Sarah Update below

This Week:

Today is the day to begin the 5 week prayer challenge from the brochure I sent last week and was in the bulletin yesterday. Pray for 5 neighbors, 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Think about those God may be stirring you to invite to join us and pray into that too. Last year in December we began praying for 12 new members for this year. Yesterday, we heard of the 11th one God has stirred! How cool is that! God here's and answers! Think about how we have 11 new members joining us Sundays and participating in many ways as we serve! God is good! Praying for one more (actually for many more!) Join me!

Tues Zoom Huddle 10-11 (we will take our holiday break after our Dec 3rd gathering and resume in Jan.)

Wed:

Bread Ministry 10-12 (Note we will have a holiday schedule set soon since Christmas and New Year holidays are on Wednesdays this year)

Chosen and Family Dinner Huddle 6-8. This will be our last Wednesday until Jan. Next week we will gather for our Thanksgiving Eve Eve Taco Tuesday the 26th diner worship time 6-8

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Good Morning Faithful, Praying, Peace-Filled Servants of the Lord! That is us! PTL! There are many purposes and ways we are custom made to serve and in which we are serving. PTL! For some of us praying is our part in God's Good News Delivery Company. Thanks for being faithful to your purposes and call! BUT all of us are called to pray as well. Please use the prayer guide from the bulletin yesterday and begin praying for 5 neighbors. God is hearing and answering! Yesterday we heard Paul's warning from 2 Thessalonians 3 about the idle. Only you and God know for sure if you are an idle one. However I can testify that I don't really see that in us. We are all doing what we can with what we have been blessed with in this season of our lives. Thank you! I have never had the privilege of co-laboring with such faithful servants! You guys rock! Now some of us also have to learn to abide and rest in the Lord and work from rest and focus on the best things God has for you. Is there a good or better thing you can release? Maybe that is someone else's call and purpose and gifting? Talk to God about that and His best for you. How we serve should be a joy and the sweet spot offered to God out of gratitude and joy and love, not obligation. What things are dragging you down? What might God be leading you to do about that? Who might be your co-laborers to share the load with? Pray into these things. God has a perfect custom made plan just for you! And it will be a joy for you to be part of! PTL!

I was rudely awakened at 1 this morning with a vivid nightmare of Satan trying to break down my back door. I couldn't go back to sleep as I prayed the blood of Jesus over us and our house. Satan is prowling about and he will be after us as we earnestly pursue and follow God to His plans for us. Expect it! Pray on that armor! Stand firm in Christ and on Gods Word and promises. I often think about how Jesus told Peter that He was praying for him because Satan asked to sift him. I think about Job and what God allowed Satan to do to him as a testing and refining. It's bad enough dealing with the hard times we are in and then add Satan's schemes to the mix and it becomes very evident that we need God and that God is with us and for us and will help us in our time of trouble. Count on it! We are secure in Christ for eternity, yet as citizens of heaven and earth, we have many battles to endure. Stand firm and turn your sorrows and hurts over to God and refocus on Him as you count your blessings and lift praise. Be content in the Lord and what He has given you and give it back to Him as a sweet offering of praise that He loves.

I feel like I'm all over the place this morning. God has been speaking many things to my heart and as I try to narrow down what He wants us to hear today, I sense this..."I love you! I have redeemed you. I am calling you by name. I am with you always. I am all you need and I am enough. Dwell in my love today and always and I will make a way for you." PTL! Right? And so my devotionals for today follow in the order God put them. What's He saying to you? What do you have to lift in praise, receive in trust and go forth with to share in love? He really does have great plans for you (and us) and even for today and He will be with you--always! Trust, stand firm, receive, obey, praise and follow well, my friends! He has a great story to write through you! I can't wait to hear them! Shalom shalom! Perfect peace to you today! You are very loved and being held close always! Amen! It's time to fly!

As I laid in bed after my awakening this song kept coming to mind, "I Speak Jesus" Check it out as a starting point for praise and trust today. Jesus is all we need! Sometimes all we can pray is His name, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Come!" Amen Begin with worship now... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV4sYN173HY

Maybe play it again and draw close to our Savior. He is there with open arms of love speaking right to your soul!

Chuck Swindoll

Joyce Meyer

 Sarah Young

Upper Room: From Tears to Joy

May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. - Psalm 126:5 (NRSVUE)

I was sick, and it was getting me down. I wanted to pray for help, but I barely had the energy to sit up or even string a sentence together. When I tried to pray, my words came out in a confused muddle. I felt so disconnected from God, just when I needed God the most.

Worse than my physical illness was the feeling that God wasn’t with me.

I knew this wasn’t the case; God is always with us. God knows our thoughts and hears all our prayers — even the garbled ones. But in this moment I just couldn’t feel it.

I told God how awful I felt, how I couldn’t feel God’s presence, how I was so tired of being unwell and unproductive. I began to say whatever was on my mind in a stream-of-consciousness style. Then I started to cry. That’s when I began to feel God’s presence again. I talked a bit more, cried some more, and I felt God’s presence a little more. My hurt and pain had been blocking me from feeling God’s presence. Each time I honestly prayed about whatever was on my mind, I felt a little bit closer to God.

Praying isn’t always easy. Words don’t always roll off the tongue. But with perseverance we can find ways to talk to God and restore our connection, just when we need it the most.

Today's Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for always being with us. Help us to feel the joy of your presence. Amen.

The Word for You Today

OUR DAILY BREAD

Charles Stanley

Harvest prayer:

November 18 - Prepare to See Greater Works “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:7-8). “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you” (John 15:16). When a nation sends an ambassador to a foreign country they go in the name of the President of that nation and its people. Alone, they are just an ordinary person with no powers of their own. But when they come “in the name” of their country they carry all the authority of their President and nation. Of course, to be effective, this Ambassador must be trustworthy. he must know what the wishes of his Commander-in-Chief are. And, he must behave in such a way that does not discredit those he represents. But when he speaks, he speaks in the name of his President. When he asks, he asks on behalf of his President. He carries the authority of their name. There is no name higher than Jesus’ name! It is the Name before which one day every knee will bow. As believers, we come to the Throne Room not on the basis of our name, but Christ’s. His sacrificial death and resurrection have paved the way for us to come. We have a right to be there, not because of our perfection, but because of our union with Him and His invitation to come before the King. We enter in His name. The more we read His Word the more we know what He wants. Our will and prayers align with His. And, we pray with the right motivation—not to glorify ourselves, but Him. Think of this honor and this granted authority! We come as a representative of the King of kings. We ask on His behalf for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. And we live to honor Him well. When you have thought and prayed through a request so fully that you can genuinely say, “Lord, I ask this not for MY name, but Yours. And I know You will hear this request.” Then, prepare to see greater works. King of kings, there is no other name that is higher than Yours! Bend my heart to resonate with Your authority, Your desires and kingdom purposes! I can hardly comprehend that when I pray, I am invited into Your throne room! May every prayer I utter be for Your honor and glory alone! ---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org. Prayer Points Praise God for the good gifts he gives to those who ask him (Mt. 7:11). Give thanks, even in the midst of pain all around, that God’s gifts are good. Confess your lack of quality time spent with God in prayer (Rom. 8:26). Commit yourself to modeling Jesus’ example of praying in solitary places (Mk. 1:35). Ask God to give you a real devotion to prayer—being watchful and thankful, making the most of every opportunity (Col. 4:2-5). Ask God to use emergency or crisis situations in the lives of unsaved people to bring them to the foot of the cross. Pray for eyes to see how you can help in such situations.    Prayer Pointer “One of the most common weaknesses of our prayer lives is the vagueness of our focus.  Petition saves us from that. It forces us to be specific, to be precise, to clarify our wants and desires.” —Maxie Dunnam Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here.

Sarah update:

Good afternoon, church family,

I am sending out the prayer needs that were shared today during worship, so we can pray for them

throughout the week.

Praises:

    Very thankful for the crew that takes care of the Media part of our worship service. They work with the equipment, and the Zoom set up to make sure all are able to hear and see and enjoy the service.  Thank you, Debbie, Gary, and Travis.  We are very thankful for these willing servants of Christ. 

Thankful for Lori, who prepares our weekly bulletins, does the office work and assists with other projects that come up throughout the week.  Thank you Lori!!

(from Don): Thank you to all our volunteers! Yesterday we gathered after worship to celebrate and plan with our Children's Church team! Thank you all! Mike, Barb, Karen, Brittany, Travis and Tabby!)

Harry Waterman wasn't feeling well during the week, and Yay God he is much better now and he was 'delighted' to be in worship today!

Josie is praising God that she is doing well after a fall she had this past week. She is mending.  She is also praising God that her grandson, Greg is doing better with his back. He still has a ways to go with healing, but is showing signs of good progress.

Barb Schware is asking for prayer for her sister who will be having eye surgery this Thursday. Praying that all goes well

Kay Paul is asking for prayer for her daughter, Nancy, who has a blood clot in her lung.  

      She is also asking for prayer for her sister in law who is suffering with cancer.

  Also, Larry (her son) and Enol who are in the Philippians, as being slammed by typhoons. Please pray for their safety through the storm.

Lori Rohrer's grandmother (on her father's side) who is 94 years old fell and fractured her femur.  They have performed surgery today and she is headed to ICU now so they can keep a closer eye on her progress.  The future prognosis of whether her grandmother will be able to bear weight on that leg is unsure at this time.

May we all continue to pray for one another, as each of us have situations on our hearts, and are dealing with various matters/situations in our lives.

  Continue to pray for those in our church family dealing with treatments, therapy, etc.: Diane H, Larry, Bill, Houston 

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Praying you all have a great week. Always remember that you are NOT alone.....Our awesome Father is always with us and you have a church family that is surrounding you.

If you have any prayer requests, or would like to pray with someone, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself and/or Pastor Don........

Have a great week, everyone....choosing JOY through it all!!

Blessings,

  Sarah

Check out our holiday handouts attached at the bottom. Who are you praying for and inviting to come and see and experience the love of God and our joy? Remember to be praying for 5 neighbors for 5 days a week for 5 weeks. As you do God may lead you to invite someone to one of our activities! Keep praying and inviting! God is growing you and our fellowship. PTL!!! And Amen!

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Good Morning Abiding in THE Vine, Receiving, Growing, Good Fruit Producers! Amen! Several songs and teachings that popped up during my quiet time this morning reminded me that I am a branch, connected to THE Vine, Jesus. From Him flows the sap of living water and the nourishment needed to go do my part in His Good News Delivery Co. From Him my steps and prayers are informed. In Him I am covered and protected. In Him I am secure. As I abide and dwell in His loving presence I find rest and peace. I am also reminded that the idle and unfruitful are cut off and tossed away. May that not be me or us Lord! Sun. we heard Paul's warning to the idle and to avoid them. I struggle as I age and am able to do less and with guilt for resting, abiding and moving with Jesus. Yet that is the perfect place to be as my overzealous busyness is pruned and I focus on his best things for me. If only I had learned this earlier in life. Imagine what good fruit I would be producing today. BUT GOD! We know He made us and knows us and our shortcomings as well as potential in Christ. Maybe aging is part of His pruning that leads to being a more efficient producer. Maybe today, He needs to prune some of my idleness or transform and renew my thinking? We have learned and grown and know we can only do so much anymore and that our focus needs to be on His best and to choose to do His plans and not ours. We have been pruned and positioned for great fruit producing for such a time as this. Stop feeling guilty about not being able to do all you used to do. Stop beating yourself up for needing to rest in Christ more before being energized to go. He knows you, created you and knows the season and circumstances of your life and has accounted for those and your purposes in His Good News Delivery Co. He has a plan custom made just for you for such a time as this! PTL! Abide. Reload! And go as you are with Him to the fruit awaiting! How cool it is to contemplate and operate out of this reality and your seasoned true identity in Christ! Now herein also lies a warning for the idle and sluggardly. Daylights burning! You have a purpose in Christ that others are counting on. Ask God to motivate and move you to His perfect, custom made plans for you and a willing heart and moving feet. Maybe you need some spurring on and a prayer covering. reach out to some friends to walk with you. Maybe God is stirring you to come alongside and spur on. Seek Him and commit to your part.

I am blessed and filled with thanksgiving as I think about the productivity of our gathered and sent fellowship too. We do need each other and God has been blessing our unity in Christ and our purposes. PTL! I am thinking about Caleb right now. At 80, he said give me this mountain. With the help of God and His younger teammates he did conquer the land given to him by God when they entered the promised land. What land has God designated for you in this season of your life and who are your teammates? It's time to get moving. Daylight is burning and God has some perfect plans and purposes just for you. Seek first His Kingdom as you abide and keep your focus on Him as you dwell in Christ and sink your roots deep in Him. The fruit is coming! PTL! And you will hear, well done for doing your part well! I am stoked for what lies ahead for you and us as we come alive in '25! Amen! I can't wait to hear the stories of what God is doing in and through you and through our Christmas Giving challenge. In 2022 we called it the Light 'Em Up challenge. We know the Light of the World. He lives in you and me and comes alive through us to light up the world around us. We are Hid Lighthouses! Keep praying into that, into becoming a House of Prayer for the Nations, and for teammates to go be the Light. Oh what joy I can sense already as God moves through and use you and me and us for His glory! The harvest is coming AS WE STEP INTO OUR HARVEST WORKER ROLES! PTL! Abide! be still and know! prepare and go live and love more like Jesus and watch for how He comes alive in and through us in the year ahead! I am really excited and encouraged as God brings this to life to me and through us! What good fruit is coming! I can almost taste it! Can you?

OK, so what's God saying to you today? Maybe work through the devotionals below as God ordered them for us. I know He is speaking all the time. He is speaking to me all the time and to you. Can You hear His still small voice. Watch and listen for that voice that steers you this way or that for His glory! Rejoice and abide! Reload and go! You are created for such a time as this! Thank God and invite Him to have all of you. Amen!

Sarah Young

Charles Stanley

Joyce Meyer

The Word for You Today

The Upper Room: Rowing or Drifting

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. - Hebrews 2:1 (NIV)

It was a warm spring day — perfect for fishing. I felt such peace as my husband and I drifted along the calm lake in our inflatable boat. The sun warmed my face, and the gentle breeze pushed us along. We were so focused on our fishing poles that we didn’t realize how far we had drifted. What I thought was a gentle breeze was much stronger than I realized. We were heading into the reeds!

We quickly began rowing to avoid getting stuck, but each time our aching arms forced us to stop rowing, the wind took over again and moved our boat. Wet, tired, and frustrated, we ended up in a place we didn’t want to go.

When I reflected on this later, it occurred to me that my relationship with God is like that experience on the lake. It requires focus to grow in my faith. If I’m not actively rowing toward Jesus, I can easily drift away.

It’s easy to get caught up in the winds of the world and end up going in a direction we don’t want to go. Our relationship with God, time spent in scripture, and our connection to the church body make the difference between moving toward God or drifting away.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us to keep our attention on you and not on the things of this world that cause us to drift away from you. Amen.

Our Daily Bread

Harvest Pray Tues link: https://mail.yahoo.com/d/folders/1/messages/233667

Today is Bread day from 10-12 and tonight is our last Chosen dinner huddle until the new year. starts at 6-8ish (next week we gather Tues at6 for our Thanksgiving Eve Eve Taco Tuesday dinner and worship time.)

Pray with us for what God will have us study after the new year.

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Good Morning Very Loved, Very Productive in the Lord Friends! Amen! Right! Pray with me...May that be us Lord! We know we are very loved and created for your purposes. Thank You! We know You have sent Your Spirit to us to gift and empower us to produce good fruit and it is coming alive! Thanks! Thank You for gathering us to be Your team of Good News and fruit bearing disciples ad apostles! We are students and works in process and progress and yet You are producing good fruit in and through us. Thank You! Father, we love and trust You and offer ourselves to You today. Your Kingdom come and will be done in and through and around us today. may many see you and be drawn as we learn to live and love more and more like Jesus. Protect us. Thank You! Provide and guide. Thank You and may we be the best stewards of all Your blessings! Lord go before us with favor as we pray for 5 neighbors for 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Inform our prayers and open our hearts to respond as You draw. Lord lead us with the Christmas giving and blessing challenge. Open our eyes to what you are doing and how to sow lavishly into your works. Lord, bless our finance team as they work on Your budget for next year. may we as a church, Your Body live sacrificially and love and sow lavishly like Jesus. Lord, thank You for new members and attendees and answered prayers. We asked for 12 and are at 11. Yu hear and answer and bless. Thank You. Send more and connect us to the harvest and raise up harvest workers from the harvest. We do know and are experiencing Ypour promise that You have good plans for us! Plans to prosper and not harm. Keep iit up Lord. We offer ourselves to you and ask that You would help us to seek first the Kingdom and Your good ways and not lean on our own understanding, so that, You would direct our steps to Your best and perfect plans You have created and gathered us to do. You ROCK! We love You Lord! Thank You for being our God, Savior, Lord and Leader and even Help in time of trouble. Your have greAT THINGS FOR US! Thanks! Come! Be glorified! May Jesus be lifted up and come alive in and through us today. Thanks! Amen!

God allowed me to sleep in this morning and I missed my 6 am huddle. BUT GOD! How nice to be refreshed and ready for this day that He has planned. I have just finished up my quiet time and need to get on the road to church to shop, cook, prep and be part of bread ministry. God's got this and I asked Him to be my Lord and Shepherd today. And He is and will for He has plans for me and us today. Invite Him in. Dwell in Him and His love. Receive His direction and go live and love like Jesus today. Then watch for how He'll use you and worship! He made you for such a time as this and is going before you today to lead you to His best. PTL! I can't wait to hear the stories of His love and faithfulness! Share them with us and others who need to hear of His loving faithfulness and good plans.

OK it's time for me to rock and roll. But before I go, below are the devos God ordered for us today as He is speaking to me and directly to some of you as you engage with Him through them and your quiet time. What's He saying to you and what will you do about it? His plans are perfect for you, His beloved, gifted, equipped and led child. He's calling you by name to come sit at His feet, reload for today and follow Him to His best and good and lasting fruit custom fitted for custom made you. PTL! Be still and know and then prepare to go live and love more like Jesus today! Amen! He's leading you to His best. Rejoice! Follow well today my friends! Shalom shalom!

Sarah Young

Charles Stanley

Our Daily Bread

Upper Room: Staying Available

In all your ways submit to [the Lord], and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

My ministry entails editing a newsletter to help inmates like me who are on death row. Recently, while I was organizing the next issue, an elderly inmate came to my cell and asked me to help him find his glasses. Though a little frustrated at the interruption, I went to help. An hour later, I had just sat back down when another person came to vent to me about his marital problems. I listened. After that, someone else called for me, also needing my time and energy.

I was getting irritated because I felt I couldn’t focus on editing the newsletter — the work God had called me to do. I prayed for peace, and God brought a verse to mind: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Prov. 16:9). I realized that although my writing ministry is valuable, sometimes God wants me to serve in unpredictable ways.

It is easy for us to get locked into patterns of service and make ourselves unavailable to God. But we are not our own; we are God’s. There are many ways to minister, and God is always at work (see 1 Cor. 12:4-6). Our job is simply to maintain humble, willing, and obedient hearts that follow where God leads.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, grant us the wisdom to see your guiding hand, and remind us to stay open to unexpected opportunities to serve. Amen.TWFYT

Harvest prayer Starters

This is the day the Lord has made! We get to rejoice and worship in it! PTL! Prepare your hearts to enter His courts with thanksgiving and His gates with praise! He is worthy! Amen!

Good Morning Worshipers! Worship is more than just adoring, praising and thanking. It is also obedience and faithfulness to God and who you are created to be and doing what He has planned for you overflowing from love and gratitude in us. Amen! Prepare your hearts to worship today, this week and the weeks ahead. Come offer yourself to our Creator, Savior and Lord! He does have perfect plans tailored just for you as you humble yourself and seek to allow Him to lead you to His best and perfect plans for such a time as this! Amen! Yes, worship!

Today we wrap up our study of 2 Thessalonians and move towards Thanksgiving and Christmas focused on our amazing God with hearts overflowing with love, worship and thanksgiving. What amazing, love, grace and mercy we have been shown and God offers to all who will come! PTL! I love the flow through my devotionals for today (below) that remind us of how much we are loved and how God wants to lead us to the greater things we are created for as we repent, trust, obey and live this life in worship. God is so kind and loving and He lives in You and me and helps us each step of faith along the way! PTL!

Let's start with the Upper Room's reminder that we are in God's loving hands as He provides all we need. The Word for You Today reminds us that we all are sinners in need of grace and to humble ourselves before our Almighty God to be forgiven and helped. Our Daily Bread reminds us that obedience is a choice and an act of worship. Sarah Young reminds us that there is NO condemnation for us believers! PTL! I love and strive towards enjoying the simple life as a sheep following my Good Shepherd! Charles Stanley continues the reminder that we are secure in Christ. We know that we are eternally secure. PTL! But sometimes we forget and need to be reminded and refocused. Are you sinning in your anger? That's one thing some of us have a propensity towards. It's one of those sins we are forgiven of, but may often need to repent. Joyce Meyer speaks into this this morning. Be better, not bitter. Bitterness is a tool of Satan. Be careful not to sin in your anger (even anger at yourself). Keep your focus up and trust God to handle things, guide you to righteousness and eventually bring His justice. Chuck Swindoll reminds us to choose joy and even to laugh, sometimes at ourselves. releasing anger, doubt and other sins becomes easier as we laugh, even at ourselves and refocus with some humor. God wants us to enjoy life and be happy and He has made a way for that as we release all to Him. humble ourselves and just worship! He loves that! And He loves you enough to remind you of His eternal goodness, love and help. Receive and focus on that! That should be a great place to begin your worship today! Amen! man, He really loves you and us! What joy and worship that leads to! Yes, rejoice! Amen

UR: In God's Hands

God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

The weather has recently changed from warm sunny days to gray chilly days and even colder nights. The leaves have fallen from the trees. With the falling temperatures and frost at night, it is likely that warm-weather creatures will struggle.

Usually, I am removing the dead flowers from my garden at this time of year. So I was surprised when I began my fall garden work and saw that the cosmos flowers with their bright orange and yellow blooms were still going strong. It was wonderful to see the bees and butterflies receiving a much-needed meal. Even as the seasons changed, the needs of these small creatures were still being met.

I remembered the times when I was out of work and could not see a way to pay my bills or feed my family. But God always provided for our needs.

As a Christian, I have learned to seek God’s help through prayer whenever I’m in need. I rely on Jesus’ promise in Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Creator God, for your love, kindness, and grace. Our lives are in your hands, and we depend on you. Amen.

TWFYT

ODB

SY

Stanley

JM

Swindoll

Good Morning Custom Made, Masterpieces, Transformed, Child of our Creator and Sustainer! Oh how awesome is our Abba! Just get alone and still your soul in His presence this morning as you prepare your hearts to worship and be fully His! He chose you and created you for His special purposes just for you. Don't allow Satan, the world, the tyranny of the urgent and all the chaos distract you from His plans for you. Be still and know that He is God and that He loves you so much that He wants you to be made new and more like Him and then He helps you to be His image in a world that needs to know Him. You matter! You have purposes created just for you. The Holy Spirit fills you and guides you each step of each day if you allow that and invite Him in. Keep your focus on our King and allow Him to prepare, mold, and use you for His glory. You will find such soul peace and joy as you become more like Him and allow Him to live and love through you more. Remember our saying that we share often: I am who I am because I am allowing I AM to be who He is in and through me! Is that true for you? It can be as you soften your heart and focus on Him and His perfect plans for you. Remember also, sometimes those perfect plans lead you through some dark valleys and hard reshaping. BUT GOD! He is with you and knows what needs to happen to shape you for his perfect plans for you and for those He is drawing. Be still. Thank Him! Allow Him to have all of you each day no matter the journey He has allowed. You are becoming more like Him and He is using you more and more as you surrender and follow. Help us Lord! Come! We need you! Forgive our resistance. Cleanse us of ourselves and may we allow You full access. Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me today. I trust You! Help my unbelief! May You be glorified today! Come! Live and love through me just as You created me to do. Thanks! I love You and long to be fully Yours! Jesus, come and shepherd me today. Thanks! Amen

This is the day the Lord has made and we get to celebrate, trust and follow Him to His perfect plans for the day! Yes rejoice! Choose to allow Him in and to have His good plans come to and through you. Amen! Check out how He threaded through my devos today. He is speaking right to the hearts of some of you as you engage Him through them and in stillness. Then pray through Harvest Prayer blogs. Come Lord! Speak to my heart now. Prepare me for this day Use me well. Inform my prayers and action steps Amen! Can you hear His still small voice? He is speaking to your heart right now! He really loves you and will be with you always! Amen. May you know His shalom today! Shalom shalom! Perfect peace to you.

Sarah Young

Upper Room: SEARCHING FOR MY SAVIOR

Jesus said, “Look, I myself will be with you every day until the end of this present age.” - Matthew 28:20 (CEB)

At times in my life I have been hurting from the troubles and pain surrounding me — an argument in the family, mental problems, sickness, anger, blame, or doubt. At those times, I have searched frantically for God, worrying that I have lost my connection to my Savior. The more I focus on my issues, the more distant God’s love for me seems. Sometimes I even feel like God is simply apathetic to my distress.

But then I recall finding a lost pair of glasses on top of my head or my lost item in my lap and feeling so silly. I didn’t need to become frantic because what I thought was lost was right there with me. It is the same with my Savior; I have not lost him. I take a breath and once again focus on God.

In his last words to his followers, Jesus told them that he would be with them, and he remains with us today. Through the Holy Spirit, our Savior will be with us until the end. Though I may not feel a physical presence with me, the Holy Spirit comforts my aching heart, letting me know I have nothing to fear. So now, when I find myself tempted to doubt Jesus’ presence with me, I remember that he resides in my heart.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, Abba Father, for being with us at all times. We pray in the name of Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Chuck Swindoll

The Word for You Today

Our Daily Bread

Joyce Meyer

Charles Stanley

Harvest Blogs (pray through these earnestly and with an open and repentant heart.

November 16 - Jesus Prepares His Followers Jesus prepares His followers for His harsh and brutal capture and crucifixion. Luke 18:31-33 Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; he will be mocked, mistreated, and spat on. They will flog him severely and kill him. Yet on the third day he will rise again.” Lord, I repent for any time I’ve ignored You when You wanted to communicate a truth. I repent for when You tried to prepare my heart to bear an upcoming event and I disregarded Your grace-packed nudges. I repent for any time I’ve overlooked You trying to directly communicate to me using the Word.  Regardless of my past, I declare I will be sensitive to Your voice and nudges. I will be sensitive to Your preparations. I will be sensitive to Your Spirit and Word. Thank You for wanting to help my heart face certain circumstances. Thank You for desiring to pour Your life into me so I can be joyful, no matter what the circumstance. Thank You for sharing with me.  I praise You for Your genuine care. I praise You for the outpouring of Your grace and mercy in a way that invigorates and sustains me. I praise You for Your perfect love. --Adapted from Praying What Jesus Says by Natasha Miller. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise Jesus, who is the gate of salvation (Jn. 10:7-10). Thank him for bringing you through that gate and for the security you find inside. Confess those times when you seek security in something other than Jesus. Commit yourself to being a doorkeeper in the house of God rather than dwelling in the tents of wickedness (Ps. 84:10). Ask God to use you to attract those outside of Christ to enter into a saving relationship with him. Pray that your church will march triumphantly against the hosts of Satan, with the assurance that the gates of hell cannot prevail against God’s church (Mt. 16:18).    Prayer Pointer “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7 Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here.

Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday and it's the month focused on thanksgiving. Tell God how thankful you are for salvation, new life, His purposes, His patient and refining love, and for wanting to be with you always! At least start there and allow that to overflow into much thanksgiving an praise!

Good Morning Thankful Children of God! Come you thankful people come! Raise the song of harvest home! We begin our time with our Abba (Daddy) as Jesus taught us as we hallow (honor) His name. And as we ask for His Kingdom to come and will to be done, He informs our prayers and directs our steps as we unleash the power of heaven! He has great plans for you to discover today as you prayerfully stay connected and watch to join what He is doing around you. We have neighbors, family, friends, co-workers that we are sent to love like Jesus and as we pray, He prepares them and us. I love how easy this all is and how He works and uses us just as He created us to go love like Him! Praise God for our volunteers and pray God would be seen in the ministry of our Clothing Closet tomorrow. Pray we connect to the harvest He is sending and thank Him for new faces at worship and new opportunities we are experiencing to go and love like Jesus. He is definitely on the move! PTL! Unleash His power and purposes in prayer! Start praying for those God is sending and those He has for you to invite to our Thanksgiving Eve Eve or Christmas Eve services. Many are open this time of year. Pray hard into that with childlike faith and willingness to do your custom made part. Thank God for that and for His ever-present help and overflowing love. May we have His heart and mind as we go live and love more like Jesus. More in '24! More of Him and less of me as we live Christ earnestly today!

Check out the flow through my devotionals for today. Pray into what God is revealing and offer yourself as a living sacrifice to go as his Living Water. Our Daily Bread reminded me of the Christmas Giving challenge. (Opps I read tomorrow's. Use today's to start engaging prayerfully) You have two Sundays to sign up to join what God has planned to do through us this Christmas season to go be a blessing and connect to some neighbors. The Upper Room continues this line of thinking with a reminder of how simple it is to love like Jesus and share the simple gift of faith and His easy yoke. Charles Stanley reminds us of God's promises and purposes that come to life as we seek Him with open hearts and minds and willing feet. Joyce Meyer reminds us to approach life and our prayers with childlike faith and trust. And Chuck Swindoll reminds us to keep looking and watching in expectation for God to move. We are to be like a child expecting that most desired Christmas present. Yes Come, Jesus Come! Give us your heart and mind and willing, childlike feet that follow you in deep faith and trust. May we see you as the gift and open your presence and presents and use them well for your glory today and always. Thank You! May many praises and thanksgivings be lifted as we see you working all things together. Amen!

ODB:

UR> A Simple Gift

Jesus said, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” - John 15:12 (NIV)

One afternoon I was walking through a park when I saw a woman sitting on a bench. Her hair was in disarray, her face bore a sad expression, and her eyes were downcast. In the center of the park stood an hibiscus tree overflowing with large red flowers. Some of the flowers had fallen on the pavement, so I decided to gather a few and give them to the woman. I saw an immediate change in her demeanor. She said to me: “Thank you, kind lady; it has been quite a while since someone gave me flowers.” She got up from the bench with a smile on her face as she smelled the flowers and walked away.

After this experience, I could not help but think of the powerful message in John 15:12. Jesus was the greatest example of love, and he invites us to love one another in words and actions. Simple gestures like a gift of flowers, a kind word, a helping hand, or breaking bread with someone can brighten others’ spirits. May we never hesitate to be messengers of God’s powerful love.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, God, for your extraordinary love for us. Inspire us to love our neighbors as you have loved us. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

CS:

JM:

C. Swindoll

Harvest Prayer

November 15 - Devoting Ourselves to Prayer These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers (Acts 1:14 NASB, 1995). Our life begins with prayer and is developed and sustained by prayer. If Christ is the Head of the church, how can we possibly say that we are a church if we do not let Him speak to us and spend large amounts of time communing with Him? The early church understood this. In Acts 1:14, you find them doing exactly what Christ told them to do in order to bring about all the results for which they longed. They were learning, just as they had seen for three years as they walked with Jesus, that the primary means of advancing the Kingdom was to commune with the Father. Notice each phrase: “These all” (No one was absent, for this was the highest priority.) “with one mind” (Prayer led them to unity. In prayer, selfish ideas were melted away and God’s ideas became important for everyone.) “were continually” (There was no thought of anything else—it was their habitual practice.) “devoting themselves” (To be devoted means to “be strong towards” and they were, individually, making the choice to pray together.) “to prayer” (The primary, foundational means of getting God’s work done.)  Sovereign Lord, prayer began in Your heart and is Your chosen way of communicating with Your people! I lift up my church to You and ask that we would all see prayer as our highest priority – because it is Yours. May we come to You continually in unity of mind and heart! Moment by moment and day by day may we devote ourselves to seeing Your purposes accomplished through the corporate, unified prayers offered up within our church community! ---Adapted from Prayer with No Intermission by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org. Prayer Points Praise God for choosing the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things to shame the strong (1 Cor. 1:27). Thank God that your salvation does not depend on your wisdom but on his grace alone (Eph. 2:8-9). Confess your self-sufficiency (Lk. 16:11-13). Commit yourself to doing what the Lord requires of you to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God (Mic. 6:8). Ask God to show you clearly the depth of the riches of wisdom and knowledge of God (Rom. 11:33). Pray that your church leaders will show God’s wisdom by their godly lives and deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom (Jas. 3:13). Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here.

Good Morning Praying Friends! I thought initially that God was leading to a thread through my devotionals today, but seems He led to another line of thinking about prayer. We are called to pray and the last few days, prayer has been at the center of what He is revealing for us. Praying is a job for all of us but is the main position for some of you in God's Good News Delivery Co. Seek Him and His Kingdom. Keep knocking in prayer and keep watching for how He wants to use you as an answer to your prayers. Ask Him to inform your prayers. Our prayers are powerful and effective because we have put on Christ's righteousness and He is in heaven interceding for you right now. Start with Harvest Prayer Blog today. I love the quote from Mother Theresa at the end: 

Prayer Pointer
“Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of himself. Ask and seek, and your heart will grow big enough to receive him and keep him as your own.” —Mother Teresa

 Yesterday was quite the day of ministry, prayer and serving! I said to Karen how I felt soul tired at the end of my 14 hour day because I just poured myself out as God lived, loved, prayed and served through me. The day began "loading up" with Jesus during my quiet time at 4 AM and flowed through the Donut Day with much encouraging and prayer. There are many of us going through some very hard situations and stretching of the Lord. The needs around us are great and we can only do so much, BUT GOD! He answers prayers according to His perfect will and timing and provides for ours and others needs as we pray, receive and go help.  We were doing ministry throughout the day and some needs and prayer concerns arose as we traveled through the day. Sarah and I ministered and prayed with the heart of Jesus for a few members after donut time ended. Sarah exemplified how Jesus' compassion and empathy flows through as we seek Him and to bring His heart alive. She couldn't contain the tears and crying as she prayed. I see that as Jesus' heart and compassion coming alive through us. It's what happens often when I cry when preaching. He knows and cares and loves you and His heart breaks for what breaks yours. That often comes alive as we sow in tears in prayer or sharing with others. We experienced Jesus' humanness and grief last night during the Chosen that still comes alive today as we pray and serve. We got a call yesterday afternoon from a woman I prayed with during donut time that just found out her husband has cancer. She was crying in deep grief and reaching out for someone to walk with her. We had a woman approach us about if we could provide some meals when she gets home from heart surgery after Thanksgiving (we will work on that) Last night was quite the episode of the Chosen and we left so much unprocessed. What's God saying to you today. What questions to do have for Him. Ask and receive and go refreshed and informed and prayed up! How does God want to use you and even as an answer to your own prayers? Seek, Knock! Persevere in prayer and life! Receive and go in His name! He does have some amazing plans for you today.

I'm praying for you! Check out our devos below as you sit at Jesus' feet and receive, process and go to be His vessel of love, hope and help today. God does hear and answer our prayers and he is with us always. He is our Good Shepherd who lays down His life for us and for the Father's mission. May we be more like Him and go live and love like Him today. Amen!

Harvest Prayer

November 14 - Steps to Take in the Midst of Evil "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8-9). There is great importance in learning to discern evil from good. We live in an era in which much of the moral blacks and whites have faded to gray. As believers, we allow incredible evil into our lives through what we watch on television and video, what we read, and so on. Because of this, we are very desensitized to evil’s threat. Pray for the ability to discern. And when God speaks to you about something you shouldn’t do because of its evil influence, pray for courage to obey. Author, Tom White, offers five steps to take when we discern evil in our battle: 1. Stand on and speak forth scriptural truth (2 Thess. 3:3, 1 Jn. 3:8, 1 Jn. 4:4). 2. Pray alertly “for the saints” (spouse, children, roommates, etc.) using the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith to ward off enemy assaults (Eph. 6:16-18). 3. Apply the name and blood of Jesus to overcome enemy influence (Rev. 12:10-11). 4. Ask God to provide helping angels (Ps. 91, Heb. 1:4). 5. Discern and deal quickly with ungodly influences that threaten the home. Lord Jesus, I confess that I have often allowed the enemy to creep into my life in what seem like harmless ways because I haven’t been paying attention to maintaining Your goodness as my standard of life. Remind me that I am not immune to the schemes of the Devil and help me to quickly discern when evil thoughts, activity, words, visuals, etc. creep into my life and my home. Help me to be quickly aware and to obediently seek only what is good, and what comes from You! --Adapted from The Power of Personal Prayer (Learning to Pray with Faith and Purpose) by Jonathan Graf. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise God that you are his temple (1 Cor. 3:16). Thank God for the work he’s given you to build up Christ’s body, the church (Eph. 4:16). Confess those times you do not honor God with your body, as he has purchased you with the price of his blood (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Commit yourself to Jesus’ cleansing of your total being (Jn. 13:8-10). Ask God to reveal to you daily the mystery of his glorious riches (Col. 1:26-27). Pray that your family and friends will not dwell on outward beauty but on the unfading beauty of the inner self, a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Pet. 3:3-4).    Prayer Pointer “Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of himself. Ask and seek, and your heart will grow big enough to receive him and keep him as your own.” —Mother Teresa Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here.

ODB:

Sarah Young:

UR: Finishing Well

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. - 1 Corinthians 9:25 (NIV)

I enjoy participating in road races, triathlons, and other athletic competitions. One of my favorite motivational quotes says, “Finishing ‘dead last’ trumps ‘did not finish,’ which trumps ‘did not start.’” Those words remind me to focus on the journey and not the end result. For some, placing in the top of their age division is important, while others just want to start a healthy lifestyle. No matter the goal, the participant must train for the race, which requires discipline, commitment, and getting to the starting line!

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians compares our spiritual journey to an earthly race. Unlike an earthly race, as Christians we are seeking a reward that will last. Paul tells us that we need strict training in our spiritual lives that takes work, preparation, and discipline. Putting in the work requires having a plan and a starting point. Whether our starting point is reading the Bible every day, spending time in prayer with God, devoting ourselves to loving service to others — beginning a life of active faith gives us the opportunity to finish our spiritual journey well.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, give us the strength and courage to begin and continue our spiritual work today. Amen.

DONUT DAY! 10-12 and Chosen dinner huddle 6-8 today! Come! Taste and see that the Lord is good! Bring some friends!

Good Morning Denying Self, Filled, Prepared, Sent Followers of the Good Shepherd! Oh, man how He loves, pursues, cleanses, fills, prepares and uses us! What Love! PTL! This morning I awoke and sat at Jesus' feet. I am cleansed, filled and ready to follow my Shepherd to whatever He has for today. Are you? He has great plans for me and you today! Maybe allowing Him to use you at Donut Day or as part of the Chosen dinner huddle tonight or maybe in a myriad of other ways. Draw close. Listen. Die to self. Receive Him, His help, refining, and directions. Then go and allow Him to live and love through you today. Live Christ! Incarnate Him, His Love and the joy of your salvation! We are sent to bring His Kingdom and ways alive. And He goes with us and uses us for His glory and the good of us and many others! Yes Rejoice. Prepare. Then Go! He wants to write a new story of His love, grace and mercy through you. Will you allow that? Are you ready? I'm praying so! It's so cool to watch what he has planned and participate in what He has for you each day! It's His sweet spot! And what joy we find dwelling in Him and walking in that custom prepared sweet spot! Check it out and share that story with us and others! Joy, joy and rejoicing in the Lord and His goodness! Amen!

Yes, I'm a bit pumped up this morning! God is so good and kind and speaking, directing and filling me to overflowing. He wants to do the same for you! Turn off the noise and chaos and walk in and follow His peace today. He created you for such a time as this and is longing to live and love through you and bring His joy alive! Check out our devotionals and how Gid spoke to me as he led me through them this morning. What's He saying to you? What will you do about that? Who are your teammates that pray, encourage, help process and hold your feet in the fire. We all need each other as we grow as His Good News Delivery Company that brings revival and new life alive and helps others meet and walk with Jesus! Amen!

Consider joining one of our huddles or talk to me about starting a new one. We grow as friends, in prayer and encouragement and fellowship as we study and spend tine together processing what the Holy Spirit is teaching and leading to. Pray for me as I am entering two training opportunities that will flow to some of you after the new year. Ask God what His plans are for you and pray for opportunities for us to work on discipleship and disciple making and being His Good News and joy bringers. Talk to me or Sarah about what you are hearing and being led to. let's get active and bring to life Jesus and His plans together and for His glory alone! Amen!

Here's a link again to the prayer challenge we will focus on the next five weeks. Start here today as you humble yourself and receive and release His Kingdom in prayer and power. For many if us our role in His Good News delivery Co. is that of prayer warrior. Step earnestly into that powerful position! https://harvestprayer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Five-Blessings-Brochure-2.pdf

Think about what Jesus is saying and wanting to do in and through you as your prayerfully engage with our God as you prepare to work through the devos with the Holy Spirit in you. 

Sarah Young

ODB:

UR: In All Circumstances

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In the past I have tried to trust God in all circumstances, but I frequently still hung on to my worries and even wanted to tell God exactly how to fix things. But this time was different. I gave it all to God.

Even though I wanted to be around to see my grandchildren grow into adults and spend more time with my family, I left my circumstances in God’s loving hands. I didn’t ask God for a cure. Instead I asked for God’s help in accepting whatever happened with my treatment. No matter what, I was grateful for my time on earth.

I felt profound peace in trusting God and wasn’t anxious about the outcome of my treatment. After some time, I found that I was able to give thanks even with my diagnosis. I did not want cancer, nor would I wish it on anyone else. But it helped me to focus on what truly matters. It also taught me greater empathy for others facing serious health issues. I experienced the peace that comes from truly giving my troubles to God.

Today's Prayer

Loving and compassionate God, help us to trust you and give thanks in all circumstances. Amen.TWFYT

Charles Stanley

This Week:

Tues 10-11 Zoom Huddle. All welcome

Wed: 10-12 Donut Day at The Bread Ministry; 6-8 Chosen Dinner Huddle for families and adults. All welcome--bring a friend!

Sat. 10-1 Clothing Closet

Don't forget we are collecting cans of beans (not green bean) for the School Dist. Angel Network and cans of veggies and soups for our pantry

Today is Veteran's Day! Thank a vet and pray for them and our wounded warriors for God's blessings, healings and provisions. Think about how they, like Jesus, were willing to lay down their lives for our freedoms! Some paid the ultimate price, so came home different. Yes thank God and keep praying for them and their provision! Thank you for your service! May God richly bless you!

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Good Morning Different Followers of Jesus! We were one way and then another and the thing in between was Jesus! PTL! He has redeemed us, restored us and led us to His best and our fuller potential in Christ. And He continues to mold and shape us as a Potter with clay. As we shed the old nature and step more fully into our new in Christ nature we also become very different from the world around us. Well, that's God's plan anyway for us with dual citizenship in heaven and earth. As we follow Jesus more earnestly, we become more like Him and activated to bring heaven to earth and His kingdom of light and love alive in this dark, hate-filled, dry land. We are to be His Living Water, incarnating Jesus, our Living Water to a dry and weary land. We are springs of life, springing up all over the place. We are like trees with roots sunk deep in Christ and God's Living Word. We are different and continue in our journey to become more like Christ and to bring His mission and Kingdom alive on earth. PTL! Turn off the noise and chaos of this world. receive His peace, love, wisdom and joy and go bring it alive wherever you step. You know you are walking on holy ground with the Holy One and He is leading you to be His world changer. Let us unite and go love like Jesus, spur each other on, build His Kingdom and be different and make a difference. Amen!

We are chosen and activated sent servants of Christ. He has great plans for you today and this week. Turn off the noise, worship, reload and go prepared and different. Amen!

Last night Karen, Kay and I attended Revival Church's worship and ministry night. All I can say is WOW! God showed up and is moving in our midst and building! We experienced healings ( my ankle was healed! PTL!), deliverances, breakings of bondages, worship deep in His presence and a refilling to carry into the week ahead. PTL! I know that I need recharging often and that sure happened last night. I am different today because of my encounter with the Living God who is able and wants to make us different! PTL! Our church was prophesied over by several pastors. God is surely on the move and we are seeing these prophesies budding, growing and bringing new life and good fruit alive. PTL! There will surely be an overflow into this week and weeks ahead. PTL! We are moving to a new level as we grow into that dynamic movement of God. We are being used to bring life, hope, help and love alive. PTL! And these will increase as we continue to abide in Christ, yoke to Jesus and allow Him to mold and lead us. Amen! We are also moving closer to becoming a House of Prayer for the Nations as God is sending new people to our fellowship, worship service and even uniting both churches for His good plans. PTL! 

Keep praying and asking how God wants to use you and who your partners are and plan to follow Jesus into His new things. He really does have great custom made plans for you and us! PTL! Let us commit to seek, surrender and follow well. We are activated and empowered to go love like Jesus and change the world. What's your part? Let's process and work on that. PTL that we are chosen, loved and different and sent to make a difference! We are sent to be Christ! Amen!

Just worship on your own this morning. Still yourself, listen and receive. God is speaking and leading you to a new thing. PTL! Get used to different, follower of Jesus! He is on the move! Amen! Thank Him for His presence and good plans and for including you! I am!

Harvest Prayer

November 11 - There Is an Order “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:31)   Even the disciples vied for position in heaven, but Jesus said the Kingdom of God operates differently than the world. The first would be last. The last would be first. The Kingdom of God operates in orderly and strategic ways. Jesus indicates that many will be surprised at their position in eternity. Will you be first or last? Lord, I repent for any time I’ve judged in error people in general, leaders specifically. I repent for any lofty thoughts concerning myself or others. I repent for any degrading thoughts concerning others. I repent for when I’ve been concerned about position, status, or influence in Your kingdom.  Regardless of what I’ve done in the past, I declare I will let You judge concerning people. I will walk in wisdom when judging sin. I will refrain from casting judgment and categorizing others. I won’t concern myself about proximity to power; I will focus on serving Your Kingdom. I thank You for Your divine system that is fair and just. I thank You that You’re perfect and that You established the Kingdom of God with perfection.  I praise You, for You’re perfect, holy, magnificent, wondrous, beautiful, and worthy! I praise You because You’re the Great Rescuer and truly devoted to Your people. I praise You because You’re upright, and Your perfect character allows us to rest. I love You. --Adapted from Praying What Jesus Says by Natasha Miller. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise God whose kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Thank God for his kindness and love in Jesus, who saved you by the shedding of his own blood (Titus 3:4-7). Confess those times of subtle boasting of how much you do for the Lord and his church (2 Cor. 11:21-30). Commit yourself to quietly helping another person through prayer, encouragement, or deed without self-recognition. Ask God to keep you from pride (Rom. 11:20). Ask that your church will spend time encouraging and equipping members, warning those who are idle, helping the weak—being the best possible stewards of time as well as money (1 Thess. 5:11-21). Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here.