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Friday, May 24 2024
Wagner's News below. (They visit us Sunday)
Pastor Don will be on vacation the next few days and a few days next week. Pray for Sarah as she covers for him. Blogs will be hit and miss next two weeks.
Good Morning Abiding, Choosing Well, Fruit Producers! Amen! Are you choosing well? Are you resting, abiding, dwelling in God's loving, restoring, informing presence? Are you working from rest or having no choice but to rest from work? God desires health for us-physical, emotional, financial and spiritual. He has healthy rhythms that lead to that and begin as we still ourselves and abide in His presence. Are you choosing well? I'm including today's and tomorrow's Charles Stanley devotions that speak into good choices and what God desires and enables in us. Be still and know and go live as an act of worship and obedience. Even when on vacation, Karen and I never neglect our quiet time with God. Sometimes in our busyness we need a reminder to slow down and abide. Please pray for us to realize that before God has to step in. Karen and have been sick the past two days. I don't think it's a result of over-busyness, just a stomach bug. However, we have chosen well to slow down and abide instead of pushing through busyness to get our agendas accomplished before vacation tomorrow. Appreciate prayers for good health and a fun day off for Karen's birthday tomorrow. Please pray I endure the heat well and bless her during our trip to Longwood. Thanks!
The Upper Room (below) reminds us that God will take care of us and promises to meet our needs. The question is, do we believe that and live as if it's true? Sometimes we have to catch ourselves when in the storms of life and turn to God by praising and worshiping. Are you humbling yourself and bowing before God as you recount all your many blessings? Keep building and using those gratitude list. Keep asking to be able to redirect your thinking and renewing your mind quicker by praising when storms begin. God will answer that prayer as you take every thought captive before Him and still yourself at His feet. Amen
The Word for You Today continues our teaching from Sunday and ties to today, Do you see the tie? Keep a clear conscience by listening to and obeying God and all those little Holy Spirit promptings along the way. Make sure your conscience is connected to God's heart by spending time with Him daily and make sure you are not chasing your own foolish ways. Turn off the noise and tune into God as you open His Word prayerfully and allow Him to inform your choices. Amen! Redirect. Abide. Reload. Then go.
I end with Dave Butts blog on the Lord's prayer. I noticed God drawing Sarah to use that Sunday and He's been leading me to it the past few weeks. It's a great model for how to pray and as we activate God's plans and bring His will alive in prayer and through our obedience. Come Jesus Come! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UViC6DllCeA
Abide as you prepare and follow, restore and regroup before the next move of God. See you soon! Shalom! God is with you and has great plans to discover that begin as you spend time at His feet. Amen! Come Jesus Come! Lead us to Your best ways and use us for Your glory. Amen!
CS: (2 days)
UR: Like A Bird
I know every mountain bird; even the insects in the fields are mine. - Psalm 50:11 (CEB)
When I suddenly became unemployed, I had no source of income and no immediate prospects. I watched my savings shrink and my dreams disappear. I sank into overwhelming debt. I would lie awake at night while visions of bills paraded through my mind.
One morning, I glanced bleary-eyed out the window where a tiny bird sang its cheery song then flitted on its way into the wind and rain. I marveled that such a delicate creature could sing and keep busy in spite of the perilous weather. “Let me be like that little bird, Lord,” I whispered, “who praises you in the midst of trouble.” Slowly my blessings filled my mind. I bowed my head to thank God for all I had. I realized worrying wasn’t improving my situation. Like the birds, I needed to keep moving, keep busy, and praise God for watching over me and working in my life.
Inspired by the bird, I kept my focus on praising God rather than allowing worry to keep me from worship. I didn’t want to waste my life worrying about my financial state when I could be living my life for God. I took action to change my outlook. I talked to my pastor about doing volunteer work instead of giving money. Financial help slowly came, but those days gave me wealth in new friends, new skills, and a stronger faith in God.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Father, show us how to praise you with our hearts and actions each day. Amen.TWFYT
Dave's Blog
BRINGING HEAVEN TO EARTH
by Dave Butts
No matter how long I teach on prayer, I don’t think I’ll ever plumb the depths of the teaching of Jesus on prayer through what we call The Lord’s Prayer. In its simplicity it is packed with practical guidance for effective prayer. I believe that the focus of this prayer is the heart of Jesus’ other teaching as well…the Kingdom. Jesus’ lifestyle and teaching focused on the Kingdom of God. So it shouldn’t surprise us that when he teaches on prayer, he points us to pray about the Kingdom.
“Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Those simple, familiar words should both motivate and populate our prayers. As I hear those words I am motivated to pray for the advance and eventual triumph of the Kingdom of God over all other pretenders. I know I will someday see Jesus crowned as King of kings and Lord of lords, and I want to see Him acknowledged as such in the here and now of everyday life. I long to see all of creation begin to understand what it means for Jesus to be Lord.
As Kingdom praying begins to dominate my daily prayer life, I find that I have shifted from the “gimme” prayers that used to be pervasive, to a deeper desire for what pleases the Lord. The prayers seem to be “bigger” and less selfish. Even if the prayers deal with my own needs, they are now couched in yearnings that deal with Kingdom values.
Perhaps a good place to begin is to ask the Lord what is happening in heaven that He wants to see occur on earth. That is, after all, the way he phrased this prayer for us. From Scripture it appears that heaven is most of all, a place that is overwhelmed by an awareness of the Presence of God. The continual worship seen in heaven is the natural response to the Presence of God. Praying for an increased awareness of His Presence brings heaven to earth and can result in an amazing revival for the Church!
Harvest Prayer Starter:
- Praise God as the one from whom all things have come; praise him as the one to whom you are going when you are called home.
- Thank God that your relationship with him extends beyond this life.
- Confess the times when your focus has been only on physical needs, not God’s eternal purpose for you (Mt. 6:33).
- Commit yourself to seeking God’s will for you and to hearing the voice of his Spirit through the preaching of the Word.
- Ask God to reveal himself to you in his splendor and glory.
- Pray for those preachers in other countries who must serve eight or ten churches at a time. Ask God to give them strength and to provide lay leaders who can minister in their absence.
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| Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. |
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Wagner's news:
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Greetings Friends,
As we started writing, we realized that we had a lot to share…too much for a single email or blog. So, this update will be focused on ministry related news and the next one (in just a few days) will focus on personal news. Here’s what you will find in this message:
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- RVA Update – flooding and staffing needs
- Prayer Cards and Missions Resources – help you and your church expand visions for missions
- Travel Schedule – where we will be and when over the next couple of months
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Our staffing needs are being filled as God continues to faithfully provide. He always seems to provide exactly who is needed, often exactly when they are needed. There are still a few holes to fill…primarily high school girls’ dorm parents…some for the entire school year and one couple for just first term…late August through late November. PRAY that who God wants as dorm parents will become clear to everyone.
Thank you to those who contributed to relief for the flood victims. The rains have slowed in Kenya but it is still the normal rainy season. With the ground already over-saturated, even the normal rains can cause severe problems. Continue to PRAY for those whose lives have been devastated by the rains and for the rains to continue to subside. |
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| Prayer Cards and Missions Resources |
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We did have new prayer cards printed in February. If would like a prayer card or several, please message us with your address and we will mail them to you. We will also be at the EC National Conference this week and will bring lots of prayer cards for churches.
We also have a blog site that has links for lots of great missions’ resources. There are videos, books and even a 5-session course on missions. We periodically update these links as we find high quality resources that can be used for building vision for missions in your churches. This is also a location where we post current prayer requests along with past updates. |
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| Our time in the States for home assignment is rapidly coming to a close. We have a few more churches we will be visiting and places we will be. We would love to see you! |
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Thursday, May 23 – EC National Conference, Messiah University
Sunday, May 26 – St. Matthew’s EC Church in Emmaus, PA
Saturday, June 1 – Twin Pines Camp in the Poconos
Sunday, June 2 – Bethany EC Church in Tamaqua, PA
Mid-June Brian will be in Kansas City, MO for AP Reading
Missy will be in Myrtle Beach, SC and Minneapolis, MN
June 24-27 – Brian will be facilitating an AP Calculus APSI in Columbus, OH
Sunday, June 30 – Rexmont EC Church in Cornwall, PA
Mid-July Coastal North Carolina
Thursday, August 8 – Returning to Kenya!! |
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Thank you so much for your prayers! You are appreciated.
In His Service,
Brian & Missy |
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Friday, May 24 2024
Worship at 10 with Children's Church. Live in person and in living color on Zoom!
We received word that Hal Scanlin stepped into Jesus' arms last evening. His race has been run well. Let us keep Joan, Lenore and the whole family in our prayers.
Chris Muik has returned home to heal. Keep he and Yvonne in your prayers for healing, patience in the process, Provision and shalom.
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Good Morning Worshipers! Everything we do can be an act of worship, if done as for the Lord! May it be so Lord! Amen! Prepare your hearts to enter His court with thanksgiving and praise and continue to prepare yourself and all you do as an act of worship. Remember as Romans 12:1 reminds us, these bodies are God's temple--His dwelling place. May He find them worthy of His presence and thank God for His forgiving, cleansing love!
Many churches and denominations have strayed from God and His Word and Way. They have become more like the world and being about scratching "itchy ears" than living to truly bless and honor God. Forgive us Lord for anything we do that leads us or others from You, Your Truth and Your true Way! May we always be about You, Your business and doing what we are created to do as an act of true worship. May we honor You always and live and love more like Jesus everyday. May we become an act of worship in all we think, say and do individually and as your Body. Bless the EC denomination as they gather this week for National Conference and always as a denomination that stands firm in You, Your Word and Way. Thank You. Bless Kathy as she represents us. Bless our leaders. May they be men and women after Your own heart and led by the Holy Spirit to Your best. Revive us and may we become a true dynamic movement of Yours. Thanks! Amen!
Check out our devos below and sit at Jesus' feet and listen, receive and prepare your heart to follow Jesus well. What's He saying to you? Who are you processing with? What are you doing about what He's led you to? He has some great custom made plans for you and us as His gathered body! Amen! May we worship and follow well and go make Christ known and make disciples of Jesus! May we become His House of Prayer for the Nations! May the Holy Spirit always guide us and may we allow Him to use and speak through us, even when we don't know what to do or say. May nothing hinder us from becoming all God created us to be and doing what we are created to do. May we always be a sweet aroma to God as we stand firm and persevere in faith. Amen
TWFYT
ODB:
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A love for God and for people undergirds Kathryn’s Bible translating work. She rejoices when women in India come to a deeper understanding of Scripture, reading it in their mother tongue. She remarks that when they do, “They often start cheering or clapping. They read about Jesus, and they say, ‘Oh, wonderful!’ ”
Kathryn longs for more people to read the Scriptures in their own language. In this desire, she holds close to her heart the vision of the aging disciple John on the island of Patmos. Through the Spirit, God ushered him into the throne room of heaven, where he saw “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9). All together they worshiped God, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God” (v. 10).
God continues to add to the great number of people praising Him. He uses not only the work of Bible translators and those praying for them, but also those who reach out to their neighbors in love with the good news of Jesus. We can rejoice in this joyful mission, marveling at how God will spark more people to join with the angels in saying, “Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever” (v. 12).
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
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How do you see God spurring on people to praise and honor Him? How might He invite you to join in His mission of spreading the good news of Jesus?
Saving God, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Please help me to share Your wonderful love with others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Revelation (in Greek apokalypsis) is considered apocalyptic literature—a term which today is often used to describe literature that portrays the end of the world. This is due to the graphic imagery of the prophecies contained in Revelation. However, apokalypsis means “to reveal, to unveil something that has been hidden.” Primarily, the book of Revelation isn’t about the end of the world; it’s about Jesus, who’s referred to as “the Lamb” (see 5:6-13; 7:9-17). This description also appears in John’s gospel: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (1:29); “Look, the Lamb of God!” (v. 36).
Bill Crowder |
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UR: Our Advocate
The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26 (NRSVUE)
As I was reading about this verse in a Bible commentary, the word advocate jumped off the page. My mind went to the definition of a special education advocate. This type of advocate assists parents and teachers with developing a child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help them succeed in their schoolwork.
I recalled the time when my husband and I asked a friend, who is a special education teacher, to be our child’s advocate in an IEP meeting we attended several years ago. I felt an overwhelming peace knowing someone was there to support us when we weren’t sure what to say.
Looking back at this experience, I think about how God has given us the Holy Spirit as an advocate. We can come to God in prayer even with a burden that feels so big to us that we don’t know what to say, and our heavenly advocate will present our requests to God. The more I learn about God, the more I realize how amazing God is.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for providing the Holy Spirit as an advocate to support us when we don’t have the words to say. Amen.
CS:
Saturday, May 18 2024
I'm baaaack! My cardioversion was a success. PTL! Thank you all for your prayers and encouragements! I must be back to normal as I am so rested and God awoke me at 3 to come chat and write. At least yesterday and so far today, I feel great and ready to get back at it! PTL!
Today is the last day for the Clothing Closet until Aug 17. Pray for them to serve well today and to refresh in the weeks ahead. Pray for leaders and workers for this ministry to be raised up by God.
Tomorrow is worship with Children's Church at 10. Next Sunday is our last Children's Church until Sept. Pray for Children's Church volunteers to be raised up by God. In the fall CC will be for 12 and under only. If you are interested, let us know so you can get clearances and training.
June 2nd is our next new member installation day and our vote on AC for fellowship Hall.
June 9th at 10:30 at Community Park is our church picnic with worship
Pastor Don will be on vacation off and on the next two weeks, if he can't be reached please reach out to Sarah who will be overseeing things while he is off. Thanks Sarah!
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Good Morning Praying Friends Who Know Christ and Make Him Known! AMEN! Our EC motto is to know Christ and make Him known. How's that going for you? How are we doing as Christ's Body with that? Our vision statement is to become a dynamic movement of God led by us who have a burning passion for God and missionary zeal to reach the lost. We are on our way to this! PTL! Everything we do of importance and value, including getting to know Christ and making Him known, is birthed and sustained through prayer. Revival begins when one person prays earnestly. Check out our devotionals and blogs below tying this all together. Keep praying and getting to know God more so that will overflow to revival and others getting to know Him. That's how making disciples in the way of Jesus works too. Pray, receive, listen, process, plan and follow well today. Amen!
The Word for You Today begins with teaching us about how to know God. That is the beginning of true life and finding our purposes in life. We can know all about God but until we really get to know Him life is meaningless. We are His created masterpieces, made new in Christ, to do all the things He created us to do. (Eph. 2:10) It only makes sense to have a relationship with the One who made us. He teaches, gifts, empowers and directs our steps. When we stop relying on self and focus on Him and our relationship and through prayer too all that falls into place. Charles Stanley then reminds us about the importance of knowing His ways, as well as, knowing Him in all his faceted existence. He is--well--Everything! Creator, Sustainer, Shepherd, Helper, Leader, Source, Protector, Provider, Friend and so much more. Dwell in some of these today and worship as you prepare to follow His ways. One of my continual prayers is for me and us to come to know and follow THE Way. Jesus is the Way! His ways are best and He has a way just for you to follow! How cool is that! Get to really know Him and His ways and you will be well on your way to bringing Him to life to others and fulfilling your purposes too. And then check our Our Daily Bread. You are called and equipped and as you get to know Him and His ways, He will lead, teach, empower and use you and your abilities and talents to fulfill your purposes. PTL! Right? He has great plans for you! And the Upper Room reminds us that He always wants to lead in the right paths. As we persevere in surrendering and following Him well in faith He will lead us and perfect us as He uses us well, just as we are created.
Man, can life in Christ get any better? The world has no idea what joy and life satisfaction they are missing out on! Who do you see God drawing and what will you do to make Him and His ways known?
I am so thankful that God redeemed me and made me new and keeps growing me to fulfill why He created me! There is much joy in that and in helping others to get to know Him, their purposes and to step into His ways. Let us commit to keep working at this together as we go, make disciple and teach them all about Him and His ways and what a real relationship with God is all about. We are gathered as His Good News Delivery Co and will become His disciple making center as we get to know and make Jesus and His ways known. Amen! So be it Lord! Come! Fill us, transform us and use us as we birth and sustain all this in prayer and follow You. Amen. Only you can do what you are created to do and that grows and changes as you mature and persevere in your faith and your race throughout life. You were made for such a time as this! Rejoice and keep at it! Day Light is burning! God is with you! Enjoy the ride!
TWFYT:
CS:
ODB:
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“Your job for the international book expo,” my boss informed me, “is to organize an onsite radio broadcast.” I felt fear because this was new territory for me. God, I’ve never done anything like this, I prayed. Please help me.
God provided resources and people to guide me: experienced technicians and broadcasters, plus reminders during the expo of details I’d overlooked. In retrospect, I know that the broadcast went well because He knew what was needed and prompted me to use the skills He’d already given me.
When God calls us to a task, He also equips us for it. When He assigned Bezalel to work on the tabernacle, Bezalel was already a skilled craftsman. God further equipped him by filling him with His Spirit and with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of skills (Exodus 31:3). God also gave him an assistant in Oholiab, as well as a skilled workforce (v. 6). With His enablement, the team designed and made the tent, its furnishings, and the priests’ garments. These were instrumental in the Israelites’ proper worship of God (vv. 7-11).
Bezalel means “in the shadow [protection] of God.” The craftsman worked on the project of a lifetime under God’s protection, power, and provision. Let’s courageously obey His prompting as we carry out a task to completion. He knows what we need, and how and when to give it.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
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What task is God calling you to carry out? In what areas can you pray for His guidance?
Father, thank You for equipping me with all that I need.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Exodus 35–38 gives specific instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and all its furnishings. In today’s passage (31:1-11), we read that God equipped specific people to carry out this important and detailed work. God filled Bezalel with “the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (v. 3). He also equipped Oholiab to assist him (v. 6). In addition to being given technical skills, Bezalel and Oholiab were to teach others how to do the work (35:30-35). God equipped all with what was needed to accomplish the task (36:1).
J.R. Hudberg |
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UR:
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
“Don’t take your eyes off the path; that’s the best way to ensure you’ll be safe,” our guide told us as we walked 45 minutes toward our destination. The path was indeed quite uneven. At the end of the excursion, I was one of the few who did not suffer any incident along the way. I accomplished the feat because I followed the instructions closely.
The guide’s simple directions reminded me of today’s scripture in Hebrews about “fixing our eyes on Jesus.” This brief instruction invites us to keep our eyes on the right path — the path God laid out for us in Jesus Christ.
The journey of life is full of difficulties, distractions, and “easy outs” that promise to lighten our burdens. But there is only one true path — the way of Jesus. He can guide our footsteps, fill us with purpose, and offer us eternal life.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Merciful God, thank you for being our source of hope, peace, and eternal love. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we join in the prayer he taught us: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.
Harvest Prayer Blog:
May 18 - Walking in the Presence of God
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Prayer is the key to God’s presence and power resting on our lives and the lives of others. Prayer is always the precursor to revival. Can you imagine God bringing revival to a prayerless people? Spiritual awakening can always be traced back to the mercy of God in response to some praying individual or group.
Prayerlessness is the worst sin because it is the highest indication of pride. A day without prayer is a day we’ve told God we can live without Him. It speaks of a lack of trust and the vain work of human ability alone. How can we hope to know God’s agenda? Lead people where they need to go? Give them what God is saying? See God’s power resting on those we are called to lead? See real life change in us and others?
Paul says we must “pray without ceasing.” I long for that continuity. It is my great prayer that those three words would someday be said of me. That people would remark, “Well, he is not this nor that, but he prays all the time. Our pastor walks in the presence of the Lord. He constantly breathes the oxygen of heaven … and he leads us there. And when he says something or leads us somewhere, we know it is initiated by God.”
If you are not good at prayer, cry out. Pray until you are a better intercessor. Get around people who pray. Find a regular, weekly prayer partner and learn together. Call together a dozen people and work diligently at your most important task. Read books on prayer. Study and memorize the prayers of the Scripture, which will dramatically help you in your praying.
If you are desperate for prayer, God will exponentially help you in your pursuit. He knows that prayerlessness is the one weakness you cannot afford as you love and lead people for whom He died.
Father, I want to breathe in the oxygen of heaven every moment of my life! Teach me how to intercede continually and strengthen my life of prayer in ways that bring You glory! Keep me from prayerlessness and help me to encourage and teach others how to pray so that You will be pleased to pour out revival in the midst of Your people!
---Adapted from Prayer with No Intermission by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.
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- Praise God as your faithful Creator and Re-creator in Christ.
- Give thanks that you can “participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (1 Pet. 4:13).
- Confess the times in which you have shirked responsibility by failing to speak or act for Christ.
- Commit yourself to living up to the weighty name “Christian.”
- Ask that you will never “repay evil with evil or insult with insult” (1 Pet. 3:9).
- Pray for people who are experiencing the effects of natural disasters. Pray that they will feel the closeness of God even in the turmoil, and that relief will be offered to them in Jesus’ name.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here. |
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Saturday, May 18 2024
Next new member installation Sun June 2nd during worship. See pastor Don or Sarah for more info. June 2nd is also congregational meeting and vote after worship about AC in fellowship hall
FYI: No Blog tomorrow as I will be leaving early for outpatient heart surgery (cardioversion=shocking AFBIB back into rhythm). I covet your prayers! Thanks Gail for leading prayer with bread gals over me yesterday! That means a lot! For some reason I have these thoughts that tomorrow may be the end for me. I know I'm overmedicated and not thinking clearly lately. But many of you know from experience how easy it is to get all twisted up in your own thinking sometimes. I trust God and the docs and staff. This is a common and easy procedure. And if by some strange chance something happens, you know where I'll be and I'll be waiting for you, so rejoice! Joy comes in the morning! Turn off that noise and step into God's shalom, Donald! Amen!
OKAY! Enough of that foolishness, but these are my journal entries and I document my heart in many of them. I will be splitting my last week of vacation, before the July 1st reloading, over the next two weeks so blogs will be hit and miss the next two weeks. Know I am spending time with God and praying for you and I'll share when I am home and not on vacation. Plus we are celebrating Karen's birthday too! (How blessed I am that God brought us together and that she gave herself to me! What was she thinking? It had to be from God! Thanks Lord! I am soooo blessed!)
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Good Morning Friends! One of my most frequent prayer requests is for our church to become a House of Prayer (HOP) for the Nations. We are moving towards that! PTL! One of our focuses needs to be on loving all people that God loves well. Living and loving like Jesus is our goal. Check out Harvest Prayer blog about that below and pray to love and make disciples like Jesus. He was a friend of sinners and some very unreligious church outsiders. We are welcoming all kinds of people to our giving ministries (bread and clothing) and our fellowship meals on Wednesdays. Some are feeling comfortable enough with us and getting to know we are not judgmental, legalistic Pharisee-types that they are joining worship and the church too. Keep at it and keep praying into our growing as a HOP for the Nations and many to be drawn to God's accepting love. Thank God for what He's been doing, is doing and will do! PTL!
One of my daily prayer requests is that we start and develop small group ministry all over the place--houses, dinners, neighborhoods, maybe even in the building. How is God stirring you to that? I keep getting all kinds of ideas and people keep coming to mind to invite to a small group. Who are your people of peace that God is drawing together? Will you do something about it? Is this the summer God fires us up to do this? Talk to Him about it and share what you are hearing and feeling. Ask for His heart and mind and willing hands and feet.
One of my prayer requests for the past several years is that we learn to turn off the noise and chaos all around us and even in our heads and spend more time with God and in His Living Word filling our minds with His love, wisdom and truth. How's that going? I sometimes struggle but as I pray to and ask to be made aware quicker when I am failing, God helps me catch myself much sooner and I am able to redirect my thinking and focus on Him better. PTL! It helps to be saturated in His Word and familiar with His voice to catch yourself quicker. It also conditions us to knowing when He is at work and inviting us to join Him. Just like Gail did yesterday when she stepped out of comfort zone and led prayer over me. Keep focused on God and tune out the noise. And we all have experienced that noise. How are you doing at redirecting your thinking and renewing your mind? Check out Charles Stanley's reminder about who you allow to speak into your life and The Word for You Today's reminder to be like Bereans and check all things I say and others say against Biblical truth. God is speaking to you all the time and has great plans for you. Stay focused on Him and working with like-minded believers to achieve all He has planned for you and us. Amen!
One last thought...will God carry on this work without me? If something would happen to me, would you guys continue the good works He has started? We all need to be developing our replacement and that comes through disciple making small groups. Jesus had 12 in His small group and since we aren't Jesus, our groups will probably be much smaller but He promises they can be as effective as He fills us and leads us and uses us. Pastor All paved the way at St. Matts, trained and released me to carry on and God keeps expanding that work that started at least ten years ago. Will it continue through me and you? We all have a role to play in His Good News Delivery and Disciple Making Co. What's yours? What are you doing about it? What can you share that we can celebrate as God uses you and works through you and all around you? We need to celebrate! That encourages us as we see that this is all really working and it motivates us to carry on. Amen!
That's all from the heart today. It is also what I am discerning from God that He has for us. What's God saying to you? Let's talk, pray and process together as we make plans to move from adding disciples to multiply them....from Emmaus to the Lehigh Valley, to the world! Amen! God is on the move!
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Harvest Prayer:
May 16 - Refuse to Judge by Appearances
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Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment. (John 7:24)
We Christians quickly dispute any notion that we are as judgmental as the world claims, but if we take an honest look at our lives, what do we see? Are we only comfortable with those who share our culture? Are we quick to look down our noses at anyone who holds a different political view than ours? Do whole groups of Christians whose worship looks unlike ours make us squirm? It seems that we have taken our preferences and our assumptions based on outward appearance to a level that would mirror idolatry. We desire our comfort and our opinions more than we want to see Jesus worshiped and his love shared with the entire world. The book of John tells us that Jesus died because God so loved the world. What prejudices and preferences can we put aside to share the gospel? If Jesus truly died for everyone and his love is available to anyone, how can we possibly see that one we judge through any eyes but his? We must ask Jesus to give us his eyes to see and his heart to love all for whom he died.
Precious Jesus, we love you. Because we love you, we want you to teach us to love all whom you love. Thank you for dying on the cross for us, and also for those we judge. We repent of selfishness, fear, and prejudice of every kind. Please forgive us for the pride that convinces us that we know the deepest part and ultimate destiny of every individual. Only you know the plans you have for those you have created. Only you know how to bring us all to the purpose for which we were made. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts that we may live with a hope not only for ourselves but for those around us. Help us to trust your power to bring about the work you have for all of your people. Show us how to help those who are weak, encourage the strong and love everyone. There is no way we can do any of this on our own. Fill us with your Spirit today so we may believe you for your work of unity in our community. Strengthen us so we may fight for the oppressed and forgive the oppressor. Give us patience and endurance to believe when the change we all need is slow in coming. Give us love to cover the sins that so easily entangle us all; give us hope to believe that you are working a mighty plan of restoration in our lives. We love you, Jesus. Show us how to love our brothers and sisters, in 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.
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- Praise the Lord, your Savior and your God.
- Thank God for the hope that he gives to you and for the fact that he never forgets you.
- Confess all the desires which you have that crowd out your desire for God himself.
- Commit your soul to panting after God “as the deer pants for streams of water” (Ps. 42:1).
- Ask that you will “delight yourself in the LORD and [that he will give] you the desires of your heart” (Ps. 37:4).
- Ask God to cause your friends and family to have a deep thirst for him, and to allow nothing else to quench that thirst.
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Saturday, May 18 2024
Just a quick Thank God I'm Forgiven blog before I leave for procedure.
God loves and pursues you and you are forgiven and will be with Him forever. Meditate on the below devos and blogs today and thanks God for all His many blessing! I have great pace and God is in control! Thanks for all the prayers and encouragements! See you soon! Shalom!
Harvest Prayer Blogs:
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So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (Romans 8:6, NLT)
When you read the above passage from Romans, it seems like a very clear and easy choice. Death . . . or life and peace. But when it comes to practical choices, in the middle of the stressful seasons of life, it isn’t that clear. Christians who don’t want to let the sinful nature control their minds can find that happening, often without realizing it. When peace seems to be elusive, it’s a good bet that the Spirit is not in control of our minds.
Trusting the Holy Spirit to deal with circumstances beyond our control can be very freeing and can bring rest and peace into our souls.
There is a key word in Romans 8:6 that appears twice: “letting.” It is used in the context of allowing either your sinful nature or the Spirit to control your mind. The clear implication of Scripture is that you get to choose who will control your mind. The result of your choice will be either death or life and peace. This isn’t a small choice but something that can forever change the direction of your life.
Sometimes, when life is out of control, we can so easily forget to relinquish our desire to seize control rather than trust God to bring his “rightness” to our circumstances. We feel compelled and overwhelmed and as a result, we forget to choose that which brings life and peace. When we decide instead to let the Spirit control our minds, we are able to lay aside the anxieties of life and choose God’s peace. On a very practical level, perhaps the easiest way to do this is simply to ask the Lord for his help.
Lord, help me today to let your Spirit control my mind. It is so easy for me to step in and try to fix or control things that are beyond me. My trust is in you. I choose to let you control my thoughts and desires today and each day 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. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise God as the master even of the grave.
- Thank the Father that “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20).
- Confess your failure to place your life and death fully in the hands of the risen Christ.
- Commit yourself to standing firm in the victory which Christ has achieved over sin and death and hell.
- Ask that you will “know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (15:58), and so work with extra fervor.
- Pray that the people of your congregation will become well-grounded in the basics of the Scriptures, and that they will faithfully live their beliefs.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here. |
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ODB:
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My friend Joann passed away from a stroke just as the coronavirus began to spread in 2020. At first her family published that her memorial service would be at her church, but then it was determined it was best to hold it at a funeral home to control the size of the group attending. The new notice online read: Joann Warners—Changed Venue.
Yes, her venue had changed! She’d gone from the venue of earth to the venue of heaven. God changed her life years before, and she lovingly served Him for nearly fifty years. Even while she lay near death in the hospital, she asked about others she loved who were struggling. Now she’s present with Him; she has changed venues.
The apostle Paul had the desire to be with Christ in another venue (2 Corinthians 5:8), but he also felt it would be better for the people he served for him to remain on earth. He wrote to the Philippians, “It is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:24). When we grieve for someone like Joann, we may cry out to God something similar: They’re needed here by me and many others they loved and served. But God knows the best timing for their change of venue and our own.
In the Spirit’s strength, we now “make it our goal to please [God]” (2 Corinthians 5:9) until we see Him face-to-face—which will be far better.
By Anne Cetas
REFLECT & PRAY
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In what ways are you revealing your love for God and others where you are right now? How might you serve Him today?
I give myself anew to You, God. Please fill me with Your Spirit of love and make my life count for You.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1) is the destination of “those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27), those who by faith have received Jesus as their Savior. In that wonderful place, there will be no more tears, death, mourning, crying, or pain (v. 4). Heaven is where God dwells (1 Kings 8:39, 43, 49; Psalm 33:13-14). When He was on earth, Jesus confirmed this to be true. He stated He came from heaven (John 3:13; 6:33, 51) and would return there (14:2), where He would be seated at the right hand of God (Luke 22:69; Hebrews 12:2). After He ascended, two angels reminded His disciples that Christ would one day return to earth from heaven (Acts 1:6-11). When believers die, they’re eternally in the presence of God!
Alyson Kieda |
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UR:
Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 (NIV)
On a recent family trip to Florida, we had a week of beautiful weather. But then the governor declared a statewide emergency because Hurricane Ian was on its way. I could feel my anxiety level rising. People who lived in the area began to talk of evacuation before the storm’s predicted arrival in three days. I was thankful we were leaving that day and would be long gone before the storm arrived. But I wondered, What must it be like for people who live here permanently to be in a constant state of anxiety during the hurricane season?
I live far from tornado and hurricane zones. But at the same time, life has many “storms” waiting in the wings most of the time. We get news of the latest calamity. Famines, floods, and fires fill the television screen. Will we have enough water, food, or even money in the future? But Jesus reminds us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We too can be overcomers when we give our worry and fear to God (see 1 Pet. 5:7). Doing so, we can live in peace, trusting that whatever happens God will guide, comfort, and strengthen us hour by hour, day by day.
TODAY'S PRAYER
O Lord, help us to live without fear, knowing that though storms will come, you are with us. Amen.
Saturday, May 18 2024
*** Bread Ministry today 10-12 NO Huddle tonight***
Pray for Sarah for health and legs as her an Neen prepare to head to the woman's retreat at twin Pines shortly. Pray for all the woman to be drawn close to God and dwell in His pursuing love.
Pray for Christ Muik as he needs more foot surgery today. Pray for Surgeon and staff to get everything right and for shalom and provision for he and Yvonne.
Pray for Karen's mom, Kay, for her biopsy Fri and for peace in the waiting and for good results
Pray for me for health and for cardioversion to work on Fri. and for my a fib to stop and me to be able to get off meds. They are really messing with me physically and mentally.
Pray for all of us to see and follow God well and to allow Jesus to be our Lord and Shepherd. Ask for help to purge the bad, good and better things and to focus on God's best for you and others.
Pray for our National Conference next week and for Kathy as she represents us as our Lay Delegate.
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Good Morning Surrendered, Faithful, Praying, Communing, Growing in Relationship, Followers of the Way! Amen! How are those things going with you? Who do you have in your life that has permission to speak truth into you, pray for you, help you? Pray for some close co-laborers to travel this journey to Christ and Christlikeness with. Commit to seeking God's best and helping and encouraging each other to it. Start pronouncing these good things over yourself, your friends and our church.
I really am earnestly praying for and seeking a few men to be prayer partners, encouragers, processors, and accountability partners. I need that. We all do. Men with men and women with women. Iron sharpens iron. Are you sensing God's call to that too? Talk to some close trusted friends. Talk to Sarah or me and let us earnestly seek to do this as it is part of God's best and healthy way for us. Maybe start lite by just getting a few friends together to try some out activity this summer like hanging at Rita's or with neighbors. Keep asking God to grow this. Watch what he's doing and join in.
Check out our devos below beginning with the Upper Room's Faith of a Farmer. Do you have that kind of faith? Who is helping you grow into it? How about The Word for You Today's reminder of the blessing of unanswered prayers? Ask God to grow us in paying attention to His perfect will, not ours, and to have His heart and mind for prayer and ministry daily. Then there's Our Daily Bread's reminder about the lies we believe as Satan sows into our hearts. Man, turn off that noise and tune into God. He's speaking truth in love over you and has great plans for you. Focus! And the Charles Stanley reminds us of the hindrances of self-will. Not my will Father, but Yours! Help me Lord to die to self, take up cross and agape love like Jesus as I follow Him. Amen! Finally spend some time meditating on and praying though the Harvest Prayer stuff. God is speaking to you--right now! Yes you! What's He saying? What will you do about it? Who are your partners on this journey? Keep seeking, knocking, asking, receiving and following well! God is with you always and working all things together (including you and your helpers) for His best. Amen! Go and grow in Christ as you live and love more like Him today! And lift those praises for all He's doing and about to do. PTL! Hallelujah and Amen! Keep sowing and fertilizing in prayer and actions!
UR: Faith of a Farmer
Therefore, brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the coming of the Lord. Consider the farmer who waits patiently for the coming of rain in the fall and spring, looking forward to the precious fruit of the earth. - James 5:7 (CEB)
A few white clouds drifted in a blue sky over the Smoky Mountains. In the distance I could see a farmer on a tractor, tilling the field for planting. The farmer could not know what the weather would bring or whether the seeds would produce a bountiful crop. Yet, undaunted, the farmer has faith that the seeds will produce an abundant crop and prepares the land.
The words from James quoted above came to mind. As followers of Christ, our witness is like the seeds a farmer plants. We don’t know how well our seeds will grow or whether they will bear fruit. But like a farmer who returns each spring to plant once again, we must have faith that some of our seeds will land on good ground and produce a harvest that will bear much fruit for the kingdom of God.
I pray my faith remains as strong as that of a farmer and that my witness will bring an abundant harvest.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, guide us through the day so that we hear your word and through our actions become witnesses of your goodness to others. Amen.
TWFYT:
ODB:
Adolf Hitler believed big lies were more powerful than small ones, and, tragically, he tested his theory successfully. Early in his political career, he claimed he was content to support others’ aspirations. When he came to power, he said his party didn’t intend to persecute anyone. Later, he used the media to portray himself as a father figure and moral leader.
Satan uses lies to gain power in our lives. Whenever possible, he provokes fear, anger, and despair because he’s “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan can’t tell the truth because, as Jesus said, he doesn’t have any truth inside of him.
Here are a few of the enemy’s lies. First, our prayers don’t matter. Not true. The Bible says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Second, when we’re in trouble, there’s no way out. Wrong again. “All things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27), and “he will also provide a way out” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Third, God doesn’t love us. That's false. Nothing can “separate us” from God’s love through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).
God’s truth is more powerful than lies. If we obey Jesus’ teaching in His strength, then we “will know the truth,” reject what’s false, and “the truth will set [us] free” (John 8:31-32).
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
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What are some lies you’re likely to believe? How might God want you to refresh your mind with His truth?
Dear Jesus, You’re the way, the truth, and the life. Please show me lies I’ve believed and help me to cling to the truth I read in the Bible.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In today’s passage, Jesus unequivocally declares that Satan is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan (also known as the devil, the enemy, the thief, the evil one, the tempter) is in direct opposition to Jesus, “the truth” who sets us free (v. 32). Satan has “no truth in him” (v. 44), but Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (14:6). In the last hours before His crucifixion, as Jesus stood before Pilate, He stated: “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth” (18:37). Jesus came to earth to declare the truth about Himself, to explain the Father to us, and to expose the truth about ourselves, as He did with the Samaritan woman at the well (ch. 4). While Satan “[came] only to steal and kill and destroy” (10:10) and was “a murderer from the beginning” (8:44), Jesus brings life eternal (3:16).
Alyson Kieda |
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CS: 
Harvest Prayer:
May 15 - Clearing Our Conscience
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In prayer we will not only see how we have sinned against God, but also to see any unforgiveness we are carrying towards others. God wants us to forgive them, just as we have been forgiven to show the world what it means when a believer walks with God. He wants us to represent Him well.
If someone hurt one of your children, you would have a hard time having a casual conversation with them until they have acknowledged and sought forgiveness for what they’d done. When we hurt God’s children, He wants us to acknowledge, confess, and make restitution with those we’ve hurt. His great desire is unity in His family, which is one of the most profound witnesses the church has before a watching world. In fact, Jesus instructs us to stop our worship before Him until we have cleared our conscience.
Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Matthew 5:23-24)
God deeply transformed my life when I was 17. I was a believer, but had wandered from the Lord for several years. God brought me to the end of myself and I finally surrendered my life completely back to Him. During that season, my father wisely advised me to take a legal pad, ask God to show me any sins I had committed against Him or others, and then write it down. It filled seven pages, front and back! I then went to those I had wronged and sought their forgiveness. I didn’t have to be elaborate. My simple confession to them was this: “I’m trying to get my life right with God. He has shown me that what I did was wrong. Would you forgive me?” There wasn’t a single person who denied that request.
I can remember the last phone call I made to clear my conscience. Finally I knew that there was nothing between me and God or anyone else. The roof was off and the walls were down … and I was free! That was 50 years ago. I still make “sin lists” regularly. Thankfully they’re not as long, but it is in this Spirit-evaluation that God continues to uncover needed areas of growth. And, I will need to do this until I die.
Forgiving Father, help me to quickly recognize and confess my sin before You! Show me how to keep short accounts with You every day of my life! Give me great courage to ask for and extend forgiveness whenever it is needed so that You will hear and answer when I cry out to You!
---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org.
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- Praise the Lord God Almighty, whose deeds are great and marvelous.
- Thank God for the opportunity to become godly, and that “godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).
- Confess your lack of the devotion to God which results in a life pleasing to him.
- Commit yourself to a life of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col. 3:12).
- Ask that the grace of God will teach you “to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live [a] self-controlled, upright and godly [life] in this present age” (Titus 2:12).
- Pray that your church leaders will be uncompromising examples of godliness for your congregation. Ask that they will receive consistent support from the congregation.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here. |
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Saturday, May 18 2024
Reminder: Marilyn Ritter Birthday card shower for her 90th birthday this week. (Address 7359 G Sauerkraut Lane, Macungie, PA 18062)
Keep praying for Chris and Yvonne Muik. I visited Chris at St. Luke's yesterday as he recovers from foot surgery. He has a long recovery road ahead. Yvonne continues to recover from her accident. They are thankful for our prayers and for the car God provided. Pray for God's provision for them and for a job from home for Chris
Visited Doris Hausman briefly at Lehigh. She is recovering from surgery for her broken hip and in some pain. At 103 and a half she could use some prayer covering for pain relief and healing. She said remind everyone Jesus loves you and is with you always.
Had a nice visit with Glad Ketner and daughter Linda. She had a good mothers day and continues to improve in speech and health. We discussed her purpose for being in Parkland Manor and how God is using her to share His love and encouragement where He placed her and how she is being blessed back. She loves visitors. They would love for us to do some sort of worship/Bible study there. Pray into that and for workers for the harvest.
Pray for all those who are being pursued by God's love. No one is too far gone to be saved and receive His healing love. Ask God to use you to bring His love alive and to help you receive His love. (That was supposed to be the gist of Sunday's message. We all are sinners and at fault, BUT GOD still pursues and blesses us and has assignments for us. He did that for Hager and will for you too! Amen!) You are His child of promise!
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Good Morning Hopeful, Strengthened, Very Loved, Protected, and Provided for Children of Promise! You are God's own! And He continues to pursue and love on you. He has great plans for you just as you are. He is strong when you are weak. He is our hope, our shield and our strength. He protects, provides where He guides and is your refuge. Come as you are, be loved, and receive His shalom. Then allow Him to prepare and use you just as you are for His glory. Enjoy life as you love, serve and are blessed for being a blessing. Amen!
Check out our devos below and see how they tie to this today as God speaks to your heart and directs your steps. And just dwell in His presence in praise and worship! What a mighty, loving God we serve and know! God is enough and makes you adequate for His plans for you! He is our refuge and help! He is with us in the waiting and preparing us. He sends us with His wisdom to bring love and joy alive. Thanks Lord! Lead us! Amen!
TWFYT
UR: A Refuge, A Help
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. - Proverbs 18:10 (NRSVUE)
On a particularly difficult day of teaching, I left a tense committee meeting and walked quickly down the hallway with clenched fists, looking down at my feet. When I glanced up, I saw a sign with the words “Area of Refuge.”
Refuge. What an extraordinary word, I thought. My heart reminded me of Psalm 46:1 — “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” I took a deep breath, grateful for this reminder that God is my refuge, always accessible to provide safety and protection.
The bell rang to mark the end of a class period. But even as the students poured out of classrooms and flooded the hallway, I could feel my heart slowing down, my breathing regulating, and even my fisted hands relaxing. I thanked God for being my refuge. I still had more difficult meetings ahead of me, but the image of the sign stayed in my mind, reminding me that God, my refuge and strength, was always available to me.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Thank you, God, for being available to us in our hour of need. Thank you for being our refuge, our help, our strong tower. Amen.
CS:
ODB:
Sweetly fragrant cherry tree blossoms flood Japan with exquisite pale and vibrant pinks every spring, delighting the senses of residents and tourists alike. The short-lived nature of the blossoms cultivates a keen awareness in the Japanese to savor the beauty and scent while they linger: the very brevity of the experience heightens the poignancy of it. They call this deliberate enjoyment of something that will change quickly “mono-no-aware.”
As humans, it’s understandable that we’d want to seek and prolong feelings of joy. Yet the reality that life is riddled with hardship means we must cultivate the ability to view both pain and pleasure through a lens of faith in a loving God. We needn’t be overly pessimistic, nor should we fashion ourselves an unrealistically sunny outlook on life.
The book of Ecclesiastes offers a helpful model for us. Though this book is sometimes thought to be a catalog of negative statements, the same King Solomon who wrote that “everything is meaningless” (1:2) also encouraged his readers to find joy in the simple things in life saying, “There is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad” (8:15).
Joy comes when we ask God to help us “know wisdom” and learn to observe “all that God has done” (vv. 16-17) in both beautiful seasons and in difficult ones (3:11-14; 7:13-14), knowing that neither is permanent on this side of heaven.
By Kirsten Holmberg
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What kind of “season” are you currently in? How can you find joy in it?
Dear Father, thank You for being the source of beauty and joy in my life.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The author of Ecclesiastes, which scholars say is Solomon, identifies himself as “the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem” (Ecclesiastes 1:1). He shows us what life is like without God and how He must fit into it. The Teacher makes his observations on the unjust realities of life in a fallen world: “Good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good” (8:14 nlt). Instead of being weighed down by such unfairness, however, Solomon encourages us to enjoy life (3:22; 5:19; 9:9) so we “will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives [us] under the sun” (8:15 nlt). At the close of his book, the author reminds us: “When people live to be very old, let them rejoice in every day of life. But let them also remember there will be many dark days” (11:8 nlt).
K. T. Sim |
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Harvest Blogs:
HIS PRESENCE IS ENOUGH
by Kim Butts
“When you are able to create a lonely place in the middle of your actions and concerns, your successes and failures slowly can lose some of their power over you.” ~ Henri Nouwen, Out of Solitude
Jesus would regularly separate Himself from the crowds, and even from the disciples, to go off to a lonely, quiet place to pray. It was in the place of solitude where Jesus met with His Father in deepest intimacy so that the everyday work of the kingdom could unfold as God desired. Whenever I allow myself to follow His example, I often come away recognizing that my worth to God is not the same as my usefulness to Him. This is crucial to my well-being, for I am better able to see myself through my Father’s eyes rather than allowing myself to strive for acceptance and value based on my ministry activity.
In silence, He cares for my soul in a way that I can be attentive to in the moment. When I am in the midst of everyday activity, I can usually only look back reflectively to notice His involvement in my life. Over the past few years, I have been praying, meditating and actively moving towards God’s transformative activity in my life moment by moment. Stopping to pay attention and pray in the midst of busyness as well as in the quiet, reflective moments have allowed me to practice His presence and welcome His nearness and care in everything…from the most mundane task or thought to the moments when I feel the most pleasure or the most accomplished. He is there – always. He has promised to be. I have started to be keenly aware that God’s life in me can only be reflected by how I live out His kingdom life in the world. The health of this activity is directly related to my life of prayer.
So much of my time is a torrent of frenzied activity and urgency. My expectations of myself far exceed the expectations of God. He simply calls me to live like Jesus. I challenge myself to live out Jesus on steroids – an impossibility that is actually counterproductive and paradoxical. Jesus lived simply in a way that demonstrated the intricate dance between activity and holiness – doing and being. Solitude – being still with God alone…is the way I can be more attentive to His presence in the midst of all of life. Yet, if I never stop long enough to have seasons where I can feel the gaze of God upon me, I can’t make course-corrections or learn how to feel His pleasure with me when I am in stressful or busy situations.
One story in Scripture that punctuates all of this for me is when Jesus healed the man sitting by the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus, we must surmise from His own narrative in Scripture, chose, at the direction of the Father, one person to heal. One. Out of the many who were anxiously, hopefully waiting for healing, Jesus asked one man if he wished to get well…and didn’t use the waters of the pool to do so. Then, with dozens more sick and ailing all around Him, Jesus moved on without healing any others. Why? Because He wasn’t interested in garnering points with the population for His amazing healing powers through healing as many people as He possibly could. His focus was upon glorifying God through obediently healing the one He had been instructed to heal.
The challenge for me…and for all of us, is to seek God, as Jesus often did, in the silent moments of solitude so that we may be able to better hear His voice when He instructs us throughout our day. Perhaps, as Nouwen stated, we will then be able to create those “lonely places” even in the midst of busyness and distractions where our “successes and failures” fade away into the obedient kingdom activity of Jesus.
Here are three spiritual goals to challenge you in your relationship with God:
1. To be more aware of God’s continual nearness no matter what activity you may be engaged in or what time of day it is…and to continually recognize that everything is not dependent upon me, but upon Him!
2. To recognize and internalize that simply to be in His presence, without “doing” anything…is enough.
3. To spend more time in silence and solitude listening to the “still small voice” of God and enjoying His company.
- Praise the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who with his blood “purchased men for God from
- every tribe and language and people and nation” (Rev. 5:9).
- Thank the Lord that he covenanted with Abraham long ago and that you have the blessing
- of being part of God’s own people.
- Confess any tendencies that you have to judge people by color, ethnicity, or background.
- Commit yourself to showing no favoritism, just as God shows none (Acts 10:34).
- Ask that you will do your part in the kingdom of priests who serve God (Rev. 5:10).
- Give thanks for the gifts, abilities, and perspectives of those whom God has given to you,
- and ask his blessing upon them.
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Saturday, May 18 2024
NEWS:
Tomorrow is our last zoom huddle for the summer at 10. All welcome!
Wed Bread ministry at 10-12
***Note: Wed night huddles are done for the summer (at least for now) Family Ministry will be doing monthly activities beginning in June. The adults may do an activity monthly outside the building or begin regathering of we air condition? Interested in helping to plan or lead something? Contact Pastor Don.
Sat 10-1 Clothing Closet (only a few left before summer break) Needed leaders and volunteers for Clothing and Bread Ministries. Contact Sarah, Don or Gina
Mark you calendars:
We have received a very generous offer of $10,000. to be used to air condition the fellowship hall. That leaves $5500.-6,000. for us to fund. We will have a congregational discussion and vote Sun June 2nd after worship. (You must be a member in good standing to vote)
Sun June 9th, 1030 am: Church Picnic with Worship at Community Park
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Good Morning Unique, Custom Made, Healthy, Sufficient-in-Christ, Servants of Our Creator! I just can't ever thank God enough for making me, who I am and for saving, redeeming, healing, gifting, filling, empowering, helping and sending me to go live and love like Jesus for such a time as this! Just meditate on that awhile. And God places us right where He wants us and even sends others to us for our help and encouragement and for us to help and encourage. How cool. He placed us in His Body. We all matter and have a part to play and He's using us as we submit and allow Him to mold, shape and use us. What an awesome God! And how cool is it that we get to do these things just as we are! As we do, we grow to be more like Jesus, into our fuller potential and experience God's greater things for us! Man! I could just stop right here and have a boatload to ponder and praise for today! How about you? What's God doing in, through and around you? (or wanting to?) How about others He has for us to partner with? Are you getting any dreams, visions or ideas of things God may want us to plan and do? (Please share those with us!). God has some amazing things for you and us to discover and plan and then do. PTL!
Check out our devos below that thread through all of this. Be still and know. Meditate as you go. Keep your eyes and ears open for what God is doing that He wants you to join in with Him. Keep sharing those stories and ideas! May all we think, say, plan and do bring great glory to our Father in heaven! May His Kingdom come and will be done in the heavenlies and in, through and around us. May we incarnate Jesus and His love, just as we are, as we go live and love like Jesus. And may we grow to be more like Jesus and do more of the things He planned for us from long ago! I can't wait to see all the new things He is readying for us as we learn to die to self, take up cross daily and follow Jesus! Amen!
God is calling you by name, even singing over you and He has given us His Word, His Living Word, the Bible to inform, refresh and guide us to His best plans! He makes us sufficient and use the unexpected to impact the world. He is redeeming and restoring all the enemy has stolen and work with us to lead us to great spiritual, physical, emotional, financial health and stewardship. We are the Light of the world as we follow God's Light and Love. Our God ROCKS! Amen!
UR: Unique Composition
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. - Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Several weeks ago, my wife and I went to a piano concert held at a local music hall. The pianist was a young professional who had received the second award at the International Chopin Piano Competition held a few years ago. We were deeply impressed and listened to the beauty of the melodies of Chopin and Beethoven.
When I looked closely at the pianist following his musical score carefully, I likened it to the relationship between God and humankind. God created a special, unique composition for each of us, and we are expected to play the music carefully. The sheet music can be found in the Bible. If we neglect the written notes, we may fumble through life without attaining the joy God has created for us all. Encouraged and guided by God’s words in scripture, our lives will play the songs of love and grace God wrote for us.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, that you have composed special music for each of us. As we study your word in scripture, help us to learn and play our songs to glorify your name. Amen.ODB:
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After the Paris Peace Conference that concluded World War I, French Marshall Ferdinand Foch bitterly observed, “This is not peace. It is an armistice for twenty years.” Foch’s view contradicted the popular opinion that the horrifying conflict would be the “war to end all wars.” Twenty years and two months later, World War II erupted. Foch was right.
Long ago, Micaiah, the lone true prophet of God present at the time, consistently prophesied dire military results for Israel (2 Chronicles 18:7). In contrast, four hundred of King Ahab’s false prophets foretold victory: “Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king,” a court official told Micaiah. “Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably” (v. 12).
Micaiah responded, “I can tell him only what my God says” (v. 13). He prophesied how Israel would be “scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd” (v. 16). Micaiah was right. The Arameans killed Ahab and his army fled (vv. 33-34; 1 Kings 22:35-36).
Like Micaiah, we who follow Jesus share a message that contradicts popular opinion. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Many don’t like that message because it seems harshly narrow. Too exclusive, people say. Yet Christ brings a comforting message that’s inclusive. He welcomes everyone who turns to Him.
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
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When the Spirit leads you to say or do something, how will you do so in love? When have your own assumptions needed to be challenged by God?
Father, please give me the wisdom to discern Your truth.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
A similar battle between true and false prophets that’s recorded in 2 Chronicles 18 is also seen in Jeremiah 27-28. The prophet Jeremiah is the solitary voice for truth amid a chorus of false hope (27:9-15) and confronts the lies of the false prophet Hananiah (ch. 28).
In the New Testament, Paul also warned against false prophets and of the day when people “will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). Every believer in Jesus needs to be discerning and boldly speak truth, even where there are those who itch for something else.
Arthur Jackson |
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TWFYT:
CS:
Saturday, May 18 2024
Happy Mother's Day!
(See Joe Toy new at bottom)
Good Morning Very Loved, Adopted Heirs of the Kingdom of God! You are so loved and cared for! God is with you always and working all things together for good and according to His will and plans. He is Father and Mother to us! PTL! Meditate on all that means to you and us. God is Love! Love lives in you. Love wants to love through you. Love drives out all fear. Receive His shalom and love today and share it with all those He puts in your paths today and this week. LOVE! Amen!
For some this day is a joy. For some a burden. For some fun and for some very hard. One thing for sure, motherhood and raising kids is not for the weak and can be very wearying. Let us lift up and encourage all moms and those who are filling the role of mother and encourage, pray and bless them! Check out TWFYT about single parenthood. It should give you some prayer starters and maybe a nudge for how to bless one or two single parents today.
As I considered mothers for today's message, Timothy's mom and grand mom never came to mind. Yet, they are two examples for us on raising godly children. We all want to leave a spiritual legacy. Pray and sow into those who are trying their best and put children and parents into God's loving, guiding, providing hands. Pray for our family ministries as well that we would bless and nurture children and parents in faith. Check out ODB devo below about this.
The UR (below) speaks into faith like a child and dependence on God. I pray for me, you and us to have this kind of faith and for God to nurture it in us. I can't answer for you, but He answers with His refining love and faithfulness that grows me as His child. He has great plans for you and us that are activated with childlike faith and obedience. let us be all about that!
Charles Stanley's devo (below) really spoke to my heart and informed my prayers today. God's will is what I want to do. I try to make that a priority and starting point for all I do. Praying and living for His Kingdom to come and will to be done are the starting point for all we do if we are to do it well. Die to self. Depend on Him. Connect to and receive form Him and keep working at living and loving more like Him and all will fall into place. He is cheering us on and wanting to help us to His best. Thanks Lord! Your Kingdom come and will be done! May I have childlike faith, live well as your child and nurture like a mother other in my care. lead us Lord and love well through us. All for your glory! Thanks! Amen!
Shalom! See you at 10!
TWFYT:
ODB:
Leaving a Spiritual Legacy
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice. 2 Timothy 1:5
READ 2 Timothy 1:3-5
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As teens, my sister and I didn’t understand my mom’s decision to receive Jesus as her Savior, but we couldn’t deny the changes we saw in her. She had more peace and joy and began faithfully serving at church. She had such a hunger for studying the Bible that she attended and graduated from seminary. A few years after my mom’s decision, my sister accepted Christ and started serving Him. And a few years after that, I also placed my trust in Jesus and started serving Him. Many years later, my father joined us in believing in Him as well. My mom’s decision for Christ created a life-changing ripple effect among our immediate and extended family.
When the apostle Paul wrote his final letter to Timothy and encouraged him to persevere in his faith in Jesus, he noted Timothy’s spiritual heritage. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).
Moms and grandmoms, your decisions can affect generations.
How beautiful that Timothy’s mom and grandmom helped nurture his faith so he could become the man God was calling him to be.
On this Mother’s Day and beyond, let’s honor mothers who’ve made a decision to follow Jesus.
Let’s also leave a spiritual legacy for our loved ones.
By Nancy Gavilanes
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Which godly women can you honor today? What kind of spiritual legacy would you like to leave for others?
Father God, thank You for godly mothers. Please help me to also leave a spiritual legacy for others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Though Paul affectionately called Timothy “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2; see 2 Timothy 1:2), he wasn’t the one who taught him about Jesus. It was his own mother Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5) who “taught [him] the holy Scriptures from childhood, and . . . [gave him] the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus” (3:15 nlt ). Timothy was of mixed parentage—a gentile father and Jewish mother. When Paul first met him, Timothy was already a leader and “the believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him” (Acts 16:2). He became Paul’s intern, traveling companion, and trusted protégé (vv. 3-4; Philippians 2:19-22). That the apostle sent Timothy to deal with the troublesome Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 4:17) and to confront false teachers in the Ephesian church (1 Timothy 1:3) testify to this young man’s spiritual maturity and ministry leadership.
Learn more about the lesser-known women of the Bible.
K. T. Sim |
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UR: Depending on God
[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)
When I was placed on strict bed rest during pregnancy, I was shocked. I have worked for most of my life and have always liked to stay busy — my five children are evidence of that! But I was in danger of losing my baby, so I asked people to pray for me and focused on the work of resting.
Since I could get out of bed only to go to the bathroom and shower, I depended on others to do all my usual daily tasks. I was tempted to feel helpless and lonely. But then God brought the above verse to my mind, and it changed my perspective and humbled me. I believe Jesus is telling his disciples to recognize their dependence on God — to be like children who trust that their loving parent will provide what they need.
I wondered, How much of my life is actually within my control? How often do I take credit for things that only God can orchestrate? I realized that God provides everything I need — even my next breath. Instead of feeling helpless, I felt free to rest in God’s care and to praise God for being such a wonderful Parent.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for being our capable and loving Parent. We recognize that our lives are in your hands. Amen.
CS:
Harvest Blogs:
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I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—but let them not turn to folly. (Psalm 85:8)
While still in college, I began to be passionate about revival. I so wanted to experience the Lord’s presence, not just in my life, but to see it in the Church. I didn’t really know much about it then and I certainly didn’t know how to pray for revival. I had one verse I retuned to over and over: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6). It is fascinating to me, and a little sad, that in those early years, I never studied the rest of Psalm 85. It is really all about revival.
As I looked again at Psalm 85, I found this outline of revival teaching in the text of this psalm:
1. God was angry in the past but restored his people.
2. God is currently angry and his people need revival.
3. It is time to pray and seek the Lord.
4. It is time to listen to the Lord.
5. God’s answer is the peace of his presence.
The psalmist rightly moves from making his requests regarding revival to a time of silence in which he listens for the Lord’s response. God’s response, summed up in verse 8 is that he will speak peace to his people. When God receives our pleas for revival, he answers by speaking to us of peace. For most of us, that is not what we expect. However, we need to trust that the Father knows best and that if we are to see revival, we must listen to the Lord speak peace to his people.
Though the rest of Psalm 85 refers to peace, the clearest place is to jump to the life of Jesus and listen to his words of peace. In three powerful teachings, Jesus fulfilled the promise of Psalm 85:8 that he would speak peace to his saints:
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
The Apostle Paul takes this teaching of Jesus about peace and helps us understand why it must be understood as a basis for revival. “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:17). The preaching of Jesus about peace was the heart of the gospel.
Lord, I thank you for your message of peace to us. That on the cross, you, in your flesh, broke down the dividing wall between us and the Father and between us as humans. You are our peace! I embrace your peace today and ask you to help me live that out in 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. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise the Father who has compassion on his children.
- Thank him for forgiving all your sins, healing all your diseases, redeeming your life from the pit, crowning you with love and compassion, and satisfying your desires with good things (Psalm 103).
- Confess those periods in your day when you are unaware of God’s faithful, watching, loving presence beside you and within you.
- Commit yourself to watching for signs of his love and tenderness toward you.
- Ask him to draw you closer to himself.
- Pray for “those who are least in the kingdom of heaven”—the poor, sick, lonely, outcast, struggling, grieving—that they may find the Father’s love in a warm church fellowship.
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Joe Toy:
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“Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look to the fields, for they are already white for harvest!”
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Dear Friends,
The Kentucky Derby is known as “The run for the Roses”, as the winning horse is draped in a blanket of roses. Lasting approximately two minutes, the race has been called “The most exciting two minutes in sports” or “The fastest two minutes in sports. There were about 263,000 people in attendance over the two days of racing and over $400 million gambled on the various horse races. It was a big time event this year as was the 150th year anniversary celebration.
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On Thursday May 2, thirty-five men began to arrive Cornerstone Church in Louisville with one intention in mind to get gospel of Jesus Christ to as many race fans as possible. Our first night was spent enjoying a good meal, Bible teaching, prayer and organizing our teams. I was blessed to lead a squad of eleven men on both days. This is a very exhausting outreach as we spend about twelve hours a day proclaiming the gospel, passing out gospel tracts, holding gospel signs and engaging people in conversation.
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On Friday, it was a cloudy and drizzly day. I think that I put on and took off my rain coat about eight times. The last time that I put it on was for good as the heavens opened up to a good old downpour as the races ended and the fans fled the track. The fans were not the only ones who got soaking wet even though we had umbrellas and rain coats. I was chosen to lead our team to a location where the police had pushed us off the past two years. This year through much prayer and contacting our lawyers, who conversed with the city attorney, we stood our ground.
We had an encounter with the police, but they backed off and let us alone for both days. This gave us a prime spot near one of the major gates. It is an interesting thought to consider that we are any kind of threat to the public. Yet, many people leave the races seriously drunk and become a hazard on the road. The real battle in all of this is a spiritual one as sports has turned into a major idol that fills the money coffers of the city.
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Before we left for the Derby, we concluded our outreaches at UNC and NCS. It was an amazing semester as twenty-six students made professions of faith. The Lord is at work on these campuses using his people to sow the gospel through students, faculty, campus ministry and various churches.
One young lady approached us and said, “Can you explain salvation to me?” Another young man stated, “I think it is time that I give my life to Christ.”
Another student told us, “I read that tract that you gave me three weeks ago.
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I am saved now.” This is definitely a God thing. Jesus is at work seeking and saving the lost.
A few weeks back a woman at the bus station asked us to pray for his son in prison. We got his name and passed it on to our friend Stephen. He visited him yesterday at the prison and the man gave his life to Jesus. He told Stephen, “I had just been thinking about this and you show up.”
Keep us in Prayer.
Thanks for all your support.
God Bless. |
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Saturday, May 18 2024
Please pray for Chris and Yvonne Muik! Chris is having surgery this morning on his infected foot. Yvonne is still recovering from her accident and trying to push through to keep the house running. PTL they were able to replace their car. Pray for the surgeon and staff, healing an shalom for both.
Pray for moms and those grieving, as well, this Mother's Day weekend. This weekend can be a joy and a deep dark place for many. Let us celebrate and come beside and love like Christ.
Prepare your hearts and pray for our worship service tomorrow.
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Good Morning Patient, Praying, Seeking, Listening and Loving Servants of the Lord! God is in control and we are not God nor in control. His ways are not our ways. PTL! Right? I have a sign above my desk that says "All things are possible for God." (and the are!) Below it is a cross to remind me to die to self, take up cross daily and follow Jesus as I grow in trust and obedience to be more like Him and to allow Him to lead. (Help me Lord!) Too often I forget that and ignore my prayer to take every thought, type, choice and action captive before the Lord. As an out loud thinker I often have to say, type, write and reread and rethink things to know what I'm thinking and to process. That can be difficult for others. (Ask Karen!) These blogs are my journal notes for the day and often are unedited and pastor Don raw and processing. I share them as a reminder and example of how to journal and listen and process with God. Sometimes, I should edit and process with a few close friends before sharing! Maybe the last few days could be a good example as I wear my heart on my sleeve and share passionately with God and you what I am hearing and thinking.
Sometimes I do something I pray I never will do and that is use this platform (and my sermons) as a bully pulpit. I may have offended some of you and if so, please forgive me! Sometimes I presume on you and/or God and think I know best and need to remind of that. Forgive me! You all know how passionate I am about following God, growing His Kingdom and making disciples. Sometimes I can run ahead of God when I need to be still, listen, process and know that He is God. I've been on a lifelong journey towards trusting Him and often have to ask Him to forgive my unbelief and help me to stop and trust. As I do, He is faithful to help and affirm or redirect my choices. PTL! Case in point is the $10,000. donation offer for AC. To me that is affirmation that God is hearing our prayers, answering, and we are on the right track. But then here comes that wacky pastor wanting to coerce everyone to jump on board instead of trusting God to direct and lead to His best. Forgive me for allowing that to happen and flow through these blogs as a bullying of sorts. I have been repenting of that politically and need to do so more with allowing God to be the Lord of all and bring His plans to life His way and in His timing. So, help me and us Lord to be still, know you and grow in faith as we listen and process with others and make your plans. Lead us to be a disciple making hub and to grow your Kingdom as we learn to live sacrificially and love lavishly like Jesus. Amen! OK, enough of that. God has a plan for you and us. Let us seek and follow Him together!
Now there's one other issue (well probably many!) that I need you to pray for and cover for me. I always pray that I will not become a crotchety old man yet find myself being one a lot lately. Forgive me! I think it really started to kick in during my heart issue and hospital stay. It could be heart or med related? Something is off in me right now. Part of why I had stopped my meds was because of that. I am back on them all before my cardioversion next Friday. I really do believe much of it is drug induced depression and, well, crotchetiness. I am finding myself fixated on things, grumpy, selfish and unable to redirect myself. Hopefully next week will correct the heart issue and I can get off all the meds. Please pray for me and for me to remember to die to self, take up cross daily (hourly) and follow Jesus and to catch myself quicker and redirect sooner. Pray for me to be more like Jesus and doing more of His will, His way. Thanks! All things are possible for God! Amen!
So here are the rest of my journal notes for today. Pretty cool how God spoke to my heart! Thanks Lord! Is He speaking to yours? Is there some correcting or something you need to take before Him? Is there someone or a group of close trusted friends that have permission to speak truth over you, pray and hold accountable? That is crucial in our walk towards Christlikeness! Pray for us to get some small groups up and running and to find some for you to partner and flourish with. That is part of God's best plans. Thank you to my accountability partners who have permission t speak truth in love and help me to get back on track!
Check out Charles Stanley's devo! This just spoke to my heart today and helped me to redirect, listen and pray better. Now to put it into action! Am I, are we, allowing God control? He will lead us if we allow. Come! Lead me Lord! Be my Lord! I release all to you! Forgive my unbelief and running ahead or lagging behind. Come! Have all of me! Amen. Our Daily Bread reminds us to stay the course. Let us not grow weary and let us seek and follow well! The Upper Room reminds us to be grounded in God's Word and to allow it to direct our steps and choices. Help me Lord to be in Your Word and follow what You are teaching better and more quickly! Thank You for Your Living Word that speaks to our hearts, informs our choices and is a light to our path! Amen. The Word for You Today, at least for me, is a reminder of the importance of small groups and encouraging and blessings those who help and bless us. Thank you to all of you who pray for and encourage me! Thank you for all of you who are seeking and following God and stepping into your roles that He created you for!. Thank God for the small groups He is raising up! Amen!
So there you have it! Love God! Love people! Go make disciples! As we follow and grow to be more like Jesus! May we always have patience with each other, encourage and pray for each other, and commit to co-labor together as we yoke to Jesus and grow at following Him and His best ways better. More of Him and less of me! One of my constant prayers is to become and lead us to be followers of the Way. Jesus is the Way! May we follow well! Amen! Shalom shalom! Perfect peace to you and yours and our fellowship. Amen
CS:
ODB:
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As Gandalf the Grey confronted Saruman the White, it became clear that the latter had turned from what he was supposed to be doing—helping to protect Middle-earth from the power of the evil being Sauron. What’s more, Saruman had allied with Sauron! In this scene from the film The Fellowship of the Ring, based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s classic work, the two former friends then engage in an epic good-versus-evil battle. If only Saruman had stayed the course and done what he knew was right!
King Saul also had trouble staying the course. In one account, he rightly “expelled the mediums and spiritists from [Israel]” (1 Samuel 28:3). Good move, for God had declared that dabbling in the occult was “detestable” (Deuteronomy 18:9-12). But when God didn’t answer the king’s plea—due to his prior failures—for how to deal with a massive Philistine army, Saul caved: “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her” (1 Samuel 28:7). Talk about a complete reversal! Saul failed once more as he went against his own decree—what he knew was right.
A millennium later, Jesus said to His disciples, “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). In other words, if we’ve committed ourselves to obeying Christ, it’s vital that we keep our oaths and be truthful. Let’s stay the course in doing those things as God helps us.
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
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What helps you keep your oaths? Why is it vital that you stay the course in being truthful?
Dear Jesus, please help me stay the course in following Your ways.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
First Samuel 28:6 says, “[Saul] inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him.” The reason for God’s silence, as the prophet Samuel told him, is that “the Lord has departed from you and become your enemy” (v. 16). This was “because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites” (v. 18). The Amalekites were descendants of Esau (though they were distinct from his descendants the Edomites). They had a history of attacking Israel, including those who lagged behind during the exodus—in other words, Israel’s weakest citizens. God instructed Israel to annihilate Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17-19), but Israel didn’t complete the task. Later, Haman, a descendant of Agag (probably King Agag the Amalekite, see 1 Samuel 15), would seek to commit genocide against God’s people, the Jews (Esther 3:5-14).
Tim Gustafson |
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UR: Following Instructions:
We’re praying this so that you can live lives that are worthy of the Lord and pleasing to him in every way: by producing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. - Colossians 1:10 (CEB)
When we removed a 20-foot cedar tree from our yard, it left a cracked and discolored concrete retaining wall exposed.
Fresh paint and two trellises for climbing plants helped cover part of it. At first the vines we planted were spindly and weak, but we followed the planting instructions and with proper care and watering the vines started to grow. Over time, as we continued to follow the instructions, the foliage became full and lush with brilliant flowers.
When we first give our lives to the Lord, we may start out much like spindly vines — needing tending and cultivation to grow toward God. We begin to grow by spending time in scripture, then a number of changes begin to unfold. In time our lives become fuller, and the changes become evident for all to see. But as I learned by tending the flowering vines, we need to continue watering and cultivating our faith to keep growing in the knowledge of God and to become more like Jesus. We will never outgrow the wisdom found in scripture that leads us to abundant life with God.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Father God, thank you for providing us with everything we need to live an abundant life. Help us to remain rooted in your word and to grow in faith. Amen.TWFYT:
hARVEST PRAYER BLOGS:
May 11 - Living with No Partiality
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And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.” . . . So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:28, 34, 35)
No partiality? Is that even possible for a human in these opinionated and self-focused days? It seems that everywhere we go and everything we read is beckoning us to choose sides and make judgments. The dangerous pride that lurks in the hidden places of each heart tells us that our rights, our thoughts and our culture are king. Jesus has given us a better way. He has opened doors, through his death on the cross, that will free us from the prisons of isolation we have made for ourselves. When he fills our hearts, he also enables us to see his beautiful and varied creation with new lenses of love and acceptance. What a witness we, believers in Jesus, would be to the world if we allowed him to overtake our hearts and minds with his love! Prejudice of every kind is not only sin, it is a poison that will wreck our lives and cause devastation to our communities. The impartial and welcoming love of Jesus is a healing ointment that soothes pain and corrects generational wrongs. Let’s repent. Let’s turn from our wicked ways. Let’s allow Jesus to heal and unite in the way that only he can.
Loving Father, we love you, and because we love you we want to love the people you love. Forgive us for every way we have shown partiality and harbored prejudice. We know that our sinful pride has separated us and for that, we repent. We ask you to give us your eyes to see those around us. Free us from our dangerously sinful pride. Release us from bitterness toward those who have judged and mistreated us. We want to love as you love. We desire to love without preference and with your generous heart. Help us to take up the cause of those who have no one to defend them. Teach us to fight oppression and seek justice with integrity and humility. Use us to bring reconciliation and healing in our communities. Would you give us fresh ideas as to how we can love? We know the work of restoration is hard and long. Would you empower us to stand for freedom and justice for all and to not grow weary when the battle takes longer than we’d hoped? We know you have called us to live in unity with our brothers and sisters. We believe that you have made us to bring many into your family. Teach us the way of love, Lord Jesus. We honor you and thank you for loving through us. It is in your loving and transformative name we pray and live.
--Adapted from Praying God’s Word Over Your City: 40 Days of Prayer for A Transformed Community by Trey and Mary Anne Kent. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise the Lamb of God, who was beaten and crucified for the sins of the world.
- Thank him for taking your place, your punishment, your sins on himself.
- Confess the sins that have been on your conscience this past week, knowing that God will deal gently with you (Heb. 4:14-16).
- Commit yourself to living for Christ, not for the empty way of life that his blood redeemed you from (1 Pet. 1:18-19).
- Ask Jesus to help you understand the depth of the love that sent him to the cross for you.
- Intercede for specific missionaries that you know, asking God to protect them from evil, provide for all their financial needs, and encourage them by giving a good response to their message.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2024 is a free devotional published daily by Harvest Prayer Ministries. Subscribe here. |
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