This week:

Today Zoom and in person Huddle 10-11.

Wed. Bread Ministry Donut Day 10-12

EC Day of Fasting and Prayer to become a dynamic movement of God on zoom or in person 12-12:30. We will click this link and join our bishop as he leads our prayer time. 

Hello EC Family,

Join us on Wednesday, September 4^th for the monthly EC Day of Prayer & Fasting.  Bishop Randy will be hosting a live guided prayer experience from 12:00-12:30(Eastern) via Zoom focused on our vision of being a disciple-making movement.  Click the button below to join the meeting.

Meeting ID: 821 6318 1677

Passcode: 262172

 Wed evening 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle all welcome

Sat 10-1 Clothing Closet

Good Morning Very Loved, Known, Redeemed, Empowered Child of the King of the Universe! Amen! Meditate on the richness of that today! You are eternally loved, known and you matter and have purpose. God hears us, brings shalom ti the chaos and leads us as we humble ourselves and sing His praise! Amen! He informs our prayers and steps as we dwell in his love and wisdom and ask for Him to be our Lord and Shepherd and to teach us to live and love like Him--sacrificially, extraordinarily. Start with our devos below and work your way through the harvest prayer stuff as you spend some amazing time at Jesus' feet this morning and prepare to walk with Him through this day and the chaos around you. he is our Shalom and Good Shepherd! Amen

Walk in Love and be His peace and joy bringers to the confused and lost world today. You are crafted and empowered to go transform the world by His love. Amen!

ODB:

UR: Maintaining Peace

If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. - Romans 12:18 (NRSVUE)

Every Saturday I go out for dinner with my family. One family member always wants Chinese food, but I enjoy trying different cuisines. It is challenging to pick a restaurant we all enjoy. Instead of arguing, I always suggest we eat at restaurants that serve a variety of foods. This way we can enjoy our time together rather than wasting time arguing.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul stated how important it is for us to maintain good relationships with others, however hard it might be. With God’s peace in our hearts, we can find ways to prevent quarrels that only cause enmity. When we open our hearts to the Lord, the Spirit can help us create peace in every disagreement so that small matters don’t develop into big matters.

We will still experience conflict, but God’s wisdom can help us know how to react. With the help of the Spirit, we can find solutions to our troubles so that we can remain at peace in our relationships and enjoy the beauty of God’s love all the time.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, inspire us with your wisdom and peace so that even in difficult moments, we can find serenity and joy in you. Amen.TWFYT:

Harvest 

The Practice of Extraordinary Love by Kim Butts: The Practice of Extraordinary Love

September 3 - Prayer Initiated By the Spirit So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him … I speak the things which I have seen with My Father.” As mentioned before, effective prayer is a loop that begins in heaven, travels through our hearts and minds and returns to heaven. Jesus always did and said what His Father was initiating. The activity did not begin with the man, Jesus, but with the Father to the man and through the man. In this way, Jesus was constantly doing His Father’s will and His prayers were perfectly aligned and stunningly effective. If you want to be heard, listen first! Find out what the Spirit is saying and then pray in alignment with Him. God always answers prayers that He initiates! Lord Jesus, may I be a good listener when You speak and an obedient follower when You give instruction to my mind and heart. Thank You that You never leave me alone in the midst of difficult or confusing circumstances. My desire is to do Your will just as Jesus taught through Your word. I never want to act in my own strength, but only to do what is in Your good, pleasing and perfect will. ---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org. Prayer Points This week, meditate on Psalm 42 each day. Today, praise God as the one who quenches your deepest spiritual thirst (42:1-2). Thank him for being the living water in your life. Confess times in your life when you’ve passed by God’s streams of water and settled for Satan’s stale pond instead. Commit yourself to quenching your thirst in the living God alone. Ask him to meet with you in prayer today. Pray that your own thirst for a closer relationship with God might draw others to him. Ask God to get you out of the way so that they might see Jesus clearly and drink deeply of him. Prayer Pointer “Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the kingdom.” —Charles H. Spurgeon   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.

Jesus said, "Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest for your souls." Amen! I think about that on Labor Day as we get to have a day of rest from our work here in the world--well some of us get off. Thank God and pray for all our military and their families, all our first responders, medical field workers, retail and restaurant workers who are out there carrying on and laboring to serve you. We had our family picnic on Saturday and actually get to rest today. PTL! But picnics and family gatherings can be wearying, especially if you are hosting (and expensive!). Sometimes we have to choose rest, find different days to sabbath, or even choose to nap sometimes. Jesus took naps and got away by Himself to recharge and rest. He bids all of us who are striving in our own strength or trying to work our way to salvation to come rest in Him. He said that His yoke of labor is easy and he is gentle and that we can find rest for our weary souls. Amen! I find that I have to make time to rest and I have to start my days abiding in His rest before I am ready to go out and love like Him.

Good Morning Resting in Christ, Abiding in His Presence, Slaves! Sometimes in our work-a-day world we can feel like slaves, right? I worked with a guy at a job with very hard, physical labor who said, Lincoln freed the slaves!" as he quit after a day and a half. Yesterday we looked at Philippians 1 and thought about what it means to be a slave to Christ and to live our lives for Christ and as His representative as Paul said, "For me to live is Christ..." How's that going? Are you feeling like an obligated/forced slave trying to earn God's favor or like you're working for a hard taskmaster? Or are you thinking about how we are so blessed and want to align ourselves with the gentle master, Jesus, as more like a willing indentured servant. Put on that easy yoke this morning! But a yoke is an instrument of labor. But it's easy as it's designed to fit us perfectly and for the things we are made to do. PTL! And we get to choose to put it on and walk with Jesus at our side. How awesome! And He gave us gifts, a Helper and His promises to be our gentle Shepherd. Amen! PTL!

I had this long blog in my mind for today with all kinds of devotional tie-ins to attach. BUT GOD! He said that today I need to chill, let go of my agendas and allow you to rest in Him as He leads you. So, have at it as God leads. He is speaking His love over you, calling you by name to come and rest in Him and His loving presence. So rejoice and rest, weary slaves. His yoke is easy and custom fitted to you. Yes rejoice and rest in Him. Refresh and sine bright today as you live and love like Jesus, just as you are. Amen! Shalom!

Prepare your hearts to worship and to enter His courts with praise and thanksgiving as we gather to worship in person and virtually tomorrow at 10. We will be discussing Philippians 1. What does it mean to choose joy in suffer as we choose to live as a slave to Christ? What does it mean to you when Paul said, "To live is Christ and to die gain?" How is that showing up in your life and choices? Some deep stuff to ponder! Father, prepare us to learn to live and love more like Jesus as His slave. Come! Amen!

Don't forget we will collect for Everlasting Life Ministries tomorrow as well.

Good Morning Wonderfully Made, Sold-Out, Slaves of Christ! Please Lord! May that be me as I learn to live and love more like Jesus and make disciples like Him and Paul. Cleanse me. Prepare me to Serve. Move me with You. Use me well for Your glory. Come! Thank You for creating me for such a time as this and for preparing me to serve with You and others. Bring revival and may it begin in me! I worship You and long to be Your vessel as I am and as I have been created to be. Help me to live and love and make disciples like Jesus. Inform my prayers and direct my steps. Lead me to my co-laborers and unite us on Your mission as we grow more like You. Thanks You! Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me! yes Come! Amen! Earnestly seek Him, pray like Him and follow Him today. He does have great plans just for you and for us together! PTL!

Jesus is inhabiting your praise right now. He is looking deep into your heart reminding you that He has chosen you, redeemed you, and is calling you by name to come sit at His feet as you put on His easy yoke prepared just for you. How awesome is that! You are so loved and blessed. Dwell in that love as you prepare for the day and year ahead. Turn off the noise and walk away from the chaos as you still yourself and learn to know what it means that he is your God! meditate on these devotionals attached below as you sit at His feet, seek His face and prepare to follow Him. he does have an awesome plan just for you, His masterpiece. You are being made new and enabled to go fulfill your purposes. You matter. Step into your anointing and find some friends to travel with through this life as you work on living and loving like Jesus and becoming His sold out servant. Amen!

Chuck Swindoll reminds us that God is totally trustworthy. Start there and remind Him and yourself of that fact in prayer and praise:

Charles Stanley reminds us from the Eph. 2:10 passage that has become part of our true identity and reminder of His plans for us. You are His handiwork:

Sarah Young reminds us how God uses our weakness to make us strong and exhibit His power and strength to a watching world. When we are weak, He is strong! Stop leaning on your own understanding and ask for His wisdom and strength

One more today from the Upper Room's truth that God is all we need. He is enough and all we need. Seek and thirst after Him. Be still and cry out for His presence to overwhelm you right now and to be ready to walk in it throughout this day. he loves those kinda prayers and heart of surrender!

O God, you are my God; I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. - Psalm 63:1 (NRSVUE)

My vision blurred, and everything looked yellow and green. I felt like I would be sick and might fall down on the basketball court. I could hardly recognize anyone and struggled to walk in a straight line. Training under the hot sun had gotten to me.

The coach told me to sit down, and I drank some water. After I had a drink, I began to feel better. This experience reminded me just how essential water is.

Water brings us relief, nourishment, and replenishment. God does the same for believers. Without water, we would have no vitality, restoration, or even life, especially during an arduous undertaking.

In Psalm 63, David was in a state of great difficulty and turmoil and wrote about how his soul thirsted for God.

A life without fellowship with God is like a life without water: it is impossible. Like David, let us learn to thirst for and seek God like our lives depend on it.

Today's Prayer

O God, guide us so that our hearts will always seek you above all else. Amen.May God bless you with His presence, peace and love overflowing today as you surrender to Him and invite Him to have all of you and to direct your steps today. he is able, even when you can't fathom how or why! He loves you and custom made you for His special projects for today. rejoice and dwell in his love today! Amen!

Prayer Pointer
“Front-line prayer meetings are battle stations in which the prayer warriors themselves are changed.” —The Praying Church Sourcebook

Joe Toy Update below

Worship today at 10 live and on Zoom

Wed is not only donut day at the Bread Ministry but also our EC fasting and prayer day for the denomination and our church (noon live in the fellowship Hall and on Zoom. (You don't have to fast to pray, but consider how God wants to have you pray. Maybe I need to fast some donuts)

The Wed evening is our dinner huddle and fellowship at 6. All welcome!

Sat 10-1 is our Clothing Closet

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Morning Praising, Worshiping, Prayer Warriors! Amen! God inhabits our praises and offering thanksgiving changes us and our focus. Yes PTL! Rejoice! Begin with this praise song to help you focus and prepare to worship today! This is the day he has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Thank You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nL0uwYFJ3Bk

Focus on the great blog from Harvest prayer as we keep lifting powerful praise as we engage with God through our devotional time this morning. Then check out The Word for You Today which speaks about songs of deliverance and singing as we go. Chuck Swindoll reminds us that God is with us always no matter what we are feeling or facing and Sarah Young refocuses us to God with the reminder that He is always with us. The Upper Room reminds us to praise God for and to receive His Courage and Strength. Joyce Meyers reminds us that we have and can use the mind of Christ in us. God is Wisdom and Wisdom dwells in us. Charles Stanley reminds us to turn off the noise and tune into and listen to God.

Yes keep praising and worshiping as you prepare your hearts for today and invite God to inhabit your praise, open your mind and to bring wisdom, courage and His plans alive in and through you today. He loves you and has some great plans for you. Worship! Prepare and keep singing His praise as we drive back the darkness and shine bright! Amen! Come Lord! We love You, worship You and seek to have Your heart and mind as we seek after Your greater things for us and our ministries. Come! provide and guide! We love you and praise Your holy name. Amen

September 1 - The Power of Praise Adoration and praise are powerful spiritual warfare weapons. Satan hates it when we praise God. Why? Because he wants to be worshiped instead! When we worship God, Satan runs. Psalm 8:2 tells us, “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” When we praise God, the enemy is silenced! Psalm 149:6-9 indicates that praise in our mouths works to “inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron. . . This is the glory of all his saints.” Second Chronicles 20 contains an amazing story of the power of praise. When faced with a powerful enemy—too powerful for his armies—King Jehoshaphat called for a time of fasting and prayer during which God revealed He would bring victory. Somehow Jehoshaphat got the crazy idea (it had to come from God) to march against these armies with singers in the front of his army. The singers lifted beautiful praises to God: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever” (20:21). The result? The opposing armies began attacking each other. The army of Judah didn’t even have to fight! That’s the power of praise! Make it a regular part of your prayer life. Worthy Father, thank You that when we give You all the praise and glory, the Devil MUST flee! You have given us an amazing gift that has the power to bring victory into every situation we face. Help me to worship when I am faced with opposition, danger, or seemingly impossible circumstances. --Adapted from The Power of Personal Prayer (Learning to Pray with Faith and Purpose) by Jonathan Graf. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

TWFYT:

Swindoll:

Young:

UR: 

I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” - Isaiah 41:13 (NRSVUE)

When I was 70 years old, my doctor told me that I had a hernia and would have to undergo an operation. Prior to that I had not experienced any health issues. When I was told that I would need an operation, I was very frightened. But my doctor told me there was no alternative.

On the day of the operation, my fear caused my blood pressure to increase. They could not operate until my blood pressure came down, so another patient was taken in for surgery before me. My family members waited and prayed for me. I prayed as well.

Soon I experienced God’s presence and felt that God was reminding me that because Jesus suffered and died, he understood my fear. At that time my fear vanished, and when they checked my blood pressure, it was back to normal. My operation was successful. Praise be to God.

When we face difficult situations, we can remember that our great God is always with us and will provide us with courage and support. Praying to our living God, we find new hope and strength.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, thank you for giving us courage during difficult situations. Please provide courage to all those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.Meyers:

Stanley:

Joe Toy update:

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this scripture preached Jesus to him.”   August 2024

Dear Friends, A few weeks back our outreach team was at the Moore Square Bus station, which is one of our regular locations.  As usual we had our sign which reads, “Free Bibles.  If you need prayer just ask.” A young man came up to me and asked for prayer and upon asking about his request, he stated, “I need to be saved!” After spending time with him going over the gospel he began to cry as he began to see how he had let sin ruin his life and it was now time to turn to the Lord.  He called out to the Lord right then and there to be saved.  I have seen him a few times since then and he is remaining true to his new found faith. PTL.  We sow much gospel seed at the bus station through preaching, conversations, literature distribution and free Bibles being picked up by those who need them.  There are many lives being changed by our team who share Christ faithfully at this needy area in Raleigh. One of our prayers is for the Lord to add workers to our outreach team.  Recently, we have had the help of students from Southeast Seminary at many of our outreach events.  We have been out at the Galaxy Con Convention, the Packapalooza Street Festival and Friday Night on White Street events. With their assistance, we are reaching many more people with the gospel.  Nate is the point man for these teams and is always seeking to recruit a team.  This has been a great partnership and provides them opportunities to share their faith and develop a love for the lost.  Also, it allows us to mentor the next generation in keeping their eyes on the mission, which is for the church to be a rescue station for the lost.  These young men are full of zeal and boldness,which can be seen in their willingness to engage people in gospel conversations.  They are a great asset to our work in Raleigh. In late July into August, I was blessed help Mark Johnson train a group of five young men in Ocean City, MD.   It was awesome to see two fourteen-year-old young men grow in their faith. In the beginning of the week they were timid and as the week progressed you could see them boldly pass out tracts and engage people in conversation.  It is always awesome to see such young men preach.  One man in the crowd approached Luke and asked,  “How old are you son?”  And when Luke replied, "Fourteen," the man shook his head in astonishment and then encouraged him to keep on. One college student on our team has been with us for seven summers.  The depth of his preaching and his devotion to Christ are amazing.  What a blessing to see his spiritual growth over the years. These guys were a blast to work with and many folks heard the gospel at the board walk in Ocean City, MD over the summer.  It is a great place to make Jesus known. We have already been on the campuses of UNC and NC State this semester.  We have given out hundreds of gospel tracts and have had numerous conversations already.  It has been also cool to see some of our Christian friends again and get caught up.  Stephen Brock was sharing the gospel with one young lady, who professed faith in Christ right there and then.  She stated, “I believe that you are the answer to my mother’s prayers.” One of our good friends, Michael, who is a grad student boldly shared his testimony on the campus of UNC as we were there.  The Lord is doing many amazing things in the lives of the students on these campuses. Abortion ministry is always a tough go, but we are glad to support those dedicated to this work.  Recently, as we were at Jones Franklin abortion mill,  Peter had been offering help to the women. A young woman approached Peter and she confided that she wanted to keep her baby and was feeling pressured into abortion.  She stated, “I have been praying to Jesus to give me a sign to help me and here you are.” This is one of those spiritual "Wow" moments.  After talking to her Mom on the phone she was headed for home.   Thanks so much for your prayers and support in spreading the gospel.   God Bless!

Our mailing address is: 57 N Chaucer Way Kittrell, NC  27544   Contact:  EMAIL Facebook:  OAMPhilly                     JoeToy Website:    OAMPhilly Open Air Ministries, Inc. What happens weekly with OAM, Inc.? ​ ​You can follow the outreaches here: OAM Facebook page

Good Morning Growing in Trust, Sacrificial Followers of Jesus! Dying to self and taking up cross as we grow in trust and follow Jesus is imperative for a life lived well in Christ. It's part of running our races well both individually and as a church. Often it takes stilling ourselves, turning off the noise, seeking God earnestly and sitting at His feet to be able to redirect to His best and to hear His directing whispers. It's how we receive His shalom and choose joy despite circumstances and how we know what he desires and requires of us. Such is the morning for me today. Where do I begin? What should I/we do? What are you teaching me/us? I surrender all. You are Enough, Provision, All-Knowing Wisdom, Leader with great plans. Come! Amen!

So...yesterday was an awesome day of ministry at Bread and dinner huddle, especially with the new air conditioning on the very hot and humid day. Thank you to all who gave to provide so we can have ministry year round around the table in the fellowship hall! In spite of some unnerving news we were able to enjoy a great day serving, fellowshipping and praising the Lord. This morning I've been sitting at God's feet seeking what to do and what He desires me to share in this blog and to do today. Let me elaborate...I have promised to always keep you informed of what is going on in and with church and our building and with what I believe God is leading us to. So here goes...

A few weeks ago we received a notice from our church insurance company that when our policy expires Oct. 15th they are cancelling our policy due to roof issues. Today insurance companies use satellite images to determine things without physically inspecting. We knew of no roof issues but hired a roofing company to do an inspection. (PTL! They waived the $450. inspection fee and did this for free--they are a Christian company with connections to a member) Well the results were worse than expected. Our roof was last done almost 25 years ago after the explosion. The whole roof is in very bad condition and needs to be redone ASAP. A very rough estimate is that it could cost up to $150,000 to repair. OUCH! They suggest trying to file a claim with the insurance company since some hail and wind damage is evident. Today, I will attempt to file a claim. Pray for God to open their hearts to provide some coverage. Due to the age of roof, I expect not, BUT GOD! The roofer will go on the roof with their adjuster to point things out if they send one. Pray for God's provision! Earnestly! This needs to be done before winter as there are some leaks and potential leaks immanent. God promises to provide for our needs. Remind Him of that in prayer and supplication. There is financing available, which we will need. Pray for our support, property and finance teams to have wisdom for how to proceed. God could be testing our faithfulness to trust Him, choose joy and do what we can with what He's given as we steward well all our blessings. We have been praying to grow in trust and joy and to steward well all His blessings. He is giving us an opportunity to grow in those. PTL! (Yes PTL, even in the storms!) Pray for provision for new insurance as we are also working on that already. New insurance will require a new roof as well. So there is the honest truth of our reality. Also know that we have been annually running at a budget deficit and need to borrow from our investments to cover that yearly (around $20,000). I know God is able and will guide and provide as we seek, trust and follow Him. Amen! We all need to be praying and trusting and doing what we can. Pray for us to connect to many new people and connect them to God as they join our fellowship and will be part of His provision as they give and serve. Seriously, God does have very good plans for us and we have begun to see the fruit of seeking, trusting and following Him. May we continue that and pray expectantly with thanksgiving for what He is and will do--even in this stretching of faith and faithfulness! Amen! Thank Him for counting us worthy of this stretching. He is doing a good work in us as He prunes, we abide and He keeps preparing us for the great fruit to come! Rejoice!

Now, exhale. Still yourself at His feet and receive His insight, wisdom, blessings, direction and shalom. We know what is and we know Jireh--God is or provision and enough! Amen! Still yourself and begin your time of prayer with worship. He is faithful. I believe He is always able:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPf4G0OtAws

Now, let's take some time to move through our devotionals for today. God is speaking to you, to me, to us this morning. Trust. Believe. Receive His wisdom, direction, and peace. Keep seeking Him and choosing joy no matter what. He is always able and will carry out His good plans. I believe He is already providing and guiding us to His perfect plan, provision and revival. Amen! He is holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. Jireh! Shalom. Amen! Prayer warriors, now is your time to fulfill your purposes and the rest of us are called to seek, pray with thanksgiving and grow in trust that God will provide.

Sarah Young reminds us that God is calling us to demonstrate our trust in Him. It's a call to sit at His feet no matter the  storm and allow Him to restore our souls, peace and lead us to His direction. Charles Stanley reminds us of the path to peace by acknowledging our trust in God and releasing control. Yes we need to do what we can and He will lead us to that. BUT there are things that we have to release control of and trust God to know Him and His peace more as we see Him respond, lead and provide. Amen! The Upper Room reminds us that God WILL bless us and that even in the most challenging storms, as we trust and grow in trust, God will fill us with joy as we see Him respond. Amen! We may not be able to conceive how but we can have faith that when we let go, trust God and allow Him to steer, He will lead to His best and many blessings to come. PTL! That's enough for today. Be still and know! Earnestly seek Him and His provision and protection. He is able! He is enough! He is our joy! Amen! End your time of prayer, praise and worship with praying through the Harvest blogs today as God is calling us to surrender, seek, trust, and follow Him. It's time to worship!

SY:

CS:

UR: I Will Bless You

[God] said, “I will certainly bless you and multiply your descendants.” So Abraham obtained the promise by showing patience. - Hebrews 6:14-15 (CEB)

2022 was a very hectic year, filled with unpleasant events. War broke out in my home country, Ukraine, and I realized that I could not cope on my own. I decided to go wherever God would lead me.

By the end of the year, I was living with friends. They were in the process of moving to a new house. It meant a lot of hustle and bustle — dirt from construction, struggles with finances, and problems in the family.

Despite the challenges of the move, my heart was filled with joy for my friends’ new home, which they received as an answer to prayer. I felt at home there. I loved to spin yarn in their kitchen and warm myself near the cozy stove. We celebrated the new year in prayer — with a circle of friends and my spiritual family. Thankfully, I had enough money for everything I needed — even for the traditional Ukrainian Christmas table. God has indeed blessed me. God is always faithful.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, thank you for helping us to grow in faith. Even if the process of blessing and multiplying means hardships, your way is always best. Amen.Harvest:

August 29 - Where Is Your Place of Surrender? Do a quick scan of the Scripture and you will notice that men and women were placed on purpose by God in various environments. Adam and Eve in the Garden, Abraham in Canaan, Moses in the bulrushes—God put people where He desired to accomplish things that could have happened nowhere else. And, He does the same with each of us. Often we don't see our geography as such and we resist and run from these places. But we must be wise to God’s greater agenda. If we are to experience all God has, we must embrace each environment, even if it’s hard. Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me, yet not as I will, but as You will." (Matthew 26:36-39) Jesus knew what lay ahead. The deepest suffering any human would ever experience was His to drink. The man, Jesus, looked at this cup with dread. He "fell on His face" in prayer. Another gospel writer says that before this time of wrestling was over, His sweat became like great drops of blood. Although He could have, God did not deliver His Son from this place. The Father could have swept in and rescued Jesus from this painful night of prayer and the events that were to follow. But for Divine, world-changing reasons, this cup was Christ's to drink. There are times when God knows we must go through such wrestling as we face the possibilities of following God. These times are not random, but deliberate, just as it was with Jesus. Almighty, All-Knowing God, who am I to blame You for anything that I must walk through when Your only Son went to a gruesome and brutal death for me! Help me to willingly lay down my comfort for Your purposes, knowing that You have a bigger plan than I could ever know or comprehend. Give me a willing heart to follow You no matter where that journey leads me. Teach me to trust You without doubting Your goodness and love, even when there is suffering or discomfort attached. ---Adapted from Prayer with No Intermission by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayershop.org. Prayer Points Praise the Lord as the one who owns the earth and everything in it (Ps. 24:1). Thank him for making it part of the inheritance of the meek (Mt. 5:5). Confess aspects of your life where you do not have the meekness of submission to Christ’s Lordship. Commit yourself to being filled and controlled by Christ. Ask him to properly bring the areas you influence under his influence. Pray for any in your circle who are “out of control” or merely under the control of themselves. Ask God to reign in your home. 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.

Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! What are you thankful about concerning your forgiveness, new life in Christ, eternal hope, communion with the Father, Son and Spirit, and your gifts and empowerment to encourage, build up and serve? PTL! Build those gratitude lists. God is always good, full of love, mercy and grace and our wisdom to worship and respond in faith. Amen!

Roof and Insurance updates: We have been given a claim number and will be scheduling a visit with an insurance appraiser. Next week we start the process of securing new insurance. Please keep earnestly praying for God's provision, our wisdom and discernment and God's directing favor. Thanks!

PTL Sarah has completed a rigorous week of jury duty and is sabbath resting today!

Sunday we collect for everlasting life ministries during worship at 10. We begin our journey through the book of Philippians with discussing Philippians chapter 1. Read and study that for Sunday.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Morning Saved By Grace, Redeemed, Enabled Saints! Yes rejoice for we are saved, made new and being made new in Christ and empowered, gifted and enabled to do all the things God created us to do! Yes rejoice! Meditate on all the facets of that saving grace and new life and just worship today! Here's a great worship song to begin this TGIF Friday: Thank You! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2qUoZKxC9s

And this one as we worship through it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBeivKtQ0RM

As we begin this day and enter His courts with worship, praise and thanksgiving, we still ourselves at His feet and talk to Him through our prayerful time with our open Bibles and hearts and devotional quiet time. He always inhabits our praises and is always there speaking and singing love over us, informing our prayers and steps for the day, and wanting to just hang out with us even when we are going through some hard things! He loves you, has redeemed you and is calling you by name. He reminds, "You are mine!" Come! Dwell in my love today." What an awesome, praise-worthy God we know and serve and walk with! He is the Living One who sees you wherever you are and calls to you to come and be loved. He says, "I take great delight in you and rejoice over you with singing." Amen!

The Upper Room reminds us how God loves when we ask Him questions and He answers and directs us with the truth that He has great plans for you and us to discover, ponder and step into. The Word for You Today carries on the theme of seeking, questioning and listening to our Wisdom as He teaches and informs and directs. Our Daily Bread reminds us of His wanting to use us and that He provides and guides even as we wonder how. We can trust Him and He will use what we offer Him as we use what we are given for His glory. He is enough and our provider and guide, even our help in times of trouble. Be still, submit and surrender as you die to self and follow Jesus to his best for you and those He loves. Charles Stanley and Harvest Prayer finish our quiet time with reminders of the power in prayer that flows from fellowship with the Father and allowing Him to inform our prayers and direct our steps. Keep seeking, knocking and praying in power, even worshiping in the storms! And open your heart and mind to hear and receive and follow through. God does have great plans for you and us, His beloved children! Yes rejoice, be glad in this day, pray in power for His Kingdom to come and will to be done, watch for Him to move and prepare to join Him throughout today. He has some great stories to share through you of His faithful love! Rejoice!

UR: Questions

I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. - Jeremiah 29:11 (CEB)

Most days when I get up, I grab a cup of coffee, my Bible, and my journal. Journaling my prayers and thoughts in a spiral notebook has become my habit. I like to start the page with the date, day, and year. This helps me organize my day and allows me to look back to see what I was thinking or how God worked through my prayers.

I realize my desires are not always in line with the Creator’s will. I’ve become intentional about asking God questions. Stating my concerns in the form of a question instead of always asking for help or blessings to do what I have in mind changes the way I look at my day. It’s a subtle shift in attitude that makes it feel less stressful when things don’t happen as I envision. Questions make my prayers open-ended, allowing my mind to receive the gift of grace instead of trying to seize it. This practice leaves an open window for the Holy Spirit to flow through my day.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, thank you for this day and the lessons you provide for us in scripture. We welcome your guidance when we have questions. Amen.TWFYT:

ODB:

CS:

Harvest:

August 30 - Fellowship with the Father “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” —John 12:49–50 What exactly is a walking-and-talking relationship with God, and why should that be our goal? In the simplest terms, it is fellowship with him that lasts all day. It is being mindful that he is with us, that we are never alone, and that any time is a good time to strike up conversation with him. Let me illustrate.  My wife and I love to take long walks together. This is our time not just to be together, side by side, but to talk about everything in our lives. As our relationship has grown and matured through the years, so have these cherished times together. As with parents everywhere, while we were raising our four children, life became very busy. We would often save up all our words for the “unopposed time” our long walks allowed. At times it seemed like we were just running through a list of things we had saved up over the course of the week, checking items off our to-do lists. There wasn’t much time for getting beyond the surface issues of raising our kids. Now that the kids are married and starting their own families, we often enjoy our talks over morning coffee or dinner, but we still like to take our walks. It’s just that now we’re not as likely to have as much to say. So sometimes our walks are mostly in silence, except to point out something that grabs our attention or to share something that just came to mind. Here’s what I’m getting at: Whether we are walking and talking about the pressing issues of our lives or simply spending time together in silence, we are aware of one another’s presence and absolutely enjoy one another’s company.  This is a picture of a walking-and-talking relationship with God. The conversation may be quite different depending on what’s happening in your life. At times, you may need to go through a “list” of things you need to talk with him about, or he may bring to mind things he wants to talk to you about. Sometimes your prayers will feel relaxed and unhurried. At other times, your prayers may be more urgent and focused. At still other times, you may enjoy sweet fellowship with him in which you quiet your heart and simply listen. He might point out some unique part of his creation, for which you can express joyful appreciation. Above all, God desires that we walk and talk with him all day, every day.  Father, just as walking and talking with people I love and enjoy being with, I want to have special times with You. Sometimes we can talk back and forth…sometimes I will be quiet and listen…and sometimes, I just want to be quiet in Your presence without either of us having to say anything at all. Show me how to “be” with you continually in all of these ways as You show me new things about Yourself and Your beautiful creation. --Adapted from Walking and Talking with God: A Simple Way to Pray Every Day by Dean Ridings. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise Jesus as the righteous one. Thank God that “you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30). Confess any desire to dabble in unrighteousness in any corner of your life. Commit yourself to hungering and thirsting for righteousness, asking God to fill you (Mt. 5:6). Pray that the righteousness of Christ will shine through you so clearly and consistently that those around you “see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (5:16). 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.

Please be reading and meditating on Philippians 1 for Sun. What's God saying to you? What does it mean to you to be a slave to Christ? What does it mean "To live is Christ and to die gain"? How's that look for your life and our church? What's it like to find joy in suffering like Paul was able?

Today is Bread Ministry from 10-12 and tonight at 6 is our first dinner huddle of the fall.

------------------------------------------

Good Morning Slaves of Christ! Are you sold out for Christ and attached to Him like an indentured servant or slave? That's something I ask myself all the time. Am I living as if Christ is all that matters? Am I able to turn off all the noise around me and focus on God and at doing what Jesus is doing or has for me to do? Help me Lord! I often find myself feeling like a failure or getting depressed when I ponder my answers to these questions daily. BUT GOD! He knows me. he calls me by name. He has redeemed me and my choices. He has great plans for me today to discover and step into as I release all my junk and anxiety and trust Him. I can know and choose joy despite my circumstances or the situations of the world around me. 2 Chronicles reminds us to humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, acknowledge God in all our ways and He will heal our land. Fixing what's going on around you is God's business. Our business is to be all about God and slaves to Christ and to allow Him to use us to change one soul at a time. That will lead us to be part of His healing our nation.

I'm running very late today and need to skedaddle. In our pastors huddle this morning we discussed some of the above and Eph. 2:10. God knows he because he made you and ius shaping you as you go. You are being made new in Christ, gifted and empowered to go do the things He has planned for you since before you were born. It would benefit us to turn off all the noise. Seek God's face and follow Jesus to those things yoked to Him as His slave. That's all you need to worry about. Cast all that other junk unto Him and receive His shalom and marching orders for today. Amen! help us Lord. Check out how our devos for today flow through this thinking. be still and know. Die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus today. he does have great plans for you that will lead to much good fruit and great joy. Shalom! God Is enough! Trust Him and live well as you walk with Jesus today!

CS:

SY:

TWFYT:

ODB

UR: Enough Is Plenty (GOD IS ENOUGH!)

They all ate and were satisfied. - Matthew 14:20 (NIV)

Martha was a regular patron of our food pantry. She had worked as a domestic employee of a local family, but her retirement income was minimal. Four people lived in her home, which had no central heating. She came to the pantry every other month to supplement her meager resources. One day a farmer had brought in a supply of squash. The pantry had mostly canned and dried goods for our patrons, so I remember Martha’s eyes lighting up at the unexpected fresh food.

A few months later, Martha returned to the pantry — this time with a grocery bag full of squash. She told us that she had grown the squash from seeds she had taken from her pantry squash. Then she said, “I knew how to grow things from my early life on a farm. I loved that fresh squash so much that I’d like to share it with others who need some freshness in their lives.” It was, in every way, a miracle of multiplication. Remember, Jesus reassured his doubtful disciples that they could feed the five thousand by faith, even though their resources were minimal. “They all ate and were satisfied.”

Today's Prayer

O God, we pray for those who live day-to-day with little access to fresh, nutritious food. Help us find ways to supply life-sustaining food to those in dire need of it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Harvest

August 28 - Cultivate Robust Faith Jesus consistently exercised His authority over weather, sickness, disease, physical ailments, and death. Through His miracles, He demonstrated what He wanted His followers to believe and do. He promoted a robust faith that expected His miracles.  Rebuking the Winds. Luke 8:22, 25 “Let’s go across to the other side of the lake.” … “Where is your faith?” But they were afraid and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him!”  Healing a Disease. Luke 8:46, 48 “Someone touched me, for I know that power has gone out from me.” … “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”  Raising the Dead. Luke 5:30, 34, 39, 41 “Do not be afraid; just believe.” … “Why are you distressed and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” … “Little girl, I say to you, get up.”  The Disciples Failure. Luke 9:41-42 Jesus answered, “You unbelieving and perverse generation! How much longer must I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.” As the boy was approaching, the demon threw him to the ground and shook him with convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. The Blind Healed. Luke 18:41-42 “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Jesus expects His followers to exercise faith; not just faith in Him, but faith concerning storms, sickness, disease, and death. Jesus extends His miraculous power to accomplish the impossible. He wants us to believe He can and will. Lord, I repent for every time I’ve lacked faith. Show me the specific areas where I lack faith so I can specifically repent. Faith acts like a divine currency, and I want lots of it. Show me how to build my faith.  I declare I will be a person of faith, that my faith will be utilized for Your glory to bring peace to storms, healing to the wounded, and life to myself and others. I declare I will live by faith, a robust faith. Whatever happens, I will obey You and live by faith. Thank You for fulfilling Your will in my life. I’m depending upon You to shape and mold me. I thank You that I will hear You clearly and understand Your leanings.  I praise You that You provided Jesus as a living example of whom You call me to be like. I praise You that faith in You is what I need. I praise the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I praise You, the author and finisher of life! --Adapted from Praying What Jesus Says by Natasha Miller. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise God, “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). Give thanks for God’s comfort to you and all who truly mourn (Mt. 5:4). Confess any sin he shows you, truly mourning for the pain you have caused. Commit to receiving God’s forgiveness. Ask the Lord to search your heart and thoughts, removing any offensive way and leading you “in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24). Pray that the righteousness of Christ will be evidenced to your whole community through your church’s leadership and membership. Ask God to help you keep his kingdom and righteousness your first priority. 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.

Join us for huddle today 10-11 live in the fellowship hall and on zoom.

Pray for Sarah. She got called and chosen yesterday for jury duty for at least the week. This is very hard on her physically and she is already preparing her legs and body for a long day and week as I write this. Pray God's favor and blessing over her to sustain her, keep pain at bay and for a short time in court. Ask for His strength to endure. Pray for God to use her well too.

I received a call from Linda, Glad Ketner's daughter expressing how lonely and depressed Glad is. I usually am able to visit our homebound quarterly and the next scheduled visit is the end of Sept. So, Sarah suggested a "thinking of you" card shower. And maybe some could visit. She has no phone. She is in Parkland Manor, 4636 Crackersport Rd. Allentown, PA 18104

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Morning Abiding, Still, Knowing, Receiving, Worshipers! Amen! He is the Vine and we are His abiding/dwelling branches. As we turn off the noise and turn from the chaos we can hear His still small voice and whispers and truly know that He is God and He is with us, informing our prayers and steps for today. As we still ourselves and listen we come to know He is truly God and become familiar with His voice and receive instruction as we go. He loves you and has great plans for you for today. Stop and still yourself and abide some in His love. Allow His presence to wash over you and fill you for the day ahead. I can testify to these truths and the benefit of quieting my soul, worshiping (God does inhabit our praise), listening and learning. I then am better able to follow Him and His provision for the day. Thanks Lord! I am listening. Come! Speak! Direct to Your perfect plans for today. May I know Your shalom and dwell in it all day as I continue to fellowship with you throughout today. Thanks! Amen! Send me and use me well!

I suggest making this a Harvest Prayer Day and spend some time in their blogs and prayer guides for today. And then our devos (below) Start with Sarah Young's Jesus Calling:

Here's a link to their blogs: https://www.harvestprayer.com/the-voice/ and https://www.harvestprayer.com/the-discipline-of-solitude-in-everyday-life/

Harvest:

August 27 - You Are the Dwelling Place of God Adoration and praise develop within us a deeper sense of intimacy. When we voice thoughts of praise and adoration to God, we are drawn into His presence. Our praises set the tone for intimate contact with almighty God. Psalm 22:3 says that God “inhabits” the praises of His people. The Hebrew word for “inhabit” may also be translated “enthroned,” opening the passage to show us its meaning: God creates a dwelling place among those who praise  Him. . . . Here is a magnificent truth! Just as God is sovereign whether we worship Him or not, He will indwell us mightily and majestically whether we are feeling happy or sad—when we praise Him. Praise constructs a Throne room in our hearts where the Sovereign God declares He is pleased to dwell. In my own prayer life, when I start with adoration and praise, I know something happens. I have a greater sense that I am connecting with God, more of a sense that He is there with me. And it is generally true that the longer I worship Him, the more powerful my prayer time is. Sometimes I’ll play a worship CD to aid me. I sing along with it or simply meditate on the lyrics as they are sung. It never ceases to bring peace to my spirit and to create love for God in my heart. I have to admit that, despite knowing this, I often rush right into petition. Perhaps it is my busyness, perhaps it is my selfishness (I must get right away to what I need), or perhaps it is a fear of intimacy. Whatever the reason, I need to constantly remind myself to simply worship God in prayer. It makes all the difference! Majestic Father, I want You to be at home in me always! Help me to draw near in the wonder of worship without rushing quickly on to my own needs and requests. Nothing I have to do is more worthy or worthwhile than spending significant time drawing near to You. Teach me the discipline of lingering in Your presence, beholding Your beauty and worshiping at Your feet. --Adapted from The Power of Personal Prayer (Learning to Pray with Faith and Purpose) by Jonathan Graf. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise “God, from whom all blessings flow!” Thank him for making his blessings available to you in Christ Jesus. Confess that you are spiritually poor in yourself. Commit yourself to gratitude to God for replacing your poverty with all the treasures of “the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:3). Ask for a renewed appreciation for this tremendous, gracious exchange. Pray for those caught in addictions to drugs, sex, self-reliance, etc., to admit that they are powerless to overcome these evils by themselves. Ask God to use you this week to point at least one person to him and his resources.    Prayer Pointer “Prayer becomes a battleground where we wrestle with what it means to live God’s life in the world.” —Maxie Dunnam 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.

UR: In God's Image

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” - John 13:34 (NIV)

I don’t like birds. If I see a bird flying anywhere close by, I think it’s going to attack me. For the past few weeks, my husband and I have been watching a little wren outside our dining room window. She hops around on the leaves of the begonia, looks in at us, and occasionally pecks at the window. Despite my fear of birds, I can appreciate this one. I enjoy watching her from inside and acknowledge her as one of God’s wondrous creations.

Similarly I have met people that I don’t like. But Jesus tells us to love one another as he has loved us. Jesus loves us as creations made in God’s image.

If I can acknowledge that a little bird that I am fearful of is a marvelous creation of God, how much more should I be able to love a person who is made in God’s likeness? If I pay attention to people as closely as I have this wren, I will give myself the opportunity to get past my first impressions, to notice others doing something kind or beautiful, to see in each person the reflection of our loving God.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to see beyond our negative reactions to people. Help us to see how they reflect you. Amen.

ODB:

CS:

TWFYT:

Thanks Sarah! Thanks for covering during our sick day. We had a stomach bug and felt it best to rest at home and not contaminate others. Karen and I are both better and will be ready for the week ahead. Thanks for your prayers!

This Week: 

Tues 10-11 Huddle live in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom. All welcome!

Wed. Bread Distribution 10-12

6-7:30 Dinner and fellowship for all families and adults. We begin our fall return to huddles on Wed.

Worship Sun. 10 Am in the sanctuary and on zoom

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Good Morning Refined, Redeemed, Delivered, Secure Children of the King of the Universe! God took me through many devos todays as I found some old ones and saw how He threaded three new ones through our normal ones. God is speaking to you, to us, this morning and pronouncing His love, that patiently corrects, stretches, refines, delivers, redeems and grows us in Christ. PTL! We have read and know He does all these, but sometimes it's hard to keep our focus and joy when being stretched and molded. God is for us and has great plans for us that will take us through the refiners fire and deep waters and even through the darkest valleys. he is and will be with us always and is always good, even though it may not quite feel like that at times of stretching. We have prayed for His Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around us and we can expect Him to answer that according to His plans and in ways He knows are best to get us to our fuller potential in Christ. Amen--so be it Lord! Come! Have Your way with me! Amen!

Yesterday Sarah brought a great word and reminder from Eph. 6 that Satan will and does attack and that we need to be cloaked in the armor of God and to put that on daily in prayer. We need to sharpen our swords by spending time in His Word and internalizing and memorizing it to use against all attacks. God will allow testing and Satan will attack God's faithful ones. Expect it and be ready. Satan also loves to drag down and away from God those who are being tested and refined. Don't allow that. Tighten on that armor and stand form as God molds you. Don't loose hope but keep seeking Him and resting in His love as you stand firm in Christ. God loves you and has great plans for you for such a time as this and just as you are. But He also wants to lead you to the greater things which will require some refining fire and stretching love. Receive it with joy and in faith knowing God is for you--always.

I have much to do this morning and am running way behind so I will just leave you with some of our devos for you to work through with the Holy Spirit and maybe some friends. What's God saying to you, very loved one? What's he wanting to do in, through and around you to bring His Kingdom and will alive? Who is helping you process? Be still and know He is the God who is love and always with you. he has great plans for you that will require some refining and stretching and he has some friends to walk with you and Jesus through whatever deep waters and dark valleys you are in. PTL! We all need each other to lean on and walk with. Start with this worship prayer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysLvmPCE9KA

You are chosen by God who is calling you by name and who will redeem and deliver you. he will stretch and grow you and He has given you His Spirit and others filled with His Spirit to walk with through this life and all the battles. Tighten on that armor in prayer and walk in His strength and power to victory ad you allow Him to lead you to your best. he does have great plans for you! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and He promises to be with you always.

There is definitely a thread through all God is revealing to us today through our devotional quiet time. We are His and He is refining us and leading us to His best in such a loving way that is best and custom prepared for custom us. PTL! We are...Refined, Redeemed, Delivered, Secure Children of the King of the Universe! We are loved. We matter. God has great plans for each of us and us together that He is bringing to life! PTL! Don't loose hope. Choose joy as you trust and invite Him to shape you for His great plans for you. Yes Come! Have Your way with me Lord! You know best! help me to cooperate with Your Spirit and find some friends to walk with. Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me and always for Your glory. May I honor and worship You always. Amen!

You are God's workmanship--masterpiece being made new in Christ to accomplish all he created you to do. (Eph 2:10) PTL!  COME!

TWFYT:

 

ODB:

CS:

UR: Safe in God's Embrace

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8 (NIV)

When I was young, I often had nightmares that woke me. Feeling anxious, I would knock on the door to my parents’ room, and my mother would calm me, giving me a hug. After my fear started to subside, she would take me back to my room and sleep with me for the rest of the night. Knowing my mother was there with me, I then was able to sleep peacefully.

I think this is what the psalmist experienced. He could forget his burdens and enjoy peace at night by putting trust in the Lord. When we have a hectic day, our emotional and physical energy is used up; we may feel angry or worried so that even at night we are still thinking about the events of the day. However, when we turn our eyes to God and share our struggles, God’s presence can fill us and bring relief for the soul.

The presence of my mother beside me, guarding me from my fears as I slept, provided me peace. In much the same way, remembering God’s presence provides me peace today. When our strength is limited and our minds are filled with worries, we can reach out to God and rest assured that in God’s care, we need not dwell in fear.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, life is full of hardship. But when we put our trust in you, we can rest peacefully knowing that you are our protector. Amen.Sarah Evans

Harvest Prayer:

Good Morning Armor-Clad, Prayer Warriors, Incarnators--Missionaries of Almighty God! Amen! We are the Light that drives back the darkness. We need to put on His armor and prepare for battle and walk in confidence in the protection of our Almighty. Amen! Today Sarah wraps up Ephesians 6 for us discussing our available armor. Put it on in prayer, stand firm in Christ and go take back what the enemy has stolen! Check out this song about that as you prepare for worship, prayer, and battle! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW6j_oKLYuU

I want to focus on one thing this morning from Our Daily Bread. Read the associated Scripture 1 Cor.3:1-9 and meditate on what God is saying to you? We may be receiving some new members from Methodist churches that just voted for anti-biblical things. Think about what Paul says in this passage. In 3:1 Paul calls the readers "worldly" and as people who choose to not live by the Spirit. They have grieved the Spirit by their choices because they are "people who tolerated blatant sin in their church." Ordaining and marrying homosexuals, transgenders, binary (whatever that is) and anything to do with LBGOXYZ is wrong, against God and His standards. It is sin and they are promoting and endorsing things opposite what God clearly teaches and we are commanded to not be involved with. Sure love the sinner. All are welcome here, but we will not endorse these sins nor help them to not feel the pinch of the Holy Spirit. If that offends you,  well, what's God saying to you? These things are sins not to be practiced nor tolerated in His Body. People opposed to these sinful ways and what the Methodist church just endorsed as ok are being asked to leave, and not very politely. Sin is offensive to God and should be to us. We all are sinners in need of a Savior and we must always be confessing and repenting of those sins, not endorsing them.

We will always stand solid on God's Word, not water it down, nor endorse sin as ok. Count on that! I will not endorse that. Also know, we are all sinners, but by the grace of God, hell bound. We will also call all sin as sin--gluttony, pride, deceit, lying, whatever and teach about how to repent, turn from these evil ways and come back to fellowship with God and our Body. Repent and believe the Good news and you will be saved is our message. Not, do what you like and we will comfort you in your sinful choices. Amen!

You can spend time with our other devos and with your open Bible. I am ending with that and asking for you to pray that we and our denomination would never waver from calling sin, sin and standing firm in Christ and on His Word. Amen! We are choosing to live, love, teach and lead like Jesus and committed to standing firm in Him, on His Word, and in His ways. Amen! We are called to help sinners transition to repentant followers of Jesus. May we model that well!

Choose today who you will follow. As for me and my house, we will follow the Lord, not the world and we will stand on His Word always. Amen!

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

3 Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. 2 I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, 3 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? 

Harvest:

August 25 - Love On Its Knees We all want to leave a mark on this world in some way. Do you desire to be known as one who knows what it means to “pray and not lose heart,” as Jesus put it (Luke 18:1), and to “pray without ceasing,” as Paul the apostle said (1 Thessalonians 5:17)? Will yours be the prayers that linger before the Lord, affecting people’s lives, even long after you’re gone? There are often challenges to be faced that could keep us from leaving such a legacy.  One key challenge, for example, is that we live in a land affected by the evil one. While nonbelievers live as if God does not exist, sometimes believers live as if the devil does not exist. Jesus came because we live in a sin-affected society. C.S. Lewis put it this way: “Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed, you might say landed in disguise, and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.” This is why we need to be “up to date” with God—in constant communion and communication with him—and why we need to pray not only for others but for ourselves as well.  This is a call to intercession. Oh, that there would be more men and women who walk and talk with God about everyone in their world. Dick Eastman, international president of Every Home for Christ, put it well: “Intercession is basically love praying. In the very truest sense, intercession is love on its knees. When we love someone we seek his very best.” This is Jesus’ example, and we would do well to live, love, and lead like our Lord as men and women who “always pray and never give up” (Luke 18:1). As a result, may we see our own lives and our world change in ways we can only begin to imagine! Heavenly Father, I want to be a person who prays and does not lose heart! Please teach me to persevere in prayer by increasing my passion for Your holiness and for the lives of others – believers as well as unbelievers! Train me in warfare prayer that never gives up and is always willing to step into enemy-occupied territory and redeem what belongs to You! Show me how to love like this, Lord! I want to be an overcoming, armor-dressed intercessor whose great love for others compels me into fervent intercession! Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer! Prepare me to step out in faith as You answer! --Adapted from Walking and Talking with God: A Simple Way to Pray Every Day by Dean Ridings. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise God that he sweeps away your offenses like the morning mist (Isa. 44:22). Give thanks that God is not unjust and will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you help others (Heb. 6:10). Confess to him those secret things you do which you know are wrong but just haven’t been able to confess (Ps. 44:21). Commit yourself to building others up with encouragement and ridding yourself of bitterness and anger, forgiving others as God in Christ forgives you (Eph. 4:29-32). Ask God to help you be an imitator of him, living a life of love (Eph. 5:1). Pray that God will give you his strength to “right some wrong” that you have committed against a family member or friend. 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.