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Friday, September 27 2024
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! AMEN! and PTL! Focus some thanksgiving today on your salvation and all Jesus did and is doing in, through, for and around you! Fix your thoughts on Him today and worship!
Because He Lives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5h7KuPeMrg
Good Morning Saved by Grace through Faith Fellow Journeyers! Just keep contemplating all that means! What a gift! Bow in worship!
See Sarah's prayer update below. Pray for her as she prepares to bring the Word Sunday. Pray for our brunch fellowship after and that God draws some neighbors to come taste and see.
God awoke me early this morning to minister to my heart and to prepare His Word for us today as I spent time in prayerful worship and study. I spent time with Him in about 9 different devotionals and study and prayer. Man is He speaking. Ask Him to speak to your heart today and prepare you for the day ahead. If you are still alive, He has a purpose and plan for you. Ask Him to bring that alive and to prepare and use you well. I'm always amazed how God gives me opportunities all the time to bring His love, His Word and His wisdom alive. But I have to prepare and ingest His Word and dwell in His Love to be ready to pour out His love and truth. Be still in His presence today and ask Him to prepare you and the way for today and then just worship and praise as you see Him do just that. Amen!
Maybe you are traveling through the dark valley right now, or some hard stretching and molding as the Potter kneads and reworks you, His clay, into the vessel He wants you to be. Lean hard into Him and worship in this storm. Invite Him to carry you through and to reshape you. Ask Him to help you to endure and for grace to persevere in faith through the stretching. He will! He has chosen you and is calling you by name and wanting to lead you to His greater things that He promised we would do. He is redeeming your situation and life! Trust Him and cooperate. Fix your thoughts on things above. Turn off the noise and allow Him to speak peace and love over you as He carries you through this day one step of faith at a time. He is able. He knows and cares. He is with you always. Amen!
In some ways this has been a very hard week for me and for some of you. BUT GOD! As we shift our focus away from self and circumstances and ask Him to take all our anxiety and fear, He will. He will use you too, even in the storms. Fix your thoughts on things above and turn off the noise. Who are you allowing to speak into your life? Are they Truth-bringers, joy-bringers, life-bringers? Or are you listening to things of this world and lies, hate spewing, and divisive posturing? Turn of the noise and listen for that loving whisper from our Father. You can walk on water in this storm, if you keep your eyes on Jesus and allow God to have His way with you. Come! Help! Jesus! Amen!
During my travels this week, I encountered a few who are traveling through some hard things and weeping for this nation with remorse and fear. BUT GOD! Remember that. BUT GOD! Fix your thoughts and focus on Jesus and things above. Yes cry out in prayer for our nation and then ask God to reveal your part to bring Him, His ways and change alive one soul at a time. He has prepared someone just for you to help refocus to Truth and the Way. Please, turn off the noise! You know that our election is not a popularity contest. It is a war for the things of God. Who will trash the Bible and good ways of God? Who will allow us to continue to worship and pursue the things of God. Who is for life and who brings death? Who supports Israel? Vote for the things of God and let the rest in His hands. He raises up our leaders for His purposes. Pray for them to come to know Him and honor Him and His ways. Ask for strength to endure and wisdom and discernment and for His eyes and heart. And ask for strength to endure. Pray for revival in His Church! This world is deteriorating and will continue to get worse and worse until that Great Day of the Lord. Jesus said to expect troubles. His Church always grows and flourishes under persecution. He promises an End Times harvest even amongst the vilest and most perverse anti-Christ times. Stand firm. Pray for revival. And ask Him to use you for your part that He created you to do. And cast all your anxiety unto Him and receive His peace beyond understanding. Amen!
Geez, this is going long. I'm going to allow you to seek God and listen on your own today and not share all 9 devos. He is singing over you, His chosen child. He loves you with and everlasting love. He is speaking to you all the time and working all things together for good and His plans and purposes. Sometimes as we look back, we realize that the hardest times have also been some of the closest and sweetest with God. Focus on Him today and receive His peace and marching orders. He has some great custom made plans He is leading you to accomplish. Amen! The Kingdom of heaven is at hand and in you! PTL! This is the year of the Lord's favor! Step into it! You have been created for such a time as this and have received gifts and help to become who you are created to be and to live and love more like Jesus. Yes, turn of the noise of self doubt, fear, chaos around you and the media and fix your thoughts on things above! Count your many blessings and step out in faith! Amen and rejoice! Thank God I'm forgiven and being prepared to complete my and Jesus' mission. Come Jesus come! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu4VV54ZcFo
Sarah Update:
Good afternoon, everyone,
Here are a couple of folks that need our prayers:
Darlene Geiger is asking for prayer for her husband who is suffering from allergy/cold and also for prayers for her mother in law - she is at home however her heart is only functioning at 15% and her kidneys are not functioning well. She has nurses that come to the house to help care for her.
Chris Muiks - asking for prayers for his older sister who cared for him when he was young, and after his mom passed away. His sister is currently in the hospital with congestive heart failure.
The Canfield family - Caleb has a bad chest cold and the rest of the family is fighting to remain healthy.
Prayers for Houston and Gail - Houston has several doctor appointments over the next couple of weeks. Prayers for strength, for the physicians they will be working with, Patiences, perseverance.
While Pastor Don was doing his Homebound visits, he learned that Bert Richards is pretty sick, so he had to postpone his visit with them.
Nancy Bahr is doing okay, and sends her hellos to everyone.
Covid is beginning to ramp up in some of the facilities that Pastor Don goes to, please pray a covering over him, that the Lord will keep him healthy and protected from any illness.
Pastor Don and Karen have several family members that are in the Florida area. Terry and Jane, are two of those in the Florida area. Helena is headed into the Florida area, May God protect those that are in it's path.
Also prayers for Pastor Don's sister who is traveling in Italy. And we also want to pray for safety for Marshall Rehm as he is traveling in Spain, and Debbie and Gerry Siegfried as they are in Switzerland visiting family and sight seeing.
DON'T FORGET.....This Sunday is our brunch following our worship service!! Hope you can join us! Lots of yummy food. Keep Lori and Ramon in your prayers as they prep the food for us.
Okay I believe that is all for now.....hope you all have a great rest of your day and week.
Blessings,
Sarah
Friday, September 27 2024
Don't forget...Sunday is our Brunch after worship. All welcome! Bring a friend or two! Lord, may Acts 2:42 come alive in and through us as we gather! All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.
Good Morning Worshipers! We do have so much to praise and be thankful for! We even bow in humble worship all the time! Who are we God, that You are mindful of us? Yet You are! Thank You! Today's devotionals lead through dwelling in His presence in praise and worship and allow His Word to inform our praise, prayers and actions. Check them out prayerfully. What's God saying to you?
Lately, I've been thinking about Job and how all that he loved was taken from him by the devil. And God allowed this stretching, refining, testing. But there is one thing not taken, Job's steadfast faith in God. No one can take that unless we surrender it. God promises to be with us always--on the mountain top and in the darkest valleys. Fix your thoughts on Him! Keep trusting! The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Praise be the Lord! And the Lord redeems and restores too! Many of us have traveled through some of these hard, stretching times. Some are right now. We get to be pretty good at putting on a happy face and hiding our hurts and fears. We need each other and to invite some into our pain and journey. If someone reaches out to you, don't be like Jobs friends who were no help. And don't be like Job's wife who said curse God and die. Come alongside in prayer with a listening ear and strengthening, helping heart. Ask God to help you help and for help if you need some. We all need some help! We all need each other! Amen! We have no idea what some of us are traveling through right now. Ask God to use you to be His comfort and peace and to help and strengthen others. Ask God to send help if you need it. Then open up to receive it. God knows, has allowed for His purposes and cares. he is able and is with you wanting to work all things together for good. trust Him! Worship! Come Lord! Send me! Send help! Deliver me/us! Your Kingdom come and will be done. Strengthen me and give me enduring faith. Thank YOU!
Here our our devos. They do speak into this! Be still and know. Listen to hear with open heart and mind. Ask for the Holy Spirit to guide you today. Amen! Last night at our Chosen huddle tears were shed. God was speaking because His love became very real to us. Hard things are part of life...BUT GOD! His love for you is an everlasting love! He is always with you. Lean on Him today! Follow Him today. Allow Him to help and use you today! he is able and has good plans just for you. he knows you by name and has chosen you to be His child. What lavish love He has shown us! Trust and worship today! Amen!
I just heard on the radio the thought and truth that when things seem to be falling apart, they are falling into place as we trust God and allow Him to work ALL things together and continue to worship! Amen! Rejoice always!
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UR: Breathe
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. - Psalm 150:6 (NIV)
On a recent road trip down the eastern coast of our country, we spent many hours on clifftops looking out to sea for a glimpse of humpback whales. These magnificent creatures that were once cruelly hunted have now returned to the warmer waters to give birth to their young. They are not always easy to spot, but the clue is in their first breath emerging from the depths.
I have heard that the sacred name YHWH, if correctly pronounced, sounds like the inhalation and exhalation of breath. This becomes profound when I consider that every living creature in their breathing proclaims the name of God.
From our very first breath to our final one, we are giving expression to the life God first breathed into the dust that became Adam. May we rejoice in the new life and hope we have — breathing deeply as we praise God.
Today's Prayer
Creator God, thank you that you are always with us. Help us to breathe your name in all circumstances. Amen.
ODB:
As favorite backyard neighbors, my mother and Mrs. Sanchez grew also into friendly rivals. The two competed every Monday to be the first to hang their freshly washed laundry on their outdoor clotheslines. “She beat me again!” my mother would say. But the next week, Mama might be first—both enjoying their friendly weekly contest. Over ten years of sharing a backyard alley, the two also shared each other’s wisdom, stories, and hope.
The Bible speaks with great warmth about the virtue of such a friendship. “A friend loves at all times,” King Solomon observed (Proverbs 17:17). He also noted, “The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice” (27:9).
Our great Friend is surely Jesus. Urging loving friendship from His disciples, He taught them, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). The very next day, He would do just that on the cross. He also told them, “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (v. 15). Then He said, “This is my command: Love each other” (v. 17).
With such words, Jesus “is elevating His listeners,” as philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff said, from lowly humans to companions and confidants. In Christ, we learn to befriend others. What a Friend to teach us such love!
By Patricia Raybon
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How do you experience love in your friendship with Jesus? How can you be a friend like Him?
You call me friend, dear Jesus. Please help me be a loving friend to others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The apostle John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; see 20:2; 21:20). It wasn’t that Christ loved him alone or the most, but most likely that John keenly felt Jesus’ love. Of all the New Testament books, John’s writing focuses the most on God’s love. He says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (3:16). The apostle also says, “the Father loves the Son” (v. 35; 5:20). Why? Because Christ laid down His life (10:17). In response, we’re to “love one another” (13:34) just as He loved us (15:12). By our love for each other, others will know we’re His disciples (13:35). If we love Him, we’re also called to “keep [His] commands” (14:15). In 1 John, the apostle’s emphasis is again on God’s love: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (4:8).
Alyson Kieda |
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TWFYT:
Friday, September 27 2024
TODAY 10-11 Zoom Huddle. All welcome.
Please find attached the link for Tues prayer for our Light in the Night Trunk or Treat Oct 25th. Leading up to the event Revival Church and St. Matts will be praying into the event every Tues at noon and 6:30 PM. Join when able and let us sow lavishly in prayer into this event. God has some great plans for us to unleash in prayer! This will begin next Tuesday Oct. 1.
Topic: Light in the Night Prayer Call Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet every Tues at noon and/or 6:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 985 238 1129 Passcode: prayer
Good Morning Dwelling in His Presence, Standing on His Word, Followers of the Living Word, Jesus! Amen! Jesus is always speaking to you and most often through times spent with Bibles open. We dwell in His loving presence daily with open Bibles. That enables us, informs us, our prayers and actions and as we hide His Word in our hearts we are better able to stand firm in Christ and Truth. We become accustomed to hearing His still small voice and are able to see Him more clearly at work around us and that leads to being in a state of prayerfulness all day. Yes and Amen! Check out this link to a Harvest Prayer blog today about developing an evangelistic outreach through prayer. We need to keep praying for the harvest and workers and for God to show us our parts in His Good News Delivery Co. Reaching Out by Reaching Up
What a great starting point for the thread through our devotionals for today. God is always at work and working all things together for our good. That is often evidenced by the way He uses study materials and our Bible time and prayer time to speak to our hearts. Today, He sure did that for me and I hope for you as well. What is He revealing to you this morning and what is your plan to do it?
My family has been praying through a very stressful situation, yet we know God is with us and will bring His provision, protection and justice. Amen. It is helpful for me to redirect to things of God. I often use the verse used in the Chosen from Isaiah 43:1-3. Maybe start there today as well as you begin your journey with Jesus today.
But now, listen to the Lord who created you. The one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I gave a ransom for your freedom;
How comforting as we embrace and pray through these truths. Jesus is calling you by name and He knows all you are dealing with and will deliver you. Promise! He has already ransomed you and reminds you that you are His! PTL! He created you for such a time as this and He's leading you to your fuller potential. PTL!
Sarah Young from He Jesus Calling devo continues this thought...focus on God. It is helpful to remember that we are in the world but not of it and that Jesus said to not worry for He has already overcome the world! Amen! Charles Stanley continues the thread with the reminder that God's Word is alive, active and healing! Satan accuses but the Holy Spirit convicts in love and leads us to repentance. God knows our struggles and burdens and promises to comfort us and that comes alive as we dwell in His presence and Word and with others to help too. Our Daily Bread reminds us that we need each other. We sure do! Check it out. Who might you help today? Who might you invite in to help you. (Start with Jesus and ask Him to send help or send you). The Upper Room reminds us that sometimes we have to step put of our comfort zones if we really want to know God, His Truth, enact His promises, and share ourselves with others or receive help we need. The Holy Spirit is given as our helper, comforter, revealer of truth. Trust Him! Invite Him to work in and through you today. All of this culminates with The Word for You Today's reminder that we are sent with Good News or to be the Good News as we help others. What's your part in God's Good News Delivery Co?
No matter what we are facing, or how far from God you feel, He is there and singing over you reminding you that you are known, loved and He is calling you by name. He has great plans just for you that are brought to life as He molds and shapes you. His Spirit is always at work and wants to help you and bring boldness to go live and love like Jesus. PTL! Yes rejoice! Fix your thoughts on things above and receive His love, grace, mercy and help today! Amen! Where does our hope come from? My hope comes from the Lord! May yours as well! He is able! He will! Amen!
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ODB:
Most of the three hundred residents of Whittier, Alaska, live in one big apartment complex, and that’s why Whittier is called a “town under one roof.” Amie, a former resident, says, “I didn’t have to step outside the building─the grocery store, notary public, school, and post office were on our ground floor, just an elevator ride away!”
“Because life there was so comfortable, I often wanted to keep to myself, thinking I didn’t need anyone,” Amie shares. “But the residents are so warm. They look out for each other. I learned that they need me, and I need them.”
Like Amie, we may at times want to keep to ourselves and avoid community. The latter seems less stressful! But Scripture says that a believer in Jesus should have a healthy balance of solitude and fellowship with other believers. The apostle Paul likens the body of believers to the human body. Just as each body part has a distinct function, every believer has a distinct role (Romans 12:4). Just as a body part can’t exist alone, a believer can’t live the life of faith in isolation (v. 5). It’s in the midst of community that we use our gifts (vv. 6-8; 1 Peter 4:10) and grow to be like Jesus (Romans 12:9-21).
We need one another; our togetherness is in Christ (v. 5). With His help, as we “look out for each other,” we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and show others His love.
By Karen Huang
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How has community in Jesus helped you in your walk with God? How have other believers encouraged you?
Dear God, thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul wrote Romans to believers in Jesus living in Rome—a city steeped in the practices of pagan worship. Those pagans brought offerings of meat and drink to their gods hoping that the sacrifice would earn a bit of mercy. And those listening to the apostle’s letter for the first time would have immediately recognized his emphasis of “sacrifice” (12:1).
But the apostle upends the expected order of things. For the believer in Jesus, mercy comes first—not sacrifice—and it’s freely given. Paul made that argument throughout the first part of the letter, and it’s why he begins this section with “therefore.”
So, therefore, on account of God’s great mercy, we offer sacrifice. And that sacrifice isn’t the meat of a goat or cow; we offer ourselves. Paul doesn’t mean we climb onto an altar but that we offer the whole of ourselves as a gift to our merciful God.
Jed Ostoich |
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UR: The Power of the Holy Spirit
I stood in front of you with weakness, fear, and a lot of shaking. My message and my preaching weren’t presented with convincing wise words but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power. - 1 Corinthians 2:3-4 (CEB)
I spent most of my life being painfully shy and terrified of taking risks. So several years ago, when God called me to be a Bible teacher, I resisted and refused to use my spiritual gift. I wrestled with insecurities and feelings of inadequacy. The thought of stepping out of my comfort zone made my stomach clench with severe anxiety.
God has brought me a long way by demonstrating that God can give me the words to speak and the grace to obey despite my inner turmoil. Opportunities that would have terrified me before don’t intimidate me as much now because God has proven to be faithful. God held my hand as I took small steps of faith and said yes to teaching opportunities. Every time, the Spirit gave me power over my fear and the words to speak.
If God calls us to do something outside our comfort zone, the Holy Spirit will help us. We are vessels for God’s glory. We can trust in the power of the Spirit and step out in faith.
Today's Prayer
Faithful God, remind us to trust in the power of your Spirit within us, and help us to move forward in faith today. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
TWFYT:
Friday, September 27 2024
Today:
Bread Ministry 10-12
Chosen Dinner Huddle and Family Ministries 6-8
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Good morning Friends! Maybe I should say good night? I had a very sleepless night and am writing this before, hopefully, getting a few hours sleep before the busyness of the day ahead.
Sometimes we just can't sleep and sometimes our minds are too active to shut down for the night. No matter, God is with you and listening to your prayers and wanting to bring His shalom and rest. God knows the plans He has for you and me today. I will need Him to carry me through and He is faithful to do that when we submit to Him. Amen! Jesus said, "Come to me all you weary and I will give you rest." Thanks Lord! I'm coming!
As I was sitting here reviewing our Philippians study, the reminder came to me to fix my thoughts on things above. We have a custom made purpose for today and that comes alive as we fix our gaze on Jesus with willing feet and summited hearts. May that be us today Lord! Come bring Your rest and be our Shepherd. Amen!
That's all I got. Running out of juice. Hope to see some of you at church later today and Sunday. God has some great things in store! rejoice! Amen and good night!
Friday, September 27 2024
Aug./Sept. 2024 St. Matthew’s Prayer Guide
Pray for St. Matt’s to become a house of Prayer for the Nations and for many to embrace their power and purpose in praying
Pray that we become a dynamic movement of God led by pastors and laity who have a burning passion for God and a missionary zeal to reach those who don’t yet know Christ
Pray we become a disciple making hub for the area.
Pray for small groups to be started in the building, homes, and businesses around the area. Pray for leaders for them.
Pray we find new connection points to our neighbors and start growing friendships. Pray we bring joy and love alive.
Pray for harvest workers to be raised up from the harvest that is coming. Thank God for the harvest. Pray for twelve new members by Christmas and that we connect them to God.
Thank God for His provision and protection. Pray we continue to sow lavishly while being the best stewards of all His blessings.
Pray for our Bread and Clothing ministries to connect to neighbors and meet needs. Thank God for the volunteers.
Pray we would grow in our relationship with Christ and for ideas to and people called that want to make Him known.
Pray for our Wed. night ministries and our Sun. 2 Peas in a Pod Brunches to flourish and connect people to God.
Friday, September 27 2024
  St. Matts Fall Happenings
Worship every Sunday 10 am. Come as you are! All welcome!
· Worldwide Communion Sun Oct 6th
2 Peas in A Pod Brunches After worship 11:30
 Sun Sept 29th, Oct 27th, Nov 24th, Dec 22nd
Bread Ministry every Wed 10-12
Donut and fellowship days: Oct 9th, Nov 15th, Dec 4th
Wednesday Evening Chosen Dinner Huddles 6PM
Gather for dinner, and Chosen Video Adult discussion group
 and Family Ministries Chosen study group
Clothing Closet Every 1st and 3rd Sat.
10-12 Rear entrance
Light in the Night Trunk or Treat Safe Zone
6-8pm Fri. Oct 25th, 5th St. lot
Come for safe trick or treating candy and fun!
Friday, September 27 2024
This Week:
Tue Zoom (only) Huddle 10-11 All welcome!
Tue Noon pray for Light in the Night and other activities and needs on Zoom!
Wed Bread Ministry 10-12
Wed Dinner/Chosen/Family Ministries Huddles 6-8. Bring a friend! Pastor Don's cooking and we begin season 4of the Chosen
See attached the Activities handouts and prayer guides for next few weeks/months we had in the bulletin. Mark your calendars, pray and ask God how He wants to use you or provide through you and your prayers.
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Good Morning Chosen. Loved, Forgiven, Cleansed, redeemed of the Lord! PTL! Right? Oh what wonder love, grace, mercy and forgiveness we know, can know and can share. God loves you and wants you to share that amazing love with others He has prepared just for you. Who are they Lord? How do You plan to use me? help me see, know and follow well today! Prepare me! Purify me to serve! Embolden me! Send me! Amen!
Today God really threaded through my/our devotionals and wraps it up nicely with Harvest Prayer's blog at bottom. (Below that are the links to the handouts) Spend some time at His feet today, listening, surrendering, receiving and be prepared for the day ahead with a thankful heart! TWFYT reminds us that we have a BIG God and need to work on having a bigger concept of God and praying some big prayers in big faith. God's ways are not our ways, are they? He is so much more than we can know or imagine. Prov. 3:5-6 reminds us to stop leaning on our own understand! Allow God to inform your prayers and actions today. Sarah Young reminds us of the freedom we can know in Christ and the importance of casting all our burdens to Him and receiving His healing forgiveness and loving freedom. Charles Stanley reminds us that God's Word will convict, counsel and guide us as it leads to freedom and walking in the ways of Jesus. ODB reminds us that we are part of the family--THE family of God, by His grace and through our faith. Amen! And the UR reminds us that God will encourage us along the way. Look for it and listen as others speak life and encouragement to you and receive it as God's gift. God really loves you and us and has great plans for today. Talk to Him about that and prepare your hearts to worship. trust and obey! What's God saying to you? What will you do about that? I'm praying for you! Shalom for you are very loved, accepted and forgiven!
TWFYT:
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ODB:
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“You don’t belong here.” Those words crushed an eight-year-old girl’s heart, and the pain stayed with her. Her family had emigrated from a refugee camp in a war-torn country to a new country, and her immigration card had the word alien stamped on it. She felt like she didn’t belong.
As an adult, although she put her faith in Jesus, she still felt alienated—stung by the feeling that she was an unwelcome outsider. While reading her Bible, she discovered the promises of Ephesians 2. In verse 12, she saw that old, troubling word alien. “You were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (nkjv). But as she kept reading, she saw how Christ’s sacrifice had changed her status. She got to verse 19, which told her, “You are no longer” a foreigner or alien. She was a “fellow citizen” with God’s people. Realizing that she was a citizen of heaven, she was overjoyed. Never again would she be an outsider. God had taken her in and accepted her.
Because of our sin, we’re alienated from God. But we don’t have to stay that way. Jesus brought peace to all who were “far away” (v. 17), making all who trust Him fellow citizens of His eternal kingdom—united as the body of Christ.
By Dave Branon
REFLECT & PRAY
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In what way do you feel alienated? What does it mean for you to know that God has called all His children to be united in Him?
Dear heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to experience fellowship with You and with others who love and trust You.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As believers in Jesus, we have His promise that we’re not strangers to Him: “You are . . . fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Ephesians 2:19). In fact, His care for us is so intimate that at this very moment, He’s preparing a home where we’ll live with Him forever! Christ said: “I go and prepare a place for you, [and] I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). When we arrive at our eternal home, we’ll be in His presence forever.
Bill Crowder |
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UR: Encouraged at every Step
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
My home is Ukraine, but now I live in Estonia.
My friends and I still remember the horror we experienced during the first weeks of the war. We hid in the cellar of a high-rise building for 10 days during the air raids. Then we decided to start a long journey out of the country. We traveled through Romania, Hungary, and other countries to get to Estonia. Everywhere we journeyed we were met by people who helped us in countless ways. With God’s help we found our way out of danger and were encouraged by God’s Spirit at every step.
Once in Estonia, I decided together with my friends to get involved as a volunteer, helping to feed the refugees who were fleeing Ukraine. I find that the best way to deal with worries and haunting memories is to help other people. God has been good to us, and in turn we have tried to be good to God’s people.
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for guiding us and walking with us always. Thank you for all the friends you send into our lives. Amen.
Harvest:
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September 23 - Walking with a Holy God
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Isaiah 59:2 says, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear.”
When we come into the presence of God, we will always behold one outstanding characteristic of His nature: His holiness. There is not a blemish in God; purity and impurity do not mix. If we are to have intimate fellowship with a holy God, then we must be clean before Him. David asked a question in Psalms 24, “Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place?” He then answered his own question saying, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully” (24:3-4). Only the pure in heart will be able to enter into the presence of God and discover intimacy with Him.
Sin in the life of the believer hinders intimate fellowship with God. God is holy. When sin resides within the heart of a disciple of Jesus, it’s impossible for that disciple to walk in deep intimate fellowship with one who is absolute purity. We must confess our sins, and “He [will be] faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).
Lord, continue to create a pure heart within me and help me to be continually aware of anything that has become an idol in my life. Search me and reveal anything that sets my soul on a sinful path. I want to walk in intimate fellowship with You, Father. Reveal insincerity or anything that threatens our relationship. Transform me by the renewing of my mind and give me the perseverance to lean into Christ-likeness for the sake of people who love You, and those who have yet to claim You as Savior and Lord.
--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 37, Hindrances to Effective Prayer by Sammy Tippit). 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 name of Jehovah-jireh, “the Lord will provide.”
- Thank God for having given you everything you need for life and health in this week.
- Confess to him the times when you have begrudged giving a kind word or encouragement or forgiveness to another person.
- Commit yourself to reflecting God’s generosity and openhanded love to a difficult person in your life.
- Ask God to give you an extra portion of his Spirit as you strive to reflect his character.
- If there is a specific need in your family that only God can provide, commit this need to him in the faith that he will supply it abundantly (2 Cor. 9:8).
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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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Friday, September 27 2024
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! Thank God everyday for His amazing love, grace, mercy and forgiveness! What does it mean to you to know that Jesus loved you so much that He was willing to endure the cross for you? Worship!
Good Morning Forgiven Much, Redeemed, Believer, Being Called by Name, Follower of Jesus! He knows you and is calling you by name right now--come! Who is this man, Jesus? How is He impacting your life? He knows you and has great plans for you! Be still and know! Talk to Him about your needs and concerns with grateful hearts fixed on Him. He is able! He will work ALL things together for good! Rejoice! Are you content? Trusting? Faithful? Walking in Peace! You can be! Who is this man that loves me, calls me by name and provides all I need? Yes, worship with much thanksgiving and walk in full surrender to Him and His ways!
Sunday we will wrap up our brief study of Philippians with chapter 4. In 4:11 Paul reminds us that he learned how to be content in good and bad times by keeping his eyes and heart fixed on Jesus. Who is this man that we can trust Him no matter what we are going through? He promises to be with you always and he knows the good plans He has for you. Trust Him! Check out Charles Stanley's teaching on Phil 4:11. We would benefit to spend more time studying this then we are as we just cruise through some of Paul's Epistles. Sarah Young reminds us, as Paul does in Phil. 4 to fix our thoughts on Jesus and things above. She reminds us how helpful it is to try to see things with God's heart and eyes. Sometimes, we have to still ourselves and refocus. Eventually, like Paul we are able to learn to be content as we fix our eyes on Jesus and pray to have His mind and heart. The Upper Room reminds of this truth and promise--God's got this--whatever the "this" is. Trust Him. Cast you anxiety to Him and ask for peace and contentment to overflow you. And know this, no matter the severity of things arrayed against you, God's justice is sure and coming. And His grace will be sufficient to carry you through. Check our Our Daily Bread on this and read Nahum 1 from it. He may be waiting for repentance but His justice and deliverance is sure and coming! Amen! God is with you. He's calling you by name and reminding you that you are His. His deliverance and help is at hand and He will redeem you and whatever you are going through. trust Him!
Fix your thoughts on things above. Choose joy! And ask for help to be content always. It is helpful to have some close journeyers traveling with you too. We need each other and especially when we are hurting or off track or derailed by some sort of chaos. Ask God for some helpers or how He wants to use you to help others to refocus, stand firm, choose joy and be content that God's got this. Then watch for His miraculous deliverance and workings! He is able--He will! Amen! He loves you and knows what's going on and is at work for your good. Trust Him! Fix your thoughts on Him as you turn off the noise and refocus from the chaos! I'm praying for you! And Jesus is interceding for you too! Rejoice! Amen! Thank God I am forgiven and He has opened the door for His deliverance and a deep relationship with the God who is Love!
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UR: God's Got This!
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1 (NRSVUE)
Five years ago, my husband of 26 years unexpectedly passed away. He was also the father of our three daughters and the primary wage-earner. Now when I think back on those dark days, I can see how I have been in God’s hands all along.
I prayed for my broken heart, and God gave me comfort. I prayed for guidance, and God led me to a job that would sustain me and give me purpose. I prayed for my girls, and God has led them along their own journeys. I prayed for help with having two mortgages on our family home, and God showed me how to eventually sell that house and move somewhere much more manageable. I continued to pray for direction, and God introduced me to the man who would later become my fiancé.
I do not need to doubt or fear any new hurdle. I’ve seen time and time again that God is in control. It’s easy to go back to worry when the path is unclear. But I know the Lord is with me every step I take. When I start to fret, I remind myself of what I’ve been through and take a deep breath. God’s got this!
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, even if we don’t see the answers we are looking for, help us remember your promise never to leave or forsake us. Amen.ODB:
God’s Justice and Grace
The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. Nahum 1:3
READ Nahum 1:1-8, 15
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English Romantic painter John Martin (1789–1854) is known for his apocalyptic landscapes depicting the destruction of civilizations. In these fantastic scenes, humans are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the destruction and powerless against the approaching doom. One painting, The Fall of Nineveh, depicts people fleeing the coming destruction of mounting waves under dark rolling clouds.
More than two thousand years before Martin’s painting, the prophet Nahum prophesied against Nineveh foretelling its judgment. The prophet used images of mountains quaking, hills melting, and the earth trembling (Nahum 1:5) to symbolize God’s wrath on those who’d oppressed others for their own gain. However, God’s response to sin is not without grace. While Nahum reminds his listeners of God’s power, he notes that He is “slow to anger” (v. 3) and “cares for those who trust in him” (v. 7).
Descriptions of judgment are hard to read, but a world where evil isn’t confronted would be a terrible one. Thankfully the prophet doesn’t end on that note. He reminds us that God desires a good and just world: “Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace!” (v. 15). That good news is Jesus, who suffered the consequences of sin so we can have peace with God (Romans 5:1, 6).
By Matt Lucas
REFLECT & PRAY
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How do you want God to defend the oppressed? How might your understanding of His wrath against injustice prompt you to speak up for the oppressed?
Father, I pray for those around the world who suffer unjustly.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Despite the gloomy and apocalyptic nature of Nahum’s message, God had offered immense grace to evil Nineveh. About a century earlier, He’d sent His reluctant prophet Jonah to warn Nineveh that they’d be “overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). The city repented, and God relented from destroying it (vv. 5-10). However, history shows how they relapsed into their old ways, their appalling cruelty earning them multiple enemies. This time their judgment would be final. In 612 bc, the city was overrun by the Medes and Babylonians. Today Nineveh is mostly a ruin located near the Iraqi city of Mosul.
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Harvest:
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September 20 - Jesus – the Ultimate Intercessor
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For Jesus prayer was a lifestyle. It seems that He prayed at every major juncture and before every key decision in His life. He prayed in the morning (Mark 1:35). He prayed at night (Matthew 14:27), and sometimes all night (Luke 6:12). He prayed when He was alone (John 6:15), when He was with others (Matthew 11:15–26), and at public gatherings (Matthew 14:19). Scripture records eight actual prayers of Jesus, fourteen teachings of Jesus on prayer, eighteen references to Him praying, as well as three references to His intercessory prayer ministry after He ascended. Every one of His prayers was faith-filled, heartfelt, and fervent. The writer of Hebrews compacts the essence of Jesus’ prayer life into one sentence: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (5:7). Jesus was the paramount pray-er.
Jesus Christ was also the ultimate intercessor. Intercession was a major part of His prayer life. It’s from His intercessory prayer life and teaching that we especially want to learn.
Many passages of scripture record Jesus’ prayers for others. Matthew informs us that Jesus placed his hands on the little children that were brought to him and prayed for them (Matthew 19:13). Before raising Lazarus from the grave Jesus lets us in on the fact that He has been praying on the way there: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me” (John 11:41–42). After the Lord’s Supper Jesus reinstates Peter with the reminder, “I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:32).
In His final prayer with His disciples Jesus intercedes for their protection, their joy, their sanctification, and their future place with Him in glory (John 17:9–17, 24). In the same prayer He intercedes that future believers will be one and that they may “also be in us [that is, in the Father and the Son]” (John 17:20–23). On the cross Jesus asks the Father to forgive those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). Finally, forty days later, as He prepares to ascend to heaven, Jesus lifts up His hands and blesses those gathered (Luke 24:50). Intercession ran like a thread, maybe more like a rope, through the fabric of Jesus’ life.
Precious Christ Jesus, I am awed that You always live to intercede for me! How blessed I am to have the example of Your prayer life laid out for me in Scripture! Prayer was and is Your very life! I long for the kind of intimacy You have with the Father! What a mystery that Your prayer life is living within me and that You pray Your heart through mine if I will yield myself to the voice of Your Spirit. I entrust my prayer life to You now, and thank You for the promise that when I come near to You, You will come near to me! Light the fire of intercession within me as I continually seek Your face!
--Adapted from Praying God’s Heart (Prayers that Make a Difference) 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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- Praise God as the source of all true wisdom and discernment (Col. 2:3).
- Thank him for supplying his church with the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and the ability to distinguish between spirits (1 Cor. 12:8-10).
- Confess those times when you have failed to discern the cultural influences that try to choke out spiritual growth and fruitfulness.
- Commit yourself to testing the spirits to see whether they are from God (1 Jn. 4:1).
- Ask God to make you more aware of the reality of spiritual warfare in your life (Eph. 6:10-12).
- Ask God to lift the spiritual blindness from political leaders in your country, that they may make decisions that help create a wholesome and God-honoring society.
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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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Friday, September 27 2024
Larry Paul News below
Good Morning Friends!
Very busy and hectic day and weekend with lots of ups and downs for our family and for many of you. I am reminded through our devos today to be still and wait quietly in the Lord's peace-bringing, instructing presence. he loves you, is with you always and always speaking. Turn off the noise as much as able in these chaotic, troubling days. remember Jesus told us to expect trouble and troubles can be part of our molding or God's redirecting and sometimes correcting. be still, know and receive. he is singing over you and whispering to your soul today. Worship! Shalom, very loved child of God! What's God whispering to you today? process that with a friend or two and go work at living and loving like Jesus! Amen!
Larry Paul:
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September 2024
Hello to all of our family, friends, and partners,
We enjoyed our time in the USA this summer. It was a great time with our family, friends and churches as well as meeting new people, and our boys enjoyed reconnecting with friends they made during our last home assignment. We also had time to visit colleges with Richard to help him plan where he'll be attending school next year. Enol and I are still getting used to the idea that he won't be with us next year.
Faith Academy's new school year started August 5. We have over 530 students enrolled this year from 20 different countries. We completed our accreditation review with ACSI last school year and it was approved for another 6 years! By receiving ACSI accreditation, Faith Academy graduates are accepted by colleges and universities around the world. ACSI gave us recommendations for ways to improve so staff will be reviewing them and working to incorporate them in how students are taught and how the school is run.
Larry's crew and contractors were able to finish most of the work to prepare the campus for the new school year (only the painting of the theater exterior was delayed due to weather). Every other Saturday afternoon during the summer work we offered a Bible study to the workers and a local church graciously donated Tagalog Bibles for us to hand out to them. We're praying a seed was planted in all of them and they'll continue to worship at local churches.
Richard is now a senior and Brayden is a sophomore at Faith Academy; they're enjoying time with their friends but are also doing well in their classes. They are both on the varsity boys volleyball team which is doing well this year. They are looking forward to going to the ACSC tournament in Indonesia in October to celebrate the season.
Enol is glad to be able to volunteer a few days a week at Faith Academy's Elementary division. She's reconnecting with old friends and making new friends while helping the teachers with their classes. She also enjoys being part of the team Moms for the boys volleyball team. The Moms are doing fund raisers to help reduce the cost of attending the tournament in Indonesia.
Praises
- Time with family and friends in USA
- Richard and Brayden doing well at Faith Academy, both with schoolwork and athletics.
- Enol can volunteer at Faith Academy
- God's provision for our needs and our good health
Prayer Requests
- Larry to continue to handle the additional responsibilities at Faith Academy
- Enol's sister Zeny, complete recovery from stroke, and her financial needs
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support of our ministry at Faith Academy in the Philippines.
Larry, Enol, Richard, and Brayden |
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Reconnecting with friends in the USA!
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Enjoying Chesapeake Bay at sunset
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Distributing Bibles to our contractors at our last Bible Study of the Summer!
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Awesome picture of our school opening flag ceremony from Faith Academy's media team. We serve students and staff from over 20 different countries represented by the flags on stage!
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| Richard and Brayden on the varsity volleyball team! |
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Financial Partnership
Mail a check to:
Wycliffe
PO Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862-8200
www.wycliffe.org
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Friday, September 27 2024
Before we begin today, I have to share what a wonderful day of love and ministry I experienced yesterday an some good news too! God is with us for sure and working all things together for our good and for those who are yet to come! Keep praising and praying! God is with us!
Bread ministry was another awesome time of serving, loving, fellowshipping and prayer. God continues to bless and use us! PTL! We also continue to grow closer to each other and those God is sending. Pray for relationships to continue to blossom and lead to a deeper relationship with Jesus! Amen!
Last night we had an awesome time of Acts 2:42 type table ministry! We also made some great connections to the leaders of Revival Church as we began plans for our Light in the Night Trunk or Treat. I love how God is uniting us to go love and providing workers for the harvest. Remember we are collecting candy or donations for candy for this as we expect around a thousand moving through our lot that night. Keep praying in to this outreach and for God's favor and provision! We will be collecting candy (or donations) instead of stuff for the pantry in Oct.
We had some good news on the roof and are still assessing but it appears to not be as bad as first thought. We are getting some money back from insurance to help with damage replacement too! PTL! All of this may help for us to get insurance quicker too. Keep praying into God's provision and wisdom for that so we don't have to close our doors while roof is being repaired due to lack of insurance. God is our Source and Enough! Amen!
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Good Morning Discerning of the Times, Standing on the Word, Followers of the Living Word! Check out our devos below speaking into the importance of seeking, studying and standing on the Word of God in these dark, living-for-self days and days of deception. We know the Truth and He lives in us! PTL! Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and that no one can come to the Father except through Him. Amen! That's Truth! Stand on it! Did you see the backlash of the Pope saying all religions lead to God? Ah sorry Pope but that is a false teaching! Jesus is the only Way! Sarah Young speaks about the battle going on for our minds. Are you listening to the Truth and do you know it well enough to discern false teachings? The Methodist Church leaders are another denomination that has tossed the Word of God and it's Truth and embraced false teaching and is embracing the way of the world. So many of their members are duped by these falsehoods and going along with this unbiblical teachings. And see no wrong in embracing things God detests. Would you know if I taught a false teaching or blow it off? I hope not! Jesus is the Way and the Truth! Open your Bibles daily and spend time in them and with our Living Word. Remember the only offensive weapon in God's armor is the Sword of the Spirit, which is God's Word. Jesus used God's Truths against Satan's twisting of the Bible to defeat him. May we be prepared to do the same. Study, know and hide God's Truth in your hearts and be ready to battle and stand firm against all kinds of falsehoods being touted as truth today. May we always stand firm in Truth! Amen!
We see all around us people who have no clue what the truth is anymore. People willing to drink the "Kool Aid" and swallow whatever is placed before them as truth. Many are seeking to have their itching ears tickled too. Check out TWFYT about that. Know God's Word and be ready to stand firm on it and wield that sword as needed. Charles Stanley reminds us to understand that God's timing is perfect and His promises are true. Some things will take time to come to pass. And we patiently wait and endure as we trust God to bring His perfect plans to life at just the right time. Know this! Studying His promises helps us to stand firm and on His Truth and not go weary or be deceived. The Upper Room reminds us that God is always with us even in the storms--ALWAYS! Focus on Him and stand firm on His Truth in the storm that living in America has become! Check out Psalm 16 from ODB reminder that we get to choose joy as we choose to trust God and His perfect timing. Ask Him to help you grow in trust and to choose joy today. He is able! And He wants to! PTL! And ask Him to keep uniting us with like-minded followers of the Truth to walk with! There is a vicious battle raging for our hearts and minds that keeps intensifying. Choose Joy, Trust and stand firm in Christ. He is coming back with His justice and deliverance for those who remain true to Him and His ways! May that be us Lord! Amen!
Put on that armor today in prayer. Prepare to stand firm in Christ. And remember to allow the Holy Spirit to produce His good fruit in you: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control. Amen! Focus on what is lovely and true. Let us work at dying to self and crucifying our sin and foolishness daily as we follow Jesus. Pronounce and work on our salutation for today: We are...Discerning of the Times, Standing on the Word, Followers of the Living Word! Amen!
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UR: God Is with Us
I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. - Psalm 73:23 (NIV)
I was riding a bus along a twisting highway between cities. The bus bounced and swayed more than usual, and I didn’t feel well. As I tried to pray and hoped I wouldn’t throw up, I remembered that in Spanish, the same word is used for being carsick and seasick (mareos, from mar, the “sea”). I thought of the disciples in the boat with Jesus when a storm arose on the Sea of Galilee. They were frightened — and perhaps seasick — so they woke up Jesus who was somehow sleeping through it all. “Don’t you care if we drown?” they cried. And he promptly calmed the storm.
What strikes me is that though Jesus had the power to calm the storm and obligingly did so when they asked, he was already in the boat with the disciples. God is with us all the time — in the storms of life and on calm sunny days. God holds us by the hand in every moment and is ready to answer when we call for reassurance. When we trust in God’s loving presence, peace can fill our souls, even in the most difficult times.
Today's Prayer
Thank you, God, for being ready to answer when we call. Help us to trust in your continual presence. Amen.ODB:
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The pandemic was winning. That’s how it looked to Jason Persoff, an emergency room doctor at a large hospital committed to saving patients with Covid. How could he give his best? During off hours, he relaxed by taking enlarged photos of something small—individual snowflakes. It “sounds crazy,” says Dr. Persoff. But finding joy in something small but beautiful is “an opportunity to bond with my Creator and also to see the world in a way that few people take the time to notice.”
Wisely looking for such joy—to ease stress and build resilience—is a high value in the medical profession, the doctor said. But for everyone, he has this advice: “You’ve got to breathe. You have got to find a way to take a breath and enjoy life.”
David the psalmist expressed this thought in Psalm 16 as he declared the wisdom of finding joy in God. “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup,” he wrote. “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure” (vv. 5, 9).
There are many unwise things people do as they try to decompress. Dr. Persoff found the wise path—one that pointed him to the Creator, who offers us the joy of His presence. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (v. 11). In Him, we find joy evermore.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
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How does finding wise joy bless your life? As you read Psalm 16, how can it inspire you to name the ways you find joy in God?
In my life’s journey, O God, please bless me to wisely find joy that starts with You.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
David’s joy in God, expressed so eloquently in Psalm 16:11, is a joy available to us as well. In fact, for the child of God, all we need for joy in our lives has already been provided—the indwelling Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul included joy in the list of the fruit of the Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Joy isn’t something we can generate ourselves; it’s the result of the Spirit’s work in us.
Bill Crowder |
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