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Wednesday, March 13 2024
Remember to spring ahead tonight! Turn clocks ahead and see you at church or on Zoom at 10 AM tomorrow!
Good Morning Zealous Servants and Followers of Jesus Christ, Our Lord AND Shepherd! Is He both Lord and Shepherd to you? Are you zealous for Him and His ways, even in reaching and discipling others? Is your excitement for your relationship with Jesus contagious? We can know and live out the joy of our salvation. That can be very contagious. Our bishop has challenged us to become a dynamic movement of God led by pastors and laity (that's you) who have a burning passion for God and a missionary zeal to reach the lost. Zealous servants. Missionary zeal. Fervent followers. Earnestness. Those are words and concepts rarely put into practice today. They seem so, well, old-fashioned. But that doesn't make them or the solid work ethic concepts out of date in God's Kingdom. In fact we are commanded to do these things. Here's the cool part, they're God's best for us and as we do them excitement, satisfaction in a life well lived in Christ and joy grow and become contagious. We are experiencing some of this at St. Matts. right now. PTL! And thank you all for doing your part in God's Good News Delivery Co. Keep it up! Check out our devos below tying to this as well. Are you excited? I am! God is really on the move. We have been faithful followers as He leads. There's much more to discover and do, but we are on our way. God is on the move! Hallelujah!
Check out this song as you worship, pray, listen and receive today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPB9ENSd1Xc Let's celebrate all God is doing and share that excitement! God is on the move! Jump into the ocean of blessings! Saturate in His Word and prayer. Celebrate and be glad in this day. And prepare your hearts to worship tomorrow! I'll do my best to keep it upbeat and alive since turning the clocks ahead my have some of us dragging a bit! (For me, I finally get back on schedule and may be able to sleep until 4 or 5! Hallelujah! However, I get depressed that summer heat is already here. Pray for me please!) Pray for us to rejoice and get excited to follow Jesus into His plans for us this summer. They will be great! So will your part as it's custom made for you! Rejoice and be glad in the part God made for you! Our Daily Bread: (Check out Roams 12:9-16 and meditate on that today! Love, never be lacking in zeal, be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer (that ties to harvest prayer blog below), bless the needy and practice hospitality. Any of that sound familiar? Share the excitement!!!)
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The first time we met our neighbor Henry, he pulled a well-worn Bible out of a bag he’d been carrying. Eyes sparkling, he asked if we’d like to discuss Scripture. We nodded, and he flipped to some highlighted passages. He showed us a notebook full of his observations and said he’d also created a computer presentation full of other related information.
Henry went on to tell us how he’d come from a difficult family situation and then, alone and at his worst, he accepted Jesus’ death and resurrection as the foundation of his faith (Acts 4:12). His life had changed as the Spirit helped him follow the Bible’s principles. Although Henry had committed his life to God years ago, his enthusiasm was fresh and powerful.
Henry’s zeal inspired me—someone who’d walked with Jesus many years—to consider my spiritual passion. The apostle Paul wrote: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). That seems like a tall order, unless I’m allowing Scripture to nurture the kind of attitudes that reflect an ongoing thankfulness for all that Jesus has done for me.
Unlike the emotional highs and lows we experience in life, zeal for Christ comes from an ever-expanding relationship with Him. The more we learn about Him, the more precious He becomes and the more His goodness floods our souls and spills out into the world.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
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How do you think Jesus feels when He sees that you’re excited about Him? What’s the relationship between thankfulness and zeal?
Dear Jesus, please revive my excitement over knowing You!
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s letter to the Roman churches can be divided into two parts—doctrine (chs. 1–11) and duty (chs. 12–16). The apostle instructs believers in Jesus not to conform to the pattern of this world but to live a transformed life that honors Christ (12:1-2). Romans 12:9-21 reads like the snippets of isolated sayings that we find in the book of Proverbs. But Paul is still talking about a renewed mind and a transformed life. The clearest demonstration of this is Christlike love (vv. 9-10), zealous service (vv. 11-12), and generous giving (v. 13). He tells us how we’re to relate to both believers and nonbelievers in a world of hate and revenge. Loving others—particularly enemies—is a key test of the reality of a renewed mind and a transformed life (v. 21).
K. T. Sim |
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The Upper Room: Something to Offer. (we are a new creation! PTL! Die to self, take up cross, shed the old, and follow Jesus to His new things His way in His timing! We all have something to offer and a part to play in His Body and Kingdom! What's yours?)jj)
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; look, new things have come into being! - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NRSVUE)
I am a widower, and I have lived by myself for more than 10 years after 35 years of marriage to a wonderful woman. My wife had done all our cooking, so thankfully, I have discovered a salad which I really enjoy. Every day when I’m at home I make this same salad. Recently, while offering thanks to God for my salad, several insights came to mind.
My salad has the following ingredients: spinach from California, apple from Washington, tomato from Texas, avocado from Mexico, prunes from Chile, tuna from Thailand, olive oil from Greece, and lemon juice from Florida. My salad also has beautiful color, texture, taste, and nourishment. It brings together ingredients from at least four continents. Every ingredient is distinctive, and if any ingredient were absent, I would miss it immediately.
In a similar way, each person is distinctive. Each of us has something special to offer, and each of us is missed when our participation is absent. Our uniqueness means that we can offer something fresh to the world.
What freshness is God calling us to bring to the lives of those around us today?
TODAY'S PRAYER
Thank you, God, for the gift of life in all its variety and color. May we bring the freshness of your love in Jesus Christ to the world. Amen.
Charles Stanley reminds us that God is always speaking and at work. He has great plans for you that you can know and do. Seek first the Kingdom of God and listen, watch, receive, process (and with others), plan and act. What are some custom plans God has for you? Take the next step in faith and experience His faithfulness and grow in trust and joy. Don't forget to share those stories too!
The Word for You Today. Choose the right attitude. We get to do these things that are God's best, lead to joy and soul satisfaction! How cool!
Harvest Prayer Blog! Keep praying! That is one of the most critical parts of our Good News Delivery Co. It something we can all develop into--prayer warrior! I value the prayers that are lifted for me, Karen and our fellowship! I can feel them and we see God answering! PTL! Keep praying!
Friday, March 08 2024
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! PTL! and AMEN!
Good Morning Forgiven, Redeemed, Very Loved Always, Followers of Peace! That is and can be you/us. Who needs to know these things, reminded of their availability, or see us living these out? We are so loved! We have the assurance of our salvation, forgiveness, and eternal destination. PTL! We know the Prince of Peace. He even lives in us! PTL! We can know and follow His peace and, even in the storms, receive His peace beyond understanding. PTL! Oh what love! Yes we are very loved! PTL! And remember God is using and sending us to whoever will believe--for He so loved the world! All who will believe can know this love, assurance and peace! Amen! He's drawing some to His forgiving, redeeming, secure, shalom-filled, love and relationship. We are commissioned to go bring this love alive to all who will believe and we all have a custom made part. PTL! Pray into and meditate on that as you spend some time with God in worship and stillness--in His shalom today. Our devos below speak into all of this. Be still, know, worship, seek and receive. Then process with some close friends. God really loves you! He has great plans for you to discover today as well! PTL! Shalom! Shalom
C.S.
Harvest Prayer Blog and prayer starters:
March 8 - Be Found at Peace
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So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. (2 Peter 3:14)
I’m convinced that one of the distinguishing marks of the End-Times Church will be peace. In Peter’s second epistle he speaks of those who scoff at biblical prophecy regarding the Lord’s return. Then Peter moves into a harrowing description of what will happen: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10).
These are all things that should bring great fear to those who read and believe. Yet followers of Jesus should be those who actually “look forward to the day of God” and live in peace even in the midst of chaos and confusion. It is a peace that Jesus provides for us that is not based on circumstances around us or even feelings within us. It is a peace that comes from his presence in our lives. It is a peace that allows us to walk through even extremely difficult circumstances because he is with us.
I remember my dad telling me how the troop ship he was in during World War 2, while on its way to England in a convoy, was attacked by German U-boats. Obviously there was not a thing that soldiers on a troop ship could do to defend against submarine attack. So Dad and some of his friends did the only thing they knew to do . . . they prayed. Down in the bunk rooms of the ship, they gathered on the bunks to pray and ask God’s protection. Dad said that was the only sense of peace they felt on the whole trip. Not a ship was lost and they made it safely to England.
Your fears may not be about the end-times, and likely do not deal with submarine attacks, but we all face fear and anxiety of some sort. It may be relationships in your family, it might be financial problems, or even generalized anxiety over life itself. I want you to know that Jesus is willing and ready to walk with you through your shadows and bring you to his light in peace. It doesn’t always mean that your circumstances change, but it does mean you face them from a whole different perspective. It’s the peaceful presence of Christ that makes all the difference.
Lord, I am so grateful for your presence that brings peace. It is so easy for me to fall back into my own fears, insecurities and anxieties, while all along you were there, waiting for me to turn to you. Forgive me for forgetting your readiness and love. I turn to you now for the peace that I desperately need in my walk through this world.
--Adapted from Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God (A 30-Day Journey to Experience the Shalom of Jesus) by David Butts. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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TWFYT:
UR: God's Unfailing Love
In [Christ Jesus] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. - Ephesians 3:12 (NIV)
I awoke with questions in my mind: What if my mom had not gotten sick? What is life like for her now — for my father and our whole family? What if we didn’t have to deal with this illness in the middle of a pandemic?
My mom’s first online consultation with the gastroenterologist was more than a year ago. What we thought to be a simple diagnosis of an upset stomach ended with a series of tests and medical procedures, including two biopsies. The initial biopsy suggested a benign condition. But my mom’s stomach pain persisted, and she needed another series of tests and hospitalizations. Finally, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
When my “what if” questions became long and tiring, I began to pray. I did not want to dwell on those questions which were not only unanswerable but unhealthy and unhelpful. As I began crying out to the Lord for help, suddenly I felt at peace. My heart felt the love of God and the love of my family. Daily video calls with my mom and other family members became an expression of love and devotion for one another, and I enjoyed seeing their happy faces.
God hears our cries for help and comforts us. When we pray, God will draw us closer, giving us an awareness of our Creator’s unfailing love and living hope.
ODB:
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The Brisbane City Hall in Australia was a dazzling 1920s project. White stairs boasted marble from the same quarry Michelangelo used for his David sculpture. The tower reflected Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica, and the copper dome was the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The builders intended for a massive Angel of Peace to adorn the pinnacle, but there was a problem: no money left. Plumber Fred Johnson came to the rescue. He used a toilet cistern, an old lamp post, and bits of scrap metal to craft the iconic orb that’s crowned the tower for nearly one hundred years.
Much like Fred Johnson and his use of what he had, we can join God’s work with whatever we have—large or small. When He asked Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses balked: “What if they do not . . . listen to me?” (Exodus 4:1) God answered with a simple question: “What is that in your hand?” (v. 2). Moses held a staff, a simple stick. God told him to throw the staff on the ground, “and it became a snake” (v. 3). Then He instructed Moses to pick up the snake, and it turned back into a staff. All Moses needed to do, God explained, was carry the staff and trust Him to do the rest. Remarkably, He would use that stick in Moses’ hand to rescue Israel from the Egyptians (7:10–12; 17:5–7).
What we have might not seem like much to us, but with God, whatever we have will be enough. He takes our ordinary resources and uses them for His work.
By Winn Collier
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What small thing can you use for God? Why is it vital that you trust Him with it?
Dear God, I surrender what I have to You.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Exodus 3–4, Moses’ humanity is on full display. This great prophet of God is also a human being we can relate to. In fear, he refuses to accept God’s commission to lead His people out of slavery. This occurs even as God performs miracles in Moses’ presence—the bush unconsumed by fire (3:1-3) and his staff turning into a snake (4:3). When Moses’ staff becomes a serpent, he reacts as most of us would: “he ran from it” (v. 3). He did, however, show courage and faith when he grabbed the snake by the tail (v. 4). The safest way to hold a venomous snake (don’t do it!) is behind the head, preventing it from striking. The power wasn’t in Moses’ staff, nor was it in himself. The power was in the God of Israel, who was infinitely greater than the gods of Egypt, including the snake.
Tim Gustafson |
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Friday, March 08 2024
Good Morning Becoming More Like Jesus Children and Servants of the Most High God! We are saved by fait and this is a gift and act of great grace and mercy of God! PTL! We are created in God's image for His purposes. We are made new in Christ when we receive the gift of salvation. We get the Holy Spirit in us and he brings gifts to help us to grow to our fullest potential and He empowers us to go share the Gospel and bring Good News as we go do the things we are created to do. How blessed are we? Tell God today all about your thankfulness, your dreams about His plans for you, your struggles, and your willingness to repent, correct, grow and follow Him. Then receive His shalom, wisdom, and directions with right and willing hearts, hands and feet. The next step is to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to the next step. then take it in faith. What's God saying to you? What's His plan for you today? What will you do about it? He is at work all around you and has some very good plans awaiting your discovery and right heart. Come and see! The more you abandon your old nature and step into your new, the more peace you will know too. Know Christ and know peace. Know Christ and make Him known is the EC mission statement. It's both and. We are created for a purpose. We matter. God has custom plans for each of us and we grow in peace and receive many blessings as we go bless and fulfill our purposes.
Check out Our Daily Bread below about doing good. Are you a do gooder? That often has a bad rap in this world. But not in God's. That is part of our created purpose. Love God, others, serve in love, make disciples and enjoy this life. That is Jesus' easy yoke. And the more focused we are on that, the more joy and satisfaction we will find in this life. Are you good-works ready? Prepare your heart right now!
The Upper Room asks an important question: If you knew you had 40 days to live, what would you choose to do? For me, that would be to be more earnest about being about my Father's business and loving on others. Their premise is: why aren't we doing that all the time? They talk about Lent (one of those man-made holidays moving us to do something we should be doing already all the time) They ask what you are giving up. My thought is the better question: What are you giving? How about starting with yourself, your heart, your gratitude, your availability? Yes giving up sin is critical in being prepared to be used by God. But confession and repentance should be a daily thing as we die to self, take up cross daily (crucifying our sins) and following Jesus. As should being about our Father and His business. Put off that old nature more fully today and step into your new one more fully as you work on becoming more like Jesus. (I hesitate to share the UR because it feels legalistic to me. But it may be profitable to remind us of our daily call to crucify self.)
The Word for You Today a two day teaching on moving from failure to success. We are all failures. We all fall short of God's standards. Yet, we are forgiven, cleansed and purified as we confess and repent or begin the journey of repentance. PTL for His grace, mercy and forgiveness and for using us as we are and growing us to our fuller potential. He wants us to succeed and He helps if we seek him, humble ourselves and allow Him to. Keep persevering in faith. Keep striving towards Christlikeness and your fullest potential. Aim high! Aspire to the big things God has for you as you take each step of faith and do the little things along the way. No matter how dire things may appear, we know what lies ahead--victory in Jesus and eternal life with Him. This life is preparation for the next. It's promised that we will encounter very hard times before we get there. Those hard times produce character, grow faith and mold us into God's masterpieces and harvesting machines. He does really love you and have great custom made things for you! rejoice. Stand firm! Journey forward in Christ today! And find some allies to journey with! We are better together! And we are more than overcomers! Amen!
Come join us tonight as we feast, fellowship, study, pray and grow in our journey. And/or find some friends and do the same. We are an Acts 2:42 church growing in Christ and doing more of His plans His way. come and see! Come and experience how much fun it is to partner with others as we grow and go love! I'm praying for you and us! Ask God who He may want you to bring along! Pray for our Bread Ministry today and for us to connect to those God is sending and that they would feel and want to know more about His love. Thanks! Shalom!
ODB:
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Though he didn’t normally carry money with him, Patrick sensed God was leading him to tuck a five-dollar bill in his pocket before leaving home. During the lunch hour at the school where he worked, he understood how God had prepared him to meet an urgent need. In the midst of the lunchroom buzz, he heard these words: “Scotty [a child in need] needs $5 to put on his account so he can eat lunch for the rest of the week.” Imagine the emotions Patrick experienced as he gave his money to help Scotty!
In Titus, Paul reminded believers in Jesus that they weren’t saved “because of righteous things [they] had done” (3:5), but they should “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 8; see v. 14). Life can be full, extremely busy, and hectic. Attending to our own well-being can be overwhelming. Yet, as believers in Jesus, we’re to be “good-works ready.” Rather than being overwhelmed by what we don’t have and can’t do, let’s think about what we do have and can do as God helps us. In doing so, we get to help others at the point of their needs, and God is honored. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
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What can hinder good-works readiness in your life? How can you reorder your life to be available for helping people who are in need?
Dear Father, please forgive me for the times I’ve ignored opportunities to do good. Help me to be more available to help others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Titus, Paul’s gentile convert and protégé (Galatians 2:1), traveled with him on his missionary journeys (Titus 1:4). Paul had left him in Crete to strengthen the church (v. 5)—to teach believers how to live lives that honored Jesus, to set standards for leadership (ch. 1), and to encourage Christ-honoring and gracious behaviors within the church family and the unbelieving community (chs. 2–3). Paul reminds us that “[God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (3:5). We’re “justified by his grace” (v. 7). We’re not saved by our good works, but we’re saved so we can do good works. Believers in Jesus must “be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good” (v. 8). We’re reminded that as “a people that are [God’s] very own,” we must be “eager to do what is good” (2:14).
K. T. Sim |
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UR: Let God In
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. - Matthew 4:1 (NIV)
What are you giving up for Lent? I know I am supposed to give up something in order to reflect on Jesus’ 40 days in the desert and to prepare for the commemoration of Jesus’ death and resurrection. My immediate answer for way too many years has been “chocolate” and “playing pickleball.” But if I knew I was going to die in 40 days, giving up food and fun would not make the list at all! So, what would I give up?
I’d give up wasting time. I would focus on all the people I haven’t seen or talked to enough and tell them how much they mean to me.
I’d give up trying to tell my grandkids what to do! Instead, I would write down my life’s story — hopefully to leave answers to questions they will surely have after I am gone.
I’d give up harbored anger, resentment, and frustration over my failures, the relationships that turned out badly, and the opportunities I ignored.
I’d give it all up to let God in — not just for Lent or 40 days, but from this day forward. Let us renew our commitment to follow Jesus’ example of obedience as we seek fullness of life in God.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, help us to appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Give us the courage to follow his leading toward wholeness of life. Amen.TWFYT:
Harvest Prayer Blog and Prayer Starters:
March 6 - Walk in the Peace of Christ
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Whether you have been following Christ for years or are just coming to faith, listen to how the Apostle Paul sums up the gospel.
“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)
This is the gospel of peace that Jesus preached to both Jews and Gentiles. It is still being preached to each of us today. Walking in the truth of the gospel means walking in the peace of Christ. It is a big part of what it means to live the Christian life. We should have a firm expectation of his peace guarding our hearts each day.
Spend time today praying over the gospel. Thank the Lord for what he has done for you and accept his peace fully into your life.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for preaching Your gospel over my life day by day. Make me more aware of Your life-giving salvation message than ever before as I keep it continually at the forefront of all that I do and say. May it be all that I am, inform everything I think and be passed on to each person I encounter in my life. Because of Your sacrifice on the cross, I can live in complete peace, and my heart is continually grateful!
--Adapted from Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God (A 30-Day Journey to Experience the Shalom of Jesus) by David Butts. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise God, who is majestic in holiness (Ex. 15:11).
- Give thanks for the privilege of sharing in his holiness (Heb. 12:10).
- Confess any impure thoughts or actions that remain unconfessed.
- Commit yourself anew to living the holy life that God has called you to live (1 Thess. 4:7).
- Ask God to impress upon you the vision of Isaiah: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory (Isa. 6:3).
- Holiness in life is mocked by much of our modern culture. Pray that this attribute of God will become an abiding characteristic of his kingdom here on earth.
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Friday, March 08 2024
Good Morning Guided, Secure, Child-Like, Followers of Jesus! Thank You Lord! May we grow in this as we humble ourselves and offer ourselves to You for Your will to be done in, through, and around us and for Your glory. May we yoke to Jesus well and be part of His team and plans today. Amen!
God is speaking and wanting to direct your steps all the time. Are you attentive? Willing? Obedient? Yoked to Jesus? God has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us. PTL! Where's He steering you today? What is He revealing to do, correct, or wait for? God created you and placed you right where He wants you for such a time as this. Trust Him and ask for help to follow well. Check out Charles Stanley's devo below about obeying God's promptings. Be still, know, hear, receive, process and follow well today!
Maybe you are in troubling times, or find what God has for you today a bit troubling. Are you shrinking back? Caving in? Giving up? Stop it! Be still. Lift some redirecting praise. Run to your High Tower! Allow Him to shelter, protect and lead you today. Check out Our Daily Bread below. God is our refuge. Maybe the Holy Spirit is leading you to go as His agent of comfort, redirection, or help to someone mired deep in the muck of life--DO IT! He is you Helper, Refuge and Strength!
Many of us are very many season past our childhood. Remember what it was like? Remember the zeal and fresh faith life and action when you first came to saving faith? That is still available to us. PTL! In fact, Jesus reminds us through the Upper Room today that we can still choose childlike faith. It is available. And it is very beneficial and actually crucial to choose that always! It's just plain old simple faith--believing God for everything and that He is able and will respond well. Childlike faith overpowers any fears, doubts, concerns and hindrances we face each day. It's the faith of the Little Train that Could...I know I can. I know I can by the grace of God! God carries us through or over the deep waters ahead. Climb on His lap and receive His love today! Believe and receive His help today as you take each baby step in faith like a child. I envision skipping along God's path for me today singing with joy and thanksgiving knowing He is with me leading me, and that He's already overcoming what ever I will face and providing all I need. Come Lord! Your will be done! I believe! I trust You. Fa-a-la-la-la... Thanks! Amen!
Check out The Word for You Today as well below. We are promised the abundant life in Christ. There is nothing like living the dream for real, in Christ. What joy we can know and enjoy--contagious joy! What peace we can experience as we abide in Christ and His love, peace and the joy of our salvation. Satisfaction and joy grow as we abide, follow and allow God to use us each step of the way through life. Nothing else satisfies like the good fruit produced by childlike faith and action! And it feeds on itself and grows. Part of that is asking and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill, guide and use you each day. It comes alive as you ask Jesus to be the Lord of this day and of your choices and as you go. Faith keeps growing and so does good fruit as you do! Maybe praying the Serenity Prayer daily will help you start off with a right focus as you die to self, prepare your heart, ask Jesus to be Lord and then follow with childlike faith looking for where He is at work and joining Him. Great fruit is in reach as you do! Amen! That is the abundant life we are promised and it is not dependent upon our circumstances or seasons of life. Fa-a-la-la-la PTL!
At the bottom is the Harvest Prayer blog about unity and some prayer starters. We are in this together. God's best is for us to partner together as we travel through this life. He even desires for churches to work together too. Keep praying into that for you and us. How does God want to grow more small groups and house or neighborhood gatherings? How does He want us to partner with other churches and ministries? Who is He raising up and stirring to lead some of these? Which others is He leading us to partner with--even other churches and ministries? God is in the revival business and as we go and grow with others, we will see more of that developing and producing good fruit. It has that snowball rolling down a hill effect too! Share what you are hearing with Sarah, Mike and me too so we can pray and help. God is on the move! Revival is at hand! Let us be committed to our parts in that! Amen! Yesterday we gave bread to 53 people. Some of our bread ministry gals are from other churches. Half of the 18 that gathered last night for dinner and huddle are not members of our church. PTL! God has already begun! Seek Him for what's next. Thanks!
He really does have some great plans for each of us and us together to discover, process, prepare for, and to do. We all have our custom parts in His Good News Delivery Co. and no part is any less important. Each of you are known, loved, matter and are created and placed here for such a time as this! PTL! Be still, know and follow well and dwell in His shalom and joy today with childlike faith as you skip merrily along His way! Fa-a-la-la-la! Amen!
C.S.
ODB:
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The remarkable 2019 movie Little Women sent me back to my worn copy of the novel, especially the comforting words of Marmee, the wise and gentle mother. I’m drawn to the novel’s depiction of her steadfast faith, which underlies many of her words of encouragement to her daughters. One that stood out to me was this: “Troubles and temptations . . . may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your heavenly Father.”
Marmee’s words echo the truth found in Proverbs that “the name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (18:10). Towers were built in ancient cities to be places of safety during danger, perhaps because of an enemy attack. In the same way, it’s through running to God that believers in Jesus can experience peace in the care of the One who’s “our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1).
Proverbs 18:10 tells us protection comes from God’s “name”—which refers to all of who He is. Scripture describes God as “the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). God’s protection comes from His mighty strength, as well as His tenderness and love, which causes Him to long to provide refuge to the hurting. For all who are struggling, our heavenly Father offers a place of refuge in His strength and tenderness.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
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How have you experienced God’s strength in times of trouble? Where have you seen His comforting care?
Heavenly Father, please help me to run to You in both good times and times of struggle.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The Hebrew word saghav is used twenty times in the Old Testament, and except for one occurrence in Deuteronomy 2:36, it’s only found in poetry passages. It occurs three times in the book of Proverbs (18:10, 11; 29:25). The word is rendered “safe” in Proverbs 18:10 and “too high to scale” in verse 11. It means “high,” “lofty,” “inaccessibly high”; something or someone who is safe, secure, out of reach.
Furthermore, the word fortified is used in Proverbs 18:10 and 11. “Might” or “strength” is what’s in view—physical, material, social, political. The contrast in these verses is between those who find their refuge in God and those who find security in possessions. In Psalm 20:7, David declares where our allegiance should be: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Arthur Jackson |
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UR: Childlike Faith
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” - Mark 10:15 (NIV)
Eli was four years old and learning to swim. He could cross the shallow end of the pool with ease, but he had been afraid of swimming across the deep end. Then in one swim lesson, Eli did it.
As we were walking up to the house, I encouraged him about his monumental accomplishment. I asked him, “How did you do it?” Without hesitation, Eli said, “God helped me.” I thought, If only my first thought would be, “God helped me,” when I face huge challenges in my life! Where would I be in my walk with God?
Jesus loved children for their simple faith. They were willing to climb up into his arms and rest, knowing that Jesus loved and protected them. God’s power is made perfect in childlike faith. David demonstrated childlike faith when he used a stone from the creek to slay Goliath. (See 1 Sam. 17.) The stones weren’t magical, but David’s faith in God overpowered the giant.
The next time we face overwhelming fear, I pray we have the childlike faith to cross the deep end and entrust ourselves to God. God will help us!
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, whenever we are afraid, help us to trust you with childlike faith. Amen.TWFYT:
Harvest Prayer Blog and Starters:
March 7 - A Canopy of God’s Blessing
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Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. (Psalm 133)
Can you imagine what it would be like for your entire community to be under a canopy of God’s blessing? It’s hard to imagine; isn’t it? I read the incredible firsthand account of the 1949 – 1952 Hebrides Revival. For three years, God’s tangible presence was known throughout the island of Lewis. Simply put, virtually all the people were either experiencing the conviction of the Lord or the joy of the Lord. What would happen if God commanded a blessing on our unity that resulted in the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit resting upon our communities? Let’s ask!
Lord Jesus, today I come pleading with you for a work of grace upon our community. I see the devastating results of the curse of sin and death. My city needs to see the blessing of God’s Spirit resting over our area as a tent over a family. Your Word promises a commanded blessing on brothers and sisters as we walk in unity. We need a sovereign breakthrough. Break off our petty divisions. Unearth our fallow ground. Resurrect our broken unity. Send forth your power and might to heal our land. You are our living hope! Bring unprecedented unity in my life, family, neighborhood, church, city, state, nation, and world. Root this work in your transforming work on the cross. Let the oil of the Holy Spirit drip down over your Body in our area. Make us a beautiful reflection of a blessed land. Be exalted here. Humble us in the lifting up of your mighty name. Use me as an ambassador of unity. I ask for a work of peace and healing to be wrought today in our town. We need you. We are desperate for what only you can do! We trust you today for this work of love in our community.
--Adapted from Praying God’s Word Over Your City: 40 Days of Prayer for A Transformed Community by Trey and Mary Anne Kent. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Pray for any persons you know who are dying spiritually.
- Pray for opportunities to invite them to the sumptuous wedding banquet of the king (Mt. 22:2-10).
- Praise God, who fills you with rich spiritual food (Isa. 55:2).
- Thank God for not allowing you to go hungry for spiritual nourishment.
- Confess any craving you may have for things which are not spiritually satisfying (55:2).
- Commit yourself to daily feeding on Jesus, the living bread (Jn. 6:51).
- Ask God to instill in you a hunger for the Word of Life.
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Friday, March 08 2024
Zoom Huddle today at 10. All welcome! And/ or join us for our dinner huddle with Family Ministries and Adults tomorrow evening at 6. (I was told E.C. stands for eating constantly! Come and join us for food, fellowship, study and prayer as found in Acts 2:42.) Pray for more "around the table" ministry opportunities for our Church and new ways to do that outside the church this summer.
Visited The Sosa's yesterday and Amber and Arianna are mending and in good spirits. Pray for continued healing and for provision and guidance for another car today. They appreciate our prayers!
Visited Glad Ketner yesterday. She continues to improve from her stroke and is happy and doing well. She still sometimes struggles with words but is filled with joy. Pray for continued healing and send a card or stop by and visit.
Stopped to pray with Houstin and Gail Lichtenwalner. Houstin injured his leg getting off some farm equipment and will be out of commission for awhile and may need surgery for a possible ham string tear. Pray for God's presence, provision, favor to see docs soon, and patience in the process. Pray for Gail as she has to cover the things Houstin did on the farm. Pray for health and strength and wisdom for the family.
Please continue to pray for the Henley family as they continue the fresh and challenging journey through grief at the lose before Christmas of their two year old son and grandson. Karen and I were able to spend some time with them the other day. This is a very difficult journey. May they know God's shalom, presence and strength and draw close to Him.
PTL my sister Connie is still at home and recovering from her breathing issues.
PTL Sarah should be getting her van back from the shop soon and be able to get out and about again.
PTL that I continue to heal and have good numbers. Pray for my A-Fib to correct on its' own and for docs to be amazed at what God is doing. Thanks.
PTL for all those He is sending to our fellowship and for all the caring ministries that are touching our neighbors and friends and drawing them to Jesus. Pray for His love to continue to come alive through us, His provision to bless and for some new connection points to those He is drawing. Pray for boldness to share some help and Good News and to invite others to join us. (Remember in Dec. when we prayed for us to see those to invite and the thought that if we added one person a month to our gatherings, in a year we would have 12 new members. PTL that we are already well on our way to doubling that! Keep at it! Each of those new faces have come from an invite through our ministry connections.)
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Good Morning Cradled in the Arms of Jesus, Comforted, Strengthened, Standing on the Rock, Faithful Followers of Jesus! Oh may that be us, be me, Lord! Come! Comfort! Strengthen! Redirect! Help! Be our Fortress! Hold us and shelter us under Your wings! Empower us to carry on through the storms, trials, testing, and attacks! Cover and protect us! Deliver us! Keep our minds fixed on You! Use us, even in our weakness, to be strong and for others and to bring Your comfort and joy--Your shalom! Come! Fill us! Use us! Give us Your heart and mind and help to go love like Jesus. Or to choose to dwell in Your love for a few minutes, as we are able, and grow that time with you. Come! We love You! We need You--every hour! Come! Amen!
Our experiences the past week have ranged from highs to lows, mountain tops, to deep canyons and every where in between. Sometimes up and down drastically within in minutes even. BUT GOD! He IS always there and available even when we don't sense it or push Him away or ignore Him. He is singing over you and whispering His love to you. Stop. Be still and know that He is Love and He is wanting to love on you right now. He inhabits our praise. That's a truth! Sometimes we have to choose to praise. Keep building those gratitude lists for the hard times to have as starting point to redirect us as we choose to praise in the storm. Sometimes we need the reminder and help of others to start looking for the silver linings and things to be thankful about even though we feel far from thankful or like praising. Start by asking God for help and direction for who He is bringing to mind today for you to reach out and love on. Or maybe you need to stop and cry out for help. Ask for boldness and courage and humility to seek some help. Where is God wanting and needing to show His love, comfort and peace today? Who is He sending to you or you to? Do you need help to receive it? Courage and wisdom to share it? Ask and receive. Keep knocking and keep redirecting from the highs and lows with praise. Sometimes we even need to force ourselves to half-heartedly start to praise. That's OK. Starting leads you further along in the journey out of the pit and helps your mind to become accustomed to choosing joy in the hardest places. Jesus is our Rock. We need to prepare for the promised harder and harder times to come. Start preparing and practicing today. God will always be with His faithful servants. Holding us tight. Keep your hands open and reaching for Him! Ask Him for help to take that next step of faith with Him. Consider joining our Zoom huddle today at 10 as we discuss this further.
Check out our devos for today below. They really led to this and thread through what God wants us to understand and put into practice today. We are more than hearers. Right? What might He be leading you to today? What will you do about it? Who will you come alongside to journey with? God's got some custom things for you to receive and build upon today! Thank Him and come to Him you weary ones and find rest and shalom as you go about this day. Pronounce that this is the day and year of the Lord's favor and pray for that in confidence. May His favor lead you as His love and shalom overpower you today! He's right beside you whispering His love over you. Be still and know! Then go and love more like Jesus today--one step of faith at a time. Amen! The world around you may be falling apart or in shambles and even this nation is sinking deeper in the pit...BUT GOD! He knows already and has prepared you for such a time as this! He's even preparing you for the greater things to come. PTL! Be bold and courageous and stand firm as we follow Him into the Promised Land. Amen!
ODB:
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In March 1945, the “Ghost Army” helped US forces achieve the Rhine River crossing—giving the allies a vital base to operate from on World War II’s Western Front. The soldiers were most definitely human, not apparitions, all part of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops. On this occasion, the 1,100-man team imitated 30,000 men by using inflatable decoy tanks, blasting troop and vehicle sound effects over speakers, and more. The relatively small number of Ghost Army members led the enemy to fear what appeared to be a far greater force.
The Midianites and their allies also trembled before a tiny army that loomed large in the night (Judges 7:8–22). Gideon, a judge and military leader of Israel, was used by God to make his puny army a source of terror for the enemy. They also used sound effects (blown trumpets, smashed clay jars, human voices) and visible objects (blazing torches) to make the vast enemy—as “thick as locusts” (v. 12)—believe they were facing a colossal foe. Israel defeated their enemy that night with an army whittled down from 32,000 men to just 300 by God’s command (vv. 2–8). Why? Because that made it clear who truly won the battle. As God told Gideon, “I have given you victory over them!” (v. 9 nlt).
When we feel weak and inferior, let’s seek God and rest in His strength alone. For His “power is made perfect in [our] weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
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What big foes or challenges are you facing? How can you rest in God’s power as you confront them?
Dear Jesus, let me find Your strength in my weakness.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The historical setting for the book of Judges lies in the period between the books of Joshua and Samuel. During the time of the judges, God’s great power was manifested through unlikely people who found themselves in difficult situations because of their covenant unfaithfulness. Several judges are listed among the faith exemplars in Hebrews 11: “What more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah . . . who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised” (vv. 32-33).
Arthur Jackson |
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UR: My Rock and My Fortress
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. - Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
After graduation, I was looking forward to my dream job of joining the Defense Force to serve my nation. Unfortunately, I did not get a good enough score to be eligible. So I pursued my master’s degree and became eligible to take the entrance exam — it felt like my last chance to make or break my dream career.
My family and I prayed for my interview and other tests, asking that I would be selected for a job. With God’s grace, I was selected.
During training, I started to lose hope that I would make it through. But God comforted me with confidence and strength to overcome my situation. Against the odds, I made it through, bringing joy to me, my family, and my community.
God never leaves us in our struggles. When we depend on God, our rock and strong fortress, we find the hope and perseverance to wait patiently on God’s deliverance.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Faithful God, thank you for the ways you comfort and guide us through our struggles. Give us hope and patience as we trust in your will for our lives. Amen.
Dave Butts Harvest Prayer Blog:
JUST LIKE US
by Dave Butts
James gives us some very important teaching on prayer in James 5:13-18:
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.”
We are told that whatever we are facing…good or bad, we should pray. Good advice. The problem in the text is that the example given of a man of prayer is that of Elijah. However, Elijah, in our eyes, seems to be this amazing man of prayer. How can we be like him?
James, inspired by God, says Elijah was a human being, just like us. He was simply a normal person with no special dispensation from God.
So let’s look at a summary of the obedience of Elijah’s prayer life:
· I Kings 17:1: Rain did not fall in Israel for several years – “Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.’”
· I Kings 17:7-16: A widow and her son did not starve – “For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah” (v. 16).
· I Kings 17:17-24: The widow’s son was raised from the dead – “The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived” (v. 22).
· I Kings 18:16-40: Elijah called on the Lord and was victorious over the prophets of Baal on Mt Carmel – “Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire – he is God” (v. 24).
· I Kings 18:41-46: Rain falls from heaven – “And Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain’” (v. 41).
Elijah, because of his obedience, had an amazing response to his prayers. And Scripture says that Elijah was a person just like us? How can this be?
We can see the answer to this question when suddenly everything changes for Elijah in I Kings 19:
· He became fearful: “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life” (v. 3).
· He was depressed and discouraged: “…he came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die” (v. 4)
· Elijah, mistaken about what was going on, was filled with self-pity: “I am the only one left and now they are trying to kill me too” (v. 14).
We can all tend to be like this side of Elijah from time to time – fearful, wanting suffering to end, mistaken about what is happening, and filled with self-pity. We can do that!
Here’s my point. Elijah was a flawed man. He had great successes and some failures too. In spite of some amazing answers to prayer, his life was not easy. The purpose of prayer is not to make life easy.
As Elijah learned, when we commit to obeying God and serving Him in prayer, we become an integral part of the purposes of God on planet earth. Elijah got in on some really good stuff, because he prayed. And we can too! As a matter of fact, I will tell you bluntly that God has made us for this.
To pray like Elijah means:
1. Praying prayers that are focused on God’s purposes.
2. Praying prayers that are filled with faith.
3. Praying prayers that involve acts of obedience.
Our job is to pray as Elijah did…with focus, faith, and obedience so that God will receive glory. The final result always rests in God’s capable hands.
Harvest Prayer starters:
- Praise God for his comfort.
- Thank God that he holds you close and calls you his child.
- Confess those times when you have rejected God’s love.
- Commit yourself to seeking God’s comfort through the people in the church and his Word.
- Ask him to deliver you from your desire to handle your pain alone.
- Pray that the members of your congregation will reach out in ways which comfort those who are disheartened, discouraged, and depressed.
Prayer Pointer
“Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.” —1 Samuel 12:23
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Friday, March 08 2024
Updates: Installation of new members has been postponed for a few weeks due to illnesses and injuries.
The Muik's (Chris and Yvonne) have been battling COVID and sickness for over a week. Please continue to pray for them.
The Sosa's will be home as Amber and Ariana begin healing from broken sternums from their head-on crash. Pray for healing and comfort and shalom for the whole family. Pray for God's provision as their only car is totaled. All five were to be part of today's new member's group.
Darlene Skinner continues to recover from spine surgery. Please pray for healing and patience in the process and for shalom for the family.
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Good Morning Light, Joy, and Peace Bringers! We are children of the Light and we get to know and share love, joy and peace. Amen! We live in very chaotic times and are living through tests and trials of faith and often very hard times. BUT GOD! He specializes in bringing shalom to the chaos and often uses us as we choose joy and peace and allow His love to come alive in and through us. Check out the Upper Room and Harvest Prayer Blogs below and sit at Jesus' feet, choosing and receiving His love, peace, joy and wisdom and courage to share them.
Begin this day with choosing joy and lifting praise. Maybe you need to dig out that gratitude list to help you start with refocusing praise. Jesus is the Light and the Joy of our salvation. Rejoice! He is always with us! He is our Shepherd and we can know and hear His voice and follow Him through every valley. He calms the storms and shelters us under His wings. He is our Rock and Strong Tower. He is the Prince of Peace! And He loves you! Yes rejoice! Know His peace beyond understanding. Abide in His Love!
See you all soon as we gather to worship in person and on Zoom at 10. Pray as I message the service for today. What's Church? You and we are the Church! See you in the building where we gather or on the airwaves as we gather to worship, pray, praise, study God's Word and encourage each other. Prepare your hearts to enter His courts with praise and thanksgiving! yes, REJOICE!
UR: God of Light
Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy. - Psalm 68:3 (NRSVUE)
I stared at the calendar, and my heart sank. Years before, on the first day of spring, my son had died unexpectedly. This year the anniversary of his death fell on a Sunday, and although I wanted to stay home, God urged me to go to church. During the children’s time in the worship service, the leader used a flashlight to teach the children about sharing Jesus’ light with others. Memories of my son in Sunday school came flooding back.
As the children left the sanctuary, one little boy skipped toward the door shouting, “This will be amazing!” After a few giggles, the congregation turned their attention back to the pastor; but I kept thinking about the boy. Through the excitement in his voice and spring in his step, the light of Jesus spread into my heart.
It’ s sometimes easy for despair to douse the light of Jesus. I had arrived at church feeling low. However, God helped me realize that sharing the light of Christ with others is a way of honoring my son. On my walk that afternoon, birds sang and flowers bloomed. I collected empty cans in the road to recycle as my son would have done. Shining through dense, gray clouds were streams of sunlight. The little boy was right; this day was amazing!
TODAY'S PRAYER
God of light, we thank you. Continue to illuminate our hearts and brighten our spirits. Help us to serve you better. In your Son Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Harvest Prayer Blog and prayer starters:
March 3 - Peace and the Gospel
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He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. (Ephesians 2:17)
“Jesus preached the gospel of peace and those who responded received His peace. That wasn’t just a first century phenomenon but has been the case through the centuries. The great English preacher and revivalist John Wesley experienced people responding to his preaching by receiving the peace of Christ.
To Wesley’s surprise, he began to experience the Holy Spirit powerfully convicting people of sins while he preached. Well-dressed, mature people suddenly cried out as if in the agonies of death. Both men and women, outside and inside the church buildings, would tremble and sink to the ground. When Wesley stopped and prayed for them, they soon found PEACE and rejoiced in Christ.”—Wesley Duewel, Revival Fire, p.77
Focus in prayer on these three areas in light of Wesley’s experience:
1. Hearing the truth of the gospel.
2. Conviction of sin through the work of the Holy Spirit.
3. Peace through the acceptance of and obedience to the gospel.
Spend some time praying over and affirming each of these points. Watch as the peace of Christ begins to change your emotions and thoughts.
Lord Jesus, thank you for preaching the gospel of peace. You knew how much we would need that in our lives. You have provided for us through your life, death, burial, and resurrection all that we need for peace in this world and forever in your eternal house. Forgive me when I forget what you have provided and wallow in anxiety and fear. Today, I choose the peace that comes from your presence in my life.
--Adapted from Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God (A 30-Day Journey to Experience the Shalom of Jesus) by David Butts. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise God, whose kindness toward you will last forever and ever.
- Thank God for loving you with an everlasting love and drawing you with lovingkindess (Jer. 31:3).
- Confess any ways in which you have not reflected that kindness to others.
- Commit yourself to considering God's kindness to you (Rom. 11:22).
- Ask God to clothe you with compassion, kindness, and humility (Col. 3:12).
- Pray that your neighborhood may see the kindess, compassion, and forgiveness of God in the way the members of your congregation treat each other and outsiders.
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Friday, March 08 2024
See Sarah's prayer email from last evening below.
Don't forget all are welcome to Zoom Huddle tomorrow at 10
And to Family Ministry/Adult Dinner Huddle Wed. at 6.
Come and See!
Good Morning Custom Masterpieces of God! That is you! Say it! Pronounce Eph. 2:10 over yourself and our church this morning...I am God's Masterpiece. Made new, gifted, and empowered in Christ. To do the good works He made me to do. AMEN! Right there is our purpose and mission! We matter! We are secure in Christ as we come to Him in saving faith and He loves us so much that He fills us with His love, Holy Spirit, and the gifts, abilities and power to accomplish what He created us to do. PTL! Rejoice. Meditate on that this morning as you dwell in His loving presence and receive His love, joy, peace, and directions for today. This is the day He made and He made you for today. Rejoice and follow well.
So, some of you may be wondering why this is coming so late. You know 10:00am is my normal lunch time. I am healthy and fine. Remember, these may not be everyday blogs, although God seems to have them be so. So if you don't see one. Pray and place me in God's hands. I'll be fine. I'm allowing Jesus to be my Lord and Shepherd and following His lead. Today, as in most days, I awoke at 3 am. But felt tired yet as we had a late bed time last night. I sat on my chair and asked Jesus to be the Lord of this day like I usually do while my coffee brews. I felt the nudge to return to bed. So I did and my Lord allowed me some very healthy sleep until almost 7:30. It's really weird to awake when the sun is up. I really do like practicing Jesus' way of rising early and spending extra time with our Abba. So here I am three hours later starting this blog. What an awesome, loving, prayer-answering God we know and love. His plans and ways are not ours but always are worked together for good and according to His will. He's the Master--King of the Universe, Creator and Sustainer, Helper and Friend of Sinners like us! PTL! Ask Him to be the Lord of your day and to use you and then watch for what He wants you to join in with along the way. He has some great custom made plans for custom made you today. Rejoice. Be glad and follow well! Amen!
I do have much I believe God wants me to accomplish today. And now I am on His schedule. Can't wait to see what He does today! Check out our devos below for today. What's God saying to you? What might He have planned? Who might He have for you to come alongside or partner with? Who does He desire for you to call or visit and encourage, maybe even with a card? No matter what He has planned for you and our Church today, we know it is filtered through His hands and will lead to His good and perfect will being done in His timing. (Maybe even so very hard and stretching things) So keep seeking, sitting at His feet and moving your feet with Him to the next step of faith He has for you. And know His love and peace beyond understanding as you choose joy and grow in faith. Become More in '24! (With Him in the driver's seat). Live and love more like Jesus. Be more of the person He created you to be. Do more of what He has planned for you more in His way. Be still more and know Him more better! Receive more love, wisdom, hope, and help. He really does love you! And He is with you always. Rejoice! You are His Masterpiece, made new and being renewed in Christ for the purposes He made and has gifted and empowered you to accomplish--BIG and small things all along the way for His glory and your growth in Christ and for the good of others. Yes, rejoice and be glad in this day.
God just brought to mind our summer teaching through Ecclesiastes and Solomon, the teacher's, charge to children of God: Love God and enjoy life. Meditate on that today! Turn off the noise and dwell in Chris's love today and have a very blessed day! Amen! God is lovingly preparing and leading us to our fuller potential and His greater things. Hang on and follow more better! :)
ODB:
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As a blizzard bore down on my state in the western United States, my widowed mother agreed to stay with my family to “ride out” the storm. After the blizzard, however, she never returned to her house. She moved in, dwelling with us for the rest of her life. Her presence changed our household in many positive ways. She was available daily to provide wisdom, advice to family members, and share ancestral stories. She and my husband became the best of friends, sharing a similar sense of humor and love of sports. No longer a visitor, she was a permanent and vital resident—forever changing our hearts even after God called her home.
The experience recalls John’s description of Jesus—that He “dwelt among us” (John 1:14 kjv). It’s a compelling description because in the original Greek the word dwelt means “to pitch a tent.” Another translation says, He “made his home among us” (nlt).
By faith, we also receive Jesus as the One who dwells in our hearts. As Paul wrote, “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (Ephesians 3:16–17 nlt).
Not a casual visitor, Jesus is an empowering permanent resident of all who follow Him. May we open wide the doors of our hearts and welcome Him.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
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What does it mean for you to open your heart to Christ? How can you make Him more welcome?
As You live in my heart, loving Jesus, make me more like You.
Learn more about the life of Jesus.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The word dwell in Ephesians 3:17 is a translation of the word katoikeō. Literally, the word means “to settle down in a dwelling, to dwell fixedly in a place.” Twice in Colossians Paul used this word to emphasize the deity and supremacy of Jesus: “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him” (1:19); “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (2:9). Christ Himself, through His Spirit, makes His home in us (Romans 8:9, 11; Ephesians 3:17), and the implications of Him residing in each member of His body are significant. Believers in Jesus are to conduct their lives in a manner that acknowledges and respects the residency of a “houseguest” like no other. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you . . . ?” Paul says. “Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Arthur Jackson |
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TWFYT:
UR: Family Feud
Jesus said, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. - Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
I inherited a family feud that had been going on for over 50 years. It was a battle over land, passed down from generation to generation. It’s called “heir property,” and it can be messy when everyone wants the same lot. During court preparations, I received a court document that upset me to the point of anger.
I wanted to retaliate with words of my own. My mind was racing with all I wanted to say. Anger is not a fruit of the Spirit, and I needed a listening ear. I called a friend and explained the situation. Honestly, I wanted to hear my friend say, “She did what?” thus adding fuel to my fire. But instead, my spiritual sister asked, “Have you prayed for her? What’s her name?” And so we prayed. What a revelation! Prayer changed my entire focus, and I began to call out my cousin’s name in my daily prayers.
As it turned out, court was avoided, and God brought a 50-year feud to an end with a compromise. I gained more than land that day; I gained a new perspective, which led me to apologize. Prayers for the people in our conflicts take our mind off the anger and hurt and put our focus on a new life in Christ for all involved.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving us. Help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us. Amen.Charles Stanley:
Sarah email:
Good evening, church family,
It was good to be in the house of the Lord this morning.....(Neen and I did miss worshipping in person with you all, but hopefully
my van will be fixed in the early part of this week)
We had some new faces that joined our Worship time. Thank you to all that reached out during the Pass the Peace opportunity.
We want to say thank you to all that help make our time of worship come together, and volunteer their time and efforts every Sunday
morning and many times during the week in preparation for the next Sunday. Each week we try our best to make things run smoothly, but 'things' happen. You think you have everything ready to go and for some reason, come Sunday morning, things go 'kerplunk, kerblewy' Thank you to everyone for being understanding and patient with us (whether you are on zoom or in house) as we try our best to help you all have a great worship experience.
Hugh THANK YOU
I am sorry but I wasn't working on the update and accidentally hit the SEND key.....ugh.....
So here is the rest of the update that I wanted included.....
Those in need of our prayers:
Sosa's - Amber and Arianna were involved in a head on car accident. Their car was totaled and they both suffered fractured sternums. Please pray for their healing, for the insurance process and for another vehicle.
Muik - Yvonne and Chris - they have been sick over the past several weeks. Continue to pray for healing and health restored so they are able to return to worship with us in person.
Darlene Skinner - had back surgery, please pray for patience during the healing and rehab process. Also pray for the rest of her family for wisdom and guidance
Mike Lacise's daugther's mom - she was knocked over by a dog and broke her leg below her knee - she has to stay off of it for 10 weeks.
Joanne - Fell in rehab and now has a concussion. Prayers for healing
Linda's brother-in-law was in hospital but was sent home due to insurance unwilling to pay for a longer stay - he still needs dialysis. Prayers for God to provide.
Pastor Don's sister Connie is in the hospital with Chronic breathing issues. Pray for God's peace to surround her.
Mary and Marshall Rehem will be traveling in the next couple weeks. Pray for their safety as they enjoy their time away.
Praise God for new people in attendance today at our worship service.
Praise God for the beautiful day today.
Thank you all for your prayers....God is good!
Blessings to you all for an awesome week!!
if you have a prayer need, please let me know and I will make sure that the warriors receive the information to pray.
If you are feeling the nudge to help out within St Matthew's ministry and just are not quite sure what or how to help, please reach out to Pastor Don or myself and we surely can find something for you to be part of.
God bless.....
Sarah
Hi,
I must have had too much coffee today.....my fingers are moving faster than my brain.
Gladys Ketner - we heard from her daughter - she is doing good, but is missing her church family.
She would love to see some of you. If you have time to visit with her that would be great and your visit
would be appreciated.
If you are unable to visit, please consider sending her a Thinking of You card.
Parkland Manor
4636 Crackersport Road
Room A13
Allentown PA 18104,
Thanks everyone!
Saturday, March 02 2024
Good morning powerful pray-ers! Stay connected to the power source and release the power of our Almighty in prayer. He's waiting for you to call upon His mighty name.
We lost electricity almost 4 hours ago. For.me that means no sleep since I cannot sleep without my CPAP. Been sitting still, meditating a.d releasing prayers for you and us and for God's will to be done. Today engage with the power source through His Living Word and your devotionals. What's God saying to you. How is He informing your prayers. Have at it powerful ones. I'll be trying to rest before the hectic day ahead .
Shalom my friends. Shalom shalom
Saturday, March 02 2024
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! PTL! What are you thankful for today? Forgiveness and God's love is just the beginning of all we have to be thankful for!
Please pray for Darlene Skinner and family today. Darlene is having spinal surgery today. Pray for success and shalom.
Pray for our Clothing Closet tomorrow. Thank God for our servants and pray He uses them well to bless many.
Pray for our Sunday gathering to worship with Children's Church and on Zoom Sunday at 10. Sunday we will be discussing Church and receiving new members. New members have rocks they are painting with their family name and a verse to add to our Family Covenant Altar. 16 of our families added rocks in July 2021 and have covenanted together to love God, others, make disciples and serve together as we seek and follow God boldly. Maybe some of you would like to paint a rock and add it as we renew that covenant on Sunday and add our new members to our family altar and fellowship. Praise God for these new members and pray for new connection points to those He is drawing and for courage and wisdom to invite someone to come and see and experience His love through us. Pray for the kids and teachers of Children's Church as they begive a five week journey to the cross and empty tomb. Who is God stirring you to invite to our Palm Sunday worship and brunch and/or Resurrection Sunday festive worship and communion service.
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Good Morning Forgiven Much, Restored, Equipped, Empowered, Powerfully Praying, Stewards of All God's Blessings! Is that you? Is that our Church? It can be. Pronounce that in prayer over you and our fellowship. As we hurtle towards Holy Week and the celebration of the resurrection. May we always remember, thank, and offer ourselves back to God as an act of thanksgiving and worship. He doesn't want bulls and rams. He wants our redeemed hearts, hands and feet offered back for Him to use as we steward well all the blessings He has given us. Many of us struggled through the loss of electricity but we never lost connection to our Power Source! PTL! He has equipped, empowered, is using our prayers and stewardship of His blessings to grow His Kingdom and our fellowship and He is revealing His plans for what's next as we follow Him through the "what's now" in faith with thanksgiving. What lies ahead? Only God knows, but we can know that He is with us always and always at work working all things together for the good of those who believe. We believe! Amen.
Talk to God today as you open your Bibles and our devotionals below. Listen, receive and follow well. His Word does not come back void and accomplishes His purposes including equipping and directing us. Ps. 119 used in the Upper Room reminds us that we are blessed as we walk according to God's revealed way (His Word--our Bibles). Open them and be blessed, directed and informed for powerful praying of God's will. You are God's provision for His Church and for those who need to know Him and grow in Him that He has prepared for you. Everything we have is a gift from God. ODB asks, Are you an owner or steward? Which are you? Are you giving all back to God for Him to use? Are you trusting Him to do some unexpected new things as you hold loosely or let go of some things and give them back to Him. Sunday we will discuss what Church is and our part. Are we stewarding well and sowing lavishly with what God has given? Well, yes and no. Our tight fisted PA Dutch heritage and growing out of the Depression hanging on to things may hinder some of that trusting God and sowing lavishly part--the holding loosely, letting go and allowing God type of stuff. Our rational minds often get in the way of seeing miracles or trusting God to provide where He guides. Talk to God about that. How do we steward and sow lavishly at the same time well? How do we develop deep trust? What is He doing that He wants us to sow into or serve with? What is He wanting to do with you and all the blessings He has given you? Pray for us to be good stewards as we sow lavishly in faith. Check out TWFYT as they speak into moving forward with God. He has great plans for us! Custom made plans for you and us to discover and step boldly into as we sow lavishly in love, service and help. How is God wanting to use you? Grow you and your faith? Expand your thinking? Suit up in His armor and prepare to follow Jesus to the new things ahead! We are on our way to becoming a dynamic movement of God. Let's celebrate and spur each other on as we learn to hold loosely and trust more! Amen!
Charles Stanley:
UR: Patterns of Prayer
Blessed are those . . . who walk according to the law of the Lord. - Psalm 119:1 (NIV)
My husband, Gary, and I enjoy morning walks. We enjoy the fresh air, vent about problems, and make plans for the future. When I walk daily, I am eager to get out and move — and I have more energy. But on days when the weather is bad, I tend to hunker down inside, letting Gary walk alone. The longer I avoid walking, the less enthusiasm I have for it.
My prayer life follows a similar pattern. When I simply offer a few quick prayers during the day, my prayers tend to skitter along the surface like a flat pebble across a lake. However, when I spend the time in longer, deeper prayer, I become more eager to reach out to God again. Prayer then becomes a regular and meaningful part of my day.
We all have places in our lives where we could improve spiritually. I find it helpful to set a specific goal — for example, reading a chapter of the Bible each day or praying for a set amount of time every morning — then finding an accountability partner to hold me to it until the habit becomes a natural part of life. Morning walks can improve our health, but walking with God enriches the soul.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Faithful God, thank you for all the ways we can draw closer to you. Help us to walk daily in the presence of your Holy Spirit. Amen.ODB:
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“Am I an owner or a steward?” The CEO of a multibillion-dollar company asked himself that question as he weighed what was best for his family. Concerned about the temptations that can come with vast wealth, he didn’t want to burden his heirs with that challenge. So he gave up ownership of his company and placed 100 percent of the voting stock in a trust. Recognizing that everything he owns belongs to God helped him make the decision to allow his family to earn a living in exchange for work while also using future profits to fund Christian ministry.
In Psalm 50:10, God tells His people, “Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” As the Creator of all things, God owes us nothing and needs nothing from us. “I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,” He says (v. 9). He generously provides everything that we have and use as well as the strength and the ability to earn a living. Because He does, as the psalm shows us, He’s worthy of our heartfelt worship.
God owns everything. But because of His goodness, He even chose to give Himself, entering into a relationship with any who turn to Him. Jesus “did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). When we value the Giver over the gifts and serve Him with them, we’re blessed to delight in Him forever.
By James Banks
REFLECT & PRAY
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What has God given you that you’re grateful for? How can you serve Him with it?
You made everything, faithful Creator. Please help me to live my life as a gift from You today.
Gain a biblical perspective of money.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The superscription attributes Psalm 50 to Asaph, a Levite and one of David’s three chief musicians (see 1 Chronicles 6:31, 39; 16:4-5; 2 Chronicles 5:12). Asaph also composed eleven other songs (Psalms 73-83). In Psalm 50, a didactic psalm (one that teaches us about God and how to live in a way that pleases Him), he describes a courtroom scene where God testifies against and judges His people for two grave sins—their formalism in worship (vv. 7-15) and their hypocrisy in living (vv. 16-23). We’re reminded that God has no need for our offerings, for He’s the Lord of all creation and owner of all we have (vv. 8-15). Instead, He desires us to “make thankfulness [our] sacrifice to” Him (v. 14 nlt).
K. T. Sim |
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TWFYT:
Harvest Prayer Blog:
March 1 - Satan Fears Your Prayers
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We have a powerful Enemy. Paul reminds us of the might of our adversary in his instructions to the church at Ephesus:
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12
Although our enemies are powerful, we are in a winnable battle. But we must prepare ourselves with the armor God provides. Once armed, there is also something proactive we must do:
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
Unceasing prayer is the offensive weapon that wins the day. Prayer makes us see the real battle, aligns us with God’s battle plan, and releases the resources of heaven. The Enemy is powerless against a man or woman of unceasing prayer.
“Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” Samuel Chadwick
Prayer is our means of communication in this battle. If the communication lines are cut, we are powerless before the Enemy.
Father, the Enemy of my soul continually tries to assault me, as well as Your church! Thank You that You already have the victory over every attempt he makes to do damage! I am so grateful for the weapons You have provided to both protect me and to allow me to go on the offensive! Your word has power that the Devil can never overcome! Make me a person of unceasing prayer so that the Evil One can never get a foothold in my life. Keep me continually aware of the battle and prepared in prayer!
---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.
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Saturday, March 02 2024
As I finish the below, I got a text, I assume from Ramone asking for prayer for Arianna and Amber. They were in a car accident and in the hospital. I don't know details but God does. Both have fractures and car is destroyed. Lift them right now please! We will update when more details are known
Darlene Skinner made it through surgery last evening and is in a long recovery time. Surgeon said he is hopeful and things went well as he repaired years of deterioration of the spine. Keep praying for her and the family and for patience in the process and full and complete healing
I spoke with Josie yesterday. Here's her response: One of the two cottages that were destroyed in the fire, belonged to my grandson Craig. I feel terrible for him because not only was it a total loss, but he also had lined up a buyer; Craig was planning to use the proceeds of the sale for a down payment on a house. And these cottages are not insured…! They’re so old, and the construction not up to building codes, they are uninsurable. I had some furniture stored there to take to my new place in Chestnut Ridge, but it’s really Craig I feel bad for. God will provide and does provide, no one was hurt and all is well, PTL. Continue to pray for provision for all!
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Good Morning Persevering Warriors of Christ! HELP! Have you ever cried that out to God or co-laborers? I am today! Help! Cover me in prayer. I am covering you. Man, we are in a battle and Satan just keeps pounding away at our armor. Some of us are in some deep dark pits of despair and hopelessness. Some of us are being drawn to apathy as media and others keep chipping away at God's ways and hammering believers in Jesus. The Bible warns us the end of times will be like this. And charges us to be bold, courageous and to stand firm in Christ. Sometimes, I feel like Moses who needed two others to hold His arms up while he prayed. Victory came as others supported Him in prayer. We are in the midst of the battle of the ages. And we need each other! We know the Victor and He lives in us! PTL! Don't for the lies and deception of the enemy. Strap that spiritual armor tight and wield the Sword of the Spirit (God's Word) mightily! Stand firm! Breathe out all the junk and take a deep fresh breath of the Spirit and Truth. Come along somebody today that you see struggling. And keep praying like crazy! Jesus is coming back and we will be with Him! Rejoice! He is with us now and when we are weakest, He is strongest! Rejoice!
I didn't intend to go here this morning, BUT GOD! Our devotionals, my circumstances and my time with God has led me here. I'm thinking many of you may need to be reminded of these things today as we battle through this life together. Old age and standing firm in Christ is not for sissies! Be bold and courageous and encourage each other. Karen and I are going through what seems to be a spiritual attack right now and are covering and encouraging each other. Satan be gone! Christ whooped you and He lives in me. Beat it! Pronounce that over you when needed. I think I am being needlessly overmedicated and it is affecting my attitude and health. Doctors found nothing wrong but are throwing all kinds of meds at me to see what sticks. I lost my mojo even and just want to sleep. Many of you can relate as most of us have experienced the overmedicated thing. It's hard to focus on God and to stay up and joyful when you are in this state. And then the world keeps beating us down and it all can lead to depression and giving up. DON'T!!!! Battle through. Trust God always. Counsel with good medical people not those beholden to big pharma. Choose well. Choose to life life to the fullest in Christ! God is using you and us and Satan does not like that! Be strong, courageous, stand firm and pray for wisdom, discernment, joy and shalom. God is for you and us! Amen! (And if you notice me checking out or not caring, you have my permission to smack me upside the head AND HELP ME REFOCUS!--SERIOUSLY! DO IT!) Too easily do I allow myself to enter the pity party--woe is me thinking. Stop it Donald! God's got great plans for all of us that are worth battling towards and being all in about! What's He have for you today? Now there is one other key here--rest! We need to rest and recharge while not becoming couch potatoes. Walking is healthy too. There is a healthy rhythm that is God's best--working from rest, fruit production after pruning and abiding in the Vine. Let us all commit right now to helping each other to God's best for us. We do need each other and some extra help sometimes. Be there! And choose joy!
Check out the devos below that have led to this today. God is speaking and He is with you to guide and strengthen and help you to choose joy always and know His shalom beyond understanding! rejoice!
Harvest Prayer starters:
- Glorify the Almighty God, who has the power to defeat your accuser and deceiver, Satan (Rev. 12:7-10).
- Thank God that his immeasurable power is at work within you (Eph. 3:20).
- Confess those times when you have tried to battle against Satan in your own strength.
- Commit yourself to living in God’s all-surpassing power (2 Cor. 4:7).
- Ask God to help you see how his power can be made perfect in your weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).
- Pray for those countries that are clearly under Satan’s power, marked by cruelty, injustice, and horrible poverty. Ask God to bring his light into the darkness.
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Charles Stanley:
UR Draw Near to God
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. - Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
I normally wear cologne, but I have had to stop. My daughter suffers from asthma, and we work in the same office. Her doctor advised her to avoid all perfumes and fragrances to minimize her allergies. She and I share a close bond, and her natural tendency is to give hugs often. So I have stopped using cologne.
Ephesians 5:2 says, “Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” As I made a small sacrifice for my daughter, I began to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for us. Christ offered himself up on the cross to restore the lost bond between us and God. He relinquished all his glory and majesty so that we all could draw close to God. In accepting and doing God’s will, Christ received God’s blessing and recognition. Now he sits at the right hand of God as the connection that allows humankind to draw near to God.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer, we give you thanks for your sacrifice that made it possible for us to draw near to God. Your presence is the balm that adds fragrance to our lives. Amen.odb:
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One wouldn’t normally think of butterflies as being loud creatures: after all, the flapping of a single Monarch butterfly’s wings is practically inaudible. But in the Mexican rainforest, where many of them begin their short lives, their collective flapping is surprisingly loud. When millions of Monarchs flap their wings at the same time, it sounds like a rushing waterfall.
The same description is made when four very different winged creatures appear in Ezekiel’s vision. Though fewer than the number of butterflies, he likens the sound of their flapping wings to “the roar of rushing waters” (Ezekiel 1:24). When the creatures stood still and lowered their wings, Ezekiel heard the voice of God calling him to “speak [God’s] words to [the Israelites]” (2:7).
Ezekiel, like the other Old Testament prophets, was charged with the task of speaking truth to God’s people. Today, God asks us all to share the truth of His good work in our lives with those He puts around us (1 Peter 3:15). Sometimes we’ll be asked a direct question—an invitation to share that’s as “loud” as a waterfall. Other times, the invitation might be more of a whisper, such as seeing an unspoken need. Whether the invitation to share God’s love is as loud as a million butterflies or as quiet as just one, we must listen, as Ezekiel did, with ears tuned to hear what God wants us to say.
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
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Who’s inviting you to speak into their lives—even if only faintly? How will you respond?
Thank You, Father, for inviting me to share about You.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon first attacked Jerusalem, he took most people from Jerusalem into exile (2 Kings 24:10-14). Ezekiel was one of those captives. The book of Ezekiel opens five years later (Ezekiel 1:2) when Ezekiel was thirty years old—the year he would’ve been installed as a priest in Jerusalem. Instead, he was with the other exiles in a camp by a river in Babylon (v. 1). Yet God appeared to the prophet, revealing to him that not just in Jerusalem but even in this land of exile, He’s present in glory—“like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day . . . . This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (v. 28).
Monica La Rose |
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