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Saturday, November 09 2024
See Harvest prayer for the election below
Good Morning Faithful Remnant of God! May that be us always! Please Lord! Your Kingdom come and will be done today and always! Come! This is the day the Lord has made and we are rejoicing in it and praising Your holy name. We trust you Lord and cast all our anxiety on You. Thanks for creating and molding and sending us for such a time as this. May we be bringers of Good News today and always. You are our God and we trust You. You have a plan for the world that we get to be part of. Thank You! Hear our prayers. Forgive our sins. Heal our Land. Come Jesus Come! Revive us, this region, nation and the world. Thanks. May we have fair elections today as you raise up your servants. We bind all cheating and evil in the name of Jesus. May Your Spirit come and guide our voting and our lives. May we glorify You today and always. You are sovereign and in control, We trust You. Use us well for Your glory always. May Jesus be high and lifted up in and through us as we ask these things in His mighty name. Amen!
OK enough of that! Let us focus on who we are in Christ and our mission from Him to go change the world as we live and love like Jesus and share the Good News that saved us. May we live Christ well as we keep our focus on Jesus--the King of the Universe! Amen!
The Word for You Today continues with Eph. 2:10. What a great reminder and refocusing that brings. We are known, loved, created to love and sent to go love like Jesus. Agape love=dying to self and loving as Jesus loved us. Help us Lord. That is what will change the world. Loving like Jesus! That is our mission and focus. Turn off all the other noise and tune into Him. Our Daily Bread uses the beloved 23rd Psalm. Let us recite and embrace that today as we choose joy and allow Jesus to be our Shepherd. Invite Him in and walk with Him today. The Lord is my Shepherd! Is He yours? He will walk with you always and lead you beside the still waters and to the green pastures. Amen! The Upper Room uses Phil. 4's reminder that God will bring His peace beyond understanding! Will you allow that shalom to overflow you. Nothing is too big or small for our God who is able to do according to His will and with all the riches of heaven. Sarah Young reminds us how close God is all the time and that we just need to turn off the noise and look and listen for that whisper of love and encouragement. He loves you and is with you. Sit at His feet, worship, recharge and grow in faith that leads you through today as you follow your Good Shepherd! What a wonderful life we can know despite our circumstances or the state of our nation. Keep your focus on God and your feet following the Good Shepherd and life will just flow well. May springs of Living Water overflow from you today. Amen! Go Light up the world today as you live and love like Jesus! Amen! I'm praying you have a great day filled with love, joy, peace and God's presence. See you at 10 for Zoom Huddle (if I'm back from voting!) Shalom
TWFYT
ODB
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The nearly 107,000 people in the stadium stood in anticipation as Texas A&M college football kicker Seth Small took the field with only two seconds left in the game. With A&M tied 38-38 against the best team in the country—a perennial football powerhouse—a successful field goal would seal an epic upset victory. Looking calm, Small lined up to take the kick. The stadium erupted in pandemonium after the ball sailed through the uprights for the winning score.
When questioned by reporters how he prepared for such an intense moment, Small said he kept repeating to himself the first verse of Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” When Small needed strength and reassurance, he drew on the deeply personal metaphor of God as a shepherd.
Psalm 23 is a beloved psalm because it assures us that we can be at peace, or comforted, because we have a loving and trustworthy shepherd who actively cares for us. David testified both to the reality of fear in intense or difficult situations as well as the comfort God provides (v. 4). The word translated “comfort” conveys assurance, or the confidence and courage to keep going because of His guiding presence.
When walking into challenging circumstances—not knowing what the outcome will be—we can take courage as we repeat the gentle reminder that the Good Shepherd walks with us.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
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How have you experienced God as a loving shepherd? How did His trustworthy care give you courage?
Heavenly Father, please help me to take courage knowing that You’re my loving Shepherd.
Gain wisdom and leadership skills from our loving Shepherd.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 23:4 reminds us of the comfort God provides: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” In the New Testament, the word translated “comfort” can also be translated “encouragement”—the giving of hope or courage. This idea is perhaps most clearly described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” God’s comfort isn’t to be hoarded; as He comforts us, we, in turn, are to comfort others (v. 4).
Bill Crowder |
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UR: Labyrinth
The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
When my husband of 25 years told me he thought our marriage was over, I was stunned, devastated, and afraid. For a few weeks, I walked around in a daze — going through the motions of my life but not really living it.
Shortly after, I had the opportunity to walk a prayer labyrinth, an ancient practice used for centering, contemplation, and prayer. This labyrinth was located on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
As I followed the winding path, my senses were awakened. I became aware of God’s creation surrounding me. I felt the warmth of the sun, smelled the nearby flowering shrubs, and heard waves crashing on the shore below. I brought my devastation and fears to God as I traversed the twists and turns of the labyrinth. When I reached the center, I surrendered my marriage and entrusted my future to God, who loves me unconditionally.
The peace that overwhelmed my soul when I surrendered my fears to God sustained me through this past year. Fear can leave us struggling to get our bearings, to see a clear path forward. Centering ourselves in Christ gives us an anchor to hold on to and a guide to walk with us through the most challenging times.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, may we always be aware of your presence with us and turn to you when we are afraid. We long for the peace you have promised through Jesus Christ. Amen.
SY
Harvest:
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November 5 - DAY 40 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION ELECTION DAY!
Praying For God’s Will To Be Done In The 2024 Election
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“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (James 6:9-10 NIV).
Andy Stanley wrote an article published in Time Magazine before the 2020 election. Here are some excerpts to inform how we approach this election day with our God:
“Nothing divides like politics, because nothing divides like fear. But what exactly, in the context of our current election, are we afraid of? The answer is the same for everyone at the macro level: we fear loss. We are afraid of losing control, safety, power, opportunity, status, rights, freedom.”
He continues: “Our hope is not in the perfect political party. Our hope is the message and teaching of Jesus. During our oh-so-short history as a nation, both of our current political parties and their leaders have gotten it wrong; they have failed us morally; they have failed us in terms of their leadership. Why would we as followers of an eternal king allow ourselves to be divided by temporary political systems, leaders or platforms? And why would we allow ourselves to be divided by fear? Jesus’ most oft-repeated command was fear not, fear not, fear not. Instead, we must love one another as we struggle and sacrifice for the unity Jesus prayed for.”
Lord God, during this election, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country, and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community. We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, as well as deceit and poverty. We ask for ears that will hear the cries of the unborn and those abandoned. We ask our minds and hearts to be open to the voices of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom. We pray for discernment so we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Author Unknown
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- Pray that God’s will be done in our election on earth as in heaven.
- Pray that all believers would make requests, prayers, intercession, and give thanks on behalf of all people – especially those who are in authority over us in our nation today. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- Pray that we might lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- Pray for lost people who are running for office and those voting for our leaders, because it is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth! (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to stir a desire for truth, justice, and peace in the hearts of all Americans, and ask God to pour out revival on His people and spiritual awakening across our land!
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Connection Prayer Devotions Sign Up
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Saturday, November 09 2024
Today: Bread Ministry 10-12; EC Day of Fasting and Prayer to become a dynamic movement of God (Pray with our bishop 12-12:30 (live from Fellowship Hall); Chosen Dinner Huddle and Family Ministries 6-8
Tomorrow Vison Team Zoom Meeting 6:30 pm. Please pray for us to have God's dreams, visions and plans as we seek to follow Him and plan for the rest of the year. This meeting will inform our budgeting process too. Pray for God's wisdom and heart for us to sow lavishly and steward wisely all His blessings. Thanks!
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Good Morning Abiding, Delighting in God, Directed Followers of Jesus! Amen! Be still and know He is God as you still yourself at His feet and allow and invite Him to inform your prayers and steps today. He has great plans just for you today! PTL! Strip off the old, step into your new nature, your true identity and allow God to lead you and use you and grow you more like Jesus. Flow through the devotionals below as God speaks to your heart and loves on you. You can know His peace as you still yourself, yoke to Jesus and allow Him to speak to your heart and lead you to His still waters and green pastures today. Amen!
Harvest Prayer begins things today with the reminder to be God focused. Sarah Young continues this track with the reminder to keep seeking God first and to abide in Him. Start everyday delighting in the Lord and travel through each day with praise and adoration as you keep your mind fixed on things above. Opening His Word helps too and helps us to be truthful about ourselves, our choices and with God. He already knows you and loves you. Be transparent and truthful and allow Him to lead you to wisdom and Truth. God wants to heal you and help you. Invite Him to do so as you still yourself and abide in him and His Word today and He will lead you to experience His peace--a peace beyond understanding. He sure does love you and we have so much to be thankful about as we allow Him to forgive, refresh and lead us beside the still waters of peace and then to those fresh, productive, fruit producing, green pastures. Oh what joy we can truly know and live! Thanks Lord! Help us to abide, share openly with you, receive and repent and follow You well today. Thanks for the plans you have for me/us today to prosper and bring a future and a hope. Thanks for all the answered prayers! Help me/us to complete our races well as we work on becoming more like Jesus today. Amen! May Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me today. Be glorified! Amen!
I've been praying and abiding since 2:30 this morning. God has refreshed and will lead me revived into this long day of ministry and service. Thanks Lord! Hear our prayers and prepare us all for Your plans for today and move us to step into them fresh and informed! Thanks! Amen!
Harvest:
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November 6 - Be God Focused
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A young wealthy man wanted feedback from Jesus concerning his walk with the Lord. Jesus challenged him with the answer: Sell your possessions and follow Me. The young man walked away disheartened.
Matthew 19:17-19, 21, 23-24, 26: “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” … “Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” … “If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” … “I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! Again I say, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of God”.… “This is impossible for mere humans, but for God all things are possible.”
God is the Source. He must be the focal point of our lives; if anything else distracts, we’re missing the fullness of who we can be in the Lord. God draws all people unto Himself, and He transforms the most difficult cases to follow Him.
Lord, thank You for making all things possible! I repent for any time I’ve been so concerned with this world that I’ve held back from walking with You. I repent for when I’ve judged my walk as satisfactory, instead of asking You about it. I repent for any time I’ve refrained from following You, Your ways, Your wisdom. I repent for when I’ve failed to acknowledge that Jesus has made my salvation and perfection possible.
Regardless of what happened in the past, I declare You make all things possible. The most hardened of hearts, You can bring to a blessed place of desiring You. I declare I will hold nothing back from obeying You and Your commands.
I thank You that You’re good. I thank You that Your love is complete and all encompassing. I thank You that You make me able to do what is impossible in the flesh. I thank You that You have formed me in my mother’s womb and shaped me into a vessel usable by You. I thank You that I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. I thank You I lack nothing through You.
I praise You that You’re the miracle-working God. I praise You that You’re omniscient and omnipresent. I praise You that You’re always willing to dialogue with me. I praise You that You desire to glorify Yourself via my life. I praise You for who You are!
--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.
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- Praise God, your Father and great Teacher.
- Give thanks for teachers and mentors who helped make your paths straight (Prov. 3:6).
- Confess that you sometimes focus more on their quirks than their virtues.
- Commit yourself to noticing the good in those who can teach you more about faith.
- Ask God how you can best support education in your church.
- Claim the Holy Spirit’s power to woo family members or friends who say Christianity makes no sense.
Prayer Pointer
“A man’s state before God may always be measured by his prayers.” —J. C. Ryle
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CS:
UR: Tracks to safety
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
I remember being caught in a snowstorm while driving through a high mountain pass. The snow soon developed into a blizzard, and I was unable to see more than a few feet ahead. But a truck in front of me was leaving tire tracks in the six-inch deep snow, so I did the only thing I could; I followed the tracks. If it had driven off the cliff, I would have been right behind! Eventually, though, the truck led me down the mountain to safety.
That experience caused me to remember these words from Psalm 119: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Spiritually speaking, it can be as difficult for us to know the way forward as it was for me to find my way in that snowstorm. Temptations may be intense at times. Or we may simply find ourselves at a fork in the road, unsure of which path to take. No matter the cause, the way forward for us at times may not be clear. But when we rely on the wisdom of Psalm 119, God’s word can dispel the darkness and reveal the way we should go. When we are grounded in scripture, God’s guidance keeps us ready for any trial.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us to hear your voice speaking to us through scripture, especially in difficult times. Guide us each day, and reassure us of your presence with us. Amen.ODB:
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Cinematography? Well done. Soundtrack? Reflective and calming. Content? Intriguing and relatable. The video presented a study in which Redwood trees were injected with a substance similar to adrenaline to keep them from going dormant. The injected trees died because they weren’t allowed the natural cycle of “wintering.”
The video’s message was that this can happen to us as well if we’re always busy with no seasons of rest. And that can be true. But the video was inaccurate. There never was such a study. Redwoods are evergreens and never go dormant. And the trees in the video were giant Sequoias not coastal Redwoods. As thoughtful as the video seemed to be, it was based on falsehoods.
We find ourselves living in an age where, due to our technologies, lies are magnified and multiplied to the limits of convincing us they’re true. The book of Proverbs, that compendium of godly wisdom, speaks often of the stark difference between truth and lies. “Truthful lips endure forever,” says the proverb, “but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (12:19). And the very next adage tells us, “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy” (v. 20).
Honesty applies to everything from God’s commands to videos about wintering. The truth “endures forever.”
By John Blase
REFLECT & PRAY
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How might you wisely question the narrative of what you see, hear, and experience? How will you live out your commitment to the truth?
Dear God, please give me discernment as I daily pursue what’s true.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Solomon, who wrote most of the book of Proverbs, begins by stating his purpose for these wise sayings: “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence . . . knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 1:2-4). The proverbs are meant to help the reader walk “in the way of wisdom” (4:11), which is the way of truth. Like the proverbs, the apostle John had much to say about truth. Most importantly, Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). And “if you hold to [His] teaching . . . you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (8:31-32). Christ said, “Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light” (3:21). When we walk in the light of Jesus, who is truth embodied, we’re truly walking in wisdom.
Discover more of Solomon's wisdom in this study on Proverbs.
Alyson Kieda |
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CS:
TWFYT:
JM
Saturday, November 09 2024
Good Morning Children of the ON-Time God! So, did you turn your clocks back? For many they see fall back as an extra hour of sleep. That's not normally how it works for me. My body doesn't usually adapt until we spring ahead. Most days I will be arising at 2-3 instead of 3-4 and I'll be ready for bed at 7-7:30. I really wish we would just settle in on one time for the year. BUT GOD! Right! He's an on time God and knows me and how I work best and He promises to work all things together for the good of those who believe and are called according to His plans. He formed me for such a time as this. So, I can rejoice and choose joy and allow Him to use me, just as I am. And He promises to produce good fruit as I abide in Him and follow Jesus. PTL!
How's it going for you with trusting God and being able to choose joy always? He knows you and created you for such a time as this. Draw near to Him and abide in His loving presence and move forward from that time with Him. Keep you focus on Him and be determined to follow Him always. He is leading you and us beside the still waters and to the green pastures as He shepherds us to His best for such a time as this! PTL and Amen! Abide, rest, dwell in Him and His loving presence and He promises to lead us forward to the good fruit we are created to produce. How cool is that and what an easy yoke Jesus has for us weary travelers. So the word for you today is to abide and rest in the Lord and allow Him to lead you to His promised best. Remember too--Jesus took naps! How could He in the storms? because He knew, abided in and trusted the Father always. What a great example for us! Come Lord! May we abide in You and follow You to the good fruit you have prepared us to produce! Help us to rest in You no matter the storm. Lead us beside the still waters and to the green pastures. Yes restore our souls as we abide in You. Thanks Lord! I love You! May I dwell in Your Love today and always! Thanks! Amen!
You can encounter God through your own quiet time today and rest in Him, put on Jesus' easy yoke and go live and love like Jesus! What great fruit that is and produces! Turn off the noise and rest in Him who has great plans for you for such a time as this and know His shalom--His peace beyond understanding. Amen! See you in two and a half hours, if you turned you clocks back. NOTE: If the doors are locked when you arrive at church, you probably forgot to turn your clocks back!
Have a blessed, Christ-filled day! God is always an on time God! Amen!
Saturday, November 02 2024
Today: Clothing Closet 10-1
Tonight; TURN CLOCKS BACK!!!
Tomorrow Worship at 10 (Study 2 Thessalonians 1) We will collect for Everlasting Life Min.
Good Morning Abiding, Sent, World Changers of Christ! It's time for revival! Are you as sick of the state of this nation as I am? Want to change it? Well, that starts with one soul at a time until revival springs up and overwhelms. Cry out for revival and this nation. Turning off the noise and abiding in Christ is the starting point for revival. You are created for such a time as this to transform the world! Go! Live and love like Jesus!
Please start with the Harvest blog and cry out in prayer for election integrity. So many are worried that another election will be stolen. Documented reports are already surfacing (you won't hear this on the media--turn off that noise!) that people in PA who voted early for Trump that their ballots were changed to Kamala. Pray for integrity of the election process and then put the results in God's hands and choose to trust Him. He knows already who won and who will be put in office. He has a plan or He wouldn't allow it. Focus on things above and go make disciples if you want to change the world.
Turn off the noise. Pray. Abide in Christ and His Word and spend some time focusing up with our devotionals for today. TWFYT reminds us of the importance of abiding time with God. Try it if you don't already. Changing the world begins on our knees. The UR reminds us of the seeds of faith that mature in us as we spend time with God in His Word. Work on these two today as you turn off the noise and tune into God. Charles Stanley continues the theme with his reminder to keep Jesus first. Are you living Christ? He is all that really matters in this world. Who really cares about who is president when we know and abide in the King of the Universe! And ODB reminds us the world changes as we serve and go live and love like Jesus. Let's focus on these things and things above. Turn off the noise. Do what you can with what you've been given to reach one soul and watch what God will do as revival flourishes or Jesus comes back. Either way we know the Victor and He lives in us and wants to transform through us. Focus on Jesus today and bring His love alive. Then His peace beyond understanding will overwhelm you. Amen! Come Jesus Come! Bring revival! Bring shalom to Your people. Revive us and move us to go love like You. Thanks! Your Kingdom come and will be done. Amen!
Harvest Prayer:
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November 2 - DAY 37 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For Integrity In The Election
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“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them” (Proverbs 11:3 NIV).
Benjamin Franklin, on departing the Constitutional Convention, was asked what the convention’s delegates had proposed. Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.” The American system of self-government rests on the capacity of Americans to govern themselves in political terms and to exercise personal self-government (good character) in their own lives.
The key facets to preserving free government involve citizens being knowledgeable, morally upright, spirited, and free to use their minds, voices, and possessions to maintain liberty and the rule of law. Schools, religion, civic organizations, and the family are the key institutions by which citizens are formed to be able to govern themselves. (Adapted from: Necessities for Freedom and Self Government – Hillsdale College 1776 curriculum)
Mollie Hemmingway states, “The trust in free, fair, and transparent elections is the bedrock of our country.” Americans need to depend on and trust the process and results of having free and fair elections. Government has a vital role in ensuring the electoral process is safeguarded and every citizen’s right to cast a ballot is protected. It is the only way to protect the future of our republic.
Lord, we honor You as the highest authority in heaven and on earth. Our nation, founded on Your Word and Your principles, has been in spiritual decline. Father, we confess our lack of dependence upon You and the lack of moral clarity that has happened on our watch. Show us how to guard the integrity of our upcoming election and walk in peace, no matter the outcome. We trust in Your ability to bring anything dark or evil into the light and that Your people willstand for righteousness in the election process.
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- Ask the Father to keep His people on their knees during this election process – that we will pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
- Pray that poll workers and election officials will walk blamelessly, do what is right, and speak the truth in their hearts. (Psalm 15:1-2)
- Pray that the Father will be able to take pleasure in the uprightness of His people during this election process. (1 Chronicles 29:17)
- Ask the Lord to expose any evil-minded people who might be trying to damage or undermine the integrity of our nation’s election, and that the Holy Spirit will prompt many Christians to work the polls.
- Ask God to preserve the integrity and uprightness of our nation, and that we would wait only for Him. (Psalm 25:21)
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TWFYT
UR: Seeds of Faith
You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” - Romans 8:15 (CEB)
My son had been in pain for three months, and when he went in for a scan, it showed that he had a small growth on one of his bones. My quick search of the internet scared me, flooding me with worry that he could end up unable to walk.
But at that moment, the Holy Spirit urged me to pause and remember all the promises of God. In response, I consciously countered my negative thoughts and said to myself, My son is going to live a long and healthy life. When I started repeating these words in my mind, my whole outlook changed. I experienced a feeling like a blanket of peace wrapped around me.
The enemy who comes to steal our joy sows the seed of doubt in our lives, and that doubt leads to fear. But we must not allow those seeds to grow. When we recognize seeds of doubt and fear, we can pluck them out and replace them with seeds of faith. We can hold fast to the assurance that we “didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead [us] back again into fear.” Welcoming the Holy Spirit into our hearts will lead to new life.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, deliver us from fear. Help us to trust in your word wholeheartedly and live a life of freedom. Amen.
CS
ODB
Brad moved to a new city and quickly found a church where he could worship. He went to services for a few weeks, and then one Sunday he talked to the pastor afterward about his desire to serve in any way needed. He said, “I just want to ‘reach for the broom.’ ” He started by helping set up chairs for the services and cleaning the restrooms. The church family found out later that Brad’s giftedness was in teaching, but he was willing to do anything.
Jesus taught two of His disciples, James and John, and their mother a lesson in servanthood. Their mother requested that her sons have a place of honor on each side of Christ when He came into His kingdom (Matthew 20:20-21). The other disciples heard about this and grew angry with them. Perhaps they wanted those positions for themselves? Jesus told them that exercising authority over others wasn’t the way to live (vv. 25-26), but instead serving was most important. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (v. 26).
Brad’s words “reach for the broom” are a practical picture for what each of us can do in our communities and churches to serve Christ. Brad described his life’s passion for God in this way: “I want to serve for the glory of God, for the good of the world, and for my own joy.” How will you and I “reach for the broom” as God leads us?
By Anne Cetas
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In what ways can you serve your church family? When will you start?
Dear God, You’ve done so much for me and deserve my love. Please empower me and show me how to serve others in my midst.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Matthew 20, Jesus used two words to describe how those who believe in Him are to relate to each other: diakonos, translated “servant” (v. 26) and doulos, translated “slave” (v. 27). Christ turns our common understanding of greatness on its head. He teaches that instead of the greater giving orders to the lesser, the greater person is the one who serves others. In the upside-down kingdom of God, Jesus tells His disciples that to be “great” (v. 26), they must look out for the needs of others: “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave” (vv. 26-27 nlt).
J.R. Hudberg |
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Saturday, November 02 2024
Good Morning Thankful, Forgiven, Made New, Faithful Followers of Jesus! Thank God that's you! And us as His Body! PTL!
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! PTL! This is the month of Thanksgiving, feasting, family, friends and fellowship. But above all I am thankful for God's patient, forgiven, eternal love! Yes PTL! What are you thankful about today? What praises are you lifting? TGIF is a great starting point for today and this month!
Max Lucado has a daily calendar that starts with the letter "A" and he works through the alphabet. I am thankful for Apples. I am thankful for blessings. And so on. Maybe Nov. would be a great month to try that exercise daily?
Today's devotionals flow through several teachings that speak into or point to reasons to be thankful. Check them out below. I'm often encouraging--well pleading--with you to turn off the noise and focus on God. Election season is a great time to turn of the TV, radio, and computer and to refocus on God with thanksgiving and praise as the starting point. Counting our blessings is a great way to redirect your thinking. Try it today. I am thankful for Christ, Donuts Day, Earnestness, Friends, God!!!
Let's start our thanksgiving with The Word for You Today's reminder that God cares about you. AMEN and PTL! You are His, made in His image, made new in Christ to do all He has planned for you! PTL! And He helps you because He loves and cares for you. Even in the darkest hours, He is there weeping with you and wanting to embrace you with His love. Open your arms to receive His love and raise them in praise today. Sarah Young reminds us to keep focused on God's presence and to plow through the distractions. (Turn off the noise!) He knows your heart and desire to honor Him and He knows your circumstances. He is with you always. Sit at His feet and allow Him to love on you. Joyce Meyers reminds us that thanksgiving isn't for a day or month but a constant state for God's chosen people (us). Give thanks always with a grateful heart. The Upper Room reminds us to keep persevering in faith and that others are watching. Are they seeing true faith overflowing with love and thankfulness no matter what we are facing? They can as we grow in worship, thanksgiving and faith. Choose joy by turning off the noise and lift eyes and hearts in praise. Our Daily Bread reminds us that time marches on and asks how you can make the most of the time you have left? They use Eph. 5's, which we just studied, reminder to always give thanks and the truth that singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs helps us to redirect. Sing when you don't feel like you can and that will help you redirect with a thankful and worshipful heart. Make up your own psalm or even lament and lift it from a heart trusting God to Him. Drown out the noise as you make a joyful noise! And Charles Stanley wraps up our devotionals with the reminder that we have resurrection power in us. Be strong, courageous and and overcome by the power of Christ in you. Amen!
Refocus with this praise song: Give Thanks to God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRVmqQw7hXU
and this: Count Your Blessings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz0cjGr2h4k
So the reminder to rejoice--always stands out at the beginning of this month that ends with a Thanksgiving feast and family, faith and fun. Yes rejoice always! Again I say rejoice! Lift you hands in praise as you drown out the noise and drive Satan away by singing some praise! For God so Loved Y-O-U that He made a way and is with you always--yes rejoice! Release the junk and turn off the noise as you begin to count your many blessings! Amen! I'm praising for and praying for you and lifting praise to GOD! There's no way to count all the blessings! Amen! I'm thankful for Jesus, Karen, Love in me, Milkshakes...
TWFYT:
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JM
UR: The Cloud of Witnesses
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us . . . run with perseverance the race that is set before us. - Hebrews 12:1 (NRSVUE)
Recently my husband and I attended my great-nephew’s graduation from a military academy. I like to walk early in the morning and, not knowing the area, decided to walk the halls of the historic campus hotel for exercise. On the walls of each floor were pictures of famous academy graduates dating back to the early 1800s — generals, astronauts, senators and governors, and prominent figures in public service.
Had I been a student at the academy, these pictures would have inspired me to become like these famous graduates. Instead, I thought of today’s verse from Hebrews and began to imagine pictures of biblical figures and photos of family and friends who have encouraged me in my faith. I thought particularly of my dad, who took such good care of his aging parents, telling me to care for the elderly. And of my mom, who worked to help people overcome addictions, encouraging me to have compassion. Their lives were a gift to me, and as I walked those halls thinking of them, I wanted to live my life in a way that would be a gift to others coming behind me. Knowing I am supported by the saints through the ages and in my own family gives me strength and courage to run with perseverance even in the face of discouragement.
Today's Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for the people who encourage us in our faith. Help us to be a source of encouragement for others. Amen.
ODB:
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On March 14, 2019, NASA rockets ignited, catapulting astronaut Christina Koch toward the International Space Station. Koch wouldn’t return to Earth for 328 days, giving her the record for the longest continuous space flight by a woman. Every day, living roughly 254 miles above the Earth, a screen kept track of the astronaut’s time in five-minute increments. She had a myriad of daily tasks to complete (from meals to experiments), and—hour after hour—a red line inched along the display, constantly showing whether Koch was ahead or behind schedule. Not a moment to waste.
While certainly not recommending anything so intrusive as a red line ruling over our life, the apostle Paul did encourage us to carefully use our precious, limited resource of time. “Be very careful then, how you live,” he wrote, “not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). God’s wisdom instructs us to fill our days with intention and care, employing them to practice obedience to Him, to love our neighbor, and to participate in Jesus’ ongoing redemption in the world. Sadly, it’s entirely possible to ignore wisdom’s instruction and instead use our time foolishly (v. 17), frittering away our years in selfish or destructive pursuits.
The point isn’t to obsessively fret about time but simply to follow God in obedience and trust. He will help us make the most of our days.
By Winn Collier
REFLECT & PRAY
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What does time mean to you? How can you make the most of your time today?
Dear God, please help me make the most of my time.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Ephesians 5 tells us to “be very careful . . . how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (vv. 15-16). Part of using time wisely is remembering that life is filled with its different seasons, but we can rest in God’s wisdom and timing. This is beautifully captured by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. . . . He has made everything beautiful in its time” (vv. 1, 11). Recognizing that God is in control of our lives can help us walk by faith as we anticipate our eternal home with Him forever.
Bill Crowder |
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CS
Saturday, November 02 2024
Good Morning Faithful Remnant! Please may we be Your faithful remnant who are blessed, led, protected, and used for Your glory! Come Lord! Fill us. Cover us! Provide for us! Lead us! Use us well. Thank You! We need you! Cleanse and purify us to serve and prepare us for Your service and to always stand firm in Christ and on Your Word! Thank You! Revive our land and oversee our elections. Raise up Your leader for Your purposes. Bind up any cheating and lead to fair elections. Come Lord! Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around us. Thank You. May Christ and Your good ways be high and lifted up and a beacon of hope. Come! Bring Your Living Water that satisfies and water our land too. Lord, we cast all our anxiety on You. Thank You. Bring Shalom, healing and hope alive today. Amen! We pronounce that we are your faithful and true remnant. We are Yours! Thank You for salvation, new life and for hearing our prayers! Uphold us in Your strong right hand. You are our strong tower and the Rock on which we stand and build. Heal our land Lord! Come! Amen.
Hmmm, guess I awoke troubled in heart and anxious about the elections, the drought, the state of Israel and this nation and our church. BUT GOD! I prayed and believe He will hear and answer according to His will and perfect timing. I trust Him and His plans as I cast all my anxiety to Him. I know I am His and have a place being prepared for me in heaven. I have faith but also pray for forgiveness for my unbelief and help to stay focused on Him. Jesus says, come to me all you weary and I will give you rest. Amen! Many of us have some many things to be anxious and worried about. BUT GOD! Lean on Him and some friends to travel your journey well. We all are unique, yet one and we need God and each other. May we unite in prayer, encouragement, help and faithfulness to God and His plans. Help us Lord! May we not lean on our own understanding but trust God in all things and remain on His path always. He does have great, custom made plans for custom made you for such a time as this. Be still and know and choose faith and joy always!
Check out Harvest blog below about praying for Israel. Move through the devotionals below in prayer and journal what God is whispering to your heart. Pray into that and ask some friends to pray and journey with you. God has really been speaking to my heart and bringing insight and peace as I release the burdens and troubles to Him. He's bringing the peace that comes from knowing He is God with a plan and it's perfect. I know He does have good plans for me and you and us together as we remain His faithful remnant following our Good Shepherd to His perfect plans. God is good all the time! Amen! And He is in us, with us, going before us, walking beside us and covering us as He directs our steps to His best. Amen! And shalom! He is with you always and always working all things together for good. Remain faithful and watch what He is about to do! Then join Him and know joy and peace beyond understanding. Amen!
Sarah Young:
Upper Room: New Every Morning
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
I can relate to the writer of Lamentations. Some mornings I wake up to the worry of another difficult day. When I remember my afflictions, my heart sinks and I find myself teetering on the edge of another bout of depression.
However, Lamentations presents a turning point that keeps me from deep hopelessness. When I recall what God has done in the past, I am humbly reminded that God will also sort things out for me. I have faced many tough situations where I could see no way out, but each time God showed me mercy, faithfulness, and a way forward.
God has made me a witness of the promise that through God’s mercies I am not consumed. I am still standing, made strong by the grace of God. I know I can hope in God’s unfailing compassion because it is new every morning.
Today's Prayer
Faithful God, thank you for your compassion and mercy. Give us strength when we are weary, and remind us of your constant love. Amen.
Our Daily Bread:
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The plowed ground contained a secret—something hidden. In preparation for their fiftieth wedding anniversary, Lee Wilson had set apart eighty acres of his land to produce perhaps the grandest floral gift his wife had ever seen. He secretly planted countless sunflower seeds that eventually erupted into 1.2 million of the golden plants—his wife’s favorite. When the sunflowers raised their yellow crowns, Renee was shocked and overwhelmed by Lee’s beautiful act of love.
Speaking to the people of Judah through the prophet Isaiah, God shared a secret with them: Though they couldn’t see it now, after His promised judgment against them for their unfaithfulness to Him (Isaiah 3:1-4:1), a new and golden day would dawn. “In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel” (4:2). Yes, they would experience devastation and exile at the hands of Babylon, but a beautiful “branch”—a new shoot out of the ground—would then be seen. A remnant of His people set apart (“holy,” v. 3), cleansed (v. 4), and lovingly led and cared for by Him (vv. 5-6).
Our days can seem dark, and the fulfillment of God’s promises hidden. But as we cling to Him by faith, one day all His “great and precious promises” will be fulfilled (2 Peter 1:4). A beautiful new day awaits.
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
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Why do God’s promises seem to be hidden at times? How can you accept them by faith today?
Loving God, thank You for the beauty of Your faithful promises.
For further study, read The Promises of God: Taking God at His Word.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Scripture, God’s people (the Israelites) are often compared to a tree. In Isaiah 4, the prophet Isaiah refers to “that day” when “the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel” (v. 2). Previously, “that day” described a time of judgment and devastation (3:7, 18; 4:1). But here Isaiah describes “that day” as a time of restoration and renewed flourishing. By describing “that day” as both a time of judgment and restoration, Isaiah reveals that the judgment isn’t mere destruction but intended to purify, cleanse, and restore the tree of Israel to what it was meant to be—“a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain” (v. 6).
Monica La Rose |
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Charles Stanley:
The Word for You Today:
Harvest Prayer for Israel
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October 30 - DAY 34 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For The Peace And Protection Of Israel
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“Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4 NIV).
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. or the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity” (Psalm 122:6-9).
Author and American-Israeli strategist, Joel Rosenberg, has written a commentary on the current situation in which we find ourselves in the world:
“The significance of this moment in history cannot be overstated. But the big question is this: Are Israelis just going through a bad patch and our fortunes will brighten again soon, or are we beginning to see Bible prophecies unfold in which the entire world turns against Israel and Jewish people in the ‘last days’?
The Bible indicates that all of the leaders of the world will essentially get drunk on the notion that Israel – Jerusalem – is the problem the world must solve. Yet, God also makes it clear that all the nations that turn against Israel will themselves face Divine Judgment and be ‘severely injured.’
Have we arrived at the prophetic point in history in which the entire world is turning against Israel and the Jewish people? No, not yet – but that’s definitely where we are trending. And it certainly appears that the chess pieces are being arranged on the board for such a war. The dictator of Russia is building alliances with the leaders of Iran, Turkey, and Sudan, to name just a few. The nations of the world are increasingly turning against Israel and the Jewish people. Even the leaders of Israel’s most trustworthy ally – the United States of America – are abandoning Israel.
In light of all that is happening spiritually and geopolitically in the world today, my question is this: What will the Church do?”
God of Israel, Your Word has prophetically announced things that are to come regarding Israel and the rest of the world. Help us to be awake and alert amid world events we have never experienced before. Raise up Your Church to stand strong in this moment and align ourselves with Your plans and purposes for Israel. Help us to be characterized by great love and compassion and to be known as houses of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:7, Mark 11:17). May the Church shine like a beacon for Your name in this moment.
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- Ask God to grant the people of Jerusalem, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, the wisdom and patience to build a safe city where all can live in peace and freedom.
- Ask God to bless Israel, shield it with love, send light and truth to Israel’s leaders, and strengthen the hands of those who defend the land.
- Ask God to protect Israel’s cities and borders, and to empower its leaders with wisdom and strength. Ask Him to display His glory as He defends Israel.
- Ask God to bring truth into our nation’s discourse, and that evil will be revealed for what it truly is. Ask Him to uncover blinded eyes!
- Ask God to cause our government to be unified behind Israel and to defend the Jews in our nation and all over the earth unequivocally!
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Saturday, November 02 2024
Dis and Dat:
Sat. is Clothing Closet from 10-1
Don't forget to turn the clocks back on Sat. so you are not late for worship at 10. We will be studying 2 Thessalonians the next three weeks beginning with chapter one this week. (What's God saying to you?)
Sun. We collect for Everlasting Life Ministries
Many could use our prayers today. Reach out love on and pray for someone today! Karen's mom has been admitted to the hospital overnight for vertigo and possible other issues. Please keep Kay in prayer. Thanks
Please continue to pray for our elections and our nation. Check out Harvest Prayers blog below praying about the hindrances and prejudices against God's Church and her people. Vote informed. This is not a popularity contest like high school student council elections. There are dire consequences coming for Christians, the unborn, elderly and our safety and peace depending on the outcome of the elections. Which candidates and party will honor God and bless our nation? Vote for them!
The Blog begins below this prayer post
Harvest Prayer:
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October 31 - DAY 35 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For The Protection Of Religious Liberty
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“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV).
Religious liberty is enshrined in the text of our Constitution and numerous federal statutes. It encompasses the right of all Americans to exercise their religion freely, without being coerced to join an established church or to satisfy a religious test as a qualification for public office.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution begins, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ...” Religious freedom prevents the cultural majority from using the power of the state to impose their beliefs on others. This protects everyone—religious and nonreligious alike—from the government becoming so powerful that it can tell people what to think and how to act. Conscience has been considered the individual’s most sacred right. A government that intrudes on conscience will not hesitate to intrude on our other freedoms.
Additionally, forcing individuals and faith-based organizations to choose between living out their religious beliefs or serving their neighbors actually harms our communities. An estimated 350,000 religious congregations operate schools, pregnancy resource centers, soup kitchens, drug addiction programs, homeless shelters, and adoption agencies. These efforts serve 70 million Americans each year, and the value of their services is estimated at over a trillion dollars annually. Ultimately, everyone benefits from religious freedom.
It covers all people equally—Christians, Jews, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists. Religious freedom preserves America’s diversity, where people of different faiths, worldviews, and beliefs can peacefully live together without fear of punishment from the government.
--Excerpts from the Heritage Foundation
Lord, You desire Your people to live in freedom and peace. Yet, because Your great love is not the current language of our nation, many people are being unjustly silenced, manipulated, and damaged because of their religious beliefs. Awaken Your people and give us strength to live powerfully and shine brightly for righteousness! May those who live apart from You have their eyes opened to see the unjustness being perpetrated on those who are trying to love and do good for the sake of others. May the wrongs perpetrated against them be exposed and made right.
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- Ask God to reveal and reverse the unjust acts taking place against Christians as well as those from other religions who are trying to serve those who are in need.
- Pray for businesspeople who are being punished for placing You first instead of bowing to the agenda of those who are trying to damage our nation.
- Pray for families who want to do foster care or adopt, but are being turned away simply because they love and honor You in their homes.
- Ask God to strengthen His Church to stand up against injustice perpetrated against Christians in this nation.
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Connection Prayer Devotions Sign Up
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Good Morning Listening, Guided, Following Bringers of Light! Tonight is a night where evil and darkness are celebrated. Put on that armor in prayer and stand firm in Christ to Light up the World around you. We did that last Friday. May we continue to be the Light in the darkness and Love in this hate-filled world. May we bring unity back to this nation through prayer and action. Amen! As we still ourselves at Jesus feet, listen and follow Him, He will transform us more into His image and lead us to transform the world one soul at a time. What's your mission? Be the Light and GO! Love like Jesus. Amen! Check out our devotionals below threading through these thoughts. God is speaking to your heart! Be still and know that He is God and follow Him prepared today.
Last night we encountered the Chosen's version of several things like going the extra mile for others and slowing down, Martha and sit at Jesus' feet like Mary. I used to be just like Martha: busy working for the Kingdom and so busy trying to earn God's favor and be a blessing that I was missing the most important thing--dwelling in Jesus' presence throughout the day. Where's your focus? Why are you doing what you are doing? Is it Jesus' best? What good and better things do you need to release to focus on Jesus and His best things? Who might help you process that? Donald, Donald, Donald...sit at my feet and put on my easy yoke and follow me at my pace to your best. Amen! Yes help us Lord!
Choose to sit at Jesus' feet, feast on His Word and receive His directions before stepping out into this day to be the Light and live and love like Jesus. He does have great plans just for you! Rejoice and know His shalom as you seek first the Kingdom and focus on Jesus. Amen! I already prayed for you and us to turn off the noise, be still and focused and prepared to follow well. Now Go! Love like Jesus today and look for the one He has prepared for you to pull from the fires of Hell. We are the Light! Hallelujah!
Karen's Praise Song for the Day: Someone Prayed (is that you?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-0QXi7cLwI
Sarah Young:
TWFYT
UR: Guiding Signs
[God] guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night. - Psalm 78:14 (NIV)
I like to start my day with a run to clear my mind and to feel refreshed and energized. While I was on a recent early-morning run, I was reminded of God’s great mercy and protection. As I ran, I happened to glance up at the sky and noticed one particular cloud that seemed to be leading me on. It reminded me of the story of God’s using a cloud to lead the Israelites on their journey toward the Promised Land.
I pondered the words from Psalm 78:14 as I finished my run. I believe God reveals to us each day the ways we should go — the ways that are best for us. But are we willing to accept God’s leading? The cloud seemingly led me that morning, and I believe God placed it in the sky specifically for me so that I could recall the goodness and grace that God has given me. Such recollections reassure us that God really is providing direction in our lives.
Today's Prayer
Lead us this day, Father, to the place where you need us to go. Help us to experience you in new ways. We thank you for your direction in our lives. Amen.
ODB:
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In a classic Peanuts comic strip, Linus’ friend berates him for his belief in the Great Pumpkin. Walking away dejectedly, Linus says, “There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people . . . religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin!”
The Great Pumpkin existed only in Linus’ head, but the other two topics are oh-so-real—dividing nations, families, and friends. The problem occurred in Jesus’ day as well. The Pharisees were deeply religious and tried to follow the Old Testament law to the letter. The Herodians were more political, yet both groups wanted to see the Jewish people freed from Roman oppression. Jesus didn’t seem to share their goals. So they approached Him with a politically charged question: should the people pay taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:14–15)? If Jesus said yes, the people would resent Him. If He said no, the Romans could arrest Him for insurrection.
Jesus asked for a coin. “Whose image is this?” He asked (v. 16). Everyone knew it was Caesar’s. Jesus’ words resonate today: “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (v. 17). His priorities in order, Jesus avoided their trap.
Jesus came to do His Father’s will. Following His lead, we too can seek God and His kingdom above all else, directing the focus away from all the dissension and toward the one who is the Truth.
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
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What divisive issues trouble you? How might keeping your eyes on Jesus help guide your conversations today?
Father, I need Your wisdom and guidance for all my interactions.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Part of the reason the religious leaders tried to “catch [Jesus] in his words” (Mark 12:13) was to discredit Him and charge Him with blasphemy for claiming to be God (see Matthew 26:63-65; Luke 20:20). Jesus made an exclusive claim that He’s the Messiah (Matthew 26:63-64) and the only way to the Father: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The book of Acts underscores this exclusive claim: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). John makes it clear when he wrote, “We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 4:14). The good news is that in Christ, we have our Savior!
Bill Crowder |
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Joyce Meyer:
Charles Stanly
Saturday, November 02 2024
Good Morning Resting in the Lord, Dynamic Movers and Shakers! As we rest in, dwell in, abide in God's presence daily during our set aside quiet times, He informs our prayers and steps for each day. As we follow Him we are moving towards becoming a dynamic movement of revivalists and disciple makers. As we pray throughout the day we shake the kingdom of darkness, tear down strongholds and release captives. PTL and Amen! Because we are earnest in our prayer and quiet times, God moves and prepares and uses us. How cool is that. I think one of the greatest things about spending time in His presence in conversation and prayer is the sense or feeling of peace that comes from knowing I am loved and cared for no matter what I am facing and that those times do indeed inform my steps and choices and have a bearing throughout the day as I step out prepared and attentive. We get into the healthy rhythm of working from resting in Him. We become so familiar with His voice and actions that we more easily see Him at work throughout each day and are prepared to join Him in His plans to expand His Kingdom. We are movers and shakers in the Lord! Another cool aspect about time with God is that all are invited and created to spend time in fellowship with Him and that is not affected by age or circumstances. He wants to hang with us and is blessed when we want to and then blesses us for doing it. We all have a part to play in His Good News Delivery Company and for many of us that part is to pray--constantly and powerfully in Christ. One more thing I love about my time with God is that He seems to somehow redeem the time spent with Him. I often start in the wee hours of the morning as He stirs me out of bed and invites me to come chat. Somehow He refreshes, prepares and redeems that time as He sends me out fired up and ready. It's pretty cool. And I'm finding that sometimes, He allows naps after my extended time with Him. (I hope that's the case today!) God is Love and loves hanging with us and showering His love over us and filling us with much love to share as He sends us prepared and ready to live and love more like Jesus! Amen!
Today my devotionals flow through and led to this thinking. Check them out and spend some time with our Father this morning! He does have some great things for you today that begin and are empowered through a set aside dedicated time with Him and as you dwell in His presence and pray throughout each day. Turn off the noise and tune in to His presence. It's awesome! Be still and know and be prepared to go! I have already prayed for you to have an awesome encounter with our Living God and to go out prepared and ready for what He has for you, mover and shaker!
Sarah Young:
ODB:
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A meteorologist in Mississippi went viral for uttering six simple yet profound words during his weather forecast on March 24, 2023. Matt Laubhan was tracking a severe storm when he realized a catastrophic tornado was about to bear down on the town of Amory. That’s when Laubhan paused on live TV to say this prayer heard worldwide: “Dear Jesus, please help them. Amen.” Some viewers later said that prayer prompted them to take cover. His spontaneous and heartfelt prayer may have helped save countless lives.
Our prayers can make a difference too. They don’t have to be long-winded. They can be short and sweet and can be said at any time of the day. Whether we’re at work, running errands, or on vacation, we can “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
God loves to hear us pray throughout the day. The apostle Paul reminds us that we don’t have to be prisoners of worry or fear but can take all our cares and concerns to God: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Whether we’re enjoying a sunny day or being hit by the literal or figurative storms of life, let’s remember to pause and pray throughout the day.
By Nancy Gavilanes
REFLECT & PRAY
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How can you be more intentional about praying throughout the day? How has your prayer life grown over the years?
Heavenly Father, thank You that I can pray to You at any time.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s teaching on prayer in Philippians 4:4-9 is a wonderful encouragement. But he did more than teach about prayer. The following verses are examples of how the great apostle also practiced prayer on behalf of himself and others: “God . . . is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times” (Romans 1:9-10). “Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved” (10:1). “We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored” (2 Corinthians 13:9). “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy . . . that your love may abound more and more” (Philippians 1:4, 9). This is a small sampling of how Paul prayed for others—both those who believed in Jesus and those who didn’t yet know Him. What a marvelous example!
Bill Crowder |
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TWFYT:
Chuck Swindoll:
The UR: Refreshing Moments
They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. - Psalm 84:7 (NIV)
After dropping my kids off at school and daycare one morning, my minivan started smoking. Thankfully, I made it safely to work, but I fretted about what might be wrong with the minivan. Would it be safe enough to pick up my kids in after school? I was going through a difficult time in my life — divorce, financial challenges, health issues, the basement flooding — and this just felt like another thing spiraling out of my control. As I sat there feeling incredibly hopeless, a friend called to check on me. I told her about my car, and she prayed with me.
In the end, I was able to pick up my kids and drive home that day, but the minivan wasn’t repairable. Even so, knowing I had a friend walking with me and praying with me was like coming upon a refreshing pool during a long, difficult journey.
Similarly, the people in Psalm 84 found springs and pools of rain when they passed through the Valley of Baka. God provided refreshing moments for them along the way to sustain them on the journey. God shows up for us in creative and timely ways through people, words, nature, and in other ways we could not even imagine.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us to notice and experience the refreshing pools of strength you provide as you walk with us through difficult circumstances. Amen.
Charles Stanley ]
5 Prayer Points from 2 Chronicles 7:14 from harvest prayer:
This prayer guide is easily adaptable for individuals, small groups or entire churches focused on confession, repentance and the forgiveness of God:
Read 2 Chronicles 7:14 out loud: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Spend some time in prayer based on this passage:
• Father, we are Your people, called by Your name, and we will humble ourselves before You! Perhaps consider kneeling or lying prostrate on the floor before God. These are two very biblical postures of humility. Spend time repenting of your lack of humility before Him individually, as a church, and as a citizen of our nation.
• Lord Jesus, we are Your people, called by Your name, and we will pray. Take some time to confess prayerlessness and times when prayer has been your “last resort” instead of your first response. Confess the prayerlessness of the church you attend if corporate prayer has not been a consistent practice for your community of believers. Focus time upon the prayerlessness of the Church in our nation and confess the sins that have happened nationally on our watch.
• Holy Spirit, we are Your people, called by Your name, and we will seek Your face. Confess times when you have sought after other things for your wisdom and counsel before the Lord, and/or when you have placed your trust in people or government or ________. The Holy Spirit was given as a gift to teach us, comfort us and to intercede for us. If you have neglected or ignored the ministry of the Spirit by not seeking the face of God, take time to experience godly sorrow in whatever form that takes for you.
• Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are Your people called by Your name. Right now we repent of these sins we have confessed before You: lack of humility, prayerlessness, and seeking other things, idols or gods before seeking Your face. We turn from our wicked ways and ask for Your forgiveness. We mean to turn towards You now, giving You our full attention. We will walk in humility. We will give ourselves to prayer. We will seek Your face and forsake lesser things in which we have placed our dependence.
• Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, we give You thanks for listening to our prayers…for hearing us from heaven! We thank you for the forgiveness that is now ours through Christ Jesus. And in faith, we trust in Your ability and stand upon Your promise to heal our land.
© Harvest Prayer Ministries
Harvest blog:
October 29 - DAY 33 OF 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR OUR NATION
Praying For Fiscal Responsibility In Government
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“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish’” (Luke 14:28-30 NIV).
We expect our politicians and appointed officials to uphold their fiscal responsibilities. This includes fundraising, allocating funds, and spending money appropriately. However, the United States government is currently weighed down by an immense deficit.
Senator Rand Paul, in his Festivus Report for 2023, identified over 900 billion dollars of wasteful government spending by both parties. Paul states, “It doesn’t take a genius to predict the dangers that come with spending money that the government just doesn’t have. When the government overspent by $1.7 trillion in FY2023, we were left with a whopping $659 billion in interest payments. You read that right. In Fiscal Year 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury spent $659 billion just to pay the interest on the national debt. Because we don’t have the funds to pay that, we have to borrow it — a large portion from China. We borrow from China to pay the interest on funds we couldn’t afford to spend in the first place.”
Our nation needs prayer to live within our means through responsible financial governance. Our God can help us if we look to His principles for fiscal responsibility.
Father, our nation has lost its way financially. We don’t follow Your guidance and wisdom when it comes to fiscal responsibility, and so, we are drowning in debt we cannot repay. Forgive us for this foolishness, Lord, and help our leaders look to Your solutions instead of fighting amongst themselves. We pray for a deep repentance among our government leaders – that they would bow before You and confess the sinfulness of the waste and foolish spending, and turn their faces toward You. Teach our leaders how to get the nation’s finances under control and back to a healthy place.
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- Pray that America’s government officials will recognize the damage they are causing, and bow before God in humility and deep repentance.
- Pray that these men and women will stop their wastefulness and seek purposeful and responsible solutions based on God's wise counsel.
- Pray for a united determination to set America back on solid financial footing for the good of the entire nation.
- Pray that we will, again, be a prosperous nation with a balanced budget and equitable tax structure.
- Pray that our government will soon be able to be generous out of the overflow of prosperity because we are a nation that honors God and the financial principles outlined so clearly in His Word.
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Saturday, November 02 2024
This Week:
Tue 10-11 Zoom Huddle. All welcome
Wed:
10-12 Bread Ministry
6-8 Chosen and Family Ministry Dinner Huddles. All welcome
Sat. 10-1 Clothing Closet
(Note: The Bread Ministry could use some help with a couple of helpers out of commission for at least a few weeks. If interested in assisting let Sarah or me know or contact Gail)
Sarah Prayer update below
Below that is Harvest Prayers blog praying for our first responders
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Good Morning Forgiven Much, Forgiving As We Have Been Forgiven, Good News Ambassadors! Hmmm...what's this all about Pastor Don? Glad you asked! Well I envisioned this morning's blog sharing some of what the Bishop shared yesterday about being Good News bringers--God's ambassadors. And I will sum up his message briefly, but God led me to something else to share this morning as some of you have talked to me about your struggle to forgive or to move on from some bitterness or another. Seems like God is wanting to speak into that this morning from our devotionals. Even as God's Good News Delivery Company, we will encounter hard to love people and those pushing back against God and us. Jesus even warned us that people will hate us because they first hated Him. Man, we sure see that coming to life around us today in these Divided States of America. How do we love the unlovable and bring Good News to those we, well, hate? Forgive us Lord! Help us to agape love like You and bring Good News of your forgiveness and love to others, even enemies. Help us to forgive and love like You. HELP! Amen!
The Bishop began his message talking about the false perceptions many have of evangelicals that flow from our devotion to God and His ways. I had to ask myself and work through the thoughts of, "Are you a finger pointing Pharisee?" and "Who is seeing you on that list of reason to avoid our church?" OUCH! Holy Spirit pinch here! The bishop's list of how the church, especially evangelicals, is viewed by the general public stung. We stand strong on God's Word and will continue to do so. (The Bishop affirmed that during brunch when he ministered to my mother-in-law after she discussed having to leave the Methodist church because they caved to itching ears and people wanting the Church to affirm them in their sin. He assured the EC will not cave to the ways of the world, but stand firm in Christ and on God's Word and Truth. (AMEN!)) Because we having taken the stance to remain true to God and His Word, the world will hate us and disregard God's Truth as fallacy and myths. They will belittle and avoid us too. How can we love and forgive these people? Help us Lord to love like You! Open our hearts and minds to live Christ. Thanks! Amen.
The bishop reminded us that our mission is all about love. We've discussed before how the Bible teaches the truth that God is Love. Love lives in us. Love wants to love through us. That kind of love is agape, sacrificial, dying to self love like God showed us. We have this Good News to share with the world and we are placed here for such a time as this to be God's ambassadors of Love and Good News that others can be forgiven and transformed just like wretches like us have been. He reminded us from 2 Cor. 5:11-21 that Love compels, convinces, and leads to be committed to be God's Ambassadors that bring His love and Good News to those who need it most and to those He is drawing. We are commissioned to go live and love like Jesus and to bring Him and His kind of love alive. That also means to forgive as we have been forgiven. Again, please help us Lord to love You and others well and make disciples like Jesus! Thanks! Amen!
We can do none of this without the help of God and we must rely on His Spirit to help us, prepare us and direct us. Come Holy Spirit! Have Your way with me! Amen! We are on a journey--a pilgrimage--to become like Jesus that will take our whole lifetime here on earth. We are being prepared for eternity and the Potter is reshaping us and forming us more and more into His image and to be able to serve our created purposes for such a time as this. Thanks Lord! I would like to suggest you just work through the devotionals below speaking into living, loving, forgiving and making disciples like Jesus and how to prepare yourself for healing and growing into Christlikeness. Seriously, we need others to help us in this journey and to hold us up, sometimes physically and always in prayer. Put on your new nature. Ask for help to shed the old and to become more like Jesus and to be bearers of His Good News in the way of Jesus. What's God saying to you right now? Who are you processing and praying with? I know God has a word for some of you today! Sarah and I are here for you and so are some of your friends. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Keep your focus on things above. Keep dying to self, taking up cross and following Jesus daily. He really does have some great custom made plans for you that will bring much joy and peace! PTL! Help us Lord to be Jesus, live Christ daily and agape love like You. Amen! We are Forgiven Much, Forgiving As We Have Been Forgiven, Good News Ambassadors--say it, pray it, believe it and live it!
Sarah Young:
Joyce Meyer:
Charles Stanley:
Our Daily Bread:
In college, I studied William Shakespeare’s writing for a semester. The class required a giant textbook containing everything Shakespeare had ever written. The book weighed several pounds, and I had to carry it for hours at a time. Lugging that weight around caused my back to hurt, and it eventually broke a metal fastener on my bookbag!
Some things are just too heavy for us to carry. Emotional baggage from past hurt, for example, can weigh us down with bitterness and hatred. But God wants us to have freedom through forgiving people and, when possible, reconciling with them (Colossians 3:13). The deeper the pain, the longer this may take. That’s okay. It took many years for Esau to forgive Jacob for stealing his birthright and blessing (Genesis 27:36).
When the two finally reunited, Esau graciously forgave his brother and even “embraced him” (33:4). Not a word was exchanged before they both burst into tears. Over time, Esau had let go of the anger that made him consider murder (27:41). And all those years gave Jacob the chance to see the magnitude of how he’d harmed his brother. He was humble and respectful throughout the reunion (33:8-11).
In the end, both brothers came to the place where neither required anything from the other (vv. 9, 15). It was enough to forgive and be forgiven and walk away free from the heavy baggage of the past.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
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What types of offenses are hardest for you to forgive? How does forgiving others reflect your relationship with your heavenly Father?
Dear God, please set me free from bitterness and anger.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jacob and Esau were twins born to Isaac and Rebekah. Before their birth, God told Rebekah: “Two nations are in your womb . . . ; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). From Esau’s line sprang the Edomites (36:9), enemies of the Israelites. From Jacob, the younger, sprang the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob convinced Esau to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew (25:29-34) and tricked his father into giving him the firstborn’s blessing that was due to Esau (27:1-29). Although they had a rocky relationship, we read of their reunion and Esau’s forgiveness in today’s text (33:1-9).
Alyson Kieda |
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The Upper Room: Hearing God's Voice
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me.” - John 10:14 (CEB)
When I was in middle school, my family had many chickens. One day, a mother hen went into the fields outside to feed her chicks, and a chick fell into a hole in the ground. When it became dark, the hen returned to our house with her other chicks, leaving the lone chick behind.
After some time, my father heard the chick crying, and he tried to retrieve it from the hole. But the little chick was afraid and did not respond to my father’s voice, so he could not get it out. When I saw what was happening, I brought the mother hen to the hole and she called out to the chick. On hearing its mother’s voice, the chick immediately came out of the hole.
Today, many years later, I still recall that evening. When the chick heard its mother’s voice, its fear vanished. In the same way, during difficult times we can listen for our heavenly Father’s voice. God can deliver us from any situation.
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to listen for your voice and come to you in any situation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Word for You Today:
Sarah Update:
Hi everyone,
Those of you that joined us for worship, we had a great day of worship with Bishop Sizemore, and a delicious time at our brunch! Thank you to everyone that helped in making the day an awesome day of fellowship.
Here are some of the updates shared today:
Light in the Night - great success!! Over 800 walked through, and approximately 150 bibles were passed out and seeds planted.
Reid shared that a friend of his, Lauren had her baby today.....Mama and baby girl are doing well.
Mike Canfield shared that our prayers were answered for his father and his dogs. Someone who has the space and running yard has taken the dogs and his father has now moved into the assisted living facility and doing much better, as he is getting assistance with making sure he is getting the proper care. Yay God that dad is feeling better and a huge burden has been lifted off the family. Yay God!
Caleb hung out with the kids today during children's church. He did great! First time he was with other people that were not Mom, Grandma or Granddad. Great job Pastor Mike!!
Those in need of our prayers:
Darlene Skinner - recovering from knee surgery and therapy
Sue George - one of the volunteers of Bread/clothing ministry - had a stroke. She is home from the hospital and healing. Her memory and eyesight have been affected. Let's continue to pray for her healing and strengthening.
John Chobot has two more rounds of radiation, this week.
Continue to keep Diane H, Houstin L, and Donald L in our prayers as they have therapy, treatments and learn how to cope.
Carol (who has been attending from Bread Ministry) is having Surgery on her heart on November 25. May we all pray that it goes well, and for healing, and that God's peace will overwhelm Carol.
Dean Marks shared that his mother's brother passed away - Prayers for the family.
He is also asking for pray for much needed rain.
Kay (Karen Kerns' Mom) is having a nerve study on her hands on Thursday.... prayers for calmness of spirit and that the testing goes well.
Kay Paul is asking for continued prayers for her sister-in-law, Joanne who is dealing with cancer.
Jim Handfest has asked us to keep all the volunteers that have been assisting those that have been affected by the hurricanes in our prayers; for safety and that they may continue to be able to share hope and love.
Pray for the Support and Vision team as we meet next Thursday, to discuss what God has in store of us; and as we start the budget conversations.
Continue to pray for Israel - for peace all over the land - and for one another.
May we all continue to remember that we are to be committed to living as an ambassador of Jesus Christ.
Have a great week, church family!
Blessings,
Sarah
Harvest:
Saturday, November 02 2024
Worship and Brunch today! Come worship, fellowship and feast on His Word and with a great 2 Peas in A Pod brunch! It's a day to be fed physically and spiritually as our Bishop brings the Word this morning. Come! Join us! brings some friends!
Good Morning Purposeful, Waiting on the Lord, Good News Delivery Co! We are created in God's image for His custom made purposes. We matter and have purpose! As we seek first His Kingdom, He will lead us to His perfect plans in His perfect timing. Amen! And so we wait on Him in prayer and yoke to Jesus as we travel at His pace. Amen! We are gathered and sent to bring His Love and Good News alive. We are His, loved, saved, forgiven, prepared and sent to transform the world as we live and love more and more like Jesus who is with us always! What joy as we work on becoming who we are created to be and doing the things we are created to do more and more. That is Jesus' easy yoke and a true joy that produces much good fruit! We are His ambassadors of grace, mercy and love and as we step more fully into that we will become a dynamic movement of God that brings revival and changes the world! Amen!
Today, I expect the Bishop to teach us more about how to do this well. I know God is moving St. Matts. in the same direction as the Bishop is being led to lead us. We are on our way to becoming a dynamic movement of God that loves Him well and reaches excitedly to those who He is drawing from the fires of Hell. Friday night we made some new connection points to neighbors. Pray that God works in some of them and draws them and waters and fertilizes the seeds we planted. Pray we begin some new relationships with young families and 30-50 year olds and lead them to God and Jesus' way. Pray for us to become a house of prayer for the nations and a disciple making hub for the area. He does have great plans for you and us and He is sending us into the harvest field. Praise Him for the harvest that is coming and pray He raises up harvest workers from this harvest. Pray that we would live and love more and more like Jesus everyday and teach others how to live our His way well as we live it out better. Yes, He is bringing alive some great things and I am so excited to see where He leads us! Come, Jesus Come! Lead us to Your perfect plans in Your perfect timing. Amen!
It's pretty cool how God has threaded this word through our devotionals for today. Check them out below and prepare your hearts to receive His instructions and your feet to follow Jesus well. God has some amazing things in store for you and us that will flow from our prayers, time with God and willingness to earnestly follow Jesus. PTL! and Amen! We begin, as God has ordered our devos, with The Word for You Today and their teaching about God's custom made plans just for you first. Meditate on this and talk to God about it. What's He leading you to do? Who are your partners? Sarah Young reminds us about the importance of keeping our focus on God and allowing Him to direct our steps for what's now and what's next. She reminds us to travel at the speed of Jesus as we plow with Him. Charles Stanley reminds us and continues her train of thought with the call to expectant waiting. God is speaking, teaching, preparing and wants us to move with Him. That is really the only way to be productive for His Kingdom that produces good fruit. Pray for our Vision Team that will be meeting in two weeks to seek God, discern His plans and to steward well as we sow lavishly into all He has for us and begin the budgeting process for God's plans for us for next year.. May we pursue Him as He pursues us and follow as He leads, well. Amen! Today we gather, like the Acts 2:42 church to study His Word, worship, fellowship, eat together and pray. I love how God keeps leading us to and through our table ministries! We need each other and the Upper Room discusses and reminds that we are made for community and unity. We are not to be Lone Rangers. We practice some of this every week as we gather on Wednesdays to eat, fellowship, study and pray. And guess what? God keeps sending some new people to taste and see that Jesus is good and we are genuine in our love and obedience to Him and His ways. May we continue these ministries well. Pray for God to expand them to new opportunities to connect to neighbors and connect them to Him. Pray for me to mentor and train some leaders to lead others to God's plans too. And this flows to Our Daily Bread teaching about being born again. Who do you know that needs Jesus' love, forgiveness and new life in Christ? What will you do about that? Who are your partners? Who needs to hear the stories of God's faithfulness to you and us and how He is using us to transform the world with his love and care one soul at a time?
Really pray into these things. Allow these teachings and what the Bishop will share today from 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (below) to inform your prayers and actions. Cry out for revival and for God to use you to do your part in His Good News Delivery Co. He really does have some custom, age and circumstance appropriate things for you to do. Let us commit to be about His business together in His ways and spur each other on in prayer and actions as God leads. Revival is coming! This is the year of the Lord's favor and He wants us to step into that and our anointing! Come, et us seek and follow well together for His glory alone. Amen! We are His Purposeful, Waiting on the Lord, Good News Delivery Co! PTL! and Amen!
2 Corinthians 5:11-21
We Are God’s Ambassadors
11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 12 Are we commending ourselves to you again? No, we are giving you a reason to be proud of us, so you can answer those who brag about having a spectacular ministry rather than having a sincere heart. 13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ.
TWFYT:
SY:
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UR: Community of Faith
Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” - Exodus 18:17-18 (NIV)
Soon after the Israelites’ deliverance, Jethro — Moses’ father-in-law — came to visit and observed Moses in his daily responsibility of judging disputes between the people. Jethro told Moses that continuing to do all the work alone would be too much. He advised Moses to set wise men as leaders over groups of people. In following this advice, Moses relied on his community for help, thus preventing his own burnout.
God designed us to need community. It can be uncomfortable and hard to accept that we need others, especially when we realize that our church is made up of imperfect people. But when we downplay the collective nature of our faith, we do ourselves a disservice.
Wonderful things can happen when we rely on one another: our bonds of relationship are strengthened, and we give others the opportunity to show God’s love to us. In big and small moments, let’s commit to loving those around us and letting others love us in return. In doing so, we can be a part of ushering in God’s kingdom.
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the community of believers. Help us to reach out to others who may need our love, and help us to accept love in return. Amen.
ODB:
Born Again?
Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5
READ John 3:1-9
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“Born again? What does that mean?” asked the funeral director. “I’ve never heard of that term before.” Grasping the opportunity, the son of the deceased father explained what it meant through the words of John chapter 3.
“It comes down to the fact that we are all born once into this world,” he said. “God doesn’t have a magic scale where He weighs our good deeds against the bad. God requires us to be born of the Spirit,” he continued. “That’s why Jesus died on the cross—He paid for our sins and made it possible for us to possess eternal life with Him. We can’t make it on our own.”
In John 3, Nicodemus began to doubt if he truly had it all figured out. A trained teacher in the Scriptures (v. 1), he recognized that Jesus was different and that His teaching had authority (v. 2). He wanted to find out for himself, so he approached Christ one night to get the matter settled. Nicodemus must have accepted Jesus’ statement “You must be born again” (v. 7) and believed, because he helped prepare the Savior’s body for burial after He was crucified (19:39).
The funeral director agreed to go home and read the third chapter of John’s gospel. Like the son who talked with the director, let’s take Jesus’ words to heart and share them with others as He helps us.
By Brent Hackett
REFLECT & PRAY
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What does it mean for you to be born again? How can you share what it means with others?
Dear Father, thank You for allowing me to be born again. May Your Spirit move in the hearts of those to whom I share the need to be born again.
Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jesus told Nicodemus, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). Christ’s claim that a person needs to be born “again” confused Nicodemus: “How can someone be born when they are old?” (v. 4). The Greek word anōthen, translated “again” (vv. 3, 7), has several meanings and can indicate either time or location. It can mean “from above” (heaven), “from the beginning,” “for a long time,” or “again.” Both “you must be born again” (niv) or “you must be born from above” (nrsv) are accurate translations of verse 7. Christ is telling Nicodemus that to enter heaven, a person must be made new. We can’t do this through our own efforts but only through the Spirit (v. 8).
J.R. Hudberg |
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