It's Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! PTL and meditate on all that means to you. As we approach that Good Friday cross, think about what His broken body and spilled blood mean to you, us and all who will come. Yes worship today! We are washed white as snow! PTL!

Good Morning Redeemed of the Lord! PTL--right? You are made in God's image for His purposes. When we come to Christ we are made new, cleansed and purified and now gifted, equipped and empowered to go love and share the Good news of our salvation. He has brought you with a price and paid for you in full. PTL! You are redeemed, delivered and made new. Shed the old today and step into the new nature and the new things God is doing. Our God is not stagnant or absent. he is alive and active and transforming and molding you to go do your part in His Good News Delivery Co. and to live and love more like Jesus. Your potential in Christ has been activated! PTL! What are His plans for you and your co-laborers today? Step into them and shine the light of your salvation and walk in the joy of it today! The world needs that and God has your custom plan already in action. Shed the old and step into the new with much thanksgiving and worship! Trust and obey as you worship, receive and follow Him today. I'm praising for you and praying for God to make clear the plan to you today and to give a willing heart and moving feet! Come! Let us worship! You matter! You are redeemed. You are empowered! PTL!

Contemplate the devos for today below and maybe process and plan with your teammates. What's God saying and what new thing does He have for you today! Take that baby step of faith and watch what He will do as you offer yourself. Shalom! Know His joy as you allow Him to live and love through you and encourage and spur some friends on.

Sarah Young

ODB

UR: Small Things Matter

Those who despise a time of little things will rejoice when they see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. - Zechariah 4:10 (CEB)

My brother Tommy was intellectually disabled and lived in a group home. Because I lived in another country, I did not visit him in person. One day I decided to start sending him postcards so he would remember that he had a sister who loved him. I wrote to him regularly. I would choose a nice picture, write out my greeting, and send it across the sea.

Tommy passed away some time ago. After his death, the personnel at his group home gave the postcards to my mother. Tommy had saved them. The staff told my mother that Tommy had slept with the postcards under his pillow every night and that he wouldn’t let anyone else touch them because they were so precious to him. It moved my heart deeply to know that an action of mine that was so small had meant so much to my brother.

Our lives are full of things that seem inconsequential. While a kind gesture or an encouraging word may not seem noteworthy, they can mean much. God’s word encourages us to love, even in little ways. In doing so, we spread the joy of God’s kingdom, and lives can be changed.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for opportunities to care for others. Help us to share your love today, even in little ways. Amen.

I to We

TWFYT

Good Morning Team! We are gathered, united and sent to change the world with the love of Christ. That is our purpose and mission. May we all choose to pray into and step into our parts in His Good News delivery Co. everyday--even today. I'm praying for you and believing God has some great things ahead for you, me and us! PTL! I gotta fly but take some time to spend time prayerfully with God with open Bibles and through the devos below! he's speaking and calling you by name. He loves you and has some awesome plans to discover and step into. Have at it! Shalom. Be real and do life together! Check out the extra reading from the Upper Room. Can you see our team and call in this teaching? I do! Let us unite to go live and love like Jesus! He is the Way!

Joyce Meyer

I to We

TWFYT

UR: 

UR: Power in Weakness

The Lord said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSVUE)

For seven years as a child, I took piano lessons. I quickly learned my strength was sight-reading music; and to my annoyance, my weakness was my inability to memorize easily. One year, when the day of the recital came, I still did not feel comfortable with my music. As I walked toward the piano, my stomach was queasy and my hands shaky. I sat down and began to play, but near the end my mind went blank. I could not remember how to finish the piece. Finally, desperate, I just hit a chord, stood up, and walked back to my seat, feeling embarrassed.

I wish I could say I overcame my challenges with memorization. I cannot. I wish I could say I can preach and teach without notes in front of me. I cannot. And yet, God still calls me to teach and occasionally to preach and blesses me despite my weakness.

The Bible has many stories about people who felt inadequate whom God used in powerful ways: Moses and Jeremiah are two examples. Even Mary, Peter, and Paul struggled until God’s grace saw them through to accomplish powerful works.

When we

give our weaknesses as well as our strengths to God, we can stand strong and marvel at what God does with our lives.

Today's Prayer

O Lord, use our strengths and weaknesses to glorify you wherever we go, in whatever we do, and with whomever we meet. Amen.

Chuck Swindoll

Connection:

April 2 - Submitted to His Will When all other needs have been satisfied and our hearts made full, the greatest need is for Christ Himself to be formed in all aspects of our lives. He is the bread we need for wholeness to come into our fractured existence. In John 6, Jesus saw a large crowd in a wilderness area and realized there was no food to feed this gathering.  “He said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ He asked this only to test him” (John 6:5-6). As it turned out the “test” was not merely a test of Philip’s faith, but of the response of the crowd to the power of God. Jesus took five barley loaves and two fish and fed five thousand people with that meager supply. One would think that the response would be gratitude and a hunger for the things that Jesus would teach. Instead it turned into a demand for more of the spectacular, and a fleshly insistence that Jesus do things on their terms, instead of submission to the will of God, revealed in Christ. After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. (John 6:14-15, NIV, emphasis added) In the presence of a miracle of provision of daily bread, and in the very presence of God in human flesh, a gathering of five thousand Christ-seekers made the decision to manipulate the Lord of glory to become a king according to their understanding instead of serving the one who had granted them blessing on His terms. Jesus had to withdraw His presence from their midst. His presence will always withdraw when this occurs. He will not be a puppet-king. Lord God, why is it that your people are always looking to Your hand rather than to Your heart…and to Your provision rather than to Your presence?  I want to sit at Your feet and be content with all that You are in my life rather than continually seeking for more and better experiences of Your power.  May I continually be submitted to Your perfect will revealed in Christ. --Adapted from Power Praying (Hearing Jesus’ Spirit by Praying Jesus’ Prayer) by David Chotka. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise God for being a great and awesome God (Deut. 7:21). Thank him for bending down low in order to bring salvation and faith to you. Confess times when you’ve thought God was small and powerless. Commit yourself to worshiping God with “reverence and awe” (Heb. 12:28). Ask for a true sense of awe as you meet God in the sanctuary (Ps. 68:35). The psalmist says to God: “How awesome are your deeds! . . . All the earth bows down to you” (Ps. 66:3-4). Pray that God’s awesome power might be clearly evident throughout his kingdom worldwide. Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com

Good Morning Custom Created, Saved, Custom Gifted, Empowered, Complete, Servants of God Almighty! AMEN! PTL! Even when we don't feel like it all the time, that is you, me, us! PTL! Turn off the noise for a time today and dwell in His loving presence today. Listen for His still small voice whispering your name and meditate on all the facets of this salutation an truth this morning. Take some time process our devotionals below and His Word and Truth as he calls you by name and reveals His love and plans for you today. Ask Him to reveal your gifts and purposes and for some teammates to process, pray and plan with. He does have some great plans for you--big and small to discover, pray into and join Him in completing. Just dwell and worship some before stepping out in strengthened faith for this day--the day the Lord has made! And we get to worship, serve, trust, obey and follow Jesus too throughout the day He has prepared you for! Amen!

I've been praising God for you and praying for you and us. God has been reminding me of the group that just worked through the spiritual gifts study. I know He has plans for each of you to discover and grow into. I want to encourage you all, and especially the gifts study people to come together with some friends and ask God to lead you to what's next. Maybe it's a prayer team, Bible study, accountability group or some ministry to start. Seek Him! What's He revealing? Who are your partners? What's He have for you and what will you do about it? Ask Him with a prayerful, willing heart and watch for some amazing things to come as you put Christ and His mission first and follow well. I am so excited and, truth be told, a bit anxious that we will miss Him and His plans and avoid His stretching and sending. We are on our way to really coming alive individually and as His Body! However, for that to bud, grow and produce good fruit, we all need to be a bit more earnest in our approach and willingness to step out in faith. May He fan into flame the spark we are as we seek and follow and step into our purposes! Talk to Him and some teammates about this today. Then take some baby steps towards His perfect, custom made plans for you and us! We do really need each other! may we be fully His as we learn to live and love more like Jesus and as we are created for such a time as this! Amen!

Note to the spiritual gifts study people (and all of us). Check out the I to We devo. It really is what God has been revealing for me to share with you. I'm praying into that and believing we are about to come alive in '25 and beyond. How might He be setting up your next steps and what will you do as you step into His perfect plans? Let's talk about it, pray about it, plan it and begin, even today! Amen! In Christ we have all we need! He is enough--Jireh! he qualifies and empowers the called (you). It's time to stop bemoaning what is and allowing Him to use you to change the world around you. It's time to start living as if Christ is all that matters because Christ is really all that matters in this life and we are His! Amen! Stop--drop--and prepare to roll with Jesus! revival is at hand and awaiting us to do our parts. PTL! be bold and courageous! Trust and obey. And watch where you can join Him today! And keep praying for each other to discover, grow and go and for our leaders and vision team to seek, hear and follow God well as we lead our Body. (see Connections blogs for prayer starters)

Sarah Young

UR: New Life

Jesus said to [Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” - John 11:25 (NRSVUE)

Where I live, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord in the springtime. The story of Easter is powerful no matter what season of year it is when we celebrate, but the theme of Easter goes particularly well with the theme of spring. The dormancy, cold, and bleakness of winter mirrors the body of Christ being in the tomb and the feelings his followers must have experienced. They must have thought all was lost and hope was gone.

When I look out at a winter landscape with bare trees, brown grass, and a dark sky, sometimes it’s hard to feel excited. But fortunately, spring always comes. Although the transition begins slowly, the trees eventually begin to bud and flowers burst forth. These signs give me hope that new life is coming and put a little bounce in my step, even if I am still wearing winter boots.

The Resurrection brought a similar hope. Jesus’ lifeless body came back to life. The dark, foreboding tomb was opened, never to be closed again. The morning came alive with the promise of hope returning to earth. God did something new on that Easter morning, and God does something new every spring too.

Today's Prayer

God of new life, your timing is always perfect. Thank you for the hope of Easter. Amen.

ODB:

TWFYT:

I to We

Connections:

April 3 - True Prayer Seeks God Prayer is not merely a religious exercise that Christians perform.  Neither is it seeking a handout from God. Prayer is seeking to know God. It is seeking Him with our whole hearts. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah sent a letter to the priests, the prophets, and the people Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile in Babylon. In that letter he stated the kind of prayer that God acknowledges. “Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you” (Jeremiah 29:12–14). When a person searches for God with his whole heart, only then is God found. The heart of man is the central core of a person—the inner man. The Greek word for heart is kardia, which means, “the chief organ of physical life.” W. E. Vine says that the heart “occupies the most important place in the human system. By an easy transition, the word came to stand for man’s entire mental and moral activity, both the rational and the emotional elements. In other words, the heart is used figuratively for the hidden springs of the personal life. .  . The heart, in its moral significance in the Old Testament, includes the emotions, the reason, and the will.” Creator God, You knitted me together perfectly with a heart that is designed to be formed by Your own heart. Teach me how to be continually open to Your perfect presence so that my mind, emotions and desires are focused upon seeking a life devoted to Jesus.  --Adapted from The Prayer Factor: Adventures with a God who Hears and Answers by Sammy Tippit. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.    Prayer Points Praise God for individuals whom he has called to be your spiritual guides. Thank God for establishing order and authority in his church. Confess any lack of appreciation for the responsibility God has given to your pastor, elders, and deacons. Commit yourself to regularly upholding your spiritual leaders in prayer. Ask God to grant you a willingness to follow their leadership. Pray by name for your pastor(s), elders, and deacons. “They keep watch over you as men who must give account.” Ask that “their work will be a joy, not a burden” (Heb. 13:17). Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com

Sarah Update below

Click this link for great insight on the importance of being the praying church God has called us to be and the importance of BIG, expectant praying: https://www.harvestprayer.com/prayer-evangelism-and-the-purposes-of-god/ and this link about not giving up hope on America and praying earnestly for revival: https://www.harvestprayer.com/against-all-odds-prayer-to-the-god-of-hope/

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Good Morning Praying, Surrendered, Co-Laborers! Amen! Come Lord! Your will be done! Help me to humble myself, seek Your face and pray according to Your Word. Then may I do my part as Your answer to those prayers. Thank You! Come! Bring revival and use me for my part. Amen!

Sometimes we hear God's voice and think we know exactly what He desires of us and sometimes, well we are not hearing clearly or fully understanding all the facets of His revelation. Today is a case in point for me. I thought I clearly heard God wanting me to share the devos I am about to share below as He revealed His call to unity, love, and kindness today--even to show love to our enemies (or perceived ones). I've determined and try to do my best not to bring politics into blogs or sermons anymore. Politics and our preferences are just too devisive and counter our unity in Christ and mission. Seriously, we could rename our country the Divided States because we surely are. But has not God called us to unity, love, kindness and working together for the good of all and for His Kingdom to come? Some will never get it and are Hell bound, but we are called and sent for those who will come to Christ and His ways. Today's first two devos are about hearing God and responding well. He is speaking to your heart all the time. He is calling you and us to commune with Him in His Word and prayer, to seek His directions and follow well. He has called us to be His vessels of love, unity and new life. Can you hear Him speaking to you today? What's He whispering to your spirit? What may you need to crucify and repent of to be ready and available to follow Him to His mission for you today? Talk to Him about that and process with some friends. 

Sarah reminded me of when I discussed the appropriate response to being on fire (like I was a few years ago) Stop-Drop-Roll. The world and this nation are on fire right now. We need to STOP--turn off the noise, actually pause our own thinking and redirect to God's. Then we need to DROP to our knees in prayer and conversation with God. Renewing our thinking and receiving His direction. And we need to pause and process with some friends what we are hearing and make God's plans. Then we will be ready to ROLL! Let's roll united in Christ and for God's glory as His vessels of love and revival. It's really what the world needs right now! Are you in? God has created you for such a time as this and we all have our parts to carry out in His Good News Delivery Company! It's time to allow Him to use you as the answers to your payers and as His vessels--prayed up and ready to roll for His glory alone. Amen! It's time to get earnest in our prayers, walk and the way of Jesus! I'm praying expectantly with thanksgiving for you and us to be moved by God to our created and gathered and sent purposes for such a time as this! Come Lord! Have Your way with us! Prepare us! Send us! use us for Your glory and bring revival! Amen!

UR: Hearing God's Voice

God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!" - Exodus 3:4 (NIV)

The walls of our old house are thin. I often hear the sounds of the city outside and of people passing by — a child crying, a couple with slightly raised voices, a group of giggling school children. These background noises have become a part of my everyday life, and I hardly acknowledge them. But every once in a while something comes through clearly.

Throughout our lives, almost in the background, God speaks to us — in the wise words of others, in scripture, in our circumstances and surroundings. It is rare that we hear the voice of God clearly like Moses did. Moses was going about his daily work of shepherding when he noticed an unusual sight — a burning bush — and then heard God’s call. It was impossible to ignore.

God speaks to us too. God never ceases speaking, and taking time to stop, pray, and listen to God is an essential discipline in our Christian life. Often it is easy to neglect wise advice, to let our eyes pass over our daily scripture reading without really paying attention, to fail to notice those in need around us or God’s blessings surrounding us. Let us remember to pause and notice what God is saying to us.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to notice when you are speaking to us today. Thank you for surrounding us with your presence. Amen.

Sarah Young:

ODB:

TWFYT:

Sarah Update

Good evening, Warriors......

This afternoon, Sandy, Darlene Geiger's sister, whom we were lifting up in prayer, passed away.  Please continue to pray for Sandy's

immediate family and for Darlene and the rest of the family as they go through this difficult time.

Please keep Patrick, who attends our bread ministry and has some great conversations with Pastor Don regarding Jesus.....Patrick is searching. Hopefully one day soon we will see Patrick in worship!   Patrick is having surgery on Wednesday, on his ear. He has been having 

some issues with his hearing. Hopefully this surgery will help with his hearing. (Note: Patrick said he cannot understand the Bible and has trouble reading it. I (pastor Don) ordered him a large print study Bible. Pray he and I can have some time studying it together. Thanks! May God's Word not come back void!)

Thanks everyone for praying for these families!

   Have a good evening and tomorrow!

     Blessings,

       Sarah

Sarah Update below

This week:

Tues 10-11 Zoom Huddle (all welcome)

Wed:

10-12 Bread Ministry

6-7:30 Dinner Huddle

Sat 10-1 Clothing Closet

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Good Morning Sinking Roots Deep, Abiding in Christ Co-Laborers! May that be us Lord! Thanks! Amen!

What does stepping into that salutation look like for you? Something that has become evident as a need for our flock is the desire to learn God's Word and apply it to our lives and our church. To become good at being doers of the Word, we need to know, understand, and apply it. That takes time to actually read and study the Living Word of God  and abiding in the Living Word, Jesus more earnestly. Setting aside time daily to read, meditate upon and pray through God's Word is critical to grow in our potential in Christ and understanding God's will for us. Part of the purpose of this blog is to kick start our daily time in His Word. For me that is best early in the morning before I begin the day. For some that may be lunch time or before bed. Whatever works for you, make it a priority. God is speaking to you and is heard through time prayerfully meditating on His Word. That is how we sink our roots deep in Christ and move towards very productive fruit producing. If you want to know the Word and check our teaching against it, you have to make spending time with open Bibles part of your daily routine. Just do it--try it and see how God is speaking to you and wanting to direct your steps daily. Check out my I to We devotional reading for today below as they begin a season of soaking in God's Word. God has plans for you and us that are revealed as we dwell in Him and with our open Bibles.

Yesterday we experienced our Children's Church building God's Armor as they learned about it right from His Word. We all know we can and should pray it on daily. Now they can understand it a bit more because they spent some weeks studying it. We heard from Gail Reinsmith sharing her call to minister to the least of these in NYC and how God guides their team through His Word to go be His hands and feet and directs them daily in the how to of that. Then Sarah reminded us of those who dreamed big and prayed big God prayers expectantly. To hear and follow God well, you have to spend time with Him and in His Word. And then to apply it and become doers of what he reveals we need to pray expectantly with thanksgiving according to what He is revealing and then gather with some teammates to make His plans and then go live and love more like Jesus! We are a people claiming to stand on and live by His Word. To grow at that we have to open our Bibles, pray expectantly and abide in Christ as we sink our roots deep and draw nourishing from Him and His Word that will produce good and lasting fruit.

We have great potential that comes to life as we abiding in Christ, pray expectantly and become doers of what he reveals. And that also includes doing things together as His Good News delivery Company. As that comes to life we will become know as His dynamic movement of people who have a burning passion for God and missionary zeal to reach the lost and we will be producing the fruit He has created, gifted and gathered us to produce. What's your part? Bring it alive Lord! Send me/us. Produce good and pasting fruit as we abide in You and become doers of Your word. Amen!

I to We

Sarah Update:

Hi church family!

   What a great day of worship and fellowship!!   We started off having a couple girls from the Children's church share their armor of God outfits.   The Teachers of the Children's church have been teaching and training the kids about the gift that God has given each of us.....His Armor that if we put it on every day, protects us from satan.  Pastor Mike wore his racing uniform, which serves an armor that protects him when he is racing.

We also got to hear from Gail Reinsmith, one of the missionaries that we support and lives and shares God Word in NY.  It was great 

seeing her and hearing what God has been doing through her and her team (CRU).   We continue to keep Gail in our prayers!

Sarah then shared God's Word with us......When was the last time that you really dreamed in your prayers?  God wants us to dream and give those dreams to Him.....Wait expectantly for Him to answer and THANK HIM BEFORE the miracle happens for the miracle/answer to prayer to come.

Then we all went down to the fellowship hall to enjoy some great food and fellowship!!!  Thank you Lori, Barb, Ramon, Karen, Reid, and others that pitched in to help make the brunch a great time of gathering together in our Father's house!!

OUR NEXT BRUNCH WILL BE ON SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH FOLLOWING WORSHIP. PLAN TO JOIN US!

  The menu is; Ham ( brown sugared/clove or pineapple cherry), stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggie, salad, pineapple upside down cake, dirt pudding, brownies/cookies and crumb cake.  YUMMO!!!

** ** **

Here are some prayer needs and praises shared today;

Darlene Skinner - remains in the hospital with health issues, fluid retention.

Joan Fenstermaker - health issues/concerns, asking for prayers of peace

Susan (friend of Dean Marks) - has two blockages but cannot have operation due to blood clots

Harry (Pop) Waterman will be having his battery changed in his pace maker on Friday. Prayers that all goes well 

Caleb has his ear test and procedure. Praising God that his hearing is GREAT and he is even starting to 'chatter' a bit now!!

Gail Reinsmith praising God the she and her team are still going strong in NY, Needs are great but God is always supplying!

Lisa Wenner is praising God for the New Veterinarian that has joined her team at work. All are doing well and adjusting good! 

     Also she is going to be a Great Aunt again - with twins!!  Keep momma and babies in prayer as they grow inside the womb.

Liz Reinsmith is praising God - Her friend Jody, whom we were praying for....had an MRI and her neck is HEALED!! PRAISE GOD!!!

Marshall's friend passed away due to cancer, he is asking for prayer for the family as they deal with their loss.

Pastor Don is praising God for the continual growth of his wife's boss, who had preemie twins in December. They are doing well and will 

hopefully be leaving the hospital and headed home next week.

   Pastor Don is also asking for prayer for Karen and her co-workers as when the twins come home, their boss will be on maternity leave for at least two months.  Karen and co-workers will miss their boss, but will have added work to handle while she is out.

Continue to keep Pastor Don and Sarah in your prayers as they minister to our church family and others. Prayers for their health, safety.

 Pastor Don will be scheduling homebound communions and visits over the next two weeks. Prayers for him as he goes in and out of facilities to visit, remain healthy.

Believe that is all for now......praying we all have a great week, dreaming big....and sharing Jesus' love with all those around us.

   God loves you!!

       Blessings,

          Sarah

Thank God I'm Forgiven! Thank God you are forgiven and thank God for teaching us to forgive as we have been forgiven--entirely! Meditate and praise through all the facets of that today!

Good Morning Forgiven Much, Redeemed, Gifted, Empowered, Sent Disciples of Jesus! Amen and thanks Lord! Focus on praising, praying and worshiping today as you put on more fully Christ's righteousness and step out in faith to live, love, teach, lead, and make connections that lead to people becoming disciples of Jesus. That is worship and that is becoming God's dynamic movement of people with a burning passion for God and missionary zeal to reach the lost. May that be us Lord! Come! Fill us! Inform our prayers. Direct our steps. And may we worship with full abandon today! You alone are worthy of that kind of worship and our obedience. Amen!

Last Sunday we worshiped with a symphony of prayer. Prayer is critical and hard work. We are all called to pray and for some in this season of life, prayer is your role in God's Good News Delivery Company--a critical piece of the puzzle of St. Matts dynamic movement of God. Thank you for praying and enduring the hard Kingdom work that is so vital today! Check out the Connections blog all about this. What's God saying to you? How does He want to inform your prayers. Who is He leading you to pray with? Or to go with? DO IT!!!

As you hang out in God's loving presence, prayerfully engage with our other devotionals as well. God is speaking love over you and into your heart. He is calling you by name and leading you to His plans for you today. What are they? Ask Him with open hands and willing feet. Seek a partner or three to pray and to go love like Jesus with. Step into your role as His servant today. He has great plans just for you and some very good and lasting fruit for our Body as we partner together, step into our giftedness and allow Him to empower and send us into our missions for the day. Go live and love and pray more like Jesus and watch for those He is drawing and leading to your mind to pray for and engage with. And keep praying for new opportunities and connection points into our neighborhoods. He has at least 30 He is preparing to join with us in some expression of worship or another. Thank Him for all He has done, is doing and will do as He leads us forward in our journey towards Christlikeness and our created potential in Christ. We are coming alive in '25 but we need all of us to do our parts and to spur each other on for such a time as this! So rejoice. Don His easy yoke and walk with Jesus today towards your future and hope with joy and a big smile because we were made for today and we get to live out His will just as we are! Amen!

Connections blogs:

March 28 - Kingdom Praying Is Hard Work Kingdom praying is the most crucial work we can do. Kingdom praying is work! It demands our time, our energy, our intentional attention, our focus, our self-discipline. We must recommit ourselves to it every day. Prayer is work, but prayer works. More accurately, God works in response to the work of prayer, in response to the prayers of His people. God’s Word, as well as history and our own experiences, teach us that the most powerful work we can do is to be obedient and faithful in the work of prayer. Employing kingdom prayer as strategy involves all that concerns the heart of our Lord. We can be sure these include:   The lost. Beginning with lost family members in our own homes, moving to those in our neighborhood, and reaching out in concentric circles around the world. Every day we encounter personally those who do not know and love our Lord. Does it enter your mind and heart to pray for them to come to Him?   Missionaries. Those serving in our own country and those assigned around the world. The main purpose of kingdom praying for missionaries is to release God’s power and divine energy in their lives, families, and ministries as they seek to bring others into the kingdom. Missionaries desperately need and desire our united, specific praying.   Believers around the world. While we have traditionally emphasized prayer for missionaries, we have more recently emphasized our responsibility to pray for the growth, development, courage, and boldness of fellow believers in other nations. World evangelization will not take place unless and until local Christ followers take responsibility for evangelizing their own people group and/or nation and discover their role in sharing the gospel even beyond their own borders.   Leaders of our nation and officials around the world. The Scriptures clearly mandate intercession for our own leaders and for government officials in other lands, for officials’ decisions can either impede or enhance the spread of the gospel. We must pray increasingly for the leaders of the world, asking God to use for good even those influences that are intended for evil. We can pray strategically when we pray for leaders to do that which will enhance the gospel, knowingly or unknowingly.   More laborers, here and around the world. Jesus specifically directed prayer for laborers as part of a disciple’s responsibility. Pray that those whom God is calling will not only hear but also respond.   Mission strategists. Missions leaders request prayer for God to give them vision and wisdom as they make crucial decisions impacting many lives and lands. Pray they will discern and know God’s heart and plans for reaching the lost. Intercede for leaders of all missions agencies and prayer movements.   Worldwide revival and spiritual awakening. A sweeping, incredible movement of prayer has preceded every spiritual awakening throughout history. One of our greatest prayer burdens is to pray that people will pray.   Bible translators. Another key strategy in fulfilling God’s heart’s desire is producing the Scriptures in the heart language of the people. Bible translation agencies are working together with a goal of publishing portions of the Bible in every language spoken by more than 250,000 people. With Scriptures another essential strategy in discipling believers and planting churches, pray earnestly for this essential missions ministry.   Christian radio and television broadcasts. The goal of Christian broadcast agencies is to give opportunity to every person on earth to hear the gospel in a language they can understand. Pray for the agencies pursuing this goal, and ask God to supply the translators they need. Pray for those who even now are hearing the gospel by radio and television.   Persecuted Christ followers. Believers living in various parts of the world today suffer persecution, even to the power of death, because of their faith. Family and former friends often ostracize them. Pray for Christian sisters and brothers around the world who daily face not just the threat but the reality of persecution.   When we pray, we link hands with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, a powerful threefold linkage. The role of the Holy Spirit is well known: “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:26, NIV). We are to pray and have confidence that the Holy Spirit will interpret our heart’s cry. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph. 6:18, NIV)—meaning pray in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.   Missionary Ed Pinkston, representing a lifetime of missionary work in West Africa wrote: “When we get to heaven and are able to read God’s history book, I believe we will see that the people really responsible for many of the miracles are the unseen, unsung believers who lift to the Father their intercessions on behalf of His people and His work.”   Prayer is the ultimate strategy for releasing God’s power into our lives, our families, our churches, our world. Prayer is God’s strategy for the kingdom.   --Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer (An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry) edited by Dan Crawford; (Chapter 73: Kingdom Praying by Minette Drumwright Pratt. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.  Prayer Points Express your praise to God as the compassionate Father (Ps. 103:13). Thank him for desiring only good things for his children, including you (Lk. 11:11-13). Confess those times when you have not wanted what God wanted for you or others. Commit yourself to seeking first God’s desire—his kingdom and his righteousness (Mt. 6:33). Ask God to “fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9). Pray that your own heart may be set on fire with God’s passion to bring all people into his family. Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com

UR: Past and Present

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:17 (NIV)

“You’ll never guess what I’ve found,” my husband said. “These are local newspapers from when I was young.” He had been helping his mother clear out her house for renovating. The newspapers, which my late father-in-law had kept, were from the 1980s and 1990s. Each one included a photograph of my husband as a boy — on a team, on a trip, or from a key event that had happened in the town’s history.

Reading the newspapers transported us back to the past. The articles showed how the cost of living had changed. Even the printing and layout were antiquated compared to today’s standards. But more than anything, they reminded me that each moment is precious. Our dreams and desires — even our worries — slip by so quickly. The old anxieties we had about school, exams, and growing up are no longer relevant. What still matters is the relationship we have with our loving God.

This experience reminded me to value each day and to be thankful for the years we have been given. We can make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others by spending time with God, cherishing those around us, and doing kind deeds — no matter how small.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us to remember how precious our time is and to appreciate it. Show us how to reach out to those in need. Amen.

Sarah Young:

ODB:

TWFYT:

Sarah update below (Pray for her as she prepares to bring God's Word tomorrow and pray for many to attend our brunch and experience God's love and care and be drawn to Him.)

Good Morning Renewed and Restored, Standing on the Word, Students of Jesus and His Way! Amen! Thinking about God's Word today, the thought about life verses came to mind. What verses have you memorized and are ones that lead your steps of faith? What verses have you wielded against Satan? What verses do you pray back to God as reminders of His promises? As we abide in His Word we are reminded of His promises, encouraged, covered, informed, and more able to overcome the attacks on our faith. We come to know, understand and embrace truth. We are able o compare teachings we hear against His truths and discern if a teacher is worth listening to. His Word cuts to the bone and marrow and purifies us as we allow it to cut away the unneeded things and even sin that so easily entangles. Jesus is the Living Word and all of the Bible points to Him and His good ways and so we are able to better be a follower of THE Way and understand more clearly our mission. Open, embrace, meditate on, receive and stand firm in and on His Living Word today!

Some of my life verses are included in our devotional readings for today: Proverbs 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:10, and Deuteronomy 31:6 are a few. fear not! be strong and courageous. Don't lean on your own understanding but acknowledge God in all your ways and allow Him to direct your steps. I am God's masterpiece, made new and gifted to do what I am created to do for such a time as this. AMEN! Right? Sink your roots deep into God and His Word today as you engage with our devos for today and then pray into the Connections blogs. What's God saying to you? What will you do about it, doer of His Word? Who are your partners? Yes be strong and courageous for such a time as this and stand firm on God's Word as you shed your thinking, agenda and misconceptions for His Truth and Way. he created you for such a time as this in love to go love? How has He revealed to approach that today? I'm praying for clarity, want to and partners for you to go live and love more like Jesus with. Shalom!

Sarah Young

ODB: 

UR: Praying With

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Philippians 4:6 (NRSVUE)

As a hospital administrator, I often pray with patients to offer them comfort and peace. Recently, I encountered an elderly man who is a very familiar face in our community. He was a successful businessman. Before I left his room, I asked if I could pray for him. He smiled, so I proceeded to pray. At the conclusion of my prayer, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “No one has ever prayed for me before.” How can this be? I thought to myself. Surely someone along his life’s journey had prayed for him from a distance. When we pray to God we often name specific people, but how often do we go to those persons and pray with them? How much more powerful it would have been if someone had stopped for a moment and prayed with this man!

As Christians, we are to be the hands and feet as well as the eyes and ears of Christ. Each of us in our daily prayers can continue to pray for people — and pray with them as well.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, be with us today as we encourage one another by praying together for your will to be done in our lives. Amen.

TWFYT

Connections Blogs

March 29 - From the Inside Out Father, Jesus said that I am to love You with all of my heart, with all of my mind, with all of my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself—that this is more important than anything else that I do.   Forgive me, Lord, for I know that I have kept parts of my heart hidden and distant from You. I have been slothful in my thinking, lazy, and undisciplined and have not loved You with all of my mind. I’m so very aware of my weakness and confess that I am not sure that I know what loving You with all of my strength even looks like. Father, You know that I rarely love others as much as I love myself. Forgive me, Lord.   Have mercy on me and change me O God! May my life be marked by deep heart-belief and mouth confession that Jesus is Lord. Keep me, I pray, from self-imposed, outward moral reformation that leads to joyless, disempowered living. Instead, may I be continually spiritually transformed, conformed to the character of Jesus, that the reflection of His glory may be seen in me and others will be drawn to Him. Change me from the inside out, I pray.   May I truly believe in my heart what I confess with my mouth, so that my faith will not shrivel within me when faced with the difficulties of life, or be hypocritical and harsh as I live in front of those who have yet to call on Your name.   O how I long for my heart and mind to align under Your Lordship. I am weary Lord of unbelief and double-mindedness! Save me from myself, I pray. I confess with my mouth, Lord Jesus, that You alone are Lord to the glory of God the Father. Now may it be true in my heart as well and lived out this day through my life. In the mighty name of Him who alone can accomplish these things. Amen.   Mark 12:33; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:15; Deuteronomy 30:14; Matthew 5:16; Mark 9:24; Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 2:11   --Adapted from Pray the Word: 31 Prayers that Touch the Heart of God by Tiece L. King. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise God as the Creator who makes all things new (Rev. 21:5). Give thanks for his power to bring even the most deadened souls to life in Jesus— including your own (Eph. 2:1-5). Confess those times when you have lost faith in God’s power to renew and restore. Commit yourself to renewing your mind every day in prayer and in reading God’s Word. Ask God to teach you what it means that you are now God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (2:10). Pray that those prayer warriors who intercede daily for politicians and governments around the world will never lose faith in God’s power to renew and restore. Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com

Sarah Update

Good evening, warriors,

Two urgent prayer needs:

Darlene Skinner is currently in the ER sue to retaining fluids, approximately 12 pounds. Praying for the medical team to be able to drain the fluid and help her to feel better. 

Dean Marks is asking for prayer for a customer of his, Susan - she has two blockages however, they will not operate due to blood clots moving around.

Please keep these and our other prayer needs in your prayers. (NOTE: Jay Stoudt has been sent home from the hospital. Thanks for praying!)

Remember, Sunday is our Sunday brunch and it’s sure looking like a great meal! Who are tpu inviting to come?

Have a great Saturday!!

Blessings and peace,

Sarah

It's Brunch day! Join us after worship! All welcome! Thanks to Lori and team for all the prep and good food awaiting!

Pray for Sarah as she brings the Word today and for Gail Reinsmith who will share some about her missionary service to NYC. And pray for the kids as they prepare to share the armor of God with us.

Good Morning Acts 2:42 Worshippers! Get your hearts ready to worship, praise, pray, abide and eat and fellowship as God's gathered Body! He is worthy of all praise. glory, honor and obedience and He has great plans for you and us to discover and step into with faith and determination. Amen! He is with us always! And He is working all things together for the good of those who believe. Amen! And we get to gather, worship, fellowship, pray and eat! How cool!

Check out and pray through the Connections blog as you prepare for the day ahead. And then engage with our devos for the day. God is speaking. What's He whispering to you? Worship! Trust! Obey! And find some teammates to process, plan and go with! He is enough and He is with you! He is our Good Shepherd who calls us by name and leads us forward to green fields, still waters and good fruit! PTL! and Amen!

Connections:

ODB:

UR: My Source

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

I was feeling lost and alone, struggling with my faith and feeling unsure of my purpose. I had been going through a time of distress, dealing with financial complications and strained relationships. One night, overwhelmed and desperate for guidance, I opened the Bible and came across Matthew 6:25-34.

Reading that passage, I realized that I had been focusing too much on my problems and not enough on my faith. I had been worrying about things that were beyond my control and had lost sight of the fact that God was with me and would provide me with better possibilities. I took the passage to heart and started to focus on my relationship with God, praying and meditating on God’s word. Over time, I felt more peace and contentment, and I began to see a way through my difficulties.

The Bible can provide relief and direction during trying times, and concentrating on our faith can help us find peace and determination. So let us prioritize our relationship with God every day, believing in God’s provision and guidance. No matter our circumstances, we can make time for prayer and reflection and focus on God’s word as a source of well-being and relief.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, thank you for providing for us during times of crisis. We trust in your goodness and love to guide us through any challenge. Amen.

TWFYT;

Sarah Young

Good Morning Abiding, Trusting, Obedient, Followers of Jesus! Amen! Trust and obey for there's no other way. That's how the hymn goes. How about for your life choices? We had a great week of ministry so far. How has God been speaking to you--leading you? How have you been responding? Be still and know! Seek, listen, receive and follow are commands we know and want to obey but sometimes the chaos of life, the drudgery of the day and maybe even lack of faith or fear drown out God's whispers to you or zap your motivation to go love. Or maybe, we just loose focus and motivation to follow as we seem to be stumbling against some closed door or wandering down some rabbit trail and give up.

Stop! Release the junk and distractions and even fear and confusion to God. Exhale and give Him whatever has you sidetracked from His best. Refocus. Sing some praises. Allow Him to renew your thinking and encourage you and even put a bounce back into your step. He does have some great things for you for such a time as this! Rejoice! He is whispering His loving directions and encouragement to you. Can you hear it and feel it in your bones? Seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and He will add to you all you need to complete all the big and small things He has for you as you move toward your call to become more like Jesus today. Remember, we define discipleship as the process of becoming who Jesus would be if He were you. How's that look for today and what will you do about it? His command is "Fear not!" and "Follow me!" Amen!

God awoke me very early this morning to speak to my soul and spirit and to direct my steps for today, which includes helping me write this blog as a love letter and reminder to you and me and our gathered fellowship of His truths, calls and commission. He opened up some extra devotionals (below and ordered as He has led--engage with them and God!) and informed my prayers, thinking, writing, and plans for today to go live and love more like Jesus and to invite some people to join me on the quest to know God more and become more of the person He created me/us to be. He has custom made plans for all who will come, with open hands, surrendered their hearts, being still, listening, receiving and stepping out in faith today and every day! Is that you? Who are your partners or someone God wants you to invite along on the great adventure of life in Christ?

Spend some time with God today--all day! Receive, watch, listen and join Him along the way! He really does have some cool things to discover and to encourage you today! Yes, rejoice, seek and follow well! I've already prayed for you and for today to be a special encounter with our Lord, Savior, Guide and Encourager and for you to discover who He has for you to invite in and join with. He really loves you and you do matter. And remember, His plans usually are just little things along the way like smiling and saying hi to someone or holding a door or offering some encouragement or prayer. And sometimes it's something bigger. But usually it's just those little steps of faith and obedience that add up for you and your journey to Christlikeness. So, love God and others, follow Him today and enjoy this life He created you to live. Amen! Fear not for He is with you always and always working all things together for good! PTL! and Amen! Smile! God really loves you and is with you right now!

Sarah Young

I to We

Max Lucado

Chuck Swindoll

Joyce Meyer

UR: Fully Equipped

David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. - 1 Samuel 17:39 (NIV)

I am a teacher and a sports coach, and my wife had our first child a few days before the start of the school year. Taking care of a newborn — who seemed to be nocturnal — while also trying to teach and coach left me beyond overwhelmed. As a new father, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome. It’s hard to be a good father, husband, teacher, and coach. It’s been exhausting.

At the end of every sports practice, we do a prayer spotlight. One day my players spotlighted me, thanking me and assuring me that my work wasn’t going unnoticed. My students reminded me of my purpose and why I do what I do.

Today’s scripture reading reminds me that God is our strength and that we can trust that God has equipped us for the purpose God has called us to. Each of us has been given unique attributes, strengths, and gifts from God. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has given us what we need, and we can trust God to see us through.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us to trust you and to use the unique gifts and talents that you have equipped us with to glorify you. Amen.

TWFYT

ODB

Connections Blog:

March 27 - Launch Out into the Deep When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)   This command was given to Simon Peter. It took place by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was pressed by the crowd, so to create a situation in which they could all see and hear Him, He got into Simon’s boat, asking him to put out a little from the land. Then He sat down and talked to the people from the boat.   When he was through speaking, he said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon hesitated for a moment before he obeyed this command. Maybe he thought he knew more about fishing than did this strange man. Fishing was his business. “Master,” he answered, “we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets” (v. 5).   Maybe the teaching Simon had just heard made him feel he should do what Jesus commanded. So they pushed out into the deep, and when they let down their nets, they had such a huge catch of fish that the nets began to break. They beckoned to their partners in another boat to come and help them. Verse 10 in this same account says that James and John were their partners, and came over to help. They filled both boats until they were about to sink. Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the size of the catch they had taken. The account says they forsook all and followed Jesus. They had let Jesus use their boat, and He rewarded them. But this was more than a thank you for the use of the boat; it also contributed to their life support so they could now give their lives to Jesus. When Simon Peter saw this, he was so convinced that this man Jesus was extraordinary that he fell down before Him and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man” (v. 8)!   While this command was given to a specific person in a certain situation and is not to all people for all times, it has been quoted many times to illustrate a truth that is often the theme of missionary conferences. There is much to be learned from the story of this command. First, Jesus is interested in our temporal needs. He is willing to give practical help. Second, it will be rewarding for us to do what Jesus suggests even if we have tried before and failed—even if it seems unreasonable to try one more time.   There were other instances when Jesus showed an uncanny knowledge of fish. Remember when He sent Peter to find a coin in the mouth of a fish so they could pay their taxes? (See Matthew 17:26–27.) After His resurrection, Jesus again stood by this same sea and told His disciples to let their nets down on the right side of the boat, and when they did they received a huge catch (John 21:4–7). Although Jesus became a man, He was obviously still God and was all knowing. He would have been a great friend to take on a fishing trip!   Billy Graham had an experience like Peter’s experience. He was coming to Los Angeles to conduct an evangelistic crusade in 1950. He had been through many evangelistic meetings before with varying degrees of success. As he and his friend and associate Grady Wilson were driving through the desert, Billy asked Grady to drive to the side of the road. There, for some period of time, Billy prayed. Jesus seemed to be saying to him, “Launch out into the deep.” He could have argued that he had tried before and nothing special had happened. But in obedience, they went to Los Angeles, hired a big tent, and erected it in a major downtown district. The meeting went many weeks longer than planned, and God gave Billy such a large catch that the nets almost broke.   William Carey, the pioneer of the modern missionary movement, said, “Attempt great things for God and expect great things from God.” Many leaders of great missionary advances have followed that advice.   The promise of this command is a large reward. The warning is that if we fail to obey Jesus, maybe because of past failures, we will miss the great reward.   Lord Jesus, help me to stay alert for Your voice so I can obey when You tell me to launch out. I pray I will not miss the blessing You have for me by failing to obey. Give me the courage to launch into deep water when You are the One calling me there. Thank You for taking care of all my needs as I walk in obedience to Your Word.    --Adapted from Encountering Jesus: Praying the Commands of Christ into Your Life by Norval Hadley. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Good Morning Shaped by the Potter, Gifted, Sent Ones in Christ. Amen. That is us! YOU! I am late. Overslept today. Off I go. But before I do check out the devos below. We just finished up our gifts class for now. Pray we step into and use them well. Pray all of us are fertile soil where roots sink deep and much good fruit grows. Pray for our God and father to send us and use us well as we seek new connection points that may lead people to Him. He knows you, loves you, is calling you by name. He made you and gifted you for such a time as this. You matter and we are His team that needs each other to go make disciples and spur each other on to live and love more like Jesus! Amen! GO! Love!

UR: God never Fails

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

I started journaling 23 years ago on my fiftieth birthday. Each year, I fill a journal with my thoughts and feelings about daily life. It helps me de-stress and keep track of major events in my life.

On my birthday, I add a gratitude list to that year’s journal. After completing the list, I go back to the first journal and read every journal I have. The pages contain discussions of what I’ve experienced, God’s presence, gratitude, praise reports, and prayer requests. I am always astounded to see so many prayers answered, and I feel God’s faithfulness, love, and mercy anew.

Reading the journals also makes me feel better about aging. I focus on what I can still do instead of the discomfort and changes in ability that have come with aging. I see where I have helped others and tried to be God’s hands and feet. This always lifts my spirits because it reflects 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” My journals remind me of all the good God has done in my life, the blessings God has helped me provide for others, and God’s presence with me always.

Today's Prayer

Gracious God, help us to see and feel your presence and to show your grace and love to everyone we meet. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

ODB:

Connections

March 26 - Determining a Need Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. —Psalm 103:1-5   When visiting my home last week, my nephew said, “I’m really hungry!” Without too much thought, I knew that he had noticed the empty candy jar in the living room. He wanted some chocolate—his and my favorite.   I wonder how he would have responded if I had offered to get him some broccoli? That wouldn’t have fed his “hunger.” A hamburger probably wouldn’t have done the trick either. Neither would a hot dog. My nephew was looking for chocolate! His need wasn’t really an empty stomach. His parents feed him regularly. No, his need was related to his “sweet tooth”—something I can strongly identify with.   When sharing about Jesus and his gospel message with your neighbor, it’s very important for you to be sensitive to your neighbor’s individual, specific need. If I had given my nephew some broccoli or a hamburger, I would have missed his real need. Jesus comes very intimately, very sensitively into each of our lives. He meets us exactly where we are. He’s available to meet each individual need.   As you continue developing a relationship with your neighbor, start asking yourself this question: “What area, what concern, what question in my new friend’s life is most in need of the presence of Jesus?” You don’t have to go far to find a possible answer to that question. Answer it for yourself. You have more in common with your neighbor (even your unsaved neighbor) than you might care to admit. Your neighbor most likely has some financial concerns. Don’t you? Your neighbor may not be feeling appreciated at work. Have you ever felt that way? One neighbor may be concerned about her youngest child. Another may be concerned about his oldest. Maybe you know what that’s like.   Or perhaps your neighbors had a major scare last week when their doctor told them the results of a physical exam. Or maybe your neighbor lost her mother to cancer last fall. You know these things could happen to you, if they haven’t already. Your neighbor’s needs are similar in many ways to your own. This week, ask the Spirit to help you be sensitive to what those needs are. Look for opportunities to help your neighbor in specific ways.   Prayer Starters for Praying Psalm 103:1-5 • Praise God and thank him for all his benefits in your life. • Celebrate God’s creativity, thanking him for the way in which he takes into account our unique personalities as he reveals himself to us. • Thank God that he loves all of us enough to meet us right where we are. • Ask God to help you understand your neighbor’s unique personality. Invite God to open your mind to the specific way in which your neighbor would be most open to hearing or seeing or experiencing the things of God.   --Adapted from Be Jesus in Your Neighborhood (Developing a Prayer, Care, Share Lifestyle in 30 Days) by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.