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Monday, November 27 2023
Good Morning Cyber Worshipers and Prayer Warriors! Well we don't worship the things of the world or get caught up in hoarding things of this world or the materialistic or being consumer church members (what can the church give me?). We are other worldly and to travel lite. Have you ever seen a hearse with a u-haul trailer behind it? But the internet is a great tool to be used for God things. We have an awesome Zoom huddle every Tues. at 10. We connect to new and searching neighbors through our website and Face Book post. We share prayer requests and these blogs in emails. I have trainings on line and our meetings are now on Zoom, saving time and travel for our church leaders. Adapting to the ever changing opportunities and ways of the world is a God thing that can be done for His glory as He says, "Behold! I am doing a new thing!" Being in this world but not of it brings opportunities to join God as He reaches people in new ways and allows us to worship, meet, share and even encourage and love in all new ways! PTL! I'm all about doing things differently that will attract new people to God today. God gives us new tools all the time to serve Him, others, worship, and make disciples. PTL! However, we always have to be careful that we don't allow those tools to lead us away from God and His best. One of the greatest choices we made almost 20 years ago was to unplug from the cable. That means no mindless TV shows, sports, commercials, newscasts. How refreshing! We are not beholden to a cable company (except for internet. They need to deregulate the internet like electric and gas companies). We are not being brain washed by commercials that run longer than TV shows and propaganda from TV shows and news casts. What a blessing! Seriously consider pulling the plug and turning off the noise.
God is always up to something and allowing us to use many new tools to reach new people. How many of you still have black and white 3 channel TV's with no remotes? It's the same with the way we worship. Why do many churches observe obsolete and man-made traditions? Nostalgia? Comfort levels? It's-just-what-we-always-did-but-not sure-why? I think often about my guide in Israel making fun of the different Jewish Sects for their silly outfits and traditions because some founder 100 years ago dressed like that or did that. It's kinda like the Amish. Why do we do the things we do and observe the traditions we do? Do they point to God? Do they lead us from being one way to another as God molds and shapes us and leads us to be usable today? That's a filter we need to run every thing through that we want to or are reluctant to do as God leads us to His new things and new ways. Think about the irrelevancy of doing VBS today, King James Bibles' language, maybe even stained glass windows, hymns and organ music. How does God want to use the things we do to point those He is sending to Him? God is always refining, pruning, and leading us to His best. Yeah we used to have those three channel black and white TV's but what we have today is much better (yet still a tool of Satan!)
Learning to walk by faith and not by sight and following God to the new things He is doing can be uncomfortable but we are called to die to self, take up cross, be crucified in Christ and follow Him. We are working on becoming the people we were created to be and doing the things we were created to do. We are working on becoming all we can be--our fullest potential in Christ. We were one way, but now another and maybe another next year as God refines and leads us. Becoming our best possible person in Christ means constant change, constant movement and is preparation for things to come. We are gathered as God's Good News Delivery Co, St. Matts. Division for such a time as this and to make disciples that will impact the world for generations to come. How are we doing? Where is God leading? How are we preparing? The answers to these questions are what we need to always be evaluating and then adapting as we follow Jesus. Pray hard into this! What new things is God leading us to do? What good but obsolete things might we need to shed? Pray for our vision team meeting in January for us to seek, understand and follow God to what's for now and what are some new or next things to invest in. Pray for buy-in for all of us as we trust God and follow Him well into 2024 and beyond. If things don't change, we may only have a few more years left. Let us pour ourselves out as an offering for God to use and commit to investing into His future plans for us! He does have great plans for us! Plans to prosper and not harm. He is working all things together for the good of those who believe or will come to believe. Let us commit to trusting and following well together and encouraging and helping each other into God's best future for us!
So what's God saying to you right now and what are you willing to do about it?
I had no intention of going here today BUT GOD was typing through me. I wanted to talk about our great devos below! We are committed to walk by faith and not by sight and to allowing God to have His way with us as He refines and guides us to His best. I've been crying out to God for direction to lead us from the Become Me in '23 Challenge to what He has planned for us ahead. I keep hearing "Seeking More in '24." God wants to do immeasurably more than we can think or imagine. But to get there, it will continue to require our full fellowship stepping into their roles, being open to trying new things and growing in trust and obedience. We are all created and gifted in Christ for God's plans for us for such a time as this. What measurable way are you stepping into your part?
Years ago, before we were called to St Matts, Pastor Al and I were attending a church where the pastor challenged us to pray this prayer, "Wreck me God!" It is a prayer for dying to self and being all-in. God has been faithful to do that and lead Al and me to some great things and ministries as He refined, grew, and continues to lead us to His new and next things. Once in awhile we have to remind each other that we prayed that prayer with each other like 15 years ago and that God is still faithfully answering our heart felt plea and the sacrificial offering of ourselves. We were one way and God keeps transitioning us to new and better things and ways as we continue to ask Him to carry on His good work.
OK so there's Sunday's sermon--maybe? Prayerfully engage with our devos and God and ask Him to speak to your heart and direct your steps. Pray for dreams and vision from God to lead us to His BIG things as we process them and prepare together. Pray for us to hold loosely and allow God to take us to new heights. Turn off the noise. Kick Satan out of your mind. Tune into God. And commit to being all in as we allow God full access and control. Cry out for more of Him and less of you. Cry out for more in '24 as we believe for new things for us and for many to be drawn to Him as we reach our neighbors and make disciples. God has very good plans! Strap on the helmets and God's armor good and tight in prayer! Let's Roll! We are custom made, gifted and sent for such a time as this! YEE HA! Daylight's burning!
Charles Stanley:
TWFYT:
UR: Beyond Appearances
The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
The student dining hall has shelves full of fruit. Usually I grab a few apples on my way to my next class. But I find it difficult to choose the best apples. Many that are spotless and bright red are actually flavorless or bitter. I prefer the yellow apples. They are bruised, dirty, and look unappetizing. But despite their inferior appearance, they are the sweetest apples I’ve ever tasted.
Likewise, God looks beyond appearances when viewing us. God doesn’t care about our bodies or how we appear; God looks at our hearts and sees our true worth.
David’s brothers were taller, better looking, and more heroic than he was. Any of them would have been an obvious choice to be the next king of Israel. But God saw their appearances and their hearts — and at God’s direction Samuel chose David. Though he was not as impressive outwardly, David was someone after God’s own heart.
If we want to be like Christ, then we should learn to see people God’s way — not for their outward presentation but for their hearts. May we learn to see how God sees and to love how God loves.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, give us eyes to see people’s true worth and the conviction to ignore worldly standards. Help us to see as you see and love as you love. Amen.ODB:
Serving for God’s Sake
They are to . . . [fulfill] the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle. Numbers 3:8
READ Numbers 3:5–9
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When England’s Queen Elizabeth passed away in September 2022, thousands of soldiers were deployed to march in the funeral procession. Their individual roles must have been almost unnoticeable in the large crowd, but many saw it as the greatest honor. One soldier said it was “an opportunity to do our last duty for Her Majesty.” For him, it was not what he did, but whom he was doing it for that made it an important job.
The Levites assigned to take care of the tabernacle furnishings had a similar aim. Unlike the priests, the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites were assigned seemingly mundane tasks: cleaning the furniture, lampstands, curtains, posts, tent pegs, and ropes (Numbers 3:25–26, 28, 31, 36–37). Yet their jobs were specifically assigned by God, constituted “doing the work of the tabernacle” (v. 8), and are recorded in the Bible for posterity.
What an encouraging thought! Today, what many of us do at work, at home, or in church may seem insignificant to a world that values titles and salaries. But God sees it differently. If we work and serve for His sake—seeking excellence and doing so for His honor, even in the smallest task—then our work is important because we’re serving our great God.
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
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How might knowing that you’re ultimately serving God change the way you work? How can you do it with pride and excellence for His sake?
Father, thank You for giving me this opportunity to serve You. Help me to be faithful with the talents and strength You’ve given me to work for You.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Who were the Levites? Levi was the third son of Jacob (Genesis 29:34). The Levites were his descendants through his sons Gershon, Kohath, and Merari (46:11). What was special about this tribe? They were a sacred “special forces” group within the nation who were assigned tabernacle duties. Because of their role in Israel, they were exempt from military service (Numbers 1:44–49). During the period of history that included the portable tabernacle, the Levites alone were tasked with its set up, take down, transport, and protection (vv. 50–54). Numbers 4:1–33 provides a breakdown of their specific tasks. What considerations were given to the Levites for their services? “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting” (18:21).
Arthur Jackson |
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Monday, November 27 2023
Don't forget! Brunch after church today!!! ALL welcome! Come enjoy food, fellowship and fun after worship and invite a friend! Plenty of food to enjoy!
Thank you to the church decorating team and brunch prep team yesterday! The sanctuary looks great and the food will be awesome! Thanks Danny, Marshall, Mary, Gail and Karen (deco team) and Lori, Baylee, Bethany, and Karen K. (prep team)
Needs:
Don't forget the gifts for the Kindness Project (assist foster families in the area). Place on table in rear of sanctuary
Pantry in need of non-perishable items (canned soups, veggies, fruit, and boxed cereals mac and cheese, etc)
Year end giving to our general fund as we do have a deficit again. (Please withhold giving at this time to our other funds as their balances are adequate for needs at this time, except missions could use a boost)
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Good Morning Loving, Giving, All-in, Servants of the Lord! That is a great synopsis of our fellowship! PTL! And pronounce this over you and us in prayer and over those who will come! Today Sarah is teaching about John 17 and 18. In John 17 Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples and for all future believers (us). Our Lord and Savior thought of us, not only on the cross, but in prayer before being taken there. Pause and think about that great love! Allow the gratitude for all Jesus has done overflow from all you do! Think about what He's revealing to you about you and your custom made purposes and how much you have been forgiven and helped to move towards your fullest potential in Christ! Then just worship!
Today we begin our St. Matts Advent journey to the manger that held God in the flesh who came to die for you! What, love, mercy and grace we have been shown and offered! PTL! Over the next two weeks (John 19 for next Sun) we will finish up our reading through the Gospel of John in preparation for Christmas Eve and our journey into next year. What's God saying to you and what measurable responses will you be taking? He has some awesome custom made plans for you to step into and your fuller potential and His greater things are awaiting your step of faith! PTL!
Check out our devotionals below. God is threading them together through His Holy Spirit and wanting to knit His Word into you today and into our Good News Delivery Co. as well! What's He saying to you and what will you do about it, even today?
Let us prepare our hearts to worship, fellowship, love on each other and others and pour ourselves out for God's glory! He is with you and working all things together for the good of those who believe and will come to believe. Every good gift and everything we have been given is a gift from God to be used for His purposes. He has provided and is guiding you and us to be givers and thanks-livers as we receive his good gifts and share His best gift, Jesus this season. Thanks Lord! Guide us and use us well as we follow You! bring salvation and new life and disciples of Jesus! Thanks! Use us! Send us! Love through us! Thanks! Who are we Lord that you love us and want to hang out with us and love through us? Thank You for Your great love, mercy, grace, kindness and help! Thank you for allowing us to come as we are and be forgiven and loved! Help us to accept, love and bless those You are sending as we have been loved. Help us to remember that all we have is a gift from You to be used for Your glory. Help us to continue to work on becoming who we are created to be and doing all we were created for, including our time, talent and treasure, for Your glory alone! You are so worthy! May our lives be an act of worship! Less of us Lord and more of You! Multiply our gifts, giving, tithes and service and use them for Your glory. Bring in the harvest and raise up sold out harvest workers! Thank You as we ask in the name of our Gift, Jesus. All for Your glory! Amen
Charles Stanley:
TWFYT:
ODB:
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As a member of the leadership team for a local ministry, part of my job was to invite others to join us as group discussion leaders. My invitations described the time commitment required and outlined the ways leaders would need to engage with their small group participants, both in meetings and during regular phone calls. I was often reluctant to impose on other people, being aware of the sacrifice they’d be making to become a leader. And yet sometimes their reply would completely overwhelm me: “I’d be honored.” Instead of citing legitimate reasons to decline, they described their gratitude to God for all He’d done in their lives as their reason for being eager to give back.
When the time came to give resources toward building a temple for God, David had a similar response: “Who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?” (1 Chronicles 29:14). David’s generosity was driven by gratitude for God’s involvement in his life and that of the people of Israel. His response speaks of his humility and his acknowledgment of His goodness toward “foreigners and strangers” (v. 15).
Our giving to God’s work—whether in time, talent, or treasure—reflects our gratitude to the One who gave to us to begin with. All that we have comes from His hand (v. 14); in response, we can give gratefully to Him.
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
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How has God been involved in your life? How can you give in response?
Dear Father, please help me to respond to Your love and care with a generous heart.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In 1 Chronicles 28:1, David addressed an assembly he called together for the purpose of building the temple. All the important officials of Israel were there: national and tribal leaders, military commanders and heroes, palace officials, and those in charge of the royal property. Having been denied by God the opportunity to build the temple himself, David had resolved to set his son Solomon up for success (22:7–19). In so doing, he led by example by giving generously out of his own wealth (29:2–5). But he understood a critical truth: he and the people were only able to give from what God had already given to them. Every gift had come from God in the first place (v. 16).
Tim Gustafson |
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UR: More Than I Thought
Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee. - Acts 3:6 (KJV)
I had been out of work for months, and expenses were mounting. When another phone call came from someone requesting a donation to his cause, I told him I was not in a financial position to donate the amount he suggested. He asked, “Couldn’t you give anything?” I replied that as soon as I had available funds, I would be sure to remember his charity.
However, our exchange started me thinking, Didn’t I have anything to give? In the story of the widow’s mite, the widow gave her last two coins to charity. I didn’t even have two coins to share, but I did have other ways to give. I had time, an open heart, and a desire to help others when I could. So during that period, I gave more of what I did have by helping out at the community food pantry, assisting an elderly relative, and comforting a grieving friend in whatever ways I could.
In today’s scripture, Peter illustrates so beautifully that blessings shared can be worth more than all the money in the world. We always have something to give.
TODAY'S PRAYER
God our provider, thank you for the gifts of time and talents. Guide us to share these blessings when and where they can do the most good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Monday, November 27 2023
Good Morning Worshiping Servants! This is the day the Lord has made and we have so many opportunities to worship, serve, serve as an act of worship and praise the Lord! What custom made endeavor does God have in store for you today and for the week ahead?
Maybe helping decorate the church today at 10? Maybe worshiping at 10 tomorrow and joining us with your invited guests for brunch afterwards? Maybe helping clean up, serve, greet, or make guests feel welcome? Maybe joining us for zoom huddle on Tues at 10 or Family Ministries gathering Wed at 6? So many ways to serve and worship! PTL! And each one is custom made for those custom made to do them! God is so good!
I have a lot going on physically and mentally right now. I have had little sleep and been up since 1, but I continue to sit at Jesus' feet in worship, being still, listening, worshiping in my storm and receiving His wisdom, healing and restoration. Yes the Lord gives and he takes away...Praise be the Lord! He is always good even when we are sick, grieving, anxious, worried, troubled. He is our shalom and specializes in bringing peace to the chaos and often using us to do so. Thanks Lord! I'm about to hit send and go back to bed and rest after spending some time with my comforter and shalom, my strength and my provision. Time alone with God is the best medicine for whatever ails you! PTL! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Shalom! Be still and know!
I thought I'd just share these prayer starters for today..."Praise God, the One who keeps you in perfect peace (Isa. 26:3). Give thanks for peace which is far beyond understanding (Phil. 4:7). Confess that you sometimes look to the world to bring you peace rather than God. Commit yourself to living in peace with others (1 Thes. 5:13). Ask God to give you a peaceable spirit. Pray for the peace of God to spread throughout your home. Ask Him to bring about peaceful resolution to any ongoing strife in your family. Ask that God's peace will reassure those who tithe regularly and give sacrificially in your church. Pray they will not suffer due to their commitment to financial stewardship. Jesus promises to give peace to those who believe in faith (Jn. 14:27). Pray for one unsaved person you know to receive Jesus' precious peace." Amen!
See you soon! God loves you! Shalom!
Friday, November 24 2023
Thanks God I'm Forgiven! Proclaim that with much thanksgiving!
Updates:
We received sad news that Sarah's mom passed yesterday. Family was praying with her as the angels ushered her to Jesus' arms. Although they are mourning, they also are celebrating her delivery from pain and suffering and know they will see her again. Mom was longing and praying for this homecoming. Please Keep Sarah and her family in your prayers. Pray for wisdom as well for Sarah to choose well as she is scheduled to and wants to preach Sunday. (I'm ready to go if needed) Sarah's new address is Sarah Boyer 3072 High Hill Rd. Slatington, PA 18080 if you'd like to send a card.
Tomorrow at 10 we decorate the church for Christmas. We can use your help, even if for half an hour or so.
Sunday, we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent and have our after worship brunch. Bring someone along! We will also be celebrating Althea Perry's 94th birthday with cupcakes during brunch. (Note: Advent is not a tradition observed by all EC churches and is not part of our EC tradition, although many churches do observe this Catholic and Lutheran tradition in preparation for Jesus' birth. So we have freedom to observe it if we desire and how we desire. Advent is traditionally the four weeks before Christmas. This year that means Christmas Eve we would light the 4th and Christmas candle. We decided to start a week early so that we have four weeks to prepare for the lighting of the Christmas Candle on Christmas Eve.) Sarah is planning to preach on our John 17 and 18 readings this Sunday. It will be helpful to prepare by reading them and remember we are trying to answer these three questions as we read through John: What's going on in this passage? What is God saying to me? What measurable action will I take in response?
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Good Morning Forgiven and Thankful Worshipers!
Sarah, we love you and know God is with you and has received your mom into His arms and healing love. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. We are praying for you all! Shalom!
My grandmother passed on Thanksgiving day many years ago. Yes it was hard to celebrate her homecoming those first few years but what a better day than Thanksgiving to be reminded how thankful we were for our time together, her full healing in heaven, and for knowing we would see her again someday. Many of you are struggling through some hard holidays. May you know we are praying for you and God is with you. Open your heart and arms and receive His healing love and strength for the journey. God really does love you and is with you always. lean on Him and His promises! And reach out to a brother or sister in Christ to journey with you through your difficulty. We are family and we are here for each other.
There is much rumbling through my mind this morning and God sure has been speaking! Although our devotionals are a mixed bag today, He has been speaking through each one as I still myself at His feet, worship, listen and receive. I've been asking what He wants to share with you and I'm getting several different ideas. I think it best for you to engage with God yourself today as I'm sure He has a word or three for you as well. I do like ODB (below) with their thinking that He is worthy of all praise! Amen! Answer their questions as you offer yourself to God and receive His love. Maybe lift your hands in praise and tell Him how much you love Him. Then open your hands and receive His love, words, corrections, strength and wisdom. Then reach out and ask Him to help you bring that to life today to others.
See you tomorrow and/or Sunday! Have a blessed day and share some love today with much joy and thanksgiving! Be still and know how much you are loved and cared for! Amen! Here's a vocal blessing to end your time with God...The Blessing: The Blessing | Kari Jobe | Elevation Worship [LYRICS]
ODB:
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Many consider Ferrante and Teicher to be the greatest piano duet team of all time. Their collaborative presentations were so precise that their style was described as four hands but only one mind. Hearing their music, one can begin to grasp the amount of effort required to perfect their craft.
But there’s more. They loved what they did. In fact, even after they had retired in 1989, Ferrante and Teicher would occasionally show up at a local piano store just to play an impromptu concert. They simply loved making music.
David also loved making music—but he teamed up with God to give his song a higher purpose. His psalms affirm his struggle-filled life and his desire to live in deep dependence upon God. Yet, in the midst of his personal failures and imperfections, his praise expressed a kind of spiritual “perfect pitch,” acknowledging the greatness and goodness of God even in the darkest of times. The heart behind David’s praise is simply stated in Psalm 18:1, which reads, “I love you, Lord, my strength.”
David continued, “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise” (v. 3) and turned to Him “in my distress” (v. 6). Regardless of our situation, may we likewise lift our hearts to praise and worship our God. He’s worthy of all praise!
By Bill Crowder
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In what ways do you share your love for God with Him and with others? What might be standing in the way of your worship?
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Second Samuel 22 is nearly identical to Psalm 18, and the previous chapter (2 Samuel 21) provides some historical background for the psalm and the danger David faced. He’d gone into battle with his men when a mighty warrior challenged him (21:15–16). The text reads, “Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels [about 7.5 lb. or 3.4 kg] and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David” (v. 16). David’s warrior Abishai intervened and killed the Philistine. David’s men then insisted that he never again go into battle with them “so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished” (v. 17). But who were the descendants of Rapha? They were exceptionally large warriors (vv. 18–22) whose size easily intimidated their opponents given the nature of the hand-to-hand warfare of the day.
Tim Gustafson |
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Friday, November 24 2023
Good Morning Thanks Livers! I'm thankful that I don't have to eat liver or gizzards, or scrapple, or garlic! I'm thankful for freedom to choose! I'm thankful that I git the best hot bacon dressing recipe from my grand mom! I'm thankful that we are able to arrange another day for family to gather. I'm thankful for technology that allows us to communicate across the miles. I'm thankful for cherry and peach crumb pies with vanilla ice cream. I'm thankful that sugar and calories don't count on holidays! Kinda sounds like a kids thank you list, huh? But God loves to hear our thanksgivings for every little blessing we receive. What are you thankful for? Check out our devos below as you sit at Jesus' feet and offer some thanksgiving in preparation for this day. Breathe out all the junk and anxiety this day may bring and rest in Jesus a bit as you turn off the noise, still your soul and refresh for a peaceful and joyful day ahead.
Keep in mind an pray for those who are struggling today. Yesterday at the Bread Ministry we got to pray with some for health concerns, missing family member sorrows of loss or struggle with personality clashes, and some needing some food and financial help. For some, holidays are not very much fun. Be thankful for what you have been blessed with and turn that sorrow into praise as you refocus on all the other many blessings you do have! God loves you, saved you, is with you and promises to provide His love, joy and peace as He helps you through everyday. Rejoice!
So, I am really thankful for all of you, the love of God and His forgiveness, and the opportunity to serve together! And I'm thankful for the ability and want-to to get some work done today before dinner later tonight and family brunch tomorrow. God is good--all the time! Amen! Hallelujah! PTL! Praying you all have a blessed day and that you have many things to be thankful about as you reflect back on today as you lay your head down to rest! Shalom!
Sarah's Blog and prayer requests:
Hi everyone,
I can only imagine how many of your kitchen will take on the smells of Thanksgiving soon, if they
have not already done so. Many of you are looking forward to time spent with family and friends.
Enjoying a good meal and then sitting back and engaging in conversation with family/friends, that perhaps
you haven't spoken to in a long time.
Thanksgiving - if you think seriously about it, should be celebrated every day of the year.....we do, have so much
to be thankful for. Even though we may experience times of difficulty, doubt, fear, illness, joyous times, seeing God
at work.....we need to always find at least one thing to say thanks for.
I want to share these thoughts with you, Thanksgiving is understanding that blessings are hiding all around us and
we must find and focus on them. It's the attitude of knowing we have a God in charge of all. It's the habit
of pausing to whisper "Thank You Lord" throughout the day. It's finding good times even in bad times and rejoicing even in sorrow. It's
noticing the color of flowers, the shape of clouds, the smell of fresh bread, and the comfort of a soft pillow at night
Thanksgiving is the opposite of grumbling, the antithesis of fault-finding, and the antidote for a complaining spirit. The
Bible tells us to replace "foolish talking" and "coarse Jesting" with "giving of thanks" (Ephesians 5:4)
Gratitude leads to "glad-itude". Counting our blessings is a positive step toward erasing our heartaches. The psychology of
thanksgiving comes from the very mind and heart of God who told us to be vigilant in thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2) and "in everything
give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you' (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
So our lesson for life is learn to give thanks in the good times. AND give thanks in the bad times too, for that will make them better!
Try it.....and you will see!
Why not, before you begin eating your family dinner, Read Psalms 100.....and then give thanks for all the blessings, good and bad!
Prayers requested:
Harry (Pop) Waterman has asked for prayer. He is experiencing a lot of shoulder and upper arm pain. None of the rubs/medicine are
taking the edge off. So he asked if we could all keep him in our prayers for healing and strengthening....and that the pain subsides.
Take time to pray for one another - for the gift of friendship, for family both biological and church family.
Pray for our Sunday brunch this coming Sunday. Many of those that came to bread ministry today were invited. Pray that
they are interested in finding out more about Jesus.....and spending time being surrounded by His children that share His love.
May God bless you all!!!
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Sarah
ODB:
A Thanksgiving Blessing
When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Luke 14:13–14
READ Luke 14:12–14
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In 2016, Wanda Dench sent a text inviting her grandson to Thanksgiving dinner, not knowing he’d recently changed his phone number. The text instead went to a stranger, Jamal. Jamal didn’t have plans, and so, after clarifying who he was, asked if he could still come to dinner. Wanda said, “Of course you can.” Jamal joined the family dinner in what has since become a yearly tradition for him. A mistaken invitation became an annual blessing.
Wanda’s kindness in inviting a stranger to dinner reminds me of Jesus’ encouragement in Luke’s gospel. During a dinner party at a “prominent” Pharisee’s house (Luke 14:1), Jesus noticed who was invited and how the guests jostled for the best seats (v. 7). Jesus told His host that inviting people based on what they could do for him in return (v. 12) meant the blessing would be limited. Instead, Jesus told the host that extending hospitality to people without the resources to repay him would bring even greater blessing (v. 14).
For Wanda, inviting Jamal to join her family for Thanksgiving dinner resulted in the unexpected blessing of a lasting friendship that was a great encouragement to her after her husband’s death. When we reach out to others, not because of what we might receive, but because of God’s love flowing through us, we receive far greater blessing and encouragement.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
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When has an unexpected invitation encouraged you? What blessings did you experience?
Heavenly Father, may my invitations reflect a heart that wants to bless others as You lead me.
For further study, read Giving It Away.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jesus’ instruction to invite the poor and the outcast to a meal (Luke 14:12–14) is something God wanted the Israelites to do. God commanded His people not to mistreat or oppress the poor, the widows, the orphans, and the foreigners living in their midst but instead to love them (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 19:33; Deuteronomy 10:19). Even as the Jews were blessed with material prosperity so they could enjoy the good life, they were commanded to be generous and share with others. They were to include the foreigner and the poor in their celebrations and feasts (Deuteronomy 16:9–12; 26:8–11) and to give a tithe to share God’s provisions and abundance with them (26:12). The Israelites were to treat foreigners as if they were native-born Jews and love them as they’d love themselves (Leviticus 19:34; 24:22; Deuteronomy 27:19).
K. T. Sim |
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UR: Many Thanks
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another. - Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. The weather here in Southeast Texas is usually cool, and the respite from work and the daily routine is always appreciated. Many years ago, I decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner for my family. I bought ingredients, prepped and cleaned silverware and cookware, and spent nearly an entire day making food. I managed to prepare the side dishes with careful attention to temperatures and instructions from family recipes. In the early hours of Thanksgiving Day, I dozed on the sofa while the turkey roasted. As a result, I overcooked the turkey, rendering it crispier and drier than I had intended. Yet my family was gracious and feasted upon the meal anyway.
I am grateful for the gift of my family members accepting my culinary blunders and personality quirks. The word thanksgiving is defined as “a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness.” So recipes and meals aside, I plan to spend this Thanksgiving holiday simply acknowledging God’s goodness, offering thanks for all God’s blessings, including family, good health, and the gift of time spent together. As a Christian family, we should celebrate the bounty of mercy and forgiveness available to us all through Christ.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Thank you, Father, for your gifts of mercy and salvation. Help us to follow your example to forgive and love one another daily. Amen.
Wednesday, November 22 2023
Good Morning Thanks Living Brothers and Sisters in Christ! May God abundantly bless you as you share all the blessings He has given and choose to live life out of your true identity with contagious joy that flows from living life out of deep gratitude!
We had a great gathering to feast, celebrate and fellowship last evening at our Thanksgiving Eve Eve gathering. Today we get to share bread, God's love and blessings with our neighbors in need. Thursday and in some cases Friday or Saturday, we get to share family time and gather with much thanksgiving. Saturday we gather to decorate and prepare for our Sunday Brunch and Sunday we get to worship, celebrate, feast and bless. We have so much to be thankful for and so many blessings to share. I can't wait to hear the stories of what God did this week with, in, and around you and our gathering opportunities. Sunday at Brunch we will share some Kingdom stories of what God has been doing. Come prepared to share and celebrate with our brunch guests. Let us restart Kingdom stories Sundays during brunch. Our guests need to hear the Good News of what God is doing and see us celebrate!
Check out the devos below and talk to God as you pray expectantly and thank Him for all the blessings! Live thankfully every day. rejoice! Praise the Lord! Share your story and some Good News with some others the next few days! Shine Bright children of the Light! Shalom!
ODB:
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The first thing I noticed about the city was its gambling outlets. Next, its cannabis shops, “adult” stores, and giant billboards for opportunistic lawyers making money off others’ mishaps. While I had visited many shady cities before, this one seemed to reach a new low.
My mood brightened, however, when I spoke to a taxi driver the next morning. “I ask God every day to send me the people He wants me to help,” he said. “Gambling addicts, prostitutes, people from broken homes tell me their problems in tears. I stop the car. I listen. I pray for them. This is my ministry.”
After describing Jesus’ descent into our fallen world (Philippians 2:5–8), the apostle Paul gives believers in Christ a calling. As we pursue God’s will (v. 13) and hold to the “word of life”—the gospel (v. 16)—we’ll be “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation” who “shine . . . like stars in the sky” (v. 15). Like that taxi driver, we’re to bring Jesus’ light into the darkness.
A believer in Christ has only to live faithfully in order to change the world, historian Christopher Dawson said, because in that very act of living “there is contained all the mystery of divine life.” Let’s ask God’s Spirit to empower us to live faithfully as Jesus’ people, shining His light in the world’s darkest places.
By Sheridan Voysey
REFLECT & PRAY
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How can you focus on Christ today, rather than the world’s evil? How can you shine His light today in your neighborhood?
Dear Jesus, thank You for being the Light of the World who brings me out of darkness.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As believers in Jesus, we’re to “shine among [nonbelievers] like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15) as we obey the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). Christ said, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). He brought light into the world, yet many people still loved the darkness (evil) (3:19). Knowing He’d be with His followers on earth for only a short time, He called them (and all of us) to spread the good news of the gospel—to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). As “people of the light” (Luke 16:8), we have the Holy Spirit to help us “not run or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:16).
Alyson Kieda |
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UR: Praise God!
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. - Acts 16:25 (NIV)
I have usually made a point to arrive early to worship so that I have time to listen for God’s message for me. But then my church began playing praise music ahead of the service — music I am not familiar with and really do not enjoy. So I started arriving just prior to the sermon, thinking this is the only thing I need from God.
One Sunday the sermon was based on Acts 16:16-40. The story of Paul and Silas in prison spoke directly to my heart. Rather than dwell on their pain and suffering into the night, they began to pray and sing praises to God! That message had a powerful impact on me. Praise is a sign of love we can always offer to God, who is faithful, generous, and compassionate. More than that, praise is the affirmation of God’s love for us.
Moving forward, I began to join in every praise song, whether I was familiar with it or not. Later, I would search the internet for the less familiar songs so I could learn them. Now I don’t want to be late for worship because I don’t want to miss the songs of praise. Being present and fully prepared to participate is something I have come to value — and enjoy!
TODAY'S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, attune our hearts to worship you in spirit and in truth. May we all find joy in praising you. Amen.
Tuesday, November 21 2023
Good Morning Very Loved, Loving, Becoming to God Becomers! I just can't get off that theme as we have been working on becoming all that we were created to be and be all-in working on our custom made and custom gifted to achieve assignments for God! What blessing and joy we can know as we live more fully like Jesus and go love better like Him! God loves us and calls us by name and sends us to love like Him! He loves us so much and desires for us to reach our fullest potential that he shows us refining, patient love too as we get pruned to produce more and better fruit. PTL! And thank God for our freedom to choose Him, His ways, His best and to die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus. Check out our devos below and worship, adore and offer much thanksgiving! Also check out the praying a Psalm idea with Kim's Blog from harvest ministries below. See you today on Zoom Huddle and / or tonight at our Thanksgiving Eve Eve taco Tues celebration. Come and worship! PTL with hearts filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. Be ALL you CAN be!
Here's some prayer starters from Harvest Prayer that tie to our devotions today. How awesome is our God! PTL!
"Praise God, the One who is your "Light and Salvation" Ps. 27:1). Thank Him for shining His saving light in your darkness, Confess times when you've prefered to live in darkness of sinful actions and habits rather than in the light of Jesus. Commit yourself anew to living in His light. Ask God to surround you every day this week with His Light and Salvation. Pray for opportunities to spread God's light in the lives of family members and friends who do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord. Ask God to touch lives with the Gospel. Intercede for outreach ministries of your church and denomination. Pray for financial needs to be met. Ask that they will clearly show forth the light of the Good News through their ministries. [PTL for doing that already at St. Matts.] Ask that the love of Jesus will meet needs and sooth every hurting heart. Pray by name for someone you know who has yet committed to life in Christ. Ask God to reveal how you can be a spiritual help to that person. " Amen and ask God to show you who to invite OR BRING ALONG TO ONE OF OUR GATHERINGS THROUGH CHRISTMAS AND FOR COUAGE AND THE OPPORTUNNITY TO INVITE.
Pray with much thanksgiving and expectation for BIG GOD things and every little one too! he loves to answer our prayers from hearts filled with thanksgiving and love!
Kim's Blog: https://www.harvestprayer.com/creative-prayer-idea-a-psalm-of-thanksgiving/
ODB: Pronounce this Isaiah verse over you...He who created you...calls you by name...(read it all out loud inserting your name for Israel. Pronounce your prodigals returning!)
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As a boy, Ming found his father harsh and distant. Even when Ming was ill and had to see the pediatrician, his father grumbled that it was troublesome. Once, he overheard a quarrel and learned his father had wanted him aborted. The feeling of being an unwanted child followed him into his adult years. When Ming became a believer in Jesus, he found it difficult to relate to God as Father, even though he knew Him as Lord of his life.
If, like Ming, we haven’t felt loved by our earthly fathers, we may face similar doubts in our relationship with God. We may wonder, Am I a burden to Him? Does He care about me? But while our earthly fathers may have been silent and distant, God our heavenly Father comes close and says, “I love you” (Isaiah 43:4).
In Isaiah 43, God speaks as our Creator and as a Father. If you wonder whether He wants you to live under His care as part of His family, hear what He said to His people: “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth” (v. 6). If you wonder what you’re worth to Him, hear His affirmation: “You are precious and honored in my sight” (v. 4).
God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to pay the penalty of sin so that we who believe in Him can be with Him forever (John 3:16). Because of what He says and what He’s done for us, we can have full confidence that He wants us and loves us.
By Жасмин Го
REFLECT & PRAY
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What’s your experience of relating to God as a Father? How can you remind yourself that you’re precious to Him?
Father, I want to live each day as Your child, precious and honored in Your sight.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Twice in Isaiah 43, God’s precious people are commanded not to be afraid: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you” (v. 1), and “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (v. 5). The pattern of “fear not . . . for” followed by a divine action is consistently repeated in Scripture when God instructs His people not to be afraid (see Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10). To restrain fear, some promise, action, or truth about God is stated. Redemptive action (an act of rescue or salvation) comes into view in Isaiah 43:1. Though a tough path lay ahead for the Israelites (v. 2), their Savior would be with them (v. 3). God’s presence restrains fear (v. 5). How reassuring to know that regardless of where life leads, we needn’t fear. The psalmist said, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4).
Arthur Jackson |
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UR: The True Gardener (BLOOM you children of God!)
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” - John 15:1 (NIV)
Every spring I anticipated the white and lilac blossoms of my wisteria bursting from the branches. I was always surprised by their beauty. But for the last two years my plants have had fewer blooms. Virginia Creeper vines were slowly strangling my wisteria. Every time my husband and I removed a vine, another one would take its place.
Similarly I have allowed my own circumstances to stifle my relationship with God — losing my son in a car wreck, caring for my mother as she slowly slipped away due to Alzheimer’s, and watching my husband struggle with cancer. I was trying to handle all of this alone and found it hard to give control over to God. Instead, I began questioning the challenges. Why was I experiencing so much heartache?
As time passed, I realized I could never bloom alone. I needed to remember the promise of Jesus. He is the true vine, and when we remain connected to Christ, we can find new life springing from heartache or despair.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to turn to you for help so that our love for you can bloom, bringing joy to our lives and glory to you. Amen.Charles Stanley: (Is this you? Bringing Jesus alive? Letting Jesus live and love through you?)
Monday, November 20 2023
Good Morning Thankful Children of God! Bow in worship. Lift hands in praise. Always be thankful! Amen! So what's on your gratitude list today? We do have so much to be thankful about! Tell God some of your thank yous today. And remember like when you tell someone why you love them, get specific with your thank yous as well. Why are you thankful? Why do you love God? There are countless reasons! And countless ways to worship our awesome God! Amen!
Below are some devotionals and thoughts that may spark some prayer, praise and thanksgiving as we prepare for a very busy week. Begin at Jesus' feet and allow Him to be your Lord this week. He has great plans for you that won't burn you out! Plans that will bring much joy too! Thanks God!
We are reading John 17 and 18 this week as we head toward the cross. Does it seem kinda weird to study the death of Jesus during the Christmas season? Why did He come? To die for us! Sunday we begin Advent with all the longing minor chord songs crying out from the longing for the Messiah to come. When He came there was great celebration but as He grew He was rejected and allowed Himself crucified. BUT GOD! That was His plan all along to allow us forgiveness and eternal life, if we choose. Dying to self and asking Jesus to be the Lord of your life is a sacrifice of praise that will always be received by God! PTL! In John 17:4 Jesus said that He brought God glory by completing the work He was assigned. Are you glorifying God? Are you working on completing your assignments? Are you pointing people to Him by the way you live and worship? Living Thankfully daily is a choice that allows others to see the joy of trusting Jesus and following Him and His ways!
You may struggle with letting go of things and trusting God. Check out the Upper Room below and the reminder that we are able to look back at hard times and see Jesus carrying us, leading us, correcting us and preparing us. PTL! Don't be anxious about anything is a command. Phil. 4:6 reminds us that in whatever difficulty we are finding ourselves, God is there and awaiting partnering with us so, "by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." AMEN! Thanks Lord!!!
Our Daily Bread reminds of the priceless joy we can choose and know by trusting God. Living thankfully leads to joy and more joy and trust that overflows in a life of peace and productivity. We get to and want to, out of deep gratitude to God, love on God and others and others are attracted to God through our thankful, joyful lives lived well. It's a great circle of blessings! PTL! Allow His love and your joy to overflow into much thanksgiving! Light up this dark world with joy in the Lord!
God created us for His purposes. We are custom made and gifted to accomplish all He has for us. PTL! Charles Stanley discuss today Gal. 5:22-23 and the fruit of the Spirit as God's presence in us in action. Many of you can name the fruit. Are they coming alive in and through you? Maybe one of those fruit are a word to work on next year? Love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control are gifts the Holy Spirit brings to us as we produce good and lasting fruit that we are created to produce. God lives and loves through us as we grow in these and overflow these to others. Thank God for such marvelous gifts that start with sending His Son and then His Spirit and the free gift all can open, new life in Christ. Thank You Lord! Amen!
What an awesome God we know and love! Have a joyful, thankful, peaceful, love filled day of worshipful living in Christ! Shalom!
UR: A Letter to God
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)
When I was a teenager my father died, my university admission was unsuccessful, and I barely had enough food to eat. I was overwhelmed and struggled to pray. So I wrote a letter to God, asking my heavenly Father to please take over. I read it a couple of times, tucked it into an envelope, and forgot about it. It seemed naïve and silly to me, and I wasn’t sure God would listen.
Years later, I found the letter, and I knew God had been aware of the sorrow in my heart all along. And as I looked back, I could see all the ways God had been present in my life.
Sometimes we feel so beaten down by our circumstances that we struggle to tell God how we feel. It doesn’t matter whether we write, mumble, or cry in God’s presence — God hears! All we need to do is give our burdens to God and leave them in God’s hands. When we worry continuously after handing our troubles over to God, we take back our burdens. It is important to trust God to handle our situation in God’s time and way.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, hear the heart cry of those of us who are weary and in need of help and comfort. Amen.
ODB:
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On every school day for three years, Colleen has been dressing up in a different costume or mask to greet her children as they exit the school bus each afternoon. It brightens the day of everyone on the bus—including the bus driver: “[She] bring[s] so much joy to the kids on my bus, it’s amazing. I love that.” Colleen’s children agree.
It all started when Colleen began fostering children. Knowing how difficult it was to be separated from parents and to attend a new school, she began greeting the kids in a costume. After three days of doing so, the kids didn’t want her to stop. So Colleen continued. It was an investment of time and money at thrift shops, but, as reporter Meredith TerHaar describes, it brought a “priceless result: happiness.”
One little verse amid a book of wise and witty advice, largely by King Solomon to his son, sums up the results of this mom’s antics: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). By bringing cheer to all her kids (biological, adopted, and foster), she hoped to prevent crushed spirits.
The source of true and lasting joy is God through the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21; Galatians 5:22). The Spirit enables us to shine God’s light as we strive to bring joy to others, a joy that offers hope and strength to face trials.
By Alyson Kieda
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When has someone done something to bring you joy? What was the result?
Dear Father, thank You for giving me joy. Help me to spread it to others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
While the sayings in the book of Proverbs aren’t always arranged in an easy-to-discern order, often themes unite sections of proverbs. Chapter 17 focuses on relationships. The writer warns against the damage caused by being vindictive (vv. 9, 13) or willfully stubborn (vv. 10–12), quarreling (vv. 14, 19), unjust behavior (v. 15), and misusing money (v. 16). Conversely, loyal and protective relationships are lifted up (vv. 17–18). Verses 20–22 focus on how our hearts can shape our lives and relationships. A corrupt or foolish heart brings trouble and suffering (vv. 20–21), while a “cheerful heart is good medicine” (v. 22). So perhaps verse 22 has in mind the joy and healing that healthy relationships can bring.
Monica La Rose |
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cHARLES sTANLEY:
Wagner's news:
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In our last update, we had quite a few prayer requests. Here are a few updates.
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We asked you to pray for Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW). The speaker spoke from his heart and his own experiences from his time at RVA to where God currently has him serving. It was awesome to see how God used him to speak to so many of our students. God was and is moving on campus!
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| This morning we heard the testimonies of eight students making a public declaration of their faith in Christ. Several shared how God did a significant work in their lives during SEW. It is always a joy to hear our students sharing how God is working in their lives and watching them point others to Jesus. It was extra special as one of the students being baptized was in our dorm just two years ago. Thank you for your prayers! |
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| We asked you to pray for our dorm boys and for dorm parents for terms 2 and 3. The boys are thriving and the 5 will become 6 starting in January. We are excited to share that a couple has volunteered to come to RVA for 7 months to cover our dorm. They already know some of our boys as they covered our dorm when we were in the States for Micah and Lynnsi’s wedding in May. Thank you, God for a great answer to prayer! |
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| Admissions and AP Calculus |
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| Missy was relieved to step out of the Admissions Office this past week as she completed the training for her replacements. The two people who will be working together are just the right ones for this time. There is also a really good coverage plan sorted out for the AP Calculus classes. We are thankful for God’s provision in all these areas…not just people who can fill-in, but people who will excel! |
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| We have been praying earnestly for our grandson whose scheduled arrival is early December. He has been very relaxed and was not really interested in turning around to prepare for his upcoming entrance into the world. We are thankful that the doctor was able to get the baby turned in the right direction this past week and we look forward to his arrival soon. |
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| A few remaining prayer requests |
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It is hard to believe that we will land in the States in just 10 days! We still have one BIG need. We are looking to purchase a mid-size, reliable vehicle, with good gas mileage, as we will be traveling many miles to visit with family, friends, churches and RVA alumni. Our son is currently using our car, which will cover our need, but then he will need a vehicle to get to work. He has decided that his dream vehicle is a Honda CRV (we’re not really sure why). All this is to say that we still need one more vehicle…either for us or for Micah. Please contact us if you have any good leads for us to explore. Above all, would you commit to PRAY with us for the right vehicle? We will need to find a vehicle by December 12.
Although our first month will be quite full with family time – new grandbaby and family Christmas, we are working on our schedule for the rest of our home assignment. Our schedule is wide open in January and February! It gets much fuller in the spring. Contact us directly in the next few weeks if you’d like us to come and share with your church or small group. We really enjoy sharing with smaller group gatherings, so feel free to ask about daytime or evening events during the week. We are excited to connect and share the exciting ways God is moving all over Africa. PRAY with us for opportunities to share what God is doing in Africa and around the world and why it is so important for us to be concerned about the unreached.
You are a blessing! Thank you for your prayers.
Brian & Missy |
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Don 
Monday, November 20 2023
Good Morning Glorifying God, Persevering Servants! It's worship day! Woo WHO! We get to gather, worship, pray, celebrate, learn, encourage and glorify God. We were created for His glory! We get to chose to bring Him glory as we hallow His name, persevere in faith and service to and for Him. What a wonderful life we have in Christ! or is it?
Check out our devotionals below as we think about God's refining love and sometimes hard journey of faith we endure. Can you see past the hurts and hardships and trust and praise God? He has great plans for you, us and all believers! Plans to prosper and not harm. We are promised an abundant life in Christ, but how does that work out in pain and suffering? God loves you--deeply and eternally! He has great plans for you that sometimes require His tweaking you. We live in a fallen world and are promised hard times. We are called to persevere in faith and glorify God through it all. Pruning and dying to--humbling self-- are never very pleasant. BUT GOD! And for His glory! When we are weak then we are strong in Christ! PTL!
Your will, Lord; your way! Have Your way with me and us! Thank You for loving us enough to correct in love, refine, prune and prepare us for Your best. Thank You for Your loving help and strength along the way! Thank You that we can know Your shalom in the storms and trials! Thank You for wanting the best for us and helping us to move towards it! Come! Have Your way with us and may we bring You glory and honor each step of the way! We love You and trust You! Help our unbelief and forgive our grumbling. No matter what we face, You are worthy of all glory, honor and praise! May Our lives be poured out for Your glory! We love you and desire Your best for us however You need to get us there! Come! You are our refuge and strength! We ask these things in Jesus' name and for His glory! Amen! Thank You!
This is the day the Lord has made and He made this Sabbath day just for us! PTL! Rejoice! Be refreshed and strengthened. And Come all you weary and heavy laden with hearts of worship and thanksgiving! What are you thankful for today? We will be digging down deep to offer deep thanksgiving and worship today! Come and celebrate our awesome God! Prepare your hearts for worship! Come, Just as you are to worship! He loves you and is waiting with open arms of love, healing and hope! Come!
Here's a song to help prepare the way for today: Phillips Craig & Dean - Come, now is the time to worship (with lyrics)
Charles Stanley:
ODB:
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Grainger McKoy is an artist who studies and sculpts birds, capturing their grace, vulnerability, and power. One of his pieces is titled Recovery. It shows the single right wing of a pintail duck, stretched high in a vertical position. Below, a plaque describes the bird’s recovery stroke as “the moment of the bird’s greatest weakness in flight, yet also the moment when it gathers strength for the journey ahead.” Grainger includes this verse: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Corinth. Enduring a season when he was overwhelmed with personal struggle, Paul begged God to remove what he described as “a thorn in my flesh” (v. 7). His affliction might have been a physical ailment or spiritual opposition. Like Jesus in the garden the night before His crucifixion (Luke 22:39–44), Paul repeatedly asked God to remove his suffering. The Holy Spirit responded by assuring him that He’d provide the strength needed. Paul learned, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Oh, the thorns we experience in this life! Like a bird gathering its strength for the journey ahead, we can gather up God’s strength for what we’re facing. In His strength, we find our own.
By Elisa Morgan
REFLECT & PRAY
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Where are you experiencing weakness today? How can you—in that exact weakness—gather God’s strength for your journey?
Dear Father, help me gather my strength from Yours as I face what’s ahead in my life today.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul deliberately boasted about his many spectacular visions (2 Corinthians 12:1–7; see Acts 9:1–9; 16:6–10) to refute false teachers who said he wasn’t a genuine apostle because he didn’t have ecstatic spiritual experiences. Although such boasting was distasteful to him (2 Corinthians 12:1, 5), he believed it was necessary to deal with the misguided spirituality and pride of his opponents. He was given a “thorn in [his] flesh” (v. 7) so Christ’s power might be proclaimed (vv. 5–10). The word thorn was used for anything pointed, such as a stake, the pointed end of a fishhook, or a splinter. This implied that Paul had endured severe pain. We don’t know what the thorn was. Some think he had an eye affliction (see Galatians 4:15; 6:11) or a chronic ailment. But we know its intent: to keep him humble on account of his “surpassingly great revelations” (2 Corinthians 12:7).
K. T. Sim |
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UR: Parenting
God said, “I led [Ephraim] with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.” - Hosea 11:4 (NRSVUE)
I recall how excited my husband and I were when our sons took their first faltering steps as we led them by the hand. I also recall messy mealtimes as we fed our infant sons, with food ending up on our sons’ bibs, on the floor, and on us. My husband and I enjoyed being fully involved in parenting.
In today’s reading from Hosea, God is fully involved in parenting the Israelites. I envision God as a loving parent teaching Israel to walk, lifting them up in an embrace, and bending down to feed them.
What a beautiful and powerful image of our Parent God. We are God’s children, and God continually nurtures us with grace and mercy just as a loving parent does. When we stumble, God is there to pick us up and guide us. God leads us with cords of kindness and bands of love, embraces us, and feeds us lovingly and patiently.
The role of a parent never stops, even after the children have become adults and left home. Like human parents, our Parent God keeps guiding and directing us no matter how old we get. Let us be grateful children!
TODAY'S PRAYER
Thank you, God, for parenting us always. Help us turn to you as our main source of love and care. Amen.TWFYT:
Saturday, November 18 2023
Good Morning Worshipers, Warriors, Watchmen (and Women), and Workers! That is a prayer I have been praying over St. Matts for years. Praying for God to raise up worshipers, prayer warriors, watchman (and women) on the wall and harvest workers bringing the prayers to life. It's happening! PTL! Can you see it? All four of these are vital roles and assignments for our Good News Delivery Co. too. How is God assigning you and using you in these?
Today as I was re-reading our John 16 passage for this week I was reminded of Jesus teaching about praying in His name. (Next week we read Jesus' prayers in John 17) In the Old Covenant, people needed to go to God through a priest but in the New Covenant we are all priests of the Lord and as such have full access to God ourselves. How blessed we are! And what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! Amen! Check out our devos below for more on prayer, your part and some things to pray about.
Everything of value in God's Kingdom and every good and sustainable work is birthed, informed and sustained in prayer. Thank you for your faithfulness in prayer! God has some awesome plans for you and us awaiting being released in prayer. Some things are awaiting direction, informing, provision, correction that comes through prayer and processing with others. All things and workers need a prayer covering too. It can be hard but very rewarding and profitable work to be a prayer warrior and watchman in prayer. Then we get to worship, celebrate and thank God for glorifying His name and prospering His works as a result of our prayers! Keep plowing those fields in prayer and sharing what you are hearing!
Each of us and our fellowship is a work in process. We are directed in prayer and perfected through accountability and processing in small groups. Pray for God to raise up some more small groups in the new year, for some leaders to arise, and to help us help each other to hear God, process and even correct in love as needed. He has great plans awaiting releasing and empowering through prayer and processing and enacting through small groups. GO TEAM!!! Every time I think of you all and the prayers and workers and love, I thank God! He is leading us to some awesome fruit! Keep investing time, talent and treasure as God leads. It's time to sow lavishly in prayer, choices, actions and love! Day light's burning, Lighthouses! The harvest IS plentiful. PTL! Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send more workers in to the fields and PTL for the harvest He is growing and preparing! What's your role in that? Some have been delineated here. Talk to Abba about that and process with some others! Then Go, love, harvest and make disciples of Jesus!
Here's some prayer starters for today:
"Praise God for the good gifts He gives to those who ask Him (Mt.7:11). Give thanks, even in the midst of pain all around, that God's gifts are good. Confess your lack of quality time with God in prayer (Rom. 8:26). Commit yourself to modeling Jesus' example of praying in solitary places (Mk. 1:35). Ask God to give you a real devotion to prayer--being watchful and thankful, making the most of every opportunity (Col. 4:2-5). Pray that your church members will give generously of their time and money so that pleas for more will not be necessary (2Cor. 9:6-7). [Pray for our members to bolster our general fund with year end giving] Pray that God will instill in Christians around the world the desire to pray fervently and faithfully (Prov. 15:8; 29). Ask God to use emergency or crisis situations in the lives of unsaved people to bring them to the foot of the cross. Pray for eyes to see how you can help in such situations." [Thank God for answered prayers and for all our prayer warriors] Amen!
TWFYT:
Charles Stanley:
UR: Work in Progress
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
One day I was walking down the street and passed a building site full of rubble. A sign at the site announced, “Work in progress.” The builders continued working according to the plan given by the architect, and eventually the building was completed. A couple of months later, I passed the building again. This time I was amazed by its beauty and marveled at the finished product.
We are also works in progress. We are God’s masterpieces; the Holy Spirit is shaping us according to the Lord’s design. At times we may appear unfinished from the outside, but the Holy Spirit is at work in us day by day. Ultimately, God, through the life-giving Holy Spirit, will bring to completion the good work that God has already begun in us. Keep believing and trusting that God will finish that work in us.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for sending Jesus into the world. Through your life-giving Holy Spirit, inspire us to be Christlike in character and mind. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.ODB:
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He did many things well, but there was a problem. Everyone saw it. Yet because he was so effective in accomplishing most of his role, his anger issue wasn’t adequately addressed. He was never truly confronted. Sadly, this resulted in many people being hurt over the years. And, in the end, it led to the premature close of a career that could have been something so much more for this brother in Christ. If only I’d chosen to confront him in love long ago.
In Genesis 4, God provides the perfect picture of what it means to confront someone’s sin in love. Cain was infuriated. Being a farmer, he’d presented “some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord” (v. 3). But God made it clear that what he brought Him wasn’t acceptable. Cain’s offering was rejected, and he was “very angry, and his face was downcast” (v. 5). So, God confronted him and said, “Why are you angry?” (v. 6). He then told Cain to turn from his sin and pursue what was good and right. Sadly, Cain ignored God’s words and committed a horrific act (v. 8).
While we can’t force others to turn from sinful behaviors, we can compassionately confront them. We can “speak the truth in love” so that we both become “more and more like Christ” (Ephesians 4:15 nlt). And, as God gives us ears to listen, we can also receive hard words of truth from others.
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
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Why is it vital for us to confront others in love? How do you receive hard but helpful words?
Father, help me to have the courage to confront others in love and to receive hard but true words with grace.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The Bible has much to say about anger. God warned Cain that anger is a response that must be reined in quickly (Genesis 4:7). The psalmist David warned, “Stop being angry! . . . It only leads to harm” (Psalm 37:8 nlt). Solomon, the wisest man on earth, likewise said that an angry man will do foolish things (Proverbs 14:17, 29). The New Testament warns, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you . . . for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26–27 nlt) and “human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (James 1:20 nlt).
K. T. Sim |
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