|
Saturday, April 26 2025
Good Morning Praying Friends! The prayer of a righteous person (those in Christ--Y-O-U!) are powerful and effective! Amen! We need your prayer! I need your prayers! God works through your prayers! The Holy Spirit will inform your prayers. Teach us to pray Lord! hear our prayers. Direct our prayers and lead us to become a house of prayer for the nations! Amen!
As seems typical lately, I endured a mostly sleepless night until around 2 and then overslept and missed my pastor's huddle this morning. Now after a semi-rushed quiet time, I find myself running behind my agenda. BUT GOD! He knows, cares, has a plan and will redeem. he is hearing and answering my/your/our prayers. Please cover me in you prayers for protection from the enemy. He may be in this sleeplessness as a way to get me sick and worn out before my vacation. It has happened in the past. Pray that Karen and I would be able to sleep and rest and stay healthy. Thanks.
I've got to get rolling to bread and prep for tonight's dinner huddle. A few devos tied together today and spoke to my heart and may inform you, your prayers and choices today as well. Check them out below as you abide, pray, prepare and walk with Jesus today. He loves you and has great plans for you today. Rejoice! Abide and follow well. I'm praying for you! keep your eyes on Jesus with a heart to surrender and follow Him. Remember that in this life, Christ is all that matters and he lives in you. How might He be molding you or wanting to redeem something for His glory! be still and know. Pray, prepare and go! he is with you always and working all things together for good. Trust Him and choose joy as you die to self, take up cross and follow today. Amen!
Keep praying for revival, connections to at least 30 new people and that we become a disciple making hub for the Lehigh Valley. Pray we don Jesus easy yoke as we die to self and crucify our wants and agendas and allow His to lead us to His new and better things! Ask God what your part is and for courage and wisdom to step into it. That's my prayer for today and for me and us to abide, rest and recharge before going to make disciples. Amen
Sarah Young
UR: My Easter Miracle
There is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, enslaved and free, but Christ is all and in all! - Colossians 3:11 (NRSVUE)
In 1971 I was 19 years old, wandering the country and trying to figure out life. One day I had hitchhiked and found myself at a rest stop along a lonely stretch of desert highway between Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix, Arizona.
I had moved out on my own at age 17, in part because of parents who seemed more confused about life than I was. That began a journey which took me 3,000 miles from home to that highway rest stop. The next morning I met a carload of young people who invited me to church for Easter worship. On an ordinary day, it would have taken a miracle to break through my fears and excuses. But with the promise of a free meal after church, I eagerly agreed to go.
Their church was different from anything I expected. Young people filled the space, singing with smiles that showed me they knew something about Easter that I did not. More importantly, for the first time I considered that God just might be real and actually care about me. I had been running away all my life; now I couldn’t run anymore. It took an amazing chain of miracles to bring me to God. But it was Easter, and on Easter miracles happen!
Today's Prayer
O God, giver of new life, we thank you for searching out those who are wandering and alone. Use us in your work of bringing the lost ones home. We want to be a part of your miracle work. Amen.
TWFYT
Saturday, April 26 2025
This is coming a bit late because God heard your and my prayers and allowed me a great night of restful sleep--even sleeping in. PTL! Keep praying. I feel so refreshed as I am moving through my abiding time after a great nights sleep. And that's really good with all that is on the plate the next few days. Thanks Lord! And thanks to you for praying!
Good Morning Resting in the Lord, Doers of His Word! Wait! Isn't that a contradiction of terms? Nope! We abide and rest in the Lord and reload to follow Him to his plans for us each day. That's the Way and how good fruit is produced. However we often fail at following the Jesus way well. What is your priority, agenda, or focus today? Maybe I should ask Who is your priority, agenda and focus? Jesus is!
Check out this song as you begin your time with the Lord. The Jesus Way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARSGgC9iQb0 Sarah has encouraged us to move into May with this focus. The first believers were called the Way or The Follower of the Way. Jesus is the Way and we are learning to walk in His Way afresh and excited to follow well. Make that your priority, agenda and focus today--always! Who are you following? Is your focus on Him or the waves around you? Turn off the noise, TV and media and open the Living Word and abide in it today! Are you choosing healthy rhythms of working from resting and abiding. Choose the best! Choose Jesus' way today!
God gave me a word of reminder and a couple of devos to share that reinforce the above thoughts. In the past as I worked on becoming a disciple maker, the premise was put forth that we need to "be before do". Be before do? Yep! The "BE" part was part of what led to the Become Me in '23 Challenge. It was a time to focus on becoming the people we are created to be. We are created uniquely and in love to love and become more like Jesus. We are made in God's image after all. How's that going for you? You are His masterpiece, workmanship, special creation. Have you asked the Potter to rework you into who you are created to be? Surrender. Die to self. Crucify some things. And be still and abide and rest in His loving presence with an open heart that receives correction and His loving best. Be all that you are created to be! It's awesome! But we are created for more and we become activated to become who we are created to be and even more--to do what we are created to do. That was part of the Become More in '24 Challenge as we began working on being doers of the Word and things we are created to do. We are created for custom special purposes that flow out of who we are created to be and the new creations we become in Christ. I heard a great thought the other day, "Come as you are is not an invitation to stay as you are!" Meditate on that and talk to God about the molding, gifting, and enabling process that will lead you from BE to DO. He has some amazing, custom made things for you to discover and grow into as you become more like Jesus and step out in faith to do what you are created to do. He also has some that have come as they are for you to help to transition to the more God created for them and for our gathered and sent Body. Be before do also means you actually have to choose to do some things. What might they be? Who are you partnering with to work on these things, pray through these things, and hold each other accountable. That is part of all this as well--be before do and do both with some teammates. Begin with resting and abiding in His loving, refining, presence and then receive and discover the plans He has for you throughout each day to move towards doing the things He has for you and custom made you to do. As you do, you land in that sweet spot filled with much joy and peace as you don Jesus' easy yoke crafted just for you and find yourself walking with Him all day, everyday with much joy and thanksgiving for creating, gifting and enabling you to be you and do what He has planned along the way. And that leads to much good fruit and worship. And that is what the Come Alive in '25 Challenge is all about! I'm praying for you all to find that sweet spot, some partners and understand God's best for you that leads to great joy, praise and fruit! Amen! Talk to Sarah or me about any questions about any of this. And come abide before stepping out--be before do. But then get moving too. We are called to more and God is hearing, answering our prayers and moving through our surrendered and earnest hearts. It's the Jesus way! Amen!
Sarah Young
I to We
TWFYT
UR: More than Enough
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us. - Ephesians 3:20 (CEB)
One year I was helping to organize the Christmas service and celebration at my daughter’s school. The past two Christmas celebrations had been online due to the pandemic, and I was excited that my daughter finally would be able to celebrate Christmas with her friends and teachers in person!
However, the planning team was unsure how we would cover the cost of the event. We asked for donations from the students’ parents, but we didn’t expect much. Many of us were experiencing financial difficulties, and it was hard enough to collect our monthly tutor fee.
In today’s scripture reading, Philip and Andrew similarly didn’t know what to do when Jesus asked them to feed the great crowd. They did not have enough. I prayed and asked God what to do, and God encouraged me to contact friends and relatives. God touched their hearts so that most of them agreed to help. Much like Jesus did with the loaves and fish, God made the impossible possible in our Christmas preparations. The donations exceeded our expectations. We were able to afford the gathering, and we had money left over to cover the tutor fees for at least four months. God is good!
Today's Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for your love and care. May we always remember that we can count on you to help us overcome challenges. Amen.
Saturday, April 26 2025
Larry Paul update below. (Can anyone house his son while he attends Lehigh?)
Loan Fenstermaker service is Friday at Trexler Funeral Home with 10:30 time of visitation and 11:30 service. Keep her family in prayer and me as we meet tomorrow to discuss details. We can celebrate because Joan is now fully healed and in God's presence.
Today 10 AM Zoom Huddle on prayer. All welcome!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Very Early Good Morning to My Co-Laborers in Christ! So I've been struggling to sleep for about a month. It seems like I take 10-20 minute naps every hour until 2-3 am when I finally fall into deep sleep until 4-5 when Maggie typically awakens us. I've been rested and able to nap and normally don't have things rattling around in my head keeping me awake. I just am not able to sleep, even with melatonin. It's been awhile since God has awakened me with a word or call to pray. Today He got my attention around 11:30 and I got up at midnight as I wrestled with thoughts about the two funerals this week and how to honor their memories, bless families and share what God is saying. He gave me some ideas over the past two hours during my quiet time and I should be able to get some outlines together and get back to bed to sleep before our 10 am huddle. God works like that at times with me. And I love when He answers my prayers and speaks to my heart like this!
Interesting that today's The Word for You Today speaks into another aspect of life in Christ, especially for pastors--self care. Our denomination is all about pastors and leaders taking care of themselves and resting and renewing. I too try my best to do that, but you all know from many of my blogs during or right after vacations and spiritual retreats that the tyranny of the urgent and texts and emails from some keep me from fully disconnecting and resting. I love the T-shirt and meme that says, "Jesus took naps!" Amen! Naps are lovely! And often needed to stay fresh and to hear God well. Check out TWFYT and the couple of other devos below. God is speaking to me and you. What might we do about that? We often do need each other to hear and honor God and his best ways and healthy rhythms. Many of us also need to learn (hear this Donald!) to allow others to minister to us, step into their anointing and even delegate some things to allow for healthy choices, rhythms and rest. How might God want you to do that for someone? Check out the I to We devo about the Fruit of the Spirit and how God designed and wants us to bless each other. Be still. Listen. And ask Him for directions, help and some partners and ask how to be one. We are made in His image to do what He designed us to do and as we do, healthy choices are part of our design. Who are your partners? What is God highlighting for you to step into to help some others, even our church leaders. You are created and gifted and empowered for such a time as this! Rejoice and follow God's lead well. Then the very best fruit will emerge. Amen!
Please note that Karen and I are going to be out of the country and intend to fully disconnect from you, our phones and busyness so we can recharge and refresh and move towards some healthier rest. You will not be able to reach us from May 5-11. For any ministry needs during that time, contact Sarah and she will direct you and our church responses. Maybe God will use some of you during this time? Pray about it and step into your anointing! Also know that we will be taking Spring ministry shut down for the month of May for Tuesday Zoom Huddle and Wednesday evening dinner huddle. We will resume those activities in June. I will be around for our next donut day at the bread ministry May 14th but that's it besides Sundays. Thanks for understanding, praying, encouraging and helping us to disconnect and choose some healthy God-honoring rhythms. I am and will be praying for Sarah and all of you! And please understand that I am choosing well and healthy if I do not respond to emails, texts or calls at times, especially during planned retreats. Yes, I'm learning and committed to this. For real!
OK so now it's 2:30. Time to work on some funerals! Pray for your pastor and for our flock. God is on the move! Ask Him to lead you and us to His perfect plans, for us to hear and follow well and praise Him for the great fruit that is budding! Sunday we had almost 75 join us for worship! PTL! That is almost 30 more than previous years! He is hearing and answering! Keep praising, praying and thanking God for using you and us to bring His love alive! And keep praying for us to don that custom fitted easy yoke of Jesus that includes choosing healthy rhythms of working from resting in Him and doing our created purposes for such a time as this! Amen! Love you guys and serving with you! Shalom!
TWFYT
Sarah Young I to We
Larry Paul Update
|
|
 |
|
Status of Wycliffe's Vision 2025 Bible Translation Project as of April 2025.
|
|
|
April 2025
Easter
Faith projects: parking lot, solar panels, roof
Richard has drivers license
Brayden has learners permit
Hello to all of our family, friends, and partners,
We pray you all had a blessed time with your family celebrating Easter; when Jesus' physical earthly body died, His shed blood allow the forgiveness of sin for believers, and Jesus conquered death and rose again to sit at the right hand of God.
Larry is feeling much better after his heart attack (unstable angina) last December. The good news is the 2d echo ultrasound did not show any damage to his heart, so there's not an immediate need for an angioplasty and stent in an artery. He continues to take lots of heart medicine, watch his diet (he lost almost 30lbs!), and try to reduce his stress levels.
Larry's back to work full time at Faith Academy and currently has 3 major ongoing projects as well as planning the projects for Faith Academy's summer break (June and July). The parking lot that was started back in December is being finished and will be open for use in May. Larry and his team supervised the installation of a 100MW solar panel system on the elementary building's roof in March but the contractor is still working with the local electrical company to set up the net metering system which, when completed, will allow the electric company to buy the excess power from the solar panel system and further reduce Faith Academy's electric bill. The replacement of half of the High School building's roof is another ongoing project.(They could only replace half of it due to budget issues). The project includes repairing and replacing wooden roof trusses and purlins and upgrading the electrical wiring in the attic as the old roof is removed. This project got a late start due to contract issues, but it should also be done in May. There are a lot of summer work requests from Faith Academy staff that can only be done during the summer months, so Larry's team is waiting for bids to be submitted so they can determine what work can be done with the funds allocated for the summer work.
Richard and Brayden were both on the Faith Academy's varsity basketball team which won their league championship, the Faith Academy Hardeman basketball tournament, and the ACSC boys' basketball tournament held in Bangkok, Thailand (undefeated in the tournament!). We are so proud of team both how they played and how they represented Faith Academy.
Richard's big news is his application was accepted by Lehigh University (where Larry graduated in 1988)! He'll be starting college there in August studing business, he's thinking of becoming an accountant. His tuition is covered by a special Lehigh U program, so we're looking at ways to cover Richard's housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses. He was on Faith Academy's track and field team running sprints, hurdles, and high jump. At the ACSC track and field meet in Taiwan, he ran the 100m dash (finishing 8th), 110m hurdles (finishing 1st), 400m hurdles (finishing 2nd and setting a new Faith Academy record!), 4X100m relay (finishing 8th), 4X400m relay (finishing 1st and setting a new Faith Academy record!), and high jump (finishing 3rd). Richard was named to the all ACSC boys Track and Field team! The Faith Academy boys' team placed 1st at the meet and the combined boys and girls teams placed 3rd at the meet.
Richard also performed in Faith Academy's March band and orchestra concert and is part of the pit orchestra for the upcoming Annie play. Along with all of these extra curricular activities he continues to do well in school and recently got his Philippines drivers license. We are so proud of him, not only what he's accomplished but how he carries himself and inspires others. A number of boys at the ACSC track meet came up to Enol and me to express their appreciation for how Richard encouraged them, helping them with their jumping techniques, and is very polite with everyone.
Brayden continues to play basketball around Manila in a 16U league. It's a bit hard now since the Philippine schools are on their summer break (April and May) so games are now scheduled during the week. He recently completed the online course to get a Philippine driver learner's permit. He volunteers one day a week at a local orphanage helping them clean up their yard from recent construction. We're proud of how he's staying active and still maintaining good grades at Faith Academy.
Enol continues to volunteer at Faith Academy's Elementary division and is part of the Moms' groups planning the Senior brunch before Faith Academy's graduation and the after party after graduation.
We're making plans to be in Pennsylvania this summer getting Richard ready for college. Since Richard's college doesn't start until August, Enol and Brayden will only be in the USA June and July so Brayden can start school at the end of July while Larry stays with Richard until he's settled at Lehigh U. We plan to visit our supporting churches as much as possible so we can reconnect with our friends and partners.
Praises
- Larry's ongoing recovery
- Richard's acceptance at Lehigh University
- Richard and Brayden doing well at Faith Academy, both with schoolwork and athletics.
- Enol can volunteer at Faith Academy
- God's continued provision for our needs
Prayer Requests
- Larry's complete recovery from his heart condition
- Finances for Richard to attend Lehigh University
- Provision of the necessary funds for costs not covered by insurance
- Enol's sister Zeny, complete recovery from stroke, and her financial needs
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support of our ministry at Faith Academy in the Philippines.
Larry, Enol, Richard, and Brayden |
|
| Projects in process during the dry season (and unfortunately during the school year). |
|
 |
|
Recongnizing our basketball seniors!
|
|
 |
|
Our boys holding the ACSC basketball champions trophy!
|
|
 |
|
We are so proud of our ACSC boys basketball team!
|
|
 |
|
ACSC boys basketball senior recognition
|
|
 |
|
Brayden and his U16 basketball team
|
|
 |
|
Richard performing at the Faith Academy's March concert
|
|
 |
|
Richard with his 3 track and field medals!
|
|
 |
|
Richard and teammates celebrating their Faith Academy record time in the 4X400 relay
|
|
 |
|
We are so proud of our ACSC Track and Field team!
|
|
 |
|
Honoring the ACSC Track and Field Seniors
|
|
|
Financial Partnership
Mail a check to:
Wycliffe
PO Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862-8200
www.wycliffe.org
|
|
|
|
Saturday, April 26 2025
This Week:
Tue Zoom Huddle at 10. All welcome
Wed 10-12 Bread Ministry and 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle (all welcome)
Sarah update below
Good Morning Redeemed, Repentant, Refined, Righteous-Ones of Christ! Amen! Continue to meditate upon all that Jesus' sacrifice and overcoming means to you, us and all who will come. We are called the righteousness of Christ because we have repented, accepted God's redemption and are allowing Him to transform us into Christ's image. God looks at us and sees Jesus and His righteousness if we have repented, are willing to repent and have received Him as our Lord and Savior. And he wants to continue to mold us and work all things together for His plans and our good. Are you willing to allow that? Are you earnestly pursuing Christ and His righteous ways? Do you have some partners to help with that? We can grow into our created Christlikeness and God's purposes for us. Humble yourself today and dwell in Him, His Word, His love and His righteousness and then put on your custom made easy yoke and walk with Jesus to His perfect plans for you. What joy we can know as we do so!
I'm stopping here to allow you time to connect with God with open Bibles and the devos below. he sure spoke to me this morning and I'm praying to He will for you too. What's he saying? What will you do about that? he does have great and loving plans for you, His child! Step from the old to His new for you today! I'm praying for you and Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart and calling you by name. PTL!! There are a lot because there is a thread through them all from God' heart to yours. he is speaking! Turn off the noise and sit a spell in His love and wisdom!
TWFYT
ODB
|
On a frigid November day, our church hoped to fill two hundred backpacks for the homeless. Preparing to help fill them, I sorted through the items donated, praying to find new gloves, hats, socks, blankets. Bowls of chili and sandwiches would also be shared with those who were to receive the gifts. Then I noticed an item that surprised me: washcloths. I’d been focusing on helping people stay warm and fed. Someone had remembered to help our recipients feel clean.
The Bible speaks about another kind of “clean”—cleanliness of heart and spirit. Jesus pointed this out as He decried the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. They kept the smallest requirements of the law but “neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). Christ told them, “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” (vv. 25-26).
Acting as if we are spiritually spotless is just a show if we don’t seek the cleansing found in Christ. “What can wash away my sin?” asks an old gospel song. “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” A new washcloth can be a gift to wash us on the outside. Jesus cleans us on the inside, washing away even the worst of our sins.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
Where do you need spiritual deep-cleaning? How can you pray for Christ to cleanse you today?
Please clean me spiritually on the inside, dear Jesus.
Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Matthew 23:13-29 records seven “woes” as Jesus confronts the teachers of the law and the Pharisees for their ritualistic piety and hypocrisy. Woe means “how dreadful or terrible.” It’s a severe condemnation (see Isaiah 3:11; Matthew 11:21-22) in stark contrast to the description “blessed” in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). The teachers of the law, or scribes, were the scholars of the day, professionally trained in Old Testament law. The majority of these scribes were themselves Pharisees (Mark 2:16). The Pharisees—the “separated ones”—were self-appointed guardians and enforcers of the Mosaic law. They considered the “tradition of the elders”—interpretations and regulations handed down by tradition—to be more authoritative than the Scriptures (7:3-5, 8-9). In six of the seven denunciations, Jesus called them “hypocrites” (Matthew 23:13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29), “for they do not practice what they preach” (v. 3), and “everything they do is done for people to see” (v. 5). Instead, Christ is concerned with what’s inside—our hearts. He alone can clean us from the inside out (v. 26).
K.T. Sim |
|
|
|
|
|
UR: Clean hearts
Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” - John 15:3-4 (NIV)
My house looks clean. The furniture is nicely arranged and looks presentable; the rooms are ventilated and display a sunny appearance. However, when I sweep the floors and do my weekly cleaning with a dusting cloth, I am surprised by the amount of dust and dirt all around, even though everything looks neat and clean.
I think this is parallel to the way we think about ourselves, or how we want to present ourselves to the world. We believe we are doing right and try to act accordingly, but we are imperfect and often fall short. God knows our innermost thoughts and knows exactly what is in our hearts. In the face of this reality, we would do well to recognize and accept God’s sovereignty and mercy incarnate in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who offers us forgiveness. Jesus reminds us, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” And God rejoices in our clean hearts and spirits. Thanks be to God!
Today's Prayer
God of all, we are grateful for your Son, Jesus Christ, who has wiped away our sins. Come dwell in our hearts and create in us a clean spirit. May your Holy Spirit continue to inspire us and guard our going out and coming in from this time forth. Amen.
I to We
Sarah Young
Joyce Meyer
Connection
April 21 - Reasons to Fast
|
|
|
“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).
Hunger for God. Fasting has a way of helping us really to understand what it means for our souls and flesh to yearn for God (Ps. 63:1). Every time we feel a pang of hunger, we can direct it into a craving for deeper intimacy with the Lord.
Repentance and humility. The only regular fast God required of His people under the Old Covenant was on the Day of Atonement. That day— essentially a prayer retreat on a grand corporate scale—was a day of fasting, repentance, and deep humility. We, too, can benefit when we humble [our souls] with fasting (Ps. 35:13).
Power over temptation. Jesus fortified Himself against temptation with a 40-day fast in the wilderness. Most of us won’t be called to fast for that long (and if we are, we should consult a doctor first); however, fasting is a great way to subject our bodies to our spirits. People who struggle with sins of the flesh may especially benefit from a time of extended prayer combined with fasting.
In Crisis. There are many occasions of crisis in Scripture when people were called to extended prayer combined with fasting (see 2 Chron. 20:1-4; Neh. 1:4; Est. 4:15-16; Dan. 9:3; Jon. 3:6-9).
For wisdom. When Daniel sought to understand a perplexing vision he fasted (Daniel 10). Similarly, when the church in Antioch needed to know who to send out as missionaries, and later who to appoint as elders in the missionary churches, they met together for prayer, worshipping, and fasting (Acts. 13:1-2, 14:23).
Father, there are so many reasons why people in the Bible fasted and prayed, and yet, I can’t seem to “subject my body to my spirit.” Strengthen me to be able to do without physical food in order to gain a deeper intimacy with You. Help me to desire to fast instead of being afraid of doing without the comfort food provides. I know that fasting can give me power over temptation, peace in the midst of crisis, and wisdom when I need understanding. May I long to learn this discipline that Jesus demonstrated in the desert so that Your power might be more fully evident in my life.
--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 28, Personal Prayer Retreats by Cynthia Bezek). This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
|
|
- Praise the sovereign Lord who cares for his sheep (Ezek. 34:11).
- Thank the Lord for shepherding you, caring for you in his rich pasture (34:14).
- Confess times of wandering away from the side of the Good Shepherd.
- Commit yourself to rejoicing in the bounty he provides for you.
- Ask God to help you be a blessing with the blessings you’ve been given.
- Pray that your church’s care-giving and fellowship efforts will be led by faithful shepherds who care for the flock (34:1-10). Ask God to give them compassionate diligence to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, and bind up the injured (34:4).
|
|
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 (Note: Sarah shared word that Joan Fenstemaker stepped into Jesus' arms yesterday. She is now fully healed and we can rejoice. I will be contacting the family soon to plan things and will keep you informed)
Good evening church family,
Hope that you and your family/friends had a nice weekend. It was great seeing so many of you in worship today.
Christ has RISEN...He is RISEN INDEED.......and as we were reminded of this today, want to know a secret? Our Savior
is RISEN every day! He walks with us and talks with us......
Here are some praises and prayer needs:
Brook Lacise (Mike Lacise's daughter) is asking for prayer as she has applied for dual enrollment. If she receives this, they will pay for
up to 30 credits.
Lisa Wenner praised God that she was able to spend time with her family, see her Great Grand Nephew and her Nephew and his wife that
are expecting twins. All are doing well!
Losie C is asking for prayer for her daughter Lauren, who we have been praying for, to find a job. Lauren has possibly two job offers
hopefully this week. Prayers for Wisdom for Lauren to choose wisely.
Hey everyone, don't this coming week's outreach opportunities: Tuesday Zoom - 10:00am - same zoom meeting as worship.
Wednesday - Bread Ministry 10 - 12pm; and Wednesday evening - FM/Adult gathering - meal and study.
Next Sunday - our monthly BRUNCH - if you were in worship today, on the back of your bulletin you received and invitation to come
and you can pass that invitation on to someone you want to invite!
Praying you all have a great week!
Thank you for praying for Pastor Don and myself. If you need anything or have a prayer request do not hesitate to reach out to
either of us!
Blessings all,
Sarah
Saturday, April 26 2025
Tomorrow (sat.) 10 am is cleanup and mulch party. Help is needed, even for just an hour.
Tomorrow 10-1 is Clothing Closet
Sunday is our festive worship with communion and Children's Church as we celebrate the resurrection and availability of new life in Christ. 10 am. Who are you bringing?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank God I'm Forgiven and this Good Friday is how it all started! PTL for being our suffering Savior and Redeemer! Meditate on all this day means to you and worship!
Good Morning Saved by Grace, Made New in Christ, Redeemed of the Lord! Yes, worship! What a loving, mighty God we serve! he is Love and Love that saves! he took our punishment and paid the ultimate price for our sins. Think about that today as you engage with our devotionals below and as you open your Bibles and meditate on what all transpired for our salvation and eternity with God. Yes worship with much thanksgiving!
ODB
|
Several legends surround the naming of the beautiful five-petaled flower the forget-me-not. Among those stories is one from a German legend. According to the story, as God named all the plants He’d created, one little flower worried that it would be overlooked. So the flower called out, “Forget-me-not, O Lord.” And that’s the name God gave to it.
Though this is only a story, the forget-me-not has become a symbol of love and remembrance. Yet all of us have experienced what it feels like to be forgotten. To be remembered—especially to be remembered by our God—is our heart’s true desire. We find just such a story in the account of the crucifixion of Jesus. Luke tells us, “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with [Jesus] to be executed” (23:32). As they were being crucified, one criminal next to Christ suddenly understood. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v. 42). Christ’s response was unforgettable: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43).
What an amazing moment! In his darkest hour, that criminal learned what it meant to be remembered by the Son of God.
We too are remembered in our hour of need. The God who loved us enough to die for us will never forget us.
By Bill Crowder
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
When have you felt forgotten? How will you turn to Jesus today and permit Him to turn your lament into praise?
Dear Father, in those moments when I may feel forgotten, please remind me of Your abiding, loving presence in my life and encourage me with Your grace.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As Jesus hung on the cross, He made several statements that are now referred to as “The Seven Last Words (Sayings) from the Cross.” Three are found in Luke 23: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (v. 34); “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43); “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 46). The other four sayings are found in Matthew 27:46 and John 19:26-27, 28, 30. Jesus didn’t lose perspective during His distress, pain, and agony. He remained focused on His Father and His mission. Though the voices around the cross were many, including the criminals crucified with Him (Luke 23:39-42), Christ’s words were clear, focused, and intentional. His conduct under duress remains the standard for those called to endure suffering. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
Arthur Jackson |
|
|
|
|
|
TWFYT
Connection Blog
April 18 - Prayer and Suffering
|
|
|
To pray with a will surrendered to God is to risk our lives for God. Too many in this generation seek comfortableness. Too many use prayer as an escape from what is difficult.
Often prayer and suffering go hand in hand. Suffering ushers us into a new realm of dependence upon God. In our sufferings we experience His sufficiency.
Prayer can accomplish four major tasks in suffering. First, prayer delivers us from that which we suffer. God will on occasion work a mighty victory in our lives. We find freedom from our suffering by the power of God obtained in prayer. Second, prayer delivers the grace of God to us in our suffering. That grace enables us to endure the suffering. Third, prayer delivers us into the hands of God’s comfort. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Finally, prayer delivers the character of God into our lives when we suffer.
Compassionate Father, You have said clearly that the Christian walk will include suffering, but somehow I often feel entitled to a life free from pain and difficulty. Yet, it is in those times when life is hard that I seem to seek You more often and more passionately. Give me the grace to endure whatever will draw me into deeper intimacy so that my dependence will never be upon anyone or anything other than You. Help me to walk with courage as my prayers deliver me “into the hands” of Your comfort.
--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.
|
|
Saturday, April 26 2025
Good Morning Waiting in Prayer Believers! Amen Wait in prayer today as you draw near in faith and trust to our Mighty God and know that the resurrection is coming! new life, renewed life and transformation lie ahead. rejoice! Pray for salvation and new life to come alive this weekend for many and even as we worship tomorrow. Who needs some Good news that you are bringing along tomorrow or sharing your hope with? I'm praying for you and them! rejoice! new life and the New Covenant is at hand! Amen
UR: Holy Saturday
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 (NIV)
On my first Easter in Greece a friend took me to an Orthodox church for the Holy Saturday nighttime service. Hundreds of people gathered for this important occasion — each bearing a long, white candle. As Resurrection Sunday dawned, the priests began chanting, “Christos Anesti” or “Christ is risen,” and passed the “holy light” from their tapers to the worshipers’ candles. Each person then passed the light along and echoed, “Christ is risen!”
Christ described not only himself as the light of the world; he told his disciples that they too are light (see Matt. 5:14). While still carrying our bright-burning candles, we slowly exited the church and walked back to our homes. What a powerful image of spreading the light of the world through the community! And we are called to share that resurrection hope wherever we go.
Easter reminds us that we, who lived in darkness, have seen a great light. May the Son’s love shine clearly through us!
Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the new life we have in Christ. May we follow his guiding light in all that we do. Amen.
twfyt
ODB
|
Rose Turner, a fashion psychologist at the London College of Fashion, studies the impact clothing has on how people think, how they behave, and even how clothes affect their mood. As the closest thing to our bodies, clothing forms a type of “second skin” and girds us for whatever the day might hold. For example, donning professional attire can “help with motivation and concentration” at work, and wearing vintage pieces with sentimental value can bring comfort during stressful situations.
This psychological phenomenon offers an insight into Isaiah’s prophetic words about Jesus’ sacrificial act. He records the future deliverance of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon, assuring them they would one day “rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated” in their absence (Isaiah 61:4). In that day, they would wear “a robe of his righteousness” (v. 10).
Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled first in the nation’s return to Jerusalem and then fully when “God made [Jesus] . . . sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness describes our right relationship with God when we trust in Christ’s sacrifice. God doesn’t see us outfitted in shame or disgrace because of our sin; instead, He sees us clothed in Jesus’ enduring righteousness—a “second skin” that girds us with joy today and for eternity.
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
What shame do you “put on” every day? How can you better remember your robe of righteousness?
Thank You, Jesus, for clothing me in Your righteousness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Isaiah 61 speaks of redemption and restoration of God's people as “the year of the Lord’s favor” (v. 2). They will experience God’s grace when He sends them the “anointed” one—Jesus (see Luke 4:18-19)—to rescue and deliver them from their captivity to sin (Isaiah 61:1-3). God will bless them as His covenant people, and they will rejoice in His faithfulness, grace, goodness, and glory (vv. 4-11). In thankfulness for God’s salvation, the prophet Isaiah declared on behalf of the redeemed people: “He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness” (v. 10 nlt). God’s redeemed people will be a witness to the world that God has blessed His people with new life (v. 9).
K.T. Sim |
|
|
|
|
|
Connection
Saturday, April 26 2025
He is risen--INDEED! PTL!
Good Morning Children of the Resurrection! Get your worship on! Death, sin and the grave have been overcome by our suffering Savior! PTL! He is risen indeed! hallelujah!
Two blogs to meditate on today (below). Pray for many to realize that Jesus is Lord and Savior and to come to Him in repentance and humility for new life, transformed life and a commitment or recommitment to follow Him well. He alone is the King of the universe! Is He the master of your soul? You are forgiven, called by name and He lovingly walks with you to His best for you. Well, He will if you invite Him to! Pray for that to happen around the world today and for all to know that some day, every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord and Savior--King of the Universe! We were one way and now another and the thing that happened in between was Him! Someone needs to see and hear that today! Ask for Him to use you and draw some family and friends to Him today! He IS risen indeed and he lives in you and me! Amen!
ODB:
|
Lee didn’t believe in God, and he didn’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus. But Lee was a journalist with an analytical mind. When his wife believed in Jesus, he decided to study her new faith for himself. After two years of research, he gave in—to God, to the resurrection, to faith in Christ.
The change in him was noticeable. After a few months, his five-year-old daughter said to his wife, “Mommy, I want God to do for me what he’s done for Daddy.” And the daughter of Lee Strobel put her faith in Jesus too.
Many people refuse to believe in the resurrection. But reputable eyewitnesses saw the risen Jesus. One of those eyewitnesses, the disciple Peter, told a large crowd that King David was certainly dead and buried (Acts 2:29). Then Peter pointed to a prophecy David had made. “[David] spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah,” he said (v. 31). Peter concluded, “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (v. 32).
The best evidence for the resurrection is the changed lives of the eyewitnesses, including Peter. At the crucifixion, the disciples had gone into hiding. Peter actually denied Christ (John 18:15-17, 25-27). Once they saw Jesus alive, everything changed. Filled with courage, they began to share the truth of the one great hope of the world—the risen Christ.
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
What do you believe about the resurrection of Jesus? How does that belief affect your life?
Father, I’m so grateful for the reality of Jesus’ resurrection that changes my life and gives me real hope.
For further study, read Hunting for Resurrection Hope.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Acts 2:34-35, Peter quotes Psalm 110:1 in his Pentecost message: “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’ ” James Montgomery Boice, in his commentary Psalms, Volume 3, notes that this verse “is quoted directly or alluded to indirectly at least twenty-seven times,” making it the most quoted Old Testament verse in the New Testament. Peter was likely in the audience when Jesus quoted this psalm in Matthew 22:44 as He challenged the Pharisees’ understanding of the Messiah. While Christ was the son of David and therefore human, He was also David’s “Lord”—He was Himself divine. Convinced of Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation to the Father’s right hand, Peter proclaimed that Christ is “both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36). Such is the message that believers in Jesus proclaim on Easter and every day.
Arthur Jackson |
|
|
|
|
|
TWFYT
Pastor Don
Saturday, April 26 2025
Good Morning Moldable Vessels of the Potter! Oh please Lord may that be me and us as You shape us and lead us to Your new things and better ways. Thanks! Come! Have Your way with me/us. Lead us closer to our created potential and your purposes for such a time as this. Help us to turn off the noise, tune into You, die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus well. May our lives and choices glorify you and produce much good fruit. Cleanse us of all sin and unrighteousness and prepare us as Your purified Bride and unite us with you, each other and in Your plans for us. Make us willing and available! Thanks Lord! Come! You are the Potter and we are the clay. May we remain pliable in Your loving hands. Amen!
God's in the process of changing us from one way to another; from glory to glory. Well, if we allow Him to and co-operate with His Spirit, He will mold and shape us and move us closer to His image and more able to complete our custom made created purposes. Amen! Right? Come Lord! Change me can be our heart cry. He is always willing to answer that prayer! I think of the shirt I have from the Chosen quoting Mary Magdalene as she explains what happened to her when Jesus delivered her from the demons. She say, "All I know is I was one way and now another and the thing that happened in between was Him [Jesus]" I think we can all say that and have a story to share of the many blessings of our Potter. May we keep moving to each new way and thing he has for us each day. We are on a journey to His future for us. Amen!
TWFYT has been working through several days about our willingness to change. (see today's below). Then praise and prepare through the song below it. God is in the process of making all things new. Change is constant in the Kingdom. The question we need to answer is, am I willing to change with God's plans? He wants to lead you and us from what was to what is to what will be. Are you available for that? Willing? He wants to stretch us out of our comfort zones and familiar safe ways to His new things. For that to happen and be an act of worship, we need to hold loosely to what is and allow our feet to move with the Holy Spirit. As we do, next thing you know, we'll be dancing with joy as God has His way with us, uses us and we have stories to share of His faithfulness through change. There's a place for traditions but they shouldn't bind us up and hold us back from following Jesus to the new things He has planned and the new ways to connect to new generations and future believers.
Just think about all the preconceived notions of God's plans for Israel and just what the Messiah would do during this week. The Pharisees didn't want to release control nor were they open to the new things God had for His people and they killed Jesus. The disciples and many of Jesus' followers expected a conquering King not a foot washing humble servant riding on a donkey. Judas, refusing to let go of his plans for the Messiah, sold Jesus out for a few coins. And all who hoped that deliverance had finally come, had all their hopes dashed on Golgotha. BUT GOD! He had different, new plans for a different kind of deliverance. Many of us can be like any of these, BUT GOD! He is up to something new--always! And wanting us to follow, embrace and join Him. Hold loosely, my friends, and watch what God is up to and allow Him, even invite Him to, come. mold, shape and send you to Hs perfect new plans for His people. If some were not willing to do that, we wouldn't be here today. What are God's new plans for you and His Church and people? Are you a follower of THE Way? I pray we all are because God has some amazing things for us to discover and step into as we let go and leave behind the comfortable, obsolete and old ways for His better plans. Amen! May that be us Lord! Give us a story to share of Your faithfulness and good plans as we follow You surrendered, molded and ready for what's next. Amen! I'm praying for you our our Body to become a dynamic movement of God and that takes movement! The Bishop has challenged us like He challenged the people through Joshua to break camp and follow to the Promised Land! Come! Prepare us! Move us! Lead us Lord! Amen! How well do you know God and His plans? How willing are you? Let's start there as we seek first His Kingdom and ways! I'm praying for us and for you! Let's roll baby!
TWFYT:
Changed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYWTf7KaqJE
Saturday, April 26 2025
tHIS wEEK:
Tues 10am Zoom Huddle
Wed 10-12 Bread Ministry
Wed 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle and continuation of the Beginning of the End messages with the last supper remembrance and recounting the last hours before the end of Jesus' life on that cruel cross.
Sat 10-1 Clothing Closet and 10 AM property clean up, planting and mulch party 10AM
Sun: Festive Resurrection Sunday Worship 10 am with communion and Children's Church
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Morning Filled, Gifted, Empowered, Sent, Servants of the Lord! Amen!
Yesterday we discussed the Beginning of the End and how clueless most were that this Triumphal Entry was the beginning of Jesus' life and would lead to the ushering in of a whole new covenant and way for believers. Jesus had resolutely "set His jaw' on Jerusalem and the cross. His time had come. But His followers were clueless. We began looking at Luke's recounting of the activities of the week and will continue that Wed at dinner huddle as we remember Jesus, the last supper and those last hours before that cruel cross. Next Sunday we will discuss the end of the new beginning. I encourage you this week to spend some time with open Bibles and fresh minds to seek, listen with fresh ears and talk to God about what this week means for you. Jesus was thinking of you and took your sins to that cross! PTL! What's He saying to you today?
My I to We devotional for today reminds us of one of the results of this week are that we, as believers are now indwelt by the Holy Spirit and that He equips and enables us to share the Good News of our salvation and new life. They remind us from Col. 1:15-29 to "tell others with all the wisdom God has given us...depending on the mighty work of Christ in us." Amen! Christ lives in you to will and to work His ways. You are created, gifted and empowered for such a time as this and this week many may be open for the invite to come and meet our Savior. Allow God to use you as he did with Reid last week to bring comfort and Good news to a hurting person God put in His path. He calls us to be faithful to be available and as Reid shared, He will use us to comfort and share. Thanks Lord! I to We challenges us to "act this week as we begin each day acknowledging who Jesus is and that He lives in you. Ask Him to display His power in and through you today." AMEN ask Him to help you to live and love more like Him, to see those He is drawing and boldness and wisdom to engage with them. Maybe even invite someone to join you Wed. or Sun.? He created you for such a time as this, loves you and will manifest Himself and His love through you if you allow it!
Our Daily Bread carries on this theme with the reminder that we are called, gifted and enabled to share the Gospel. They ask two very important questions that we need to process with God and some teammates: "How will you share the Good News of forgiveness that you've received? How can you meet others' physical needs while sharing the love of Christ?" These may be two of the most important questions you need to process beside who is that man Jesus and what does that mean to my life? We are saved to save others and gifted and empowered to do so. Talk to God about that. get away and pray and prepare then go live and love like Jesus! Think about this as well during this week, Jesus taught, healed and poured Himself out daily and then went up to the Mount of Olives to reload for the next day. Begin and end your day with some reloading time! Open your Bibles prayerfully and sit at Jesus' feet for a bit. (The Connections blogs below discuss this and give some prayer starters) He will refresh, inform and direct you from there to His best for you and maybe for some others too! Amen!
As we move through this week, be still and think about what all Jesus did and endured means to you and invite Him to come teach and lead you. He's waiting and willing! Are you?
ODB:
|
The venue and accommodations for our leadership meeting in downtown Chicago were in stark contrast with the neediness I encountered on my way there—neediness that included individuals who lacked the basics of food and shelter. The differences helped me picture and articulate things we needed to include in our vision planning for serving in the city and elsewhere: to get gospel resources (anything given by God to help spread the message of His love and salvation) to places where they’re needed most.
At the time Paul wrote to the Roman believers in Jesus, he hadn’t visited them yet—but wanted to: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11-12). The apostle was looking forward to a “gift exchange” that would benefit him and others as they sought to live for Jesus and serve others.
The resources we possess include the spiritual gifts and material resources given to us by God. May we allow Him to use us to compassionately reach out to people with the gospel message. And, as God empowers us, let’s open our hearts, hands, and lips to serve others. May we do so “[un]ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16).
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
How will you share the good news of forgiveness that you’ve received? How can you meet others’ physical needs while sharing the love of Christ?
Dear Jesus, please help me to unashamedly share the good news of Your forgiveness.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Romans opens with Paul identifying himself as “an apostle . . . set apart for the gospel of God” (1:1). His letter is written “to all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people” (v. 7). Yet he singles out the gentiles for special mention (vv. 5-6), perhaps because their inclusion in the family of faith was still a radical concept. Paul reiterates this cross-cultural unity later in the chapter: “The power of God . . . brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (v. 16). His example inspires us to reach out to people in new places with the love of Christ.
Tim Gustafson |
|
|
|
|
|
Connections:
|
|
April 14 - The Discipline of Time and Place
|
|
|
Daniel gave us an example of the discipline of time when it was recorded that, “he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom (Dan. 6:10).” Daniel set an appointment with God and kept it faithfully. Whether your appointment with God is early in the morning or late at night, you must set an appointed time and with spiritual discipline remain faithful to that appointed time.
Another discipline needed in personal prayer is the discipline of place. Jesus not only had a favorite time for private prayer (early in the morning), but was always able, even in the midst of His travels, to find “a solitary place” (Mk. 1:35) for prayer. Jesus actively sought the solitary place for prayer. In the busiest seasons of His life, Jesus would rob Himself of sleep and needed rest in order that He might have the quiet and unhurried place for prayer.
Father, Daniel was faithful with his time and met with you regularly! He never failed to give thanks even when he was in the midst of difficult circumstances. Often I excuse my lack of meeting with You because of a change of location or because I need more sleep rather than seeking out time and space to seek Your face. Forgive me Lord, and make me so hungry and thirsty for Your continual presence that I will do whatever it takes to meet with You as faithfully as Daniel and Your own precious Son.
--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 25, Disciplines of Personal Prayer by Dan R. Crawford). This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
|
|
- Praise God that he cares about this world.
- Thank Christ that he calls the church “his” and that he has promised to build it (Mt. 16:18).
- Confess your own failures in using your time, talents, and tithe as God desires.
- Commit yourself to being an energetic, ability-using, enthusiastic part of the body in which Christ has placed you.
- Ask that, as a part of the church, you will live the fact that you belong to all the others (Rom. 12:5).
- Ask God that your congregation will tirelessly live out the love that it has been given in Jesus Christ. Pray that the character and depth of this love will cause non-Christians in your community to want it for themselves.
|
|
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 |
|
|
Saturday, April 26 2025
Good Morning Praying, Serving, Hearers and Doers of His Word! Amen! God is speaking to you this rainy morning. Spend some time with open Bibles and our devos as you abide, load-up, and prepare to go do what He reveals. He has great plans just for you and He is speaking to your heart this morning. Abide! Worship! Surrender! Then follow prepared and ready for whatever comes! Maybe process with some teammates too.
Before you start, meditate and be still while praying through this song. When I was at Birdsboro in 2009 our guitarist would often play this praise song and it always seemed to pour afterwards. We are in a 10-11 inch deficit of rain and severe drought in our area. I heard we need two rains like this per week for a month just to put a dent in it and catch up some. Yes let it rain! But we are also in a spiritual drought in this nation and world. Pray God's reign and presence would come raining down and flood this dry and weary land with spiritual revival! Come Lord! Reign over us and rain down Your blessings and even fill our aquafers! Thanks Lord! Prepare our hearts. Speak to us through Your Word and bring it alive to those with deaf ears and hard hearts. Come! Bring revival fires and spiritual rains over this nation! Amen! May we be seekers, hearers and doers of Your Word! Send me Lord with Your Word and Spirit ready to follow and tuned into You. Come! Let it rain! Open the floodgates of heaven! Amen! Thank YOU!
Let It Rain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDpF43cSnM0
Sarah Young:
I to We
ODB:
|
One year, I agreed to sing a song before one of my son’s sporting events. I practiced for weeks, but I knew the song by heart already. So when I walked onto the field with the teams lined up on both sides of me, I closed my eyes and prayed. I started singing the first few lines. Then, I froze. In that moment I couldn’t remember the next line. A man behind me whispered the words I’d forgotten. As soon as I heard the helpful reminder, I belted out the rest of the lyrics with confidence.
We all need a little help sometimes. In John 14, Jesus explained that we love Him by obeying Him (v. 15), and He promised to ask the Father to give us a Helper—“the Spirit of truth” (v. 17). Jesus said, “The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (v. 17). Though Jesus taught the disciples a lot while with them (v. 25), He said “the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (v. 26).
As we prayerfully read the Bible, the Holy Spirit helps us interpret, understand, and apply God’s wisdom. His leading always aligns with Scripture—guiding, comforting, and transforming us in love, one helpful reminder at a time.
By Xochitl Dixon
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
What can you do to better recognize the Holy Spirit’s voice? How do you acknowledge Him daily?
Holy Spirit, please help me recognize Your voice and submit to You as You make me more like Jesus, one helpful reminder at a time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
On the night of His arrest, Jesus celebrated Passover together with His closest followers, which was a commemoration of their ancestors’ liberation from slavery in Egypt (John 13; see Exodus 12:1-14). Christ reminded His disciples that they were special in the world (John 14:16-18, 22), just as God had reminded the Israelites of this through Moses in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 4:5-8; 7:7-9; 10:14).
Jesus’ disciples won’t be removed from this world, but they’re to be distinct or set apart from it. Following God’s commands is what set Israel apart from the rest of the world, and it’s the thrust of Christ’s commands to those who believe in Him.
J.R. Hudberg |
|
|
|
|
|
TWFYT:
|
|
LISTEN ONLINE
