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“Get down!” my friend said firmly to her son after he climbed onto the church pew and waved his hands. “I want the pastor to see me,” he innocently replied. “If I don’t stand up, he won’t see me.”
While standing on the pews is probably not encouraged in most churches, my friend’s son had a good point. Standing and waving his hands was certainly one way to be seen and to capture the pastor’s attention.
When we’re trying to get God’s attention, we don’t have to worry about being seen by Him. God sees each of us all the time. He’s the same one who revealed Himself to Hagar when she was probably at the lowest, loneliest, and most frustrating time in her life. She’d been used as a pawn and given to Abram by his wife, Sarai, to produce a son (Genesis 16:3). And when she did get pregnant, Abram allowed his wife to mistreat Hagar: “Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her” (v. 6).
The runaway slave found herself alone, pregnant, and miserable. Yet in the midst of her desperation in the wilderness, God compassionately sent an angel to speak to her. The angel told her that God had “heard of [her] misery” (v. 11). She responded by saying, “You are the God who sees me” (v. 13).
What a realization—especially in the midst of the wilderness. God saw Hagar and had compassion. And no matter how tough things are, He sees you.
By Katara Patton
REFLECT & PRAY
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What wilderness situations are you facing? How does knowing that God sees you help you to keep going?
Dear God, thank You for seeing me. I know You’re with me even during my toughest times.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
God sees and remembers us, which is an encouragement displayed repeatedly in the Scriptures. When tormented and desperate for a child of her own, Hannah prayed that God would remember her (1 Samuel 1:11), and He did (vv. 19-20). He gave her a son, Samuel, the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. Samuel would anoint Israel’s first two kings. As blind Samson stood between the pillars of a pagan temple, he too prayed for God to remember him and restore his strength (Judges 16:28). God restored that strength and Samson’s final victory proved to be his greatest. From a cross, a dying thief prayed, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). Christ assured him that He’d remember him (v. 43). One of God’s most encouraging attributes is that He’s the God who remembers us.
Bill Crowder |
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Sarah Young:
Chuck Swindoll:
Charles Stanley:
Joyce Meyer:
Upper Room: God's Plan
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
As an animal lover, I was ecstatic to apply and interview for a job managing a local veterinary clinic. It was my dream job. The interview with the clinic owner couldn’t have gone better. We got along great and discussed the future of the clinic as she gave me a full tour and introduced me to staff.
Although I was convinced this was a perfect fit for me, I asked God for guidance and to either open or close the door to this opportunity according to God’s plan. When I found out a week later that I was not selected for the job, I was heartbroken.
But I had to remind myself in my disappointment that God had indeed answered my prayer about this decision. I had asked God to open or close the door, and God had done just that.
While I think I know the right course for my life, God always knows best. When we remain humble and submit to God’s will, w
e can be certain that God has a good plan for our lives and can use all things — even disappointments — for good.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for directing our steps and reminding us that you have a good plan for our lives. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.The Word for You Today
Saturday, November 09 2024
Worship tomorrow at 10 in person and on Zoom with Children's Church. Pray for and consider helping with Children's Church. We are getting some little ones which requires an extra adult. Talk to Mike or Don about that. We are finishing up our study of 2Thessalonianschapter 3.
Keep praying for rain and for us to be springs of living water in this dry and weary land! I began this morning's quiet time as God led me to this Scripture from Isaiah 58:11, 11 And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy you in drought and in dry places and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters fail not. AMEN!
Good Morning Well Watered, Springs of Living Water! Please Lord! May that be me and us! Refresh us and water this land too. Fill our wells and aquafers. Fill us too to overflowing! May springs of living water flow from us and bring refreshing and new life alive. Refresh us too. May our roots sink deep into you and draw up that living water to overflowing. Bring revival and may it begin in me and us! Thank You! Amen!
So what is God saying to you this morning as you open His Word prayerfully and expectantly and as you sit at His feet and dwell in the Vine? You know, God really is speaking to you and us all the time. PTL! He wants to speak to your heart, bless you, encourage you and direct your steps to His best for you and for those He is sending to you for some watering. Ask Him to come, speak and direct you today. He is the Good Shepherd who leads you and us beside the still waters and to the green pastures. Thank Him for that. Then, turn off the noise and still your spirit as you spend some time beside the still waters of His love. AMEN!
God blessed Karen and me with a day off yesterday to enjoy each other, some fun things and to be refreshed. We all need to take time for some self care and restoration before we can be more fully prepared to go and be about His business and our daily chores. How are you making space and allowing Him to restore your soul? Maybe this would be something to begin processing with some others? Have you been asking God who your partners might be and doing something about it? He made us to be co-laborers. Thank Him for that and seek His direction for who and then invite someone to journey together with you. I'm really praying into that as I believe that is God's next step for our fellowship in our journey to become His dynamic movement. Start with abiding time with Him and then follow Him refreshed to what's next for you and for us too as His Good News Delivery Co. Please pray for God to open up some time and space in people's sch edules in 2025 and some willing people to gather to go deeper and journey together.
Check out the flow and thread that God led me through with the devotionals I used this morning. He is definitely speaking and desiring to lead me, you and us to His best for such a time as this. Thanks Lord! Begin with The Upper Room's reminder that He has sent out His Special Invitation just to you. He's doing the same for our fellowship as He calls us to intimacy with Him and each other as the starting point for this day and our missions. Joyce Meyer uses our true identity verse of Eph. 2:10 with her reminder that we are blessed and get to live the good life in Christ and do the things we are created to do. PTL! Jesus' easy yoke leads to the good life as we start believing and living out of our true identity that we are really loved and we matter and have purpose. PTL! Charles Stanley reminds us that that good life begins, grows and flourishes as we spend time with God in His Living Word. The Holy Spirit opens up the Word and brings it to life in and through us and uses it to inform our prayers and steps and perseverance. Thanks Lord! The Word for You Today continues teaching us that our words and pronouncements really do matter. Are you casting blessings or curses over yourself and circumstances and even others? Start pronouncing God's truths and promises over you, others and your day, circumstances and steps. Read 1 Peter 4:7-11 and pronounce the truths from it over you as you open Our Daily Bread and pray into God directing you to His plans for you today to go live and love more like Jesus. You know, Jesus is really our example of dwelling in God, His Word and bringing His Truths to life. As you spend time with Him and in His Word you will become that well watered garden that overflows with Living Water that refreshes and blesses others. That leads to growth and some really good fruit. PTL! I have been praying, releasing and pronouncing this over myself, you and our fellowship. God has something special just for you today! How cool is that! Rejoice, abide and then follow well!
What is God saying to you now that you've spent some time with Him? What will you do about it? Who are you teaming up with? May we all be His well watered gardens spewing Living Water everywhere we go! Amen!
UR: A Special Invitation
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
“Sister, will you come to my dinner on July 24th?” my friend asked. I had met this friend in a Christian fellowship group in 2019, but I later joined a new group and did not see her much anymore. It took me a moment to remember that her birthday was in July. She was inviting me to be part of the celebration. For me, that was a special and unexpected invitation.
In a similar way, each of us has received a special and perhaps unexpected invitation from Jesus, our Lord. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.” Thankfully, Jesus’ invitation has no deadline. We can come to him at any time, bringing our burdens, frustrations, and problems. For those who accept his invitation, Jesus promises rest, healing, and comfort.
Just as I immediately and excitedly accepted the invitation to my friend’s birthday party, my response to Jesus’ invitation is swift and grateful. Everyone who is weary and burdened can accept Jesus’ call to lay down their burdens and find rest.
Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for the peace you give us when we respond to your invitation and your promise. Amen.
Joyce Meyer:
Charles Stanley
TWFYT
ODB
When Krystal first started work at a Virginia coffee shop, she served a customer named Ibby. Because Ibby is hearing impaired, he placed his order using a typed note on his phone. After Krystal learned Ibby was a regular customer, she determined to serve him better by learning enough American Sign Language so he could place his order without writing it down.
In a small way, Krystal showed Ibby the kind of love and service Peter encourages us all to offer one another. In his letter to believers in Jesus who’d been scattered and exiled, the apostle indicates that they ought to “love each other deeply” and use their gifts “to serve others” (1 Peter 4:8, 10). Whatever skills and abilities He’s equipped us with are gifts we can use to benefit others. As we do, our words and actions can bring honor to God.
Peter’s words were especially important to those he wrote to, for they were experiencing a season of pain and isolation. He encouraged them to serve one another during the time of distress to help them bear up under their trials. Though we may not know the specific pain another person experiences, God can help us to show empathy as well as graciously and cheerfully serve one another with our words, resources, and abilities. May God help us serve others as a reflection of His love.
By Kirsten Holmberg
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When have you experienced the kind of hospitality Peter encourages? Who could you serve with your words, skills, and resources today?
Father, please help me to serve those around me with all that You’ve given me.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Peter tells his readers (believers in Jesus scattered due to Roman persecution; see 1 Peter 1:1) to use the gifts they’ve received, such as hospitality, serving, and speaking (4:9-11), “to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace” (v. 10). In Romans 12, Paul includes prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy (vv. 6-8). In 1 Corinthians 12, he notes “there are different kinds of gifts . . . service . . . [and] working, . . . but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work” (vv. 4-6). The Spirit gives spiritual gifts to all believers in Jesus. These include messages of wisdom and knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues (vv. 8-11). All gifts are to be used to benefit and build up others.
Alyson Kieda |
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Karen and I beginning the Berks County Best Kept Secrets Tour yesterday. The director of that caught us and shared our photo on her daily blog.
Saturday, November 09 2024
Good Morning Brothers and Sisters in Christ! We are one as He and the Father are one. He lives in us and wants to love through us and lead us to His best. COME! Help us to live and love like You Lord! Holy Spirit, speak to our hearts, inform our prayers and direct our steps as we continue to seek, knock and open the door for you to come sit on the throne of our hearts. Father, help us to be love, joy and peace bringers today. We need You always! We love You. Help us to stay connected to the Vine and bring life giving sap of Your love to those that need it today. Revive us! Unite us! Prepare us! Lead us, Good Shepherd. Thank You! Yes, come! Fill us to overflowing with Your love, wisdom, healing and help. May we go love like You today and be blessed as You use us to be a blessing. Thank You! Amen!
Are your hearts troubled today? I awoke before 3am this morning struggling in prayer for our brothers and sisters who are grieving, hurting, confused and feeling lost and hopeless. The Bible reminds us to cast all anxiety to our Lord and to receive His peace. So I am and asking for His heart and mind to fill me to overflowing to go love like Him today--always. Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body." Now that may be talking about the healthful effects that being at peace brings to our physical bodies. Science proves that it is healthy to not be anxious and to dwell in peace. Jesus is our Prince of Peace and the True Vine. Let us abide in Him today and receive His life giving sap of love and fill up to go overflow with love, joy and peace to others. But this Proverb could be applied to the Body of Christ as well as those of us who have hearts at peace are sent to comfort, strengthen and bring life to the rest of the Body as we allow Christ to love through us. Jesus promised in the Sermon on the Mount that God comfort those who mourn. How does He want to use you to be that comfort and peace today? Ask for His help to go live and love like Jesus and do it!
God took us to some deep places last evening during our Chosen dinner huddle. That has overflowed into my quiet time today and will inform this blog as I prayed for God to inform my prayers, writing, and actions today. Last night we discussed what seems like an ever, rapidly increasing sense of grief, doubt, confusion, fear and despair to be rising all around us. These certainly are uncertain times, yet God promises peace and rest to the weary. It seems like so many around us are struggling with grief of loss of loved ones and moving through the process of grief caused by sickness, disease, divorce, and lack. Now add to that those who are deeply grieving the election results. How can we minister to so many hurting brothers and sister? Well, we need Christ's love and the Holy Spirit's help for sure. We need to die to self and agape love. We need to stop leaning on our own understanding and pursue the mind and heart of Christ with the intent to bring it alive to our hurting brothers and sisters. Ask for His help to be His vessel today. Ask to see and understand the hearts of others who are in deep grief. Last night we discussed how Peter ministered to Thomas in this episode. Peter didn't know what to say or do for his hurting brother in Christ and asked Jesus. How did Jesus respond? He said sometimes words don't help. Sometimes we just need to be present, listen and love on them. Who needs the presence of Christ and His love and comfort today? God does have plans for you. Step into them!
I'm only going to say this about the election results: Some are rejoicing and some are grieving. God's Church is made up of all kinds of people, left or right, strong or weak, happy or mourning and we are called to unity and to love like Jesus. Do it! Live Christ today! If you are feeling happy and victorious today, remember what it was like for you four years ago when your hopes were dashed. Remember your disbelief and grief? How might you love on someone who is at that place today? If you are confused and in grief, please allow your brothers and sisters in to love on you and walk with you. Let us all determine to be unified in Christ and His plans and to love each other, encourage and spur each other on and focus not on things of this earth but things above. Turn off the noise and chaos and dwell in Love as you stay connected to the Life Giving Vine. We need each other and God does have plans for Jew and Gentile, Republican and Democrat, strong and weak, happy and mourning. In this life, Christ is all that matters. Choose to live and love like Him and build up His Church. Let us choose to be the example of what it means to be one in Christ and to love like Him! Amen! Help us Lord! Let us commit together to change the world for Christ as we stay united in Love and go love well. Reach out and love on a brother or sister today. Humble yourself. Be Christ!
OK this is getting way to long, but so critical. I have a pile of about ten devos that flow into this heart and Word for today that God has given me. I'll let you abide in the Vine and God's Word on your own today as you seek, knock and ask for His heart and mind to love well, receive healing and hope, and to keep your focus on Him always. Jesus is Love! He is the Prince of Peace. He is the Light of the World. He is our hope and help in times of trouble. Stay connected and allow Him to lead you today! I am pouring my heart out for you, for our hurting brothers and sisters and for the world that wrongly thinks His Church is a place of hate. Let us be the example of how to truly live and love well--His unified Body. Amen
"A heart at peace gives life to the body." Lord, bring Your peace, healing, hope, comfort and love alive. Send me! Come! Help! Amen
Saturday, November 09 2024
Thank God I'm Forgiven! Say that out loud and bring it to bear over you and your circumstances. Lift thanksgiving and praise as you begin your time with God and build momentum for the day ahead!
Good Morning Redeemed, Restored, Faithful to God and His Ways, Blessing Casting Followers of Jesus! Hmmm...say what? Say it again...pronounce it out loud. You are very loved, forgiven, redeemed, restored, child of God and your words matter! Speak over yourself and circumstances in agreement with God who is with you always an working ALL things together for your good and the good of those who He is leading to faith. Speak Truth, love and blessings, healing, hope and joy out loud. Read His Word and promises out loud. Stop cursing yourself and circumstances and start believing in God and His promises and pronounce them from your heart of faith. Our words matter!
Check out the flow of this through our devotionals below and pray in agreement with harvest prayer. This is the day the Lord has made! PTL! Rejoice! Lift Praise, And pronounce many blessings over you and your day as you prepare to go live and love like Jesus! You are God's chosen, very loved, forgiven much vessel of revival. Say that out loud as you prepare to go live and love more like Jesus! Bring your prayers and God's heart to life today! God does have some awesome plans for you! Rejoice, prepare and go in His power! Amen!
Stop and praise God and pray for our church leadership team. We had an amazing meeting last evening. God is on the move and truly does have some great things in store for us for the rest of the year and for 2025. Keep praying, praising, pronouncing, believing and follow Him! We are on our way to become His dynamic movement! PTL! Pray for our Finance Team as they have been directed towards budgeting according to God's plans. Pray we would be the best stewards of all His blessings while sowing lavishly and following earnestly! Yesterday I began disciple making training under an old friend from Bible College who is a church planter and very fruitful disciple maker. Pray for us to discern God's plans for me and us and for wisdom to bring them to life. Pray for a few to be raised up to enter the process with me after the New Year. What's God have for you in His Good News Delivery Company? Who is He leading you to partner with? Who is He bringing to mind to pray for and share His love and Good News? Keep seeking, knocking and committed to earnestly sowing and following Him. Revival is coming! Say that out loud in prayer and praise today. God is doing some old things in new relevant ways! Can you perceive it? What's your part? We were one way and we are being transformed to His image more and moved to His plans and to being His new vessels (wine skins) and His new way for us! Surrender to Him in prayer and invite Him to come have His way with you and us. Then believe and cast blessings! Amen!
Watch for some exciting new opportunities to join Jesus and expand His Kingdom! He is on the move! Hallelujah! He does have very good plans for you and us! Plans to prosper and not harm. Plans that lead to our future and hope! Amen! Start praying earnestly for who He wants to bless through you and for who He may be wanting you to invite to experience our loving, joyful fellowship and His presence! Then start following Him to be the answer to your prayers and pronouncements! I'm praying like crazy for you and us! And God loves to answer those kind of prayers. Keep your eyes on Jesus and watch expectantly for His new things with willing hearts on fire for God!!!
TWFYT: (Yes this is yesterday's reading but God had me skip that and come back to it today because it is relevant)
Joyce Meyer
ODB
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Mag had been looking forward to her planned trip to another country. But, as was her usual practice, she prayed about it first. “It’s just a holiday,” a friend remarked. “Why do you need to consult God?” Mag, however, believed in committing everything to Him. This time, she felt Him prompting her to cancel the trip. She did, and later—when she would have been there—an epidemic broke out in the country. “I feel like God was protecting me,” she notes.
Noah too relied on God’s protection as he and his family waited in the ark for nearly two months after the flood subsided. After being cooped up for more than ten months, he must have been eager to get out. After all, “the water had dried up from the earth” and “the ground was dry” (Genesis 8:13). But Noah didn’t just rely on what he saw; instead, he left the ark only when God told him to (vv.15-19). He trusted that God had good reason for the extended wait—perhaps the ground wasn’t completely safe yet.
As we pray about the decisions in our life, using our God-given faculties and waiting for His leading, we can trust in His timing, knowing that our wise Creator knows what’s best for us. As the psalmist declared, “I trust in you, Lord. . . . My times are in your hands” (Psalm 31:14-15).
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
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What do you believe God is saying to you about a decision you may be facing? How can you trust Him and wait for His guidance?
Father, please grant me the wisdom and guidance to move according to Your will and ways, for I trust in Your plans for my life.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Genesis provides some specific details regarding Noah and the timeline of the flood. “After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth” (5:32). When his sons were grown (6:18), God called him to build the ark (vv. 9-22), and he was six hundred years old when he and his family entered it (7:6). It rained for forty days and nights (vv. 12, 17), and the waters “flooded the earth for a hundred and fifty days” (v. 24). During this entire time, Noah had to trust that God would do as He’d promised (6:17-18).
J.R. Hudberg |
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UR: Peace from Prayer
Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27 (NIV)
The months following my cancer diagnosis felt incredibly long. There were medical appointments, several scans and tests, followed by more appointments, and then waiting for surgery. One week after surgery, I met with the surgeon to review results and discuss next steps.
That morning I began my devotion time by reading The Upper Room, a habit I’ve had for almost 40 years. The writer talked about her anxiety over an upcoming medical appointment and how she calmed her fears by thinking about the many friends who were praying for her. Over the next hour, I received text messages from several friends telling me they were praying for me that morning.
I have felt remarkable peace going through this process, praise the Lord! I attribute that to prayers on my behalf and the comfort of knowing that Jesus walks with me. I’ve also tried to focus on what God may be trying to teach me. I am learning a lot about patience, perspective, and perseverance. Most of all, I am reminded daily to trust God, who provides “the peace . . . which transcends all understanding” (Phil. 4:7).
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we go through challenging times, help us to put our trust in you. Help us also to remember others in our prayers and support them as they face difficult situations. Amen.
Harvest Prayer
- Praise God for his command to serve him faithfully with all your heart, considering what great things he has done for you (1 Sam. 12:24).
- Thank God for the greatest of all gifts, salvation in Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:16).
- Confess your lack of faith as you attempt to flee from God in the midst of trying circumstances (1 Kings 19).
- Commit yourself to growing in the knowledge and grace of God, giving him the glory (2 Pet. 3:18).
- Ask God to show you daily how your faith is a Fantastic Adventure in Trusting Him.
- Pray that joy and gladness may be found throughout God’s kingdom, with thanksgiving and songs of gladness for God’s faithfulness to all generations (Isa. 51:11).
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Saturday, November 09 2024
Today: Bread Ministry 10-12; EC Day of Fasting and Prayer to become a dynamic movement of God (Pray with our bishop 12-12:30 (live from Fellowship Hall); Chosen Dinner Huddle and Family Ministries 6-8
Tomorrow Vison Team Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm. Please pray for us to have God's dreams, visions and plans as we seek to follow Him and plan for the rest of the year. This meeting will inform our budgeting process too. Pray for God's wisdom and heart for us to sow lavishly and steward wisely all His blessings. Thanks!
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Good Morning Abiding, Delighting in God, Directed Followers of Jesus! Amen! Be still and know He is God as you still yourself at His feet and allow and invite Him to inform your prayers and steps today. He has great plans just for you today! PTL! Strip off the old, step into your new nature, your true identity and allow God to lead you and use you and grow you more like Jesus. Flow through the devotionals below as God speaks to your heart and loves on you. You can know His peace as you still yourself, yoke to Jesus and allow Him to speak to your heart and lead you to His still waters and green pastures today. Amen!
Harvest Prayer begins things today with the reminder to be God focused. Sarah Young continues this track with the reminder to keep seeking God first and to abide in Him. Start everyday delighting in the Lord and travel through each day with praise and adoration as you keep your mind fixed on things above. Opening His Word helps too and helps us to be truthful about ourselves, our choices and with God. He already knows you and loves you. Be transparent and truthful and allow Him to lead you to wisdom and Truth. God wants to heal you and help you. Invite Him to do so as you still yourself and abide in him and His Word today and He will lead you to experience His peace--a peace beyond understanding. He sure does love you and we have so much to be thankful about as we allow Him to forgive, refresh and lead us beside the still waters of peace and then to those fresh, productive, fruit producing, green pastures. Oh what joy we can truly know and live! Thanks Lord! Help us to abide, share openly with you, receive and repent and follow You well today. Thanks for the plans you have for me/us today to prosper and bring a future and a hope. Thanks for all the answered prayers! Help me/us to complete our races well as we work on becoming more like Jesus today. Amen! May Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me today. Be glorified! Amen!
I've been praying and abiding since 2:30 this morning. God has refreshed and will lead me revived into this long day of ministry and service. Thanks Lord! Hear our prayers and prepare us all for Your plans for today and move us to step into them fresh and informed! Thanks! Amen!
Harvest:
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November 6 - Be God Focused
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A young wealthy man wanted feedback from Jesus concerning his walk with the Lord. Jesus challenged him with the answer: Sell your possessions and follow Me. The young man walked away disheartened.
Matthew 19:17-19, 21, 23-24, 26: “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” … “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” … “If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” … “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God”.… “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.”
God is the Source. He must be the focal point of our lives; if anything else distracts, we’re missing the fullness of who we can be in the Lord. God draws all people unto Himself, and He transforms the most difficult cases to follow Him.
Lord, thank You for making all things possible! I repent for any time I’ve been so concerned with this world that I’ve held back from walking with You. I repent for when I’ve judged my walk as satisfactory, instead of asking You about it. I repent for any time I’ve refrained from following You, Your ways, Your wisdom. I repent for when I’ve failed to acknowledge that Jesus has made my salvation and perfection possible.
Regardless of what happened in the past, I declare You make all things possible. The most hardened of hearts, You can bring to a blessed place of desiring You. I declare I will hold nothing back from obeying You and Your commands.
I thank You that You’re good. I thank You that Your love is complete and all encompassing. I thank You that You make me able to do what is impossible in the flesh. I thank You that You have formed me in my mother’s womb and shaped me into a vessel usable by You. I thank You that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. I thank You I lack nothing through You.
I praise You that You’re the miracle-working God. I praise You that You’re omniscient and omnipresent. I praise You that You’re always willing to dialogue with me. I praise You that You desire to glorify Yourself via my life. I praise You for who You are!
--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.
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- Praise God, your Father and great Teacher.
- Give thanks for teachers and mentors who helped make your paths straight (Prov. 3:6).
- Confess that you sometimes focus more on their quirks than their virtues.
- Commit yourself to noticing the good in those who can teach you more about faith.
- Ask God how you can best support education in your church.
- Claim the Holy Spirit’s power to woo family members or friends who say Christianity makes no sense.
Prayer Pointer
“A man’s state before God may always be measured by his prayers.” —J. C. Ryle
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CS:
UR: Tracks to safety
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
I remember being caught in a snowstorm while driving through a high mountain pass. The snow soon developed into a blizzard, and I was unable to see more than a few feet ahead. But a truck in front of me was leaving tire tracks in the six-inch deep snow, so I did the only thing I could; I followed the tracks. If it had driven off the cliff, I would have been right behind! Eventually, though, the truck led me down the mountain to safety.
That experience caused me to remember these words from Psalm 119: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Spiritually speaking, it can be as difficult for us to know the way forward as it was for me to find my way in that snowstorm. Temptations may be intense at times. Or we may simply find ourselves at a fork in the road, unsure of which path to take. No matter the cause, the way forward for us at times may not be clear. But when we rely on the wisdom of Psalm 119, God’s word can dispel the darkness and reveal the way we should go. When we are grounded in scripture, God’s guidance keeps us ready for any trial.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us to hear your voice speaking to us through scripture, especially in difficult times. Guide us each day, and reassure us of your presence with us. Amen.ODB:
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Cinematography? Well done. Soundtrack? Reflective and calming. Content? Intriguing and relatable. The video presented a study in which Redwood trees were injected with a substance similar to adrenaline to keep them from going dormant. The injected trees died because they weren’t allowed the natural cycle of “wintering.”
The video’s message was that this can happen to us as well if we’re always busy with no seasons of rest. And that can be true. But the video was inaccurate. There never was such a study. Redwoods are evergreens and never go dormant. And the trees in the video were giant Sequoias not coastal Redwoods. As thoughtful as the video seemed to be, it was based on falsehoods.
We find ourselves living in an age where, due to our technologies, lies are magnified and multiplied to the limits of convincing us they’re true. The book of Proverbs, that compendium of godly wisdom, speaks often of the stark difference between truth and lies. “Truthful lips endure forever,” says the proverb, “but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (12:19). And the very next adage tells us, “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy” (v. 20).
Honesty applies to everything from God’s commands to videos about wintering. The truth “endures forever.”
By John Blase
REFLECT & PRAY
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How might you wisely question the narrative of what you see, hear, and experience? How will you live out your commitment to the truth?
Dear God, please give me discernment as I daily pursue what’s true.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Solomon, who wrote most of the book of Proverbs, begins by stating his purpose for these wise sayings: “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence . . . knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 1:2-4). The proverbs are meant to help the reader walk “in the way of wisdom” (4:11), which is the way of truth. Like the proverbs, the apostle John had much to say about truth. Most importantly, Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). And “if you hold to [His] teaching . . . you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (8:31-32). Christ said, “Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light” (3:21). When we walk in the light of Jesus, who is truth embodied, we’re truly walking in wisdom.
Discover more of Solomon's wisdom in this study on Proverbs.
Alyson Kieda |
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CS:
TWFYT:
JM
Saturday, November 09 2024
See Harvest prayer for the election below
Good Morning Faithful Remnant of God! May that be us always! Please Lord! Your Kingdom come and will be done today and always! Come! This is the day the Lord has made and we are rejoicing in it and praising Your holy name. We trust you Lord and cast all our anxiety on You. Thanks for creating and molding and sending us for such a time as this. May we be bringers of Good News today and always. You are our God and we trust You. You have a plan for the world that we get to be part of. Thank You! Hear our prayers. Forgive our sins. Heal our Land. Come Jesus Come! Revive us, this region, nation and the world. Thanks. May we have fair elections today as you raise up your servants. We bind all cheating and evil in the name of Jesus. May Your Spirit come and guide our voting and our lives. May we glorify You today and always. You are sovereign and in control, We trust You. Use us well for Your glory always. May Jesus be high and lifted up in and through us as we ask these things in His mighty name. Amen!
OK enough of that! Let us focus on who we are in Christ and our mission from Him to go change the world as we live and love like Jesus and share the Good News that saved us. May we live Christ well as we keep our focus on Jesus--the King of the Universe! Amen!
The Word for You Today continues with Eph. 2:10. What a great reminder and refocusing that brings. We are known, loved, created to love and sent to go love like Jesus. Agape love=dying to self and loving as Jesus loved us. Help us Lord. That is what will change the world. Loving like Jesus! That is our mission and focus. Turn off all the other noise and tune into Him. Our Daily Bread uses the beloved 23rd Psalm. Let us recite and embrace that today as we choose joy and allow Jesus to be our Shepherd. Invite Him in and walk with Him today. The Lord is my Shepherd! Is He yours? He will walk with you always and lead you beside the still waters and to the green pastures. Amen! The Upper Room uses Phil. 4's reminder that God will bring His peace beyond understanding! Will you allow that shalom to overflow you. Nothing is too big or small for our God who is able to do according to His will and with all the riches of heaven. Sarah Young reminds us how close God is all the time and that we just need to turn off the noise and look and listen for that whisper of love and encouragement. He loves you and is with you. Sit at His feet, worship, recharge and grow in faith that leads you through today as you follow your Good Shepherd! What a wonderful life we can know despite our circumstances or the state of our nation. Keep your focus on God and your feet following the Good Shepherd and life will just flow well. May springs of Living Water overflow from you today. Amen! Go Light up the world today as you live and love like Jesus! Amen! I'm praying you have a great day filled with love, joy, peace and God's presence. See you at 10 for Zoom Huddle (if I'm back from voting!) Shalom
TWFYT
ODB
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The nearly 107,000 people in the stadium stood in anticipation as Texas A&M college football kicker Seth Small took the field with only two seconds left in the game. With A&M tied 38-38 against the best team in the country—a perennial football powerhouse—a successful field goal would seal an epic upset victory. Looking calm, Small lined up to take the kick. The stadium erupted in pandemonium after the ball sailed through the uprights for the winning score.
When questioned by reporters how he prepared for such an intense moment, Small said he kept repeating to himself the first verse of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” When Small needed strength and reassurance, he drew on the deeply personal metaphor of God as a shepherd.
Psalm 23 is a beloved psalm because it assures us that we can be at peace, or comforted, because we have a loving and trustworthy shepherd who actively cares for us. David testified both to the reality of fear in intense or difficult situations as well as the comfort God provides (v. 4). The word translated “comfort” conveys assurance, or the confidence and courage to keep going because of His guiding presence.
When walking into challenging circumstances—not knowing what the outcome will be—we can take courage as we repeat the gentle reminder that the Good Shepherd walks with us.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
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How have you experienced God as a loving shepherd? How did His trustworthy care give you courage?
Heavenly Father, please help me to take courage knowing that You’re my loving Shepherd.
Gain wisdom and leadership skills from our loving Shepherd.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 23:4 reminds us of the comfort God provides: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” In the New Testament, the word translated “comfort” can also be translated “encouragement”—the giving of hope or courage. This idea is perhaps most clearly described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” God’s comfort isn’t to be hoarded; as He comforts us, we, in turn, are to comfort others (v. 4).
Bill Crowder |
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UR: Labyrinth
The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
When my husband of 25 years told me he thought our marriage was over, I was stunned, devastated, and afraid. For a few weeks, I walked around in a daze — going through the motions of my life but not really living it.
Shortly after, I had the opportunity to walk a prayer labyrinth, an ancient practice used for centering, contemplation, and prayer. This labyrinth was located on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
As I followed the winding path, my senses were awakened. I became aware of God’s creation surrounding me. I felt the warmth of the sun, smelled the nearby flowering shrubs, and heard waves crashing on the shore below. I brought my devastation and fears to God as I traversed the twists and turns of the labyrinth. When I reached the center, I surrendered my marriage and entrusted my future to God, who loves me unconditionally.
The peace that overwhelmed my soul when I surrendered my fears to God sustained me through this past year. Fear can leave us struggling to get our bearings, to see a clear path forward. Centering ourselves in Christ gives us an anchor to hold on to and a guide to walk with us through the most challenging times.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, may we always be aware of your presence with us and turn to you when we are afraid. We long for the peace you have promised through Jesus Christ. Amen.
SY
Harvest:
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November 5 - DAY 40 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION ELECTION DAY!
Praying For God’s Will To Be Done In The 2024 Election
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“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (James 6:9-10 NIV).
Andy Stanley wrote an article published in Time Magazine before the 2020 election. Here are some excerpts to inform how we approach this election day with our God:
“Nothing divides like politics, because nothing divides like fear. But what exactly, in the context of our current election, are we afraid of? The answer is the same for everyone at the macro level: we fear loss. We are afraid of losing control, safety, power, opportunity, status, rights, freedom.”
He continues: “Our hope is not in the perfect political party. Our hope is the message and teaching of Jesus. During our oh-so-short history as a nation, both of our current political parties and their leaders have gotten it wrong; they have failed us morally; they have failed us in terms of their leadership. Why would we as followers of an eternal king allow ourselves to be divided by temporary political systems, leaders or platforms? And why would we allow ourselves to be divided by fear? Jesus’ most oft-repeated command was fear not, fear not, fear not. Instead, we must love one another as we struggle and sacrifice for the unity Jesus prayed for.”
Lord God, during this election, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, as well as deceit and poverty. We ask for ears that will hear the cries of the unborn and those abandoned. We ask our minds and hearts to be open to the voices of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. We pray for discernment so we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Author Unknown
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- Pray that God’s will be done in our election on earth as in heaven.
- Pray that all believers would make requests, prayers, intercession, and give thanks on behalf of all people – especially those who are in authority over us in our nation today. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- Pray that we might lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- Pray for lost people who are running for office and those voting for our leaders, because it is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth! (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to stir a desire for truth, justice, and peace in the hearts of all Americans, and ask God to pour out revival on His people and spiritual awakening across our land!
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Connection Prayer Devotions Sign Up
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Saturday, November 09 2024
This Week:
Tonight @ 6PM Pray for the elections (this is a national effort to pray unified as His Body) Just pause at 6pm to pray.
Tues 10-11 Zoom Huddle
Wed 10-12 Bread Ministry; 12-12:30 EC Day of Fasting and Prayer to become a dynamic movement of God.; 6-8pm Chosen Dinner Huddle
Thurs 6:30. Vision Team Meeting (Pray for wisdom and discernment of God's plans as this meeting will inform our budgeting process)
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Good Morning Chosen, Called By Name, Redeemed, Very Loved Child of God! Amen! Focus on that in prayer and action today. TWFYT uses our Eph. 2:10 verse as they ask a question we should all frequently ask ourselves: "Are you doing what you're supposed to do?" Who are you processing and working on this with? Eph. 2:10 reminds us that We are God's masterpieces. He created us for His purposes with great potential. When we come to Christ as our Lord and Savior, this all becomes available and activated. Eph. 2:10 says, We are God's masterpieces made new in Christ. So we get to step into our new nature and receive the gift of Holy Spirit in us and His gifts and empowerment tp do what? According to Eph. 2:10, to do all we are created to do. I love to meditate on this, God's easy yoke for me, you and all who will come to Jesus as Lord and Savior. Eph. 2:10 sort of sums up the Good News we have to bring to others. Jesus loves you, died for you and made a way for you to be saved from sin, made new and fulfill your purposes here on earth in preparation for eternity with Him in heaven. (Reread that...what's God saying to you today?) Who needs to hear that today? We are the people of Good News, saved by grace and sent to transform the world, one soul at a time. We all have custom made parts in His Good News Delivery Company. So as TWFYT asks, "Are you doing what you're supposed to do?" How can we help each other to grow in this and our potential. Really pray into this and ask God for some partners on this journey.
Focus on that today as you turn off the noise, focus on things above and follow Jesus to His best for you! He indeed does have great plans for you and us for a future and hope! PTL! We are custom made for such a time as this. God's in control and has a plan just for you and for you and us together as His Body. PTL! Sarah Young reminds us to keep our focus right as we dwell in God's presence and receive His directions, encouragement and empowerment to follow well. And the Upper Room reminds us to keep asking for help along the way as we stay focused on Jesus and His plans. Amen. God really loves you and made you to worship Him as you go live and love like Jesus. He does have a future and hope for you and us together to discover and explore and work at living well for His glory. I'm praying for you and us to flourish as we dwell in His love and peace and go love like Him. Amen! Let us be instruments of Good News bringing revival to one soul at a time. Come Lord! Have Your way with us and use us well. Lead us to co-laborers. And move us to fulfill our potential for Your glory. Thanks Lord! Amen
TWFYT:
SY:
UR: A Beautiful Reminder
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:2 (NIV)
As I rounded a corner on the parkway, I was dazzled by the wonderful sight of glistening snow on the Brindabella Mountains. It was a freezing-cold, wintry day in Canberra as I drove to my choir rehearsal. This was to be the last practice before our concert in a week’s time. As the choir’s events manager, I had many worries and much to accomplish for the rehearsal and concert.
With the mountains in view before me, I thought of Psalm 121: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” This beautiful scene was a timely reminder to me of God’s presence in my life. It prompted me to pass my concerns over to God in prayer, and as I continued my journey I felt a sense of peace and thankfulness for God’s loving-kindness and care. God is near and ready to help if only we ask.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for creating a beautiful world that reminds us of your love and care for us. Thank you for hearing our prayers when we bring our worries to you. Amen.
Saturday, November 09 2024
Good Morning Children of the ON-Time God! So, did you turn your clocks back? For many they see fall back as an extra hour of sleep. That's not normally how it works for me. My body doesn't usually adapt until we spring ahead. Most days I will be arising at 2-3 instead of 3-4 and I'll be ready for bed at 7-7:30. I really wish we would just settle in on one time for the year. BUT GOD! Right! He's an on time God and knows me and how I work best and He promises to work all things together for the good of those who believe and are called according to His plans. He formed me for such a time as this. So, I can rejoice and choose joy and allow Him to use me, just as I am. And He promises to produce good fruit as I abide in Him and follow Jesus. PTL!
How's it going for you with trusting God and being able to choose joy always? He knows you and created you for such a time as this. Draw near to Him and abide in His loving presence and move forward from that time with Him. Keep you focus on Him and be determined to follow Him always. He is leading you and us beside the still waters and to the green pastures as He shepherds us to His best for such a time as this! PTL and Amen! Abide, rest, dwell in Him and His loving presence and He promises to lead us forward to the good fruit we are created to produce. How cool is that and what an easy yoke Jesus has for us weary travelers. So the word for you today is to abide and rest in the Lord and allow Him to lead you to His promised best. Remember too--Jesus took naps! How could He in the storms? because He knew, abided in and trusted the Father always. What a great example for us! Come Lord! May we abide in You and follow You to the good fruit you have prepared us to produce! Help us to rest in You no matter the storm. Lead us beside the still waters and to the green pastures. Yes restore our souls as we abide in You. Thanks Lord! I love You! May I dwell in Your Love today and always! Thanks! Amen!
You can encounter God through your own quiet time today and rest in Him, put on Jesus' easy yoke and go live and love like Jesus! What great fruit that is and produces! Turn off the noise and rest in Him who has great plans for you for such a time as this and know His shalom--His peace beyond understanding. Amen! See you in two and a half hours, if you turned you clocks back. NOTE: If the doors are locked when you arrive at church, you probably forgot to turn your clocks back!
Have a blessed, Christ-filled day! God is always an on time God! Amen!
Saturday, November 02 2024
Today: Clothing Closet 10-1
Tonight; TURN CLOCKS BACK!!!
Tomorrow Worship at 10 (Study 2 Thessalonians 1) We will collect for Everlasting Life Min.
Good Morning Abiding, Sent, World Changers of Christ! It's time for revival! Are you as sick of the state of this nation as I am? Want to change it? Well, that starts with one soul at a time until revival springs up and overwhelms. Cry out for revival and this nation. Turning off the noise and abiding in Christ is the starting point for revival. You are created for such a time as this to transform the world! Go! Live and love like Jesus!
Please start with the Harvest blog and cry out in prayer for election integrity. So many are worried that another election will be stolen. Documented reports are already surfacing (you won't hear this on the media--turn off that noise!) that people in PA who voted early for Trump that their ballots were changed to Kamala. Pray for integrity of the election process and then put the results in God's hands and choose to trust Him. He knows already who won and who will be put in office. He has a plan or He wouldn't allow it. Focus on things above and go make disciples if you want to change the world.
Turn off the noise. Pray. Abide in Christ and His Word and spend some time focusing up with our devotionals for today. TWFYT reminds us of the importance of abiding time with God. Try it if you don't already. Changing the world begins on our knees. The UR reminds us of the seeds of faith that mature in us as we spend time with God in His Word. Work on these two today as you turn off the noise and tune into God. Charles Stanley continues the theme with his reminder to keep Jesus first. Are you living Christ? He is all that really matters in this world. Who really cares about who is president when we know and abide in the King of the Universe! And ODB reminds us the world changes as we serve and go live and love like Jesus. Let's focus on these things and things above. Turn off the noise. Do what you can with what you've been given to reach one soul and watch what God will do as revival flourishes or Jesus comes back. Either way we know the Victor and He lives in us and wants to transform through us. Focus on Jesus today and bring His love alive. Then His peace beyond understanding will overwhelm you. Amen! Come Jesus Come! Bring revival! Bring shalom to Your people. Revive us and move us to go love like You. Thanks! Your Kingdom come and will be done. Amen!
Harvest Prayer:
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November 2 - DAY 37 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For Integrity In The Election
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“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them” (Proverbs 11:3 NIV).
Benjamin Franklin, on departing the Constitutional Convention, was asked what the convention’s delegates had proposed. Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.” The American system of self-government rests on the capacity of Americans to govern themselves in political terms and to exercise personal self-government (good character) in their own lives.
The key facets to preserving free government involve citizens being knowledgeable, morally upright, spirited, and free to use their minds, voices, and possessions to maintain liberty and the rule of law. Schools, religion, civic organizations, and the family are the key institutions by which citizens are formed to be able to govern themselves. (Adapted from: Necessities for Freedom and Self Government – Hillsdale College 1776 curriculum)
Mollie Hemmingway states, “The trust in free, fair, and transparent elections is the bedrock of our country.” Americans need to depend on and trust the process and results of having free and fair elections. Government has a vital role in ensuring the electoral process is safeguarded and every citizen’s right to cast a ballot is protected. It is the only way to protect the future of our republic.
Lord, we honor You as the highest authority in heaven and on earth. Our nation, founded on Your Word and Your principles, has been in spiritual decline. Father, we confess our lack of dependence upon You and the lack of moral clarity that has happened on our watch. Show us how to guard the integrity of our upcoming election and walk in peace, no matter the outcome. We trust in Your ability to bring anything dark or evil into the light and that Your people willstand for righteousness in the election process.
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- Ask the Father to keep His people on their knees during this election process – that we will pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
- Pray that poll workers and election officials will walk blamelessly, do what is right, and speak the truth in their hearts. (Psalm 15:1-2)
- Pray that the Father will be able to take pleasure in the uprightness of His people during this election process. (1 Chronicles 29:17)
- Ask the Lord to expose any evil-minded people who might be trying to damage or undermine the integrity of our nation’s election, and that the Holy Spirit will prompt many Christians to work the polls.
- Ask God to preserve the integrity and uprightness of our nation, and that we would wait only for Him. (Psalm 25:21)
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TWFYT
UR: Seeds of Faith
You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” - Romans 8:15 (CEB)
My son had been in pain for three months, and when he went in for a scan, it showed that he had a small growth on one of his bones. My quick search of the internet scared me, flooding me with worry that he could end up unable to walk.
But at that moment, the Holy Spirit urged me to pause and remember all the promises of God. In response, I consciously countered my negative thoughts and said to myself, My son is going to live a long and healthy life. When I started repeating these words in my mind, my whole outlook changed. I experienced a feeling like a blanket of peace wrapped around me.
The enemy who comes to steal our joy sows the seed of doubt in our lives, and that doubt leads to fear. But we must not allow those seeds to grow. When we recognize seeds of doubt and fear, we can pluck them out and replace them with seeds of faith. We can hold fast to the assurance that we “didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead [us] back again into fear.” Welcoming the Holy Spirit into our hearts will lead to new life.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, deliver us from fear. Help us to trust in your word wholeheartedly and live a life of freedom. Amen.
CS
ODB
Brad moved to a new city and quickly found a church where he could worship. He went to services for a few weeks, and then one Sunday he talked to the pastor afterward about his desire to serve in any way needed. He said, “I just want to ‘reach for the broom.’ ” He started by helping set up chairs for the services and cleaning the restrooms. The church family found out later that Brad’s giftedness was in teaching, but he was willing to do anything.
Jesus taught two of His disciples, James and John, and their mother a lesson in servanthood. Their mother requested that her sons have a place of honor on each side of Christ when He came into His kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21). The other disciples heard about this and grew angry with them. Perhaps they wanted those positions for themselves? Jesus told them that exercising authority over others wasn’t the way to live (vv. 25-26), but instead serving was most important. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (v. 26).
Brad’s words “reach for the broom” are a practical picture for what each of us can do in our communities and churches to serve Christ. Brad described his life’s passion for God in this way: “I want to serve for the glory of God, for the good of the world, and for my own joy.” How will you and I “reach for the broom” as God leads us?
By Anne Cetas
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In what ways can you serve your church family? When will you start?
Dear God, You’ve done so much for me and deserve my love. Please empower me and show me how to serve others in my midst.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Matthew 20, Jesus used two words to describe how those who believe in Him are to relate to each other: diakonos, translated “servant” (v. 26) and doulos, translated “slave” (v. 27). Christ turns our common understanding of greatness on its head. He teaches that instead of the greater giving orders to the lesser, the greater person is the one who serves others. In the upside-down kingdom of God, Jesus tells His disciples that to be “great” (v. 26), they must look out for the needs of others: “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave” (vv. 26-27 nlt).
J.R. Hudberg |
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Saturday, November 02 2024
Good Morning Thankful, Forgiven, Made New, Faithful Followers of Jesus! Thank God that's you! And us as His Body! PTL!
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! PTL! This is the month of Thanksgiving, feasting, family, friends and fellowship. But above all I am thankful for God's patient, forgiven, eternal love! Yes PTL! What are you thankful about today? What praises are you lifting? TGIF is a great starting point for today and this month!
Max Lucado has a daily calendar that starts with the letter "A" and he works through the alphabet. I am thankful for Apples. I am thankful for blessings. And so on. Maybe Nov. would be a great month to try that exercise daily?
Today's devotionals flow through several teachings that speak into or point to reasons to be thankful. Check them out below. I'm often encouraging--well pleading--with you to turn off the noise and focus on God. Election season is a great time to turn of the TV, radio, and computer and to refocus on God with thanksgiving and praise as the starting point. Counting our blessings is a great way to redirect your thinking. Try it today. I am thankful for Christ, Donuts Day, Earnestness, Friends, God!!!
Let's start our thanksgiving with The Word for You Today's reminder that God cares about you. AMEN and PTL! You are His, made in His image, made new in Christ to do all He has planned for you! PTL! And He helps you because He loves and cares for you. Even in the darkest hours, He is there weeping with you and wanting to embrace you with His love. Open your arms to receive His love and raise them in praise today. Sarah Young reminds us to keep focused on God's presence and to plow through the distractions. (Turn off the noise!) He knows your heart and desire to honor Him and He knows your circumstances. He is with you always. Sit at His feet and allow Him to love on you. Joyce Meyers reminds us that thanksgiving isn't for a day or month but a constant state for God's chosen people (us). Give thanks always with a grateful heart. The Upper Room reminds us to keep persevering in faith and that others are watching. Are they seeing true faith overflowing with love and thankfulness no matter what we are facing? They can as we grow in worship, thanksgiving and faith. Choose joy by turning off the noise and lift eyes and hearts in praise. Our Daily Bread reminds us that time marches on and asks how you can make the most of the time you have left? They use Eph. 5's, which we just studied, reminder to always give thanks and the truth that singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs helps us to redirect. Sing when you don't feel like you can and that will help you redirect with a thankful and worshipful heart. Make up your own psalm or even lament and lift it from a heart trusting God to Him. Drown out the noise as you make a joyful noise! And Charles Stanley wraps up our devotionals with the reminder that we have resurrection power in us. Be strong, courageous and and overcome by the power of Christ in you. Amen!
Refocus with this praise song: Give Thanks to God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRVmqQw7hXU
and this: Count Your Blessings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz0cjGr2h4k
So the reminder to rejoice--always stands out at the beginning of this month that ends with a Thanksgiving feast and family, faith and fun. Yes rejoice always! Again I say rejoice! Lift you hands in praise as you drown out the noise and drive Satan away by singing some praise! For God so Loved Y-O-U that He made a way and is with you always--yes rejoice! Release the junk and turn off the noise as you begin to count your many blessings! Amen! I'm praising for and praying for you and lifting praise to GOD! There's no way to count all the blessings! Amen! I'm thankful for Jesus, Karen, Love in me, Milkshakes...
TWFYT:
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JM
UR: The Cloud of Witnesses
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us . . . run with perseverance the race that is set before us. - Hebrews 12:1 (NRSVUE)
Recently my husband and I attended my great-nephew’s graduation from a military academy. I like to walk early in the morning and, not knowing the area, decided to walk the halls of the historic campus hotel for exercise. On the walls of each floor were pictures of famous academy graduates dating back to the early 1800s — generals, astronauts, senators and governors, and prominent figures in public service.
Had I been a student at the academy, these pictures would have inspired me to become like these famous graduates. Instead, I thought of today’s verse from Hebrews and began to imagine pictures of biblical figures and photos of family and friends who have encouraged me in my faith. I thought particularly of my dad, who took such good care of his aging parents, telling me to care for the elderly. And of my mom, who worked to help people overcome addictions, encouraging me to have compassion. Their lives were a gift to me, and as I walked those halls thinking of them, I wanted to live my life in a way that would be a gift to others coming behind me. Knowing I am supported by the saints through the ages and in my own family gives me strength and courage to run with perseverance even in the face of discouragement.
Today's Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for the people who encourage us in our faith. Help us to be a source of encouragement for others. Amen.
ODB:
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On March 14, 2019, NASA rockets ignited, catapulting astronaut Christina Koch toward the International Space Station. Koch wouldn’t return to Earth for 328 days, giving her the record for the longest continuous space flight by a woman. Every day, living roughly 254 miles above the Earth, a screen kept track of the astronaut’s time in five-minute increments. She had a myriad of daily tasks to complete (from meals to experiments), and—hour after hour—a red line inched along the display, constantly showing whether Koch was ahead or behind schedule. Not a moment to waste.
While certainly not recommending anything so intrusive as a red line ruling over our life, the apostle Paul did encourage us to carefully use our precious, limited resource of time. “Be very careful then, how you live,” he wrote, “not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). God’s wisdom instructs us to fill our days with intention and care, employing them to practice obedience to Him, to love our neighbor, and to participate in Jesus’ ongoing redemption in the world. Sadly, it’s entirely possible to ignore wisdom’s instruction and instead use our time foolishly (v. 17), frittering away our years in selfish or destructive pursuits.
The point isn’t to obsessively fret about time but simply to follow God in obedience and trust. He will help us make the most of our days.
By Winn Collier
REFLECT & PRAY
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What does time mean to you? How can you make the most of your time today?
Dear God, please help me make the most of my time.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Ephesians 5 tells us to “be very careful . . . how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (vv. 15-16). Part of using time wisely is remembering that life is filled with its different seasons, but we can rest in God’s wisdom and timing. This is beautifully captured by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. . . . He has made everything beautiful in its time” (vv. 1, 11). Recognizing that God is in control of our lives can help us walk by faith as we anticipate our eternal home with Him forever.
Bill Crowder |
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