|
Wednesday, April 24 2024
Good Morning Chosen Children of the Lord--Worshipers! Let us prepare our hearts for worship! Enter His courts with thanksgiving!
Today Revival Church begins using our sanctuary. Their service run from 5-8. I have been invited to be a part of this kick off. All are welcome. They will be joined by a contingent from their planting church from Phila. this evening. Pray for them and for us to unite on mission well around the neighborhood. I'm in the midst of finishing up the message God has for us today. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring His Word in power today to both churches. Check out Harvest Prayer blogs below and a few of our devotionals and prepare your hearts to worship! Shalom, shalom! Maybe God's perfect peace be with you and us today! Amen!
Harvest Prayer:
April 21 - Seek God for Families to Serve the Lord
|
|
|
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)
Beautifully illustrated pictures with the verse Joshua 24:15 have hung in the entryways and living rooms of many homes throughout the years. As a child, I remember reading it daily as I entered and exited our family’s home. I wonder how many of us have read it but never considered the rewards that would come to a family who truly lived it. What would be the result of not seeing it as an invitation to go to Sunday School but as a call to give our very lives, as a family, to the love and work of Jesus? Would we bear up under the persecution it would cause, and could we imagine the generational blessing that this type of dedicated life would provide?
Samuel Wesley knew and lived this verse to the fullest as he and Susanna raised their nineteen children in the midst of persecution, illness, and trials of every kind. The unkind treatment this family endured was unthinkable and should have been enough to bring about great doubt and resentment in his children. Instead, John Wesley, the leader of the revival movement that later become the Methodist Church, and Charles Wesley, the writer of over 6,500 hymns, gave their lives to the same gospel their parents had relentlessly proclaimed.
The day in which we live is becoming increasingly evil and the need for our children to be strong in the Lord and the power of his might is becoming more obvious. Let’s pray that we, as families, will find the strength that Joshua of the Old Testament and Samuel Wesley of the eighteenth century had. Let’s ask Jesus to unite and empower our families to serve him with our whole hearts for our entire lives. One family serving God together could be the tiny spark to light a revival flame. One family praying and believing will bring the change that our lost and dying world needs. Let’s pray for the strength and the resolve to serve Jesus as a family.
Our Father and the Father of generations of believers, thank you for placing us in families. Thank you for making us a powerful unit of love and faith that can change the world. We ask you to light a fire in the hearts of parents and children to know and love you. We ask you to cause us to see serving you as the mission and joy of our lives. More than comfort, entertainment, education or even protection of our lives, cause us to want to know you and make you known.
Give us wisdom as we teach our children to love and serve. Help us to make the most of every opportunity to show your truth and your love to this world. Unite us as servants to bring the salvation and healing of the gospel to our neighborhood and our community. Please protect us from the discouragement and temptation that would weaken the bond we share. We ask you to unite us as one for the glory of your name.
--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.
|
|
- Praise the sovereign Lord who cares for his sheep (Ezek. 34:11).
- Thank the Lord for shepherding you, caring for you in his rich pasture (34:14).
- Confess times of wandering away from the side of the Good Shepherd.
- Commit yourself to rejoicing in the bounty he provides for you.
- Ask God to help you be a blessing with the blessings you’ve been given.
- Pray that your church’s caregiving and fellowship efforts will be led by faithful shepherds who care for the flock (34:1-10). Ask God to give them compassionate diligence to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, and bind up the injured (34:4).
|
|
TWFYT:
CS:
UR: Praying Boldly
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 18:3 (NIV)
Our young daughter was tucked into bed, covers up to her chin. After a song, I asked her the same question we pose every evening: “What do you want to pray about?”
She paused, lips pursed together, forehead furrowed in thought. Her sweet toddler voice responded, “I want to ask God to make unicorns real.”
In the hardships of daily life, it’s not difficult to lose our joyful, trusting, wide-eyed faith. But as for children, why wouldn’t they ask God for anything? If God can heal the sick, raise the dead, and create the planets in outer space, surely God can make unicorns real! And if my daughter has faith enough to pray for that, I want a childlike faith to ask God for big, bold things too.
We all experience times when our faith feels small, when we haven’t dared to hope that God can bring healing or reconciliation or fulfillment. Even then, God is still the God of the impossible. So let’s take a page from the children among us and start asking God for the big, seemingly impossible things.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, inspire our doubting hearts to believe and trust you with childlike faith. Give us audacity to pray boldly. In the name of Jesus. Amen!ODB:
|
Thieves in Germany stole a truck’s refrigerated trailer filled with more than twenty tons of chocolate. The estimated worth of the stolen sweetness was $80,000. Local police asked anyone who was offered large quantities of chocolate via unconventional channels to report it immediately. Surely those who stole the massive amount of sweets will be facing bitter and unsatisfying consequences if they’re caught and prosecuted!
Proverbs confirms this principle: “Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel” (20:17). Things we acquire deceptively or wrongfully may seem to be sweet at first—seasoned with excitement and temporary enjoyment. But the flavor will eventually wear off and our deception will lead to our being left wanting and in trouble. The bitter consequences of guilt, fear, and sin can end up ruining our lives and reputations. “Even small children are known by their actions, [if] their conduct [is] really pure and upright” (v. 11). May our words and actions reveal a pure heart for God—not the bitterness of selfish desires.
When we’re tempted, let’s ask God to strengthen us and help us remain faithful to Him. He can help us look behind the short-term “sweetness” of giving in to temptation and guide us to carefully consider the long-term consequences of our choices.
By Marvin Williams
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
When has temptation led to bitter consequences for you? How can you remain faithful to God?
Dear God, I need Your strength to fight temptation and remain faithful to You.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
It might seem difficult to detect a theme to the proverbs in chapter 20, but theologian John E. Goldingay identifies one. Noting the difficulty of finding good examples of individual integrity, he points out that “openness is not common (v. 5), . . . and human evasiveness is difficult to penetrate (v. 15).” We must keep in mind that the Proverbs don’t always tell us how to live; sometimes they’re observations about life—for instance, “the buyer” who considers a product yet disparages its value in order to bargain for a lower price (v. 14). Solomon, who wrote many of the Proverbs, isn’t advising us to imitate this dishonest bartering tactic; rather, this is his observation of human nature. Goldingay suggests that verse 5 is key to understanding the chapter: “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.”
Tim Gustafson |
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, April 24 2024
Shalom Shalom! Complete peace to you my friends! I overslept today after a NyQuil induced sleep coma overnight. I didn't awake until 6:30 which was a half hour after I was scheduled to host our weekly pastors huddle. BUT GOD! God brought shalom to me and to the huddle participants as all chose to rest in the Lord a bit longer this morning. Honoring God's healthy rhythm of working from rest is at play here too. Too often we get all tangled up in busyness and our agendas and can even run way ahead of God and His best for us. resting in the Lord. Casting (and letting there) all our anxiety to the Lord is critical as well in the quest for perfect peace in the Lord. All our devos (below) tie to this today. Consider where you are with God bringing His best and shalom to you. Come to Jesus all you who are weary and find His promised rest for your souls!
Even thinking about this summer and God's challenge for us to get out of the building can cause all kinds of stress and self-imposed thinking of all the extra work involved. STOP! Drop the anxiety in God's lap and receive His shalom. He is our Lord and Shepherd and He has great plans that will not be a heavy burden. There may be a bit of healthy stress as some of us step out of comfort zones but God is with you and in this and He is bringing redeeming love and His shalom to the chaos. He specializes in that! And He will use us, just as we are, where He placed us to bring some peace and joy, love, hope and help to others. There may be some healthy stretching of faith for you too. be aware of that and receive it with joy and thanksgiving! Breathe out the junk. Breathe in a fresh breathe of shalom and trust God to work through you wherever He leads. This is going to be a great summer with lots of fun as we just go about normal routines with some others loving like Jesus as we go! Rejoice! Begin making some plans with some friends for fun things to go, hang out and bless others! Jesus is the Prince of Peace and He lives in you! Know Him and His shalom more in '24! I'm praying for you!
Now I am about two hours behind in my planned day, BUT GOD! He has better plans that are allowing me to move from rest, healing and joy to follow Him to His plans for today! Shopping for supplies, Bread Ministry at 10, visitations, janitorial, cooking, and dinner Huddle at 6 are all in His hands and will come into place as He leads me and I follow His shalom! Come King of the Universe and lead me to your best as I choose to follow Your shalom today! Be the Lord of me and this day. Thanks! Amen! God has great peace-filled plans for you today as well! repent, believe the Good News and follow Him well! Amen!
Shalom Shalom!
Harvest Prayer Blog:
April 17 - You May Have Peace
|
|
|
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV)
Jesus makes two very serious promises that believers of all generations must comprehend if they are to live in accordance with the words of Jesus. First of all, Jesus promises that in him we may have peace.
Secondly, he promises us that in the world you will have tribulation. Talk about contrasting promises!
Peace and tribulation don’t go together at all in our ordinary way of looking at situations. But Jesus knows how things fit together far better than any of us and we must heed his words.
Looking at the first promise causes us to see that Jesus lived what he promised. In his short 33 years in the flesh on earth, he was surrounded by turmoil and controversy that typically take away peace. Yet, he lived his years here modeling peace. He often was the only one who seemed to be under self-control in any situation. Especially during his arrest and trial, the Prince of Peace demonstrated what it meant to live out peace in the midst of chaos.
The promise of Jesus is that this kind of peace is what we can have. It is because that peace is in him and when believers choose to live in him, his peace becomes possible for us. If you are a Christian and not experiencing his peace, then I want to point out to you the exactness with which Jesus gives this promise. Jesus said, “in me you may have peace.” You have to desire this peace, ask for it in prayer, and commit to live it out.
The second, contrasting promise is what we are much more aware of in our lives. In this world, you will have tribulation. This is not an end-time remark about the Great Tribulation. It is a clear declaration of how we can all expect to face difficulties and tough times as we go through life. These tribulations so often steal peace from us and leave us upset and worried. Those who believe that the Christian life somehow makes everything nice and easy are just not listening carefully to the words of Jesus. The tribulation Jesus speaks of is for all of us.
Fortunately, Jesus gives us a third promise that brings great hope to all of us: “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Yes, we live in a world that is filled with tribulation. But Jesus firmly declared and then modeled on the cross and in the resurrection that he has indeed overcome the world. Peace is possible in the midst of tribulation because of the presence of the overcoming Christ in our lives. That gives us hope and even great joy, no matter what is happening in our lives.
Regardless of the tribulations we face, the King of Kings is the overcomer. We can walk in peace in a life of stress and difficulty because that peace is in the heart of our Overcoming God. Yes, tribulation is in this world. Yes, we can have peace. And yes, Jesus has overcome the world, which opens the door for his peace to mark our lives.
Today, commit to asking Jesus for his shalom (peace). Depend on his overcoming the world to provide the peace you need to also overcome whatever tribulation comes your way.
Thank you, Lord, for being our overcoming God! You knew better than any of us how difficult this world would be and how desperately we would need your peace. So you promised that we can have that peace if we would desire it and ask you for it. You overcame the dark powers of this world and provided your peace for us. Thank you, Lord! Pour your peace into me now that I might demonstrate your overcoming power to those around me.
--Adapted from Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God (A 30-Day Journey to Experience the Shalom of Jesus) by David Butts.
|
|
ODB:
|
Pastor Damian’s schedule included hospital visits to two people nearing death who’d chosen two different life paths. In one hospital was a woman beloved by her family. Her selfless public service had endeared her to many. Other believers in Jesus had gathered around her, and worship, prayer, and hope filled the room. In another hospital, the relative of a member of Pastor Damian’s church was also dying. His hardened heart had led to a hard life, and his disheveled family lived in the wake of his poor decisions and misdeeds. The differences in the two atmospheres reflected the contrasts in how each had lived.
Those who fail to consider where they’re headed in life often find themselves stuck in uncomfortable, undesirable, and lonely places. Proverbs 14:12 notes that “there is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Young or old, sick or well, wealthy or impoverished—it’s not too late to reexamine our path. Where will it lead? Does it honor God? Does it help or disrupt others? Is it the best path for a believer in Jesus?
Choices do matter. And the God of heaven will help us make the best choices as we turn to Him through His Son, Jesus, who said, “Come to me, . . . and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
What about your path of life needs reexamination or correction? What’s keeping you from asking for God’s help and courage to make corrections?
Dear Jesus, You’re the source of life. Please give me the courage and strength to surrender my life to You and do what honors You.
For further study, read Taking Sin Seriously.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Proverbs often concerns itself with three primary categories of people: fools, the wicked, and the wise. In today’s reading, we find all three. Fools become easy prey for the wicked. The wise, however, can see through deception and make prudent choices in difficult situations. The reason? It starts with fearing God and heeding His instructions: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7) and “the beginning of wisdom” (9:10). Here in Proverbs 14, a series of contrasts occurs between the wise (the prudent) and the foolish (the simple): “Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways” (v. 2). In verse 8, “the prudent . . . give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” Verse 11 contrasts the wicked with the wise: “The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but . . . the upright will flourish.”
Tim Gustafson |
|
|
|
|
|
TWFYT:
UR: Anchored
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. - Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
My husband, Mike, and I were visiting a nearby town for our routine eye examinations. As we looked at the array of new frames, Mike suddenly fainted, hitting his head on the floor. Although he came around fairly quickly, he was clearly shaken and had a huge bump on his head. We called an ambulance and made our way to the hospital.
As we waited in a crowded corridor, I found myself wondering where God was. Why had this happened? What damage had been done? If only I could feel God’s peace instead of feeling stressed.
Then something came to mind from the devotional I had read that morning. To be honest, I couldn’t remember many details; but I knew it was something about anchors: how St. Paul was tossed around in a ship at sea and how God holds us secure in the storms of life. How appropriate!
I felt that God was saying to me, “I am holding you. You are anchored.” I kept repeating this to myself through the time of anxious waiting at the hospital. I didn’t feel a warm glow of peace, but I knew that we were in God’s hands. We were anchored.
Mike was and is okay. I give thanks for God’s faithfulness and for God’s word that still speaks to us today.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Thank you, faithful God, that when the storms of life shake our security, you hold us and never let us go. Amen.
Charles Stanley:
Harvest Prayer prayer starters: (I covet your prayers and so does your leadership team! Thanks for praying for us!)
- Pray that your pastor will present God’s message courageously, whether it is accepted or not (Ezek. 2:3-7).
- Ask God to help all your church’s leaders to consistently follow God’s Word themselves (2:8).
- Pray that the children have hearts open to God’s Word from their earliest years.
- Ask God to help them the children to keep their ways pure by living according to his Word (Ps. 119:9).
|
|
Wednesday, April 24 2024
Updates: (I overslept again--actually rested in the Lord and again invited Him to be the Lord of my day, so all is in His hands and according to His plans and timing and I have great peace. Even though I am 2 hours behind my schedule again, I am on His time and plan and know His peace. Amen!)
Please keep Barb Schware and her family in your prayers as her father stepped into the arms of Jesus last evening. He is now fully healed and restored. Pray for peace, comfort and strength for the journey.
Continue to pray for healing and provision for Darlene Skinner as she is awaiting word that she can go home. Pray for provision for her to be able to be at home. She is in good spirits and appreciates our prayers.
Continue to pray for Christ and Yvonne Muik. Chris is recovering from foot surgery and Yvonne is at home recovering from being sideswiped by a tractor trailer. pray for healing and provision for a car. I hope to visit them today.
Pray for all of our homebound members. Many are lonely. Reach out and love on some today!
PTL! We had a powerful time of ministry to a single mom during Bread Ministry yesterday. Gina and I spent much time hearing her heart and praying. Pray for God's favor and peace over Kim and her family. Pray He would draw the children.
We also had a great time of fellowship and discussion at our dinner huddle last night. We only have about three more weeks before we end our indoor gatherings. Pray for God to lead us out the door to some fun connection points to our neighbors. Ask God to lead you to something some of us can partner with you to connect to others and connect them to God.
Sat. from 10-1 is Clothing Closet. Pray for them to bless and connect to those God is sending.
Pray for me as I didn't even have time to begin Sun. Message yet. Pray for God's Word to come to me and alive to us. He is pursuing us with an everlasting, refining, maturing. patient love. PTL! Check out Our Daily Bread and Upper Room devotionals below as they may be part of Sunday's message as I believe God wants us to dig a little deeper and sink our roots deep into His love hat pursues us, refines us, prepares us and goes out from us.
Sunday evening from 5-8 is the first weekly worship service of Revival Church. They are renting our sanctuary. All are invited to join them on this special evening for their church. Karen and I hope to attend. Pray for this to be the beginning of a great ministry relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ that will multiply our impact on our neighborhoods!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good Morning Persevering, Persistent, Preparing Harvesters! Last night, yesterday, Tuesday during huddle, and actually, quite often lately we find our conversations moving to the end of time, That Great Day of the Lord, when Jesus returns. We find ourselves looking at the environment, society and happenings around us questioning if we are entering the tribulation. We certainly live in dark and evil times and earth quakes, famines, storms. pandemics, wars and rumors of wars are on the rise as should be expected because God revealed these would be signs that would increase in intensity as we approach the end. There are all kinds of speculations and interpretations of the happenings around us and the end times prophecies in the Bible. If history were recorded on a clock, we are probably in the last five minutes before the end. HOWEVER, we do not know and are not to put dates on things. We are to expect Jesus to return at anytime and not be surprised when He does and we are to keep on living, praying and serving as if it will be a few more thousands of years. Are you ready? Are you prepared to stand firm through some very very hard times? Do you have a network of friends that will walk with you through these hard times as you encourage, and help each other to stand firm? Is God's Word buried in your heart and your roots sunk deep into Him. Are you living and loving more and more like Jesus and serving others and making disciples of Jesus? That's how we are to live and we are to find and choose joy because, no matter what we face, He is with us and His love pursues us. Amen!
I don't want to be Donald Downer. But that is reality and it feels like this darkness is enveloping our world. BUT GOD! Remember, He warned us about this and Jesus reminds us, "I have overcome the world!" We know the end story and the Victor! PTL! Let us commit to encourage and spur each other on in our faith and service. Let us plan together how to impact our neighborhoods and change the world one person at a time. Let us continue to pray for revival and do our part. We will not change the world in the polling places, by arguing and attacking, but with love, service and care as we bring the love, hope and help of Jesus alive to those God is drawing out of the grasp of Satan. Pray for us to see, hear, follow, and be agents of revival. God has custom made, great plans for you and us for such a time as this. Let us be about our Father's business more earnestly as we see the end drawing near. Amen!
Two of my devos for today as well as Harvest prayer's blogs tie to this. Check them out. And then check out ODB and UR at the end as they may be part of Sunday's message. Don't forget, one of the most critical roles in God's Good News Delivery Co. is prayer warrior. We all can do and some of you are called to it and to pray like Anna! God has placed us together to build His Church and encourage and spur each other on. Sometimes we have blind spots that others can help us to see and correct. Find some trusted co-laborers and be intentional at meeting together. And never give up. Work on persevering faith and joy in the Lord to always be alive in and through you and us. Jesus is coming back some day and all the promises we have been given will come alive. Our faith will become sight! And then, in the twinkling of an eye, we will be with Jesus. Choose joy always and persevere in faith. Jesus is with you always and until He takes you home, there's work to do! Daylight's burning!
Charles Stanley: Blind Spots
TWFYT:
Harvest Prayer blogs:
April 18 - She Never Left
|
|
|
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fasting and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-39)
Some must have thought her strange. The aged widow, Anna, had virtually lived in the temple for decades. She served there, and her serving was amplified by continual fasting and unceasing prayer.
On a normal day—one of thousands for her—she was going about her routine in prayer and sensed an unusual presence. No doubt the atmosphere seemed strangely electrified.
Simeon, another temple regular, had the eyes to see because he had also sought the Messiah for years. Gazing upon this young boy, his heart was moved by the Spirit to announce that this was the Messiah for whom they had been waiting. Only God could have made him aware of this phenomenon.
Anna instantly knew. The Messiah, of whom the temple was merely a picture, had come.
“…she never left the temple” is an amazing phrase. Something in Anna’s heart caused her to continue in prayer. It was not merely her daytime routine. She prayed “night and day.” There could be no question that there were many other things she could have done. But something—or rather, Someone—kept drawing her back to the place of prayer.
Anna could have refused those promptings, but thankfully for us, she did not.
Precious Jesus, what an amazing event in biblical history – that two passionate intercessors were given the gift of seeing You, the long-awaited Messiah, with their own eyes after waiting so long and so expectantly! To think that I can know You just as personally is amazing. Keep me in the place of prayer, waiting expectantly for You to pour out revival on Your people, and looking to see You come again! May I place myself continually in Your presence, knowing that I will spend eternity being face to face with the One my heart adores!
---Adapted from Prayer with No Intermission by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.
|
|
- Praise God for his world-sized love (Jn. 3:16)!
- Thank God for loving you before you ever began to love him (Rom. 5:8).
- Confess times of turning away from the Lord, acknowledging that such betrayal of his love is spiritual prostitution (Ezekiel 16).
- Commit yourself again to faithfulness in loving God.
- Ask him to help you live with purity of love toward him.
- Pray for the Bible studies and other small groups of your church. Ask God to work his kind of intimacy into the lives of each person involved with these groups.
|
|
ODB:
|
A 2017 video of a dad comforting his two-month-old son while the baby received his routine vaccinations garnered international attention for the way it captured a dad’s love for his child. After the nurse finished administering the vaccinations, the dad tenderly held his son close to his cheek, and the boy stopped sobbing within seconds. There’s almost nothing more reassuring than the tender care of a loving parent.
In Scripture, there are many beautiful descriptions of God as a loving parent, images that invoke God’s deep love for His children. Old Testament prophet Hosea was given a message to deliver to the Israelites living in the Northern Kingdom during the time of the divided kingdom. He called them to return to a relationship with God. Hosea reminded the Israelites of God’s love for them as he pictured God as a gentle Father: “when Israel was a child, I loved him” (Hosea 11:1) and “to them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek” (v. 4).
This same reassuring promise of God’s loving care is true for us. Whether we seek His tender care after a season where we’ve rejected His love or because of pain and suffering in our lives, He calls us His children (1 John 3:1) and His comforting arms are open to receive us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
How have you experienced the love of God as a caring Father? What concerns might you bring to Him today?
Heavenly Father, thank You that You call me Your child and provide tender care when I run to You.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Given Hosea’s assignment to demonstrate love, it should be no surprise that he’s been called “John (the apostle of love) of the Old Testament.” God told Hosea to “go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods” (Hosea 3:1). Descriptors for this kind of love include words like relentless, ceaseless, loyal, unconditional. It’s a pursuing love; one that releases one from slavery and bondage (11:1), pursues those who stray (v. 2), and accompanies its objects in various stages of development because they’re loved (vv. 3-4). Believers in Jesus are no strangers to God’s tender love. The one who “demonstrate[ed] his own love for us . . . while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8) is the one who loves us enough to pursue us when we stray (see Hebrews 12:5-6).
Arthur Jackson |
|
|
|
|
|
UR: Waving at the Window
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. - Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
I always had the duty of dropping our kids off at daycare, which is more emotionally difficult than my husband’s duty of picking them up. My children didn’t like being left, and many mornings were filled with tears. It also didn’t help that our daycare was across town from where I worked, so I was inevitably always in a rush.
One morning, I was hurrying out of the daycare to my car, when something caught my eye. In a window facing the parking lot stood my two-year-old son waving excitedly at me. It was a sweet gesture and just what I needed. I told everyone at work how sweet my son was.
The next morning, when dropping my son off, I mentioned to the teacher how my son had made me smile the day before. She kindly told me that he does that every morning and had been doing so for months. My heart sank.
I never missed his wave after that.
This experience made me wonder how many times I have missed signs of God’s love because I was too rushed to notice. Praise the Lord, we are loved by a God who is patient and whose love never ends.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, forgive us when we don’t notice all the ways you love us. Thank you for patiently waiting on us and for loving us unconditionally. Amen.
Wednesday, April 24 2024
Thank God I'm Forgiven! Amen and Hallelujah!
Good Morning Forgiven Much, Very Loved, Children of God! What's on your gratitude list? What are you thankful about today? Lift those praises high! God inhabits our praises! Amen! Start everyday with praise and allow God to inhabit your praise and redirect and renew your thinking. Dwell in His presence and go forth today refreshed, renewed and prayed up. He has great plans for your day, custom made for you according to His purposes for you and your circumstances. Rejoice! God is growing your faith and usefulness. Christ has already won the battle! PTL! Spend some time in the valley of praise today. Humble yourself, die to self even and take up your cross as you refocus on God and follow Jesus. Turn off the noise and surround yourself with like minded children of God who you can encourage and pray for and who will do the same for you. Call on the name of Jesus together! Step into your new in Christ nature more fully and go live and love more like Jesus today. Check out our devos below that thread all these together! God REALLY loves you and has great plans for your day! Rejoice and be glad in this day and your identity in Christ. He is our Redeemer, the Victor and our strength and shield! Amen! Shalom! Shalom! Perfect peace to you today as you worship, praise, trust and obey! Amen!
Charles Stanley:
ODB:
|
Poet William Cowper struggled with depression much of his life. After a suicide attempt, he was committed to an asylum. But it was there through the care of a Christian physician that Cowper came to a warm, vital faith in Jesus. Soon afterwards, Cowper became acquainted with pastor and hymnwriter John Newton, who encouraged him to collaborate on a hymnal for their church. Among the hymns Cowper wrote was “God Moves in a Mysterious Way,” which contains these words pressed from the crucible of experience: “You fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds you so much dread, are big with mercy and shall break in blessings on your head.”
Like Cowper, the people of Judah also met God’s kindness unexpectedly. As an alliance of armies invaded their nation, King Jehoshaphat gathered the people for prayer. As Judah’s army marched out, men in the front ranks praised God (2 Chronicles 20:21). The invading armies turned on themselves, and “no one . . . escaped. . . . There was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it” (vv. 24-25).
On the fourth day, the very place where a hostile invading force gathered against God’s people was dubbed the Valley of Berakah (v. 26)—literally, “the valley of praise” or “blessing.” What a change! God’s mercy can turn even our most difficult valleys into places of praise as we give them to Him.
By James Banks
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
How have you seen God bring good out of difficulty in your life? What can you thank Him for today?
I praise You, loving God, that no valley is deeper than Your love.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Militarily threatened by a large enemy coalition (2 Chronicles 20:1-2), Jehoshaphat turned to God for help (vv. 3-13). God assured His people, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). Soon after God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt—with the Egyptian army in pursuit—Moses encouraged a terrified people, “Do not be afraid. . . . The Lord will fight for you” (Exodus 14:13-14). This promise, however, was contingent on their obedience and faithfulness. They were “to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all [their] heart and . . . soul” (Joshua 22:5; see 23:6-13). Jehoshaphat exhorted the people: “have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld” (2 Chronicles 20:20).
K. T. Sim |
|
|
|
|
|
UR: Listening to God
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
I had a good job, a family, and a house in the suburbs. Then I got divorced and everything changed. Living in my car on a noisy city street, sleeping with a blanket over my head to keep out the cold and the city lights, and eating alone on a bench in the park forced me to reflect and listen to God.
I was welcomed by others in the homeless community, and their acceptance helped me see that God is in every person, maybe especially in the homeless one.
Homelessness was humbling, but Jesus humbled himself for us. We are called to walk humbly with God, just as Jesus did on his way to the Cross. God eventually lifted me up, teaching me to cast away my worries, to see God in nature, to value every person, and to leave my life in God’s hands.
God directed me to a church community that has helped me grow in faith, where I work on outreach missions, including with those who are homeless. The support of the people in this community has made it easier to follow God’s way. God calls us to feed the hungry, visit the sick, welcome the stranger, and care for the homeless . . . listen.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Open our eyes and hearts, O God, to the needs of those around us. Open our ears to listen to your promptings. Amen.
TWFYT:
Harvest Prayer Blogs:
April 19 - Calling Out to Jesus
|
|
|
In the Gospels we see that a number of people call out to Jesus. Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, cried out to Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47), and he was healed. The thief on the cross asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom, and Jesus responded, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
In Acts, we see indications that the disciples had started praying in Jesus’ name. When Peter and John healed the crippled man at the temple, they explained it by saying, “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see” (Acts 3:16).
If we go back to the actual healing, Peter declared, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).
When he was being martyred, Stephen prayed, “‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59-60).
In Saul’s Damascus Road experience, it was Jesus who talked to him.
[Saul] fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him,
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:4-6)
Hours later, when Jesus spoke to Ananias, telling him to go to Saul, he replied: “Lord, . . . I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name” (Acts 9:13-14, emphasis added). Jewish leaders were not arresting those who called on God’s name, only those who called on Jesus’ name. Ananias clearly was speaking to Jesus here (but of course, he was speaking to God).
Lord Jesus, thank You for these powerful examples in Your word showing over and over again that those who believed and had faith in You were continually calling upon Your Name – the one that is above every other name. Sometimes those who called upon You were persecuted and even killed! Father, that is still happening today across the earth! I pray that everyone who calls upon Jesus will be saved, and that the evil one will be silenced by Your power wherever he attempts to discourage Your people in the world. May we be bold and proclaim Your Name across every nation of the earth!
--Adapted from The Power of Personal Prayer (Learning to Pray with Faith and Purpose) by Jonathan Graf. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
|
|
- Praise God as the all-knowing one.
- Thank God for caring enough for you to teach you his ways and warn you when you stray.
- Confess times of willful ignorance of his ways.
- Commit to listening and following God’s directions.
- Ask him to provide faithful teachers and examples for you.
- Pray that you will be diligent in teaching those under your care.
- Ask God to help you be an excellent model for your children (or for the children of your friends).
|
|
Wednesday, April 24 2024
Zoom Huddle today at 10. All welcome!
Family Ministries/Adult dinner Huddle Wed 6-7:30. All welcome!
(We only have about a month of these before summer break. Join us and plan to do some fun things as we reach out together this summer!)
Good Morning Accepted, Readying, Listening, Representatives of Almighty God! Oh yes you are! Pronounce it out loud and in prayer over yourself and our Body! We are loved and accepted, as we are. We are repenting and readying for all God has for us. We are listening, discerning and wanting to process with like-minded brothers and sisters. We are preparing and prepared today to go love and bring alive all the wonders of our Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth and us! He has custom made great plans for you to discover and do today! Rejoice! Be who you are created to be and about our Father's business! There is no greater joy and satisfaction in life than enjoying who you are in Christ and doing what you are created to do! Now find some friends to work on that with and go live and love more like Jesus today! I'm praying for you and our Body to be all we are created to be and to be growing into our fuller potential in Christ! We are on our way to becoming a dynamic movement of God! PTL! And we all have a part to play! What's yours? Talk to God about that and process, plan and put into action with some close trusted friends and co-laborers! Amen!
Check out how God used our devos and threaded them together to take me to the above salutation and paragraph. What's He saying and threading together for you? (I have some notes today before each devo and blog) He awoke me very early this morning (1:30) with the praise song from Cain repeating in my head, "I'm So Blessed!" Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm28hKyd5-A I often sing this throughout many days and often add "I'm so blessed even though I'm a mess!" How true! No matter what we are facing our thinking, we are so very blessed, "on our best day or our worst day", because of God in us! Amen! We are a very blessed people. We are blessed to go bless and blessed back for being a blessing. And our joy just grows as we learn to walk out our blessings and live and love like Jesus! Yes, very blessed indeed! Shalom!
Charles Stanley: You are accepted completely! And you are being molding into your new nature and God's image more fully! PTL!
TWFYT: We are learning to not only listen to God and process but to listen to and esteem others so they feel valued and heard. We are being sent to new connection points and need to focus on connecting to others and then connecting them to God as we leran to listen to their hearts and learn how to respond well!
ODB: God is readying you and us. He has created, gifted, and called us for such a time as this to step into our custom purposes. Pray that prayer at the end earnestly! Amen! Are you ready? ( I think of hide and seek..."Ready or not, here I come!" and I think of our response to the Holy Spirit! I am ready and readying! Are you?
|
The book Hidden Figures recounts preparations for John Glenn’s flight into space. Computers were newfangled inventions in 1962, subject to glitches. Glenn didn’t trust them and worried about calculations for the launch. He knew one brainy woman in the back room could run the numbers. He trusted her. “If she says the numbers are good,” Glenn said, “I’m ready to go.”
Katherine Johnson was a teacher and mother of three. She loved Jesus and served in her church. God had blessed Katherine with a remarkable mind. NASA tapped her in the late 1950s to help with the space program. She was Glenn’s “brainy woman,” one of the “human computers” they hired at the time.
We may not be called to be brilliant mathematicians, but God calls us to other things: “To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7). We’re to “live a life worthy of the calling” we’ve received (v. 1). We’re part of one body, in which “each part does its work” (v. 16).
Katherine Johnson’s calculations confirmed the course trajectory. Glenn’s launch into orbit was like “hitting a bull’s-eye.” But this was just one of Katherine’s callings. Remember, she was called also to be a mother, teacher, and church worker. We might ask ourselves what God has called us to, whether big or small. Are we “ready to go,” exercising the grace-gifts He’s bestowed, living “a life worthy of [our] calling” (v. 1)?
By Kenneth Petersen
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
What has God called you to do? How has He gifted you?
Dear God, please help me embrace what You’ve given me and live a life worthy of Your calling.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
There are five different listings of spiritual gifts in the New Testament: Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 12:28-30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:11. That no two lists are identical suggests that each one isn’t exhaustive. More important, the emphasis is on how the diversity of gifts are to be used “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7) and to “equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 NLT) in a loving way that unites the church (vv. 13-16). Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (v. 11) are people gifted in proclaiming and teaching the Scriptures.
K. T. Sim |
|
|
|
|
|
UR "A Granddaughters Gift" God is always with us and he does have great plans for you and us! PTL! Ask for eyes to see and Jesus' heart and mind to respond well to all the opportunities today and always. I think about what a difference it will make when we step out in groups with out t-shirts on. Will we act differently, be more bold and intentional, and are we people of integrity always. Help me Lord to always be who I am in Christ and be about His business always with passion and a right heart. I know you are with me always. Thank You! May I choose to live as if that's so always! Amen! Thanks! Amen!
Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NIV)
My granddaughter surprised me with a special Christmas present, an embroidered picture titled, “‘I Am with You Always,’ Matthew 28:20.” She didn’t realize the significance
that Bible verse had held for me many years before.
When I came to the United States 66 years ago, I spoke limited English. I joined a youth group at my church, led by a young student minister. He soon noticed that I was quite withdrawn. But after a few kind words from him I opened up and told him I was worried about my grades and that I had difficulty keeping up with my classes. He then quoted Matthew 28:20. He told me that Jesus was talking to me personally and that he was always with me in every situation. I suddenly felt uplifted and my faith soared. From that day on I smiled more and opened up to friends at school. When I prepared for a test or a project, I knew I did not have to do it alone — Jesus would be with me.
After reflecting on these memories, I called my granddaughter and told her about the impact her embroidered verse had on my life many years ago. More importantly, I was able to share with her the difference Jesus’ promise makes in my life to this day.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your gift of Jesus. Show us opportunities to minister to our friends and family and to tell them of your special gift of love and grace. Amen.Harvest Prayer Blogs: Maybe end with these as we battle and intercede for our families and the generations in our neighborhoods. God is sending us to kids and young families. keep your eyes open and heart ready to respond. But he is also sending us to damaged and hurting older ones as well, even grand parents. Keep praying and watching for how God wants to use you and join Him! Remember: Prayer warrior is one of our most critical parts of our Good News Delivery Co. Keep praying! And praying may lead you to someone God is pursuing to love on and heal. be ready!
April 16 - Pray for Healthy Families
|
|
|
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1–4)
A dear friend of mine at church said, “We all have to overcome our parents’ parenting.” This was said in humor, but oh, how true it is! All of us have been hurt by our parents. Parenting is the most difficult job in the world. A detailed manual would be nice to have. God has given us clear instructions for children and parents. Today, more than ever, we have moved away from the biblical admonition for parenting. As we intercede today, let’s cry out for Jesus to work a new principle or paradigm for parenting into Christian families in your community—a new philosophy of parenting, rooted in God’s Word and empowered by the Spirit of God. He is able!
Father God, a healthy family is a Christ-filled family. Heal our broken families and lead us back to you. Empower dads, moms, and children to take our leads and our guidelines from you and your Word. Today, I ask boldly that you would enable children to obey their parents in the Lord. Cause children in our community to fall so in love with Jesus that they end up leading their parents and siblings to a greater love for Jesus as well. Where families are broken, bring healing to children and teens longing for security in a frightening world. Be their security. Be their home. Be their joy. Send spiritual moms and dads to come alongside parents to love and mentor kids of all ages. Convict parents today of their calling to parent with the love, power, and authority of Jesus Christ. I pray for dads to be stable and involved in the lives of their children. I pray moms will be filled with the Spirit to love their kids practically, with words and deeds. May fathers bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Protect parents from harsh, wounding, or ungodly anger. I plead with you today to give each member of the family a persevering heart, that none would lose their way today. I pray parents would follow the ancient model of talking about Christ all the day, at home or as they travel through the community. May Jesus be a true and relied upon source for families in this community. Protect children from abuse. Protect parents from lives with little to no margins. I am asking today for a powerful move of God in families that are on the brink of divorce, bankruptcy, anger, or depression. Be their solution in real time today. Manifest your glory to families across this region. May we all know that you are God and that your love is better than life itself. Thank you for families. Thank you for my family. Thank you for the families in our great community. We ask for a new and unprecedented work in each one, for Jesus’ sake.
--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.
|
|
- Praise the God of Israel, who comes in glory to meet with his people.
- Thank God for coming to consume the darkness and to make what is purified radiate with his glory (Ezek. 43:1-5).
- Confess any wickedness that hinders the brightness of his presence.
- Commit to letting God’s glory shine upon you in worship.
- Ask God to shine through you to others.
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will cause the glory of God to blaze in you, setting your heart on fire for the lost.
- Ask that God will send forth his Word, bringing his light to lives swamped in darkness.
|
|
Wednesday, April 24 2024
Good Morning Loved, Pursued, Forgiven Transformed Friends of God who Is the Friend of Sinners! PTL! He is a way maker! Even when we think there is no way or we think we are too far gone. He pursues us, forgives, cleanses and redeems! PTL! Then He prepares and sends us to allow Him to love and forgive others. Jesus said to a questioning Phillip, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. We will encounter many lost, confused and questioning people in our journey that God is pursuing and wants to love through us. Keep your eyes open and heart ready and committed to allowing God to use you! Remember, you are custom made--God's masterpiece! (EPH. 2:10), made new in Christ for His planned purposes for you for such a time as this. Our mission is simple and easy if we stay yoked to Christ. It's to learn to live and love like Jesus and allow Him to connect to those He is pursuing and then make disciples of Jesus. Easy peazy! We know Love. We know peace. We know joy. Because we know Jesus! PTL! We are sent to bring love, peace, joy and Jesus alive and allow Him to use us to transform the world while He transforms us. Who is He pursuing through you? Who is helping you with figuring out and doing what He is sending you to do?
We've been seeking, discerning and have begun planning our outreach for the summer with small gatherings wearing St. Matts T-shirts hanging out, having fun and blessing others. We are in the process of designing T-shirts, but we don't have to wait for that to get out, have fun and bless others. Where is God sending you? Rita's, the park, a game, the dinner...? Who is joining you as you fellowship and enjoy life in Christ and make yourself available for Him to pursue through you? Maybe our shirts could say learning to live and love like Jesus (our vision statement) with our web address or just the symbols:
   
Know love, peace and joy? We do because of Jesus! We are learning to live and love like Jesus. Join us! and website...Anyway, something like that. Maybe a bumper sticker with the saying: Do you follow Jesus this closely? We do! And our website. Whatever God leads us to, hanging out with some friends living and loving like Jesus and blessing others with contagious love, peace and joy is God's mission for us this summer as we get out and live and love more like Jesus! Pray into all of that! God has great plans for you and us as He pursues those He is drawing through us. Amen! Maybe we should change our name even? Any church with a saint name has a stigma because of the sins and abuses of the catholic church. What if we were Joy Church, Community, Care Givers? JC3! Pray about that too. In the meantime, prepare you hearts, hands and feet to go live and love like Jesus as you steward all God's blessings well and work at becoming more like Jesus and doing more of what you are created to do! He does have great plans for you, His very loved, forgiven pursued, transformed, sent child! PTL!
Check out our devos for today and the Harvest Prayer blogs as you dwell in God's presence, seek His best, listen, learn, confess, repent and prepare to follow Jesus more in '24. I'm praying for you and God is wanting to pursue someone through you! Amen! Jesus is the Way and He is the way maker who has plans for you perfectly aligned with who He created you to be. Come as you are and learn to live and love more like Jesus for such a time as this! Amen!
ODB:
At Home in Jesus
If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me. John 14:3
READ John 14:1-7
|
|
|
|
|
|
“There’s no place like home,” says Dorothy, clicking the heels of her ruby slippers. In The Wizard of Oz, that was all it took to magically transport Dorothy and Toto from Oz back to their home in Kansas.
Unfortunately, there aren’t enough ruby slippers for everyone. Although many share Dorothy’s longing for home, finding that home—a place to belong—is sometimes easier said than done.
One of the consequences of living in a highly mobile, transient world is a sense of detachment—wondering if we’ll ever find a place where we truly belong. This feeling may also reflect a deeper reality, expressed by C. S. Lewis: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
The night before the cross, Jesus assured His friends of that home, saying, “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). A home where we are welcomed and loved.
Yet we can be at home now too. We’re part of a family—God’s church, and we live in community with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Until the day Jesus takes us to the home our hearts long for, we can live in His peace and joy. We’re always home with Him.
By Bill Crowder
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
What makes you feel at home and why? How does knowing Jesus will take you to be with Him forever help you live here on earth?
God of love and grace, help me look forward to being at home with You, in Your presence, forever.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
John 14 is part of the Upper Room Discourse (chs. 13-17). It’s been referred to as the “Farewell Discourse” because Jesus attempts to prepare the disciples not simply for His impending trial and execution, but for His ultimate ascension back to the Father. In the opening verses of chapter 14, Christ seeks to calm the anxious hearts of the disciples by assuring them that not only is there a place for them where He’s going, but that He’ll come back so that they can be with Him (vv. 1-4). It’s easy to forget that very little of this would’ve aligned with what the disciples thought about the role of the Messiah (see Matthew 16:21-23). So great was their confusion that immediately after Jesus told them that they had known and seen the Father (John 14:6-7), Philip asked to be shown the Father (v. 8).
J.R. Hudberg |
|
|
|
|
|
UR: A Safe Place
When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them. - Psalm 91:15 (NRSVUE)
In the 1950s I attended a boarding school for boys. It was run in a military style with strict discipline and punishments that were often issued in an abusive manner. Bullying at the school was rampant and persistent. Needless to say, I suffered at the school and learned how to avoid any confrontation, disappearing into anonymity when required.
One place in my school that nobody went during the day was the chapel. There I found my retreat where solace and support awaited me. I found that I was not alone. I felt God’s reassuring presence, and I enjoyed that calming influence and support. This was the beginning of my lifelong journey with God.
I still give thanks to God for coming into my life. I cannot give thanks for the experience of being bullied, but I am grateful that during that time I found God. What might my life have become without that sacred introduction?
TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving God, cleanse the hearts and minds of those who abuse others. Be with those facing persecution, and grant us lives of harmony and peace. Amen.
Charles Stanley:
TWFYT:
Harvest Prayer Blogs:
April 15 - A Tender Conversation
|
|
|
Our prayers are not a meaningless ritual before a harsh God. It is a tender conversation between two who love each other. And, there’s nothing more powerful than God’s presence. It should humble us to know that Christ gave His life so that we might have entrance into His Throne Room. What a tragedy it would be if we never enter it!
I would challenge you, right now, to take a few moments to enter into the Throne Room and shut the door. It should be a familiar place, an hourly place for you if you are to pray without ceasing. Enter in with sincerity, seclusion, simplicity, and simple faith as a son or daughter.
Don’t rush in His presence. It might be good to bring no requests to Him at first. Simply get acclimated to His presence. Sense the reality of the moment. Enjoy the privilege of being with Him. Worship Him and then ask Him if there is anything He wants to say to you.
There is simply no better place to be in heaven or earth. And, it’s available to His children all the time!
Holy One, so often I rush into Your presence without a thought! Please help me to be aware that I am walking up to the Throne of Grace when I pray! Slow me down to sit and listen rather than uttering a few short phrases before going about my hurried day! Help me to know You as Father, King, Friend, Counselor…and so much more! Pour out Your peace on me so that nothing else matters when I come before You…except You.
---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
|
|
- Praise God that you know who he is because you have Jesus Christ, “the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15).
- Give thanks that “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Christ], and through him to reconcile to himself all things . . . by making peace through his blood” (1:19-20).
- Confess the instances when you spurn the reconciliation that God has accomplished.
- Commit yourself to continuing in your faith, “established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel” (1:23).
- Ask that Christ will have first place in every part of your life, and that nothing else will rival him.
|
|
Wednesday, April 24 2024
Good Morning Worshipers! Prepare your hearts to worship at 10 live and on Zoom with Children's Church. Who ya bringing along? May we worship in spirit and truth today and spur each other on to the good works God has for us! Amen! Enter His courts with thanksgiving!
Do you ever feel like your just going through the motions? How about disconnected from God? That's been me since vacation. It feels like I'm in this fog that never returned fully and in some ways like I'm living on borrowed time. Yet aren't we all? Our days our numbered. Are we making the most of them? I had to cry out to God to draw me back. Forgive me. Help me to get back in the game and have some mojo. I asked for me to shed the old and put on the new nature fully and to stay connected and reactive to what God is doing in each moment. I prayed for wisdom to lead like Jesus and make disciples. I asked for help to die to self and be all in doing all that He created me to do. I expect those prayers to transform me this week from being one way to another because of Him! Thanks Lord! How about you? What's God wanting to do in and through you? Talk to Him about that and process with others! (Maybe God is rewriting today's message?) I know He is speaking to me and maybe some of you as well right now! COME! Speak Lord! Have Your way with me and us and bring revival and lead us to your best! Amen! Prepare our hearts to worship in Spirit and Truth as we enter your courts with praise!
God used me and spoke to my heart Friday evening aS WE FELLOWSHIPED WITH SOME FRIENDS. God spoke to my heart this morning as someone reached out in possible despair to encourage and share through our devotionals. I hope we can process some this week and seek clarity and direction for both of us. God is at work and wanting to speak to your heart and use you to bless others. Sometimes He allows testing of our faith to grow us and prepare us. he knows our needs and provides as we seek Him and put Him and His ways first. Don't lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him and process with others and allow Him to direct your steps. Plus He has some helpers for you and is preparing and sending you to help others. Rejoice! Start with counting your blessings, dying to self, taking up cross, acknowledging Him in all your ways. Then yoke to Jesus and allow Him to lead you to His best and use you, as you are created, to bring Him glory. Amen! Know His shalom! Follow Him! Amen! See you soon! Day Lights burning! It's time to get back in the game! Help Lord! Amen!
You matter! He has great plans for you! He's speaking to your heart right now and calling you by name. He's wanting to lead you from being one way to another. Will you seek Him and allow Him to lead you to His best and your custom made purposes? It will be great and the best life you could ever know this side of heaven! Come and see as we follow together! Nothing is impossible nor too small for God! Amen! We all matter and we all have a part in His Good News Deliver Co. As we fulfill our created and gathered purposes and follow Him out to others, we and the world around us will be changed! We will move from what was to His new best and things will be different! PTL! get used to different and allow Him to move you and us from being one way to His best way! Amen
Charles Stanley:
ODB:
|
Lando, a jeepney (a form of public transport in the Philippines) driver in Manila, gulped down coffee at a roadside stall. Daily commuters were back again after the Covid-19 lockdowns. And the sports event today means more passengers, he thought. I’ll get back lost income. Finally, I can stop worrying.
He was about to start driving when he spotted Ronnie on a bench nearby. The street sweeper looked troubled, like he needed to talk. But every minute counts, Lando thought. The more passengers, the more income. I can’t linger. But he sensed that God wanted him to approach Ronnie, so he did.
Jesus understood how difficult it is not to worry (Matthew 6:25-27), so He assures us that our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need (v. 32). We’re reminded not to be anxious, but to trust Him and devote ourselves to doing what He wants us to do (vv. 31-33). As we embrace and obey His purposes, we can have confidence that our Father who “clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire” will provide for us according to His will—just as He provides for all creation (v. 30).
Because of Lando’s conversation with Ronnie, the street sweeper eventually prayed to become a believer in Christ. “And God still provided enough passengers that day,” Lando shared. “He reminded me my needs were His concern, mine was simply to follow Him.”
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
What anxieties weigh on your heart? What steps can you take to surrender your cares to God?
Dear God, I don’t need to worry because You’ve promised to care and provide for me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The observance of the Sabbath was a contentious issue for the religious leaders of Jesus’ day (Matthew 12:1-12; Mark 3:2-5; Luke 13:10-16). But here in Matthew 6, Christ outlines the heart behind the Sabbath as God instituted it long ago.
The Sabbath was intended to remind the Israelites that God would care for them. They could put aside gathering food and supplies one day a week and one year in seven. It was a rhythm of putting into practice exactly what Jesus said: “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (v. 25). Sabbath has always been seeking first the kingdom of heaven.
Jed Ostoich |
|
|
|
|
|
UR: An Army of Helpers
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Several years ago, a close family friend and brother in Christ was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer. Along with the diagnosis came a multitude of concerns. Our friend was the principal breadwinner, so how long could he work to support his family? It was a frightening time.
The apostle Paul admonished the church in Galatia to bear one another’s burdens. Through our friend’s long struggle with cancer, God taught me and others the true meaning of Paul’s words. To carry another’s burden, we must sacrifice something, whether time, energy, or money. Some families combined resources to pay our friend’s rent and bills. Some gave gift cards for groceries. Some volunteered to drive him back and forth to chemotherapy appointments. A veritable army of helpers stepped up to bear this family’s burdens. Above all, we were in constant prayer for our friend’s healing.
We also learned that when God calls us to bear one another’s burdens, it doesn’t mean that we must carry all of it alone; we only need to carry the piece we are given. My piece might not look like your piece. But if we each carry our part, then it lessens the overall load. In carrying others’ burdens, we fulfill the law of Christ — to love one another as God has loved us.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, teach us how to love others as you love us. Help us to bear the burdens of others with compassion. Amen.TWFYT:
Saturday, April 13 2024
Good Morning Loved, Accepted Children of the God Who Brings Order to Chaos and Trains us in Righteousness!
Well something like that is from our devotionals today. Check them out yourself below. What's God saying to you this morning. he is always seeking to bring His shalom to the chaos and help our unbelief. he forgives and cleanses and continues to love us despite our flaws and even unbelief sometimes. He created us, knows us, calls us by name, forgives, cleanses and helps us to renew our minds and thinking and to walk in His best ways. be still and know. Confess and repent. trust and obey. Think rightly and receive His shalom!
I gotta run as we have a very busy day today. Pray for us to prepare our hearts to worship tomorrow at 10am live and on Zoom with Children's Church. Invite and bring someone along as we worship in Spirit and Truth. Pray for God to go before me with favor at the track today (if they don't cancel) and to use me well to connect more people to Him. Thanks!
You know we can soar like on wings of eagles as we let go and let God. try that today as you check out one of my favorite oldies from FFH. I'm Ready to Fly! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6V7wjqF3Xs
It's time to fly and soar! The sun is breaking through and today is the day to step into God's shalom, dance, sing and soar! FLY! Choose joy! help our unbelief Lord and allow us to dwell in You shalom today and soar! Thanks! Help us to train our brains to be fix upon You, Your Truth and to trust and follow You well. Come! Fill us with Your healing love and joy for this day. May we soar and draw others to you with our joy and perseverance! Thank You! Come! Carry us on Your wings! FLY! Amen!
ODB:
The God of Order
The earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:2 nrsv
READ Genesis 1:1-10
|
|
|
|
|
|
Seth took all the medications he could find in the medicine cabinet. Raised in a family filled with brokenness and disorder, his life was a mess. His mom was regularly abused by his father until his dad took his own life. Now Seth wanted to “just end” his own. But then a thought came to mind, Where do I go when I die? By God’s grace, Seth didn’t die that day. And in time, after studying the Bible with a friend, he received Jesus as his Savior. Part of what drew Seth to God was seeing the beauty and order in creation. He said, “I . . . see things that are just beautiful. Someone made all this.”
In Genesis 1, we read of the God who indeed created all things. And although “the earth was complete chaos” (v. 2 nrsv), He brought order out of disorder. He “separated the light from the darkness” (v. 4), placed land amid the seas (v. 10), and made plants and creatures according to their “kinds” (vv. 11-12, 21, 24-25). The One who “created the heavens and earth and put everything in place” (Isaiah 45:18 nlt) continues to, as Seth discovered, bring peace and order to lives surrendered to Christ.
Life can be chaotic and challenging. Praise God that He’s not “a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Let’s call out to Him today and ask Him to help us find the beauty and order He alone provides.
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
What chaos are you experiencing in your life? How can God help you bring order and peace to it?
Creator God, thank You for the peace and order You alone provide. In You, broken things become beautiful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Genesis (meaning “beginning” or “origin”) is attributed to Moses, along with the four Old Testament books that follow (known collectively as the Torah or Pentateuch). This Genesis narrative outlines the origin of the world, the human race, sin, and the Jewish people. Moses was well educated “in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22) and may have had access to Jacob’s records or other sources, along with the stories passed down through the generations. In the Pentateuch, we read that God instructed Moses to write down His words (Exodus 17:14; 34:27), and that he obeyed (24:4; Numbers 33:2; Deuteronomy 31:9). Throughout the Old Testament, others point to his authorship (1 Kings 2:3; 2 Chronicles 34:14). Jesus Himself refers to “the Book of Moses” (Mark 12:26). But Moses didn’t write on his own. He wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
Alyson Kieda |
|
|
|
|
|
Charles Stanley
UR: Acceptance
TWFYT:
Saturday, April 13 2024
Good Morning very loved, much forgiven, joy choosing, shalom revivers and bringers!
I could have been very stressed today as I slept almost 10 hours and am way behind my scheduled plans for today. BUT GOD! He is Lord of me and my day. Plus Fridays are my day off. I am choosing joy and to dwell in His shalom and just praising Him for so many things that I can't help but to have a right attitude, renewed thinking, shalom and can even joyfully dance through the rest of the day. PTL!
It's Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! What are you thankful about today? Keep building and using those gratitude lists. God is the God who brings His shalom to the chaos. PTL! We have and dwell in His shalom because of the work of Jesus on the cross. PTL! Shalom is more than peace. It's completeness, wholeness resting in God. We can know this shalom, even in all the chaos around us, the chaos of our sins and all that leads to guilt and estrangement from God. We can even know His shalom in the darkest valleys of grief. But like joy we have to choose it. Being able to begins with renewing our thinking, mindsets, and minds by praising, even in the storms. If you can't think about praising God right now, how about listing some things you enjoy doing and start there with thanking God for allowing you to do those things. There's a song link below for a song that sometimes doesn't make sense to us, "There's Always A Reason to Always Choose Joy". It may not always feel like that, but healing, restoration and shalom begin with choosing to praise in the storms and choosing joy always and to even smile some when we don't feel like it or aren't able to. And maybe God is sending you to help someone redirect and renew their minds by choosing joy despite the circumstances. Practicing that yourself is key to being ready to be used by God. He redeems and doesn't waste anything that He has allowed us to endure and grow through. Thank God for that!
Smile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15V2sXSJ8Co
Sometimes darkness endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning is the only promise we can cling to as we endure the darkness. The song above has a line that says to choose to dance...here's another song to help us redirect and even choose to dance in the storms and the deep waters. Joy Comes in the Morning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sGtUWzaJ3E
So pause today. Exhale all the junk, hurt, darkness. Breathe in a fresh breath of the Spirit and ask God to help you to praise Him in the storms and to choose joy. Maybe you will find yourself smiling a little, tapping a toe or maybe even dancing some as you renew your thinking and praise God. Thank God I'm Forgiven! Start there. Thank God He is with me always! Thank God for His help to choose joy and praise in the storms. Thank God for His promised shalom for the weary and downtrodden. Smile! Dance! Joy does come in the morning and even eventually through the mourning. Amen!
Below are our devos about this. If you are struggling right now, please reach out to one of us or a close friend to walk with you and God through the valley to His promised joy and shalom. And try to begin with some praise that renews the heart and mind. Shalom! We are praying for you and we are here. So is God! PTL!
Harvest Prayer Blog:
|
“So that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God.” (Genesis 28:21, ESV)
The sons of Isaac, Jacob and Esau often created situations that led to turmoil, both in their family and in their own lives. Deception, selfishness, lack of spiritual growth, and spiritual laziness often set brother against brother and drew their parents into places of conflict and confusion. Peace was not a big part of this family!
After Jacob’s amazing encounter with God at Bethel, his heart began to change. He sought peace with his family and his God. Even though it was going to be a long-term process, peace in Jacob’s life was now a priority for him.
That’s one of the key results of coming face-to-face with God. Walking in God’s presence daily is the essence of what we call revival. Revival that revolves around the presence of God produces peace!
Has peace been elusive for you? Whether in your family, your workplace, or in your own emotional life, is peace a missing element? So many struggle to find peace and yet find that it escapes them. Look at what happened with Jacob. He was far from a man of peace until he encountered God. The God of peace brings peace with him. When you seek him and encounter him, his peace begins to flood into your life. A life of continual seeking after the Lord brings a life of peace.
Peace is found in the Father’s lap. A funny story from my childhood illustrates that. I was just a little boy at a family reunion. I was walking along the edge of the house of the family we were visiting. At the corner, I walked right into the big, old family dog. He was bigger than I was and startled me. I began to run. Now I’m sure the dog was thinking that this boy was ready to play, so it came running after me.
This terrified me all the more. The only safe place I could think of was where my father was sitting in the front yard, full of relatives sitting in the shade. I hit the front yard running as fast as I could run with the dog at my heels. I saw my dad in his chair and launched myself in the air, landing right on his lap. The length of the leap might have grown with the telling through the years, but all I knew was that the only place of safety and peace was my father’s lap.
That’s true for our heavenly Father’s lap as well. We draw near to him and he draws near to us (see James 4:8). In his presence is peace. It is a peace that not only transforms our own lives, but also impacts those around us. We say with Jacob, “I come again to my father’s house in peace.”
Since peace is found in the Father’s house, it is essential for you to draw near daily and confess your need to dwell in God’s house.
Father, I come to you, the source of all peace. Your house is a place of peace and I come at your invitation to dwell in your house all the days of my life. Teach me to draw near each day, that your peace would pervade every aspect of my life.
--Adapted from Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God (A 30-Day Journey to Experience the Shalom of Jesus) by David Butts.
|
|
ODB:
God’s Agents of Peace
The Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11
READ Acts 21:27--22:2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nora went to the peaceful protest because she felt strongly about the issue of justice. As planned, the demonstration was silent. The protestors walked in powerful quietness through the downtown area.
Then two buses pulled up. Agitators had arrived from out of town. A riot soon broke out. Heartbroken, Nora left. It seemed their good intentions were fruitless.
When the apostle Paul visited the temple at Jerusalem, people who opposed Paul saw him there. They were “from the province of Asia” (Acts 21:27) and viewed Jesus as a threat to their way of life. Shouting lies and rumors about Paul, they quickly stirred up trouble (vv. 28-29). A mob dragged Paul from the temple and beat him. Soldiers came running.
As he was being arrested, Paul asked the Roman commander if he could address the crowd (vv. 37-38). When permission was granted, he spoke to the crowd in their own language, surprising them and seizing their attention (v. 40). And just like that, Paul had turned a riot into an opportunity to share his story of rescue from dead religion (22:2-21).
Some people love violence and division. Don’t lose heart. They will not win. God is looking for courageous believers to share His light and peace with our desperate world. What seems like a crisis might be your opportunity to show someone God’s love.
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
|
|
When have you been in a crisis that you couldn’t make sense of? How do you think the Holy Spirit might help you find the wisdom for what to do in that moment?
Father, my heart aches for our broken world. Help me realize Your Spirit’s presence is far more powerful than any attack the world can throw at me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When he had the opportunity, the apostle Paul told how he’d met Christ on the Damascus Road (see Acts 9). In today’s passage, he’d been wrongfully arrested and charged with crimes he didn’t commit. As a result, he tells his story yet again (22:3-21)—this time to a hostile crowd (v. 22). He’d repeat his story again in chapter 26 when standing before King Agrippa.
Bill Crowder |
|
|
|
|
|
UR: Hands and Feet
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Today’s scripture reading means the world to me. This passage helped me to realize that Jesus wants us to be his hands and feet.
I have found different ways to honor Christ through acts of service. Some years back, I began visiting a 94-year-old woman in a local nursing home every Wednesday. I found joy in hearing her talk about cooking on a wood-burning stove and other memories from her younger days. She went to be with Jesus at age 96. Now I help with our church’s food ministry. We give food to those in need and also make coffee at the church on Sunday mornings. I enjoy smiling, hugging people, and simply saying, “Good morning!”
There is always a need that can be met. You might volunteer at the hospital, drive someone to a doctor’s appointment, or send a birthday card to a church member. Even holding a door open for someone can be a way to serve Christ. We bless others with each act of service, and we are blessed as well when we honor Jesus with our hands and feet.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for allowing us to be your hands and feet. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Saturday, April 13 2024
Good Morning Patient, Forgiving, Loving, Co-Laborers! Maybe I should have listened better to the still small voice that said to skip writing a blog yesterday. I was tired, not feeling well, running late, frustrated, fixated on things that can't change and angry. Some felt yesterday's blog was a "spanking" or used as a bully pulpit. Please forgive me! I was stating facts but also some things that most of you have no knowledge of yet. I may have been running ahead of God as well and pushing my agendas instead of allowing Him to lead us--lead me. There may also be some Holy Spirit pinching for some of us too. Anyway, please forgive me and let us continue to work together and spur each other on to the good works God created us to do. Let us seek Him and listen, plan and plan to follow Him well together. He does have great plans for you and us together. That's where some of my frustration comes as I can see and taste some of what lies ahead and want it NOW! Some of the pushing is my old nature rearing its ugly head as I used to be running ahead of God all the time. Immature apostles tend to do that. Lord help me die to self, stay yoked to and moving with You! Help us all to stay connected to you and each other and following well. Forgive me for forcing things or trying to get my way. Help us all to die to self, take up cross daily and follow Jesus to our custom made purposes each day and all for your glory alone. Thank You! Amen!
Since I have been at the church, geez--is it around 10 years already?, during the summer Family Ministries went to a park for the summer beginning after Memorial Day until after the kids returned to school. There were no other indoor activities except Sunday worship until recently when we added the Clothing Closet and Bread Ministries. It has become increasingly hard to reach and connect to families and over the past few years have had lots of severe weather and vacations and sports to work around making it hard to have a consistent schedule with so few families. We will try some things again this summer but need to meet and plan and assess schedules. Think about this fact: trying to reach kids, we are trying to reach 3-6 generations of families that have been away and disconnected from church. Church and even Christians are irrelevant to them. The people God is connecting us to recently are those in the 40-60 age bracket that still have a remembrance of when everyone went to church and/or went to church regularly themselves in the past. ("Train a child in the way they should go"...they have a foundation to come back to). We have to be creative in reaching the next generations. But PTL! He is sending some of those we have been praying for from the 30-60 age bracket! How can we continue to connect to them and them to God? Two Peas in a Pod meals have been different days/evenings and usually shut down for the summer. That will be the case again this year. The past several years we have added a Wed. evening dinner huddle that has attracted 20+ typically to eat, fellowship, watch the Chosen or a video series and have discussions. (Half of these are not from our church yet) That group has always taken off for the summer. Last year we tried to meet once a month at a different community park to picnic and fellowship but ran into those severe weather conditions too often having to postpone or cancel. We may try that again this year? We have to pray, plan and asses yet over the next few weeks. We no longer do things like VBS because we don't have the people to run one well nor the kids to make it worthwhile. (When I led VBS at Trinity Boyertown we had 100 workers to reach 120 kids who were mostly from the church or grandkids of members) VBS ends up becoming like a Sunday school for our kids and maybe a few other church kids from the area but not an outreach. If someone would be interested in leading some kind of Bible study or ministry in the building during the summer, talk to us and gather a team to plan something. (Note: Mon evenings the building is rented to a Narcotics Anonymous group and the fellowship hall will not be available. However Room 102 and Al's old office are available and air conditioned).
We have seen God's hand of blessing upon us as we minister to neighbors with bread and clothing and have been connecting to some new members that are connecting to God and serving already. PTL! How can we find some new connection points this summer? Talk to us about some ideas we have or come up with your own. What do you normally do or where do you often go that you connect to others and how can we come alongside and encourage and spur on? OR it could be that God is saying take a healthy break for the summer like you have in the past. Sometimes it's good to take a healthy break. My concern and frustration arises about loosing momentum of what is working right now. But our servants are busy and tired and rest is a healthy rhythm from God. God does have really good plans for us that we need to pray into, discern, process and plan, even if that includes some rest for a season. So let us keep doing that and seek and follow well to God's best for us.
Here's the thing that we have to remember, we can have all kinds of good and better ideas, but we need to just focus on God's best. And He provides where He guides and that includes workers and funds. One of the things that gets me all bound up and frustrated is seeing all these cool ideas and feeling the pressure that I have to plan, lead and do them. BUT GOD! He said, I will provide where I am guiding and that includes workers, funds, and fair weather. Donald, I don't expect you to do it all. (Now I have to convince myself to let go of my expectations for His) Do what you can with what I've given, Donald. Do only what I have created, gifted and am sending you to do. We need to seek, discern and plan together to follow God to His best for you and us. That's the plan. What's God saying to you? Talk to us! Let us pray and plan together what God has prepared for us! Amen!
Yesterday, we had two opportunities for some awesome ministry and serving! :) Bread and donut day was amazing with over 60 being served and many hanging out discussing and praying. We even gave the leftover little Jesus' from Easter to those coming and reminded them that Jesus loves you. The people received them with joy and thanksgiving. As about a dozen or so of us were sitting around near the end, Chuck "miraculously" found the current Our Daily Bread sitting near by. He started reading that because Harry, who was praying for boldness as his word to work on last year to share boldly, encouraged him to start reading it and listening to God. Near the end of March, Chuck picked up the new April copy and said to me, "I peaked at April 1st. Wait until you read that! It's talking about St Matts". Yesterday, he read that to the group. WOW!!!! It touched so many of us, including Patrick that God is working on and we are praying for. Then we discussed it again last evening at huddle and assessed how God is speaking to us and the plans He has for us for small groups and to continue our Acts 2:42 type of ministries. Your call to ministry does not and probably will not be some big thing--just little steps of faith and obedience along the way to becoming more like Jesus. God uses that to bring His love, Word, and plans alive! Amen! The Bible verse used was Hebrews 10:19-25. I think it's appropriate to end with that today as we meditate and pray into God's summer plans for us. I will have our other devos including that one below. Let us continue to pray into meeting together, encouraging and spurring each other on and following God well to His plans for us to go and make disciples of Jesus together! Shalom!
Acts 2:42 (the foundation of our ministries that are flourishing right now as God sends and uses us) 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
and Hebrews 10:19-25: A call to persevere!
19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. [This part is speaking into the new way where we are all priests unto the Lord and Jesus is our intercessor taking our prayers to God. It's a call to bold praying and to persevere in earnest praying, seeking, processing and following!]
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. [This is the part that touched Chuck and us. God is at work in and through this new follower! PTL! Let us reason and process together for ways to motivate and spur on and encourage one another. Day light is burning! God has great plans for you and us! Amen! ]
The April 1st ODB speaks into the encouragement and growth that comes by worshiping and fellowshipping together. They ask, "Who needs your support and God's reassurance?" Pray into that and invite someone to join us whenever we gather and bring them along or meet them at one of our activities. Every recent new member was invited by one of us to come and see and check out what God is doing through us and experience His love. They have! PTL! Yes, God is at work! Let us continue to spur each other on! The closing prayer that day was: "Loving God, please help me not to give up meeting together with other believers, but to experience together Your peace and love." And I say Amen to that! May we all know God shalom and love and continue to encourage and work out our faith together earnestly. May we become more in '24! More like Jesus (less of me) and doing more of the things we are created to do--living and loving more like Jesus! Amen!
Upper Room: Small Gifts (we are all gifted according to how we are created to do good works and we find many small gifts from God along the way that lead to His using us. Amen!
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17 (NIV)
When I retired four years ago, I was given a small, round, handsewn cushion. I kept it on a chair, mainly for ornamental reasons. However, recently the cushion has become useful for me every day.
For the past two months I’ve been recovering from spinal decompression surgery. Sleep has been difficult due to the uncomfortable surgical wound in my lower back. When I was urged by my physiotherapist to place a pillow or cushion between my knees while sleeping, I suddenly remembered the gift of the small cushion and began using it as prescribed. Imagine my delight to find that the cushion helped me sleep virtually pain-free!
Our loving God gives us gifts each day — gifts we often don’t even recognize, let alone use. But the Bible is filled with accounts of our caring God providing gifts to so many people — the best example being the gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ! The gift of a small cushion has reawakened my discovery of the big and small gifts God gives us each and every day.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ and the many gifts you provide each day. Amen.TWFYT: May we choose to be doers of His Word! May we be like Chuck yesterday and incarnate (bring to life) God's Living Word to others! Amen!
Charles Stanley: We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us! Amen! What's your "All things" today? Let us choose to earnestly bring His Word and love alive!
Prayer Starters from Alvin VanDergrind: We talked about John 3:16 and First John 3:16 last evening...how cool for God to include that in our prayer time today! May we choose to die to self, take up cross daily and follow Jesus, at His pace, to His best, as we yoke to Him and learn to live and love more like Him! Amen!
|
|
LISTEN ONLINE
