Good Morning Activated Masterpieces of God! PTL and AMEN! PTL! I slept in until after 6 and PTL for a great time of fellowship and representing God at Rita's . I love how God has gathered us and uses us sent ones as we are for such a time as this! Now all of that ties to some of our devotionals for . It's late so I'll be brief...
Eph. 2:10 has become a foundational verse for our church. We are God's masterpieces who are activated and made new in Christ to do all the things God created us to do for such a time as this. Just being you and doing what you are created to do is part of Jesus' easy yoke we get to put on. That yoke is custom made for us just like we are custom made and custom gifted to go do what we are made to doo. What joy and peace we can know as we step into this more fully and as we team up with the partners God has for us. Let's just stop there and meditate on my I to We devo. What's God saying to you? What will you do about it? What's His plan and who are your partners for such a time as this? Do what He is leading to and invite us along. Our Daily Bread talks about Queen Esther and the "for such a time as this" placement that God has for all of us each season of life and circumstance we face. He is for us and uses us as we are where we
Opps hit send by mistake.
Here's the devos to meditate upon. And pray into. Thanks and chow!
I to We
ODB
Right Place, Right Time
Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14
A nursing convention was being held at a hotel when a guest experienced a heart attack in the lobby. Immediately, more than two dozen caregivers came to his side and worked to keep him alive. The guest was incredibly grateful for all the nurses who were at the right place at the right time.
Esther was also at the right place at the right time. She’d been chosen to be queen after winning the king’s favor and approval (Esther 2:17). Yet a decree threatened her people, the Jews, so her cousin Mordecai encouraged her to use her position to appeal to the king to save them from certain death. “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” he challenged her (4:14). Her decision to risk her life and “go to the king” (v. 16) to expose this evil plot saved the Jews from certain death (ch. 8). It’s apparent that Queen Esther understood that God had placed her in that position at just the right time.
Sometimes, we may wonder why situations happen or circumstances change. Perhaps we get frustrated and try to get things “back to normal.” God may have placed us in our current situation for a specific purpose. , as we encounter disruptions or changes, let’s ask God to show us if there’s something special He wants us to do as part of His perfect plan.
By Brent Hackett
REFLECT & PRAY
What disruptions have you had lately? What opportunities might God be presenting to you in them?
Dear Father, when I get frustrated with change, please help me see the bigger picture and understand that You may be doing something in and through me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Esther tells of a near-holocaust of the ancient Jewish people, which God supernaturally prevented through Esther’s willingness to serve. As is often the case in Judaism, great moments lead to abiding celebrations. As liberation from slavery is celebrated in the Feast of the Passover, and the Maccabean victory over the Greek/Syrian oppressors (160 BC) resulted in Hanukkah (sometimes known as the “Festival of Lights”), the Esther story led to the annual celebration of Purim. Each spring (usually in March), Purim is a time when gifts are exchanged, and people give to the poor. Children dress up as characters in the Esther story and remember God’s rescue of His people from the wicked Haman and his genocidal intentions. The story of Esther can remind us that God can use our current situation for His specific purpose.
at 6...Rita's hangout! Wear your St. Matts shirts and come enjoy a cool treat and some great fellowship!
Good Morning Led-By-the-Spirit, Loving Servants! Amen! And PTL! That's you and us! Well, it can be a choice we make and seek to live daily. How's that going for you? Living and loving like Jesus, filled with His Spirit and going in love to bless many. Has God given you any ideas to try to do this better? Is He leading you to someone or to try an activity? What will you do about that? Who is your team from processing, planning and going?
Check out the thread through our devos . We are the Light of God sent to light up the darkness around us. We are called to clearly focusing and following and may need to ask for help with our unbelief? We have been given the Holy Spirit to intercede, empower, gift and help us go with Jesus to complete our missions. We are made in love o go love like Jesus and work together to fulfill His purposes and plans.
God has made you for such a time as this? What is the next step He is leading you to in your quest to become more like Jesus and doing what He has and is doing? Who are your teammates and prayer partners? What will you do about this all? begin with abiding prayer and open Bibles. Humble yourself before God as you follow Him and learn to live and love more and more like Him. Amen!
Sarah Young
TWFYT
ODB
Led by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit . . . will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
When the navigation app suggested a route that would cut almost an hour off their drive from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, Shelby Easler and her brother followed the alternate directions. However, the “shortcut” led them along a dirt path for hours that left them stranded in California’s Mojave Desert during a dust storm. They were able to reverse course, but they eventually had to be towed because of all the damage to their car from the rough terrain. The app developer apologized to the numerous travelers who followed those wrong directions.
It’s important who we rely on for guidance. As believers in Jesus, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit to lead and direct us in matters of truth.
When Jesus knew that He’d soon die and be taken from His disciples, He assured them He wouldn’t leave them stranded. He urged His disciples to obey His commands and spoke of the promised Holy Spirit, or the Spirit of truth, who would be with them forever and live inside of them (John 14:15-17). “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (v. 26).
Let’s continue to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting as we go throughout our day. We know He’ll never lead us astray.
By Nancy Gavilanes
REFLECT & PRAY
What helps you to follow the Holy Spirit’s prompting? How can you get better at following Him?
Dear God, thank You for Your Holy Spirit.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jesus insisted that in His departure from earth (John 14:1-14) He wouldn’t abandon His disciples. He promised, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (v. 18). Christ could leave without abandoning His people because He’d return to be with them through His Spirit. The Spirit would unite believers to Jesus and draw them into the life of the triune God: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (v. 20). The Holy Spirit continues to lead and unite believers in Jesus .
Monica La Rose
UR: The Words You Pray
The Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. - Romans 8:26 (NRSVUE)
My mom and dad taught me at a very early age to pray. But I struggle from time to time with how and what to pray. Our family regularly attended church and prayer services, and at times we prayed at the church altar if we felt led to do so. But sometimes even now I’m not sure what to say when I pray.
Memorized prayers and scriptures help when I’m stumbling over my thoughts while trying to verbalize them in prayer. My dad’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, which begins, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (KJV). These verses keep my mind focused when I wake up worried or run into any problem. They remind me how trustworthy our heavenly Father is. Mom’s favorite scripture is Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” (KJV). What great reminders of the Father’s desire to lead us to joy, peace, and healing!
Sometimes I still don’t know what to pray, and I get stuck. I told Mom my dilemma years ago, and her simple answer was: “Just pray his name: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Praying that beautiful, sweet name has saved my life. There is amazing power in Jesus’ name.
I to We
Connection Prayers
- Does His Presence Go with You?
The experience of Israel under the leadership of Moses is a great teacher for the Church as we cry out to God for revival. Terry Teykl, in his powerful book entitled The Presence Based Church, writes, "As a result of their unique relationship with God, the Israelites became the original Presence based people. Under the leadership of Moses, and at God’s bidding, they made the Presence the axis of their lives.
"The Ark of the Covenant was always located in the tabernacle at the very center of the camp. The 12 tribes were divided into four groups and stationed symmetrically around the Presence: three to the north, three to the south, three to the east, and three to the west. By day they saw the cloud that hung over the tent, and by night they would lie in the entrance to their own tents and watch the fire. As long as the Presence stayed, they stayed. But when the Presence moved, they followed. They were Presence led and Presence drawn" (Pg.89).
In Exodus 33, verses 13-17, there is a fascinating conversation between the Lord and Moses concerning His Presence. "The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’" Then Moses said to Him, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?" The Lord replied, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."
Moses understood how critical it was for Israel to stay with the Presence of God. When the Church grabs hold of that fact, we will see revival. When the Church, like Moses, commits to going only where the Lord leads, then we will be making progress. It is time for us to cry out for the Lord to make us aware of His Presence.
Lord, how often I go my own way, completely unaware of Your Presence. I am often so busy and so convinced of my own competence that I neglect to listen to Your voice and respond in obedience. Forgive me, Father, for my arrogant ways and fill my heart with a longing to be continuously aware of Christ in me!
Praise God for not leaving you “as orphans” but for giving another helper to be with you forever (Jn. 14:16, 18).
Give thanks for God’s presence and power, and trust him to continue to energize you, keeping you on the right course.
Confess the times you are dissatisfied or frustrated in your walk with the Lord.
Commit yourself anew to God and let his Spirit help you in your weakness, especially in prayer (Rom. 8:26).
Ask him to reveal himself to you in a new and fresh way.
Pray that your family and friends will have the joy, peace, and stability that comes from knowing God personally and spending time daily with him (Col. 3:15-17).
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
I've been sleeping through the night PTL! But feel like I've lost half a day now. I mean it's normally lunch time for me but it's 8:40 and just writing this. So here's a brief blog for
Good Morning Audaciously Trusting, Loving Community of Servants of God--Slaves of Jesus! Do any of those words apply to you? So they can and might be some words to work on--audaciously trusting Jesus, slaves of Jesus, Loving Community of servants. That one is what St. Matts is becoming known as and as people encounter God's love and care through us, they are finding a gathered and sent community that is united in Christ and God's love--a caring community that is doing what it can with what it's been provided. AMEN! Keep it up! People are noticing and being drawn to God! PTL! And as we begin to disciple these new people they are finding that our MO is learning to live and love like Jesus and audaciously trusting Him to lead, provide and protect as we go share His love individually and as His Body. Dying to self, taking up cross daily and following Jesus, yoked to Him and moving with Him reveals that we are really slaves of Jesus who are sold out to Him and committed to becoming more like Him and learning to walk in His ways, which includes disciple making as we travel through each day and week just as we are. Amen! People are also seeing the example in us that come as you are doesn't mean we stay as we are. We want to, long to, become more like Jesus and to grow into our fuller created potential in Christ. Please Lord!
Check out the I to We devo below and the link they have for discovering your spiritual gifts. Some have done this last year. When we come to Christ He gifts us to spur each other on, grow His Church and to grow into our purposes. Do you know your purposes and the gifts you've been blessed with that may need some work and practice to grow and flourish? Check it out and let's talk and see where God may want to lead you and us. Please find some teammates to work with too! PLEASE! That is the next thing God has for us--developing teams. We are Hi loving, unified community of servants! And there is always improvements we can make as we grow to become more like Jesus and doing more of what we are created for. Then think about the Our Daily bread devo reminding us that even in these hard times God does shelter us and wants to use us too. That reminds me again of the importance of small groups, teams and our community of audaciously trusting, loving servants who are sent by God to change the world! Let's figure out and pray into how He wants to use us for that. Amen! What's God saying to you and what will you do about it? Who are you teammates to pray and process and be accountable with? I'm praying for you and for God to lead us with all of this. Seek and listen and receive as you abide and reload to go ! Amen!
I to WE gifts link
I to We devo
ODB
Shelters of God’s Care
Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm. Isaiah 32:2
On a long family road trip, I spent hours driving through the sparsely populated states of Montana and South Dakota. As I drove, I began to notice a pattern: Vast stretches of farmland were dotted with groves of trees surrounding a house. As I worked hard to keep our van in our lane due to strong winds, it dawned on me that the trees were there for more than beauty. They were also intentionally cultivated windbreakers designed to protect the home and its occupants from the powerful gusts of wind buffeting the landscape.
The prophet Isaiah once described a future in God’s care as a shelter from wind and storm. Having called God’s people to repentance (Isaiah 31:6-7), Isaiah also wrote of a future time when “a king will reign in righteousness” (32:1) and all who rule with Him will be “a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm” (v. 2). The resulting blessing is people who are able to see, hear, understand, and speak truth (vv. 3-4) in peace and safety.
While we still await the full benefits of this promise, we already see God at work through those who actively look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Christ’s Spirit helps us cultivate a safe space where people can flourish even in difficult times. This is a tangible way we can exemplify God’s loving care.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
When have you experienced the protective shelter of a compassionate community? How did that inspire you?
Heavenly Father, please help me to be a shelter to others around me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Isaiah 32, God offers hope through the promise of a time when there would finally be leaders the people could trust. Instead of caring for and protecting the vulnerable, leaders had become the danger from which people needed protection. They could “with a word make someone out to be guilty, . . . ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice” (29:21).
Against this background of injustice and failure to care for those most in need (32:6-7), Isaiah lifted up the truth that God was still just (v. 1). He insisted that God could be trusted to bring about a future where justice, integrity, and compassion would finally shine through the leaders entrusted to care for others, and each would use their power to provide refuge for those in need (v. 2). , in Christ, believers know and experience the one true, perfect, and just leader who cares for them.
This is the day the Lord has made and we get to worship and rejoice in it!!! PTL!
Good Morning Made New in Christ Worshipers! Amen! And rejoice! Get your worship on and prepare your hearts to share stories of His goodness, faithfulness and love and to sing some praises. He will be blessed as we do and come inhabit our praises. As we praise God in all circumstances and as we get comfortable in our own skin and who we are in Christ, we grow in Him and see Him at work more and our praises grow. God loves that and it brings such peace and joy to our souls too and the praises keep building. Cast all your anxiety on Him and count your many blessings and recount the stories of how God has transformed and blessed you and you peace and joy will grow. Yes, get your worship on and step more fully into your true identity in Christ. God really does love that and you will bless Him and be blessed back beyond measure! PTL! Again I say rejoice!
Check out ODB and the I to We devos below. they speak into singing God's praise and how walking in your true identity changes everything. yes PTL! See you soon worshipers who are made new in Christ! Amen!
When Diana’s vision began to deteriorate, she grew concerned. She’d also been having trouble thinking and kept repeating herself. Her symptoms caused doctors to believe it wasn’t a problem with her eyes but something in her brain. They learned she had a large tumor in her brain that needed to be removed. Diana was concerned that the surgery would impair her ability to sing—something she’s passionate about and shares with her family. So her surgeon did something incredible and kept her awake for the pain-free surgery, asking her to sing during the procedure so he’d know he’d preserved that part of her neurological circuitry. The two even recorded a duet during the operation.
Like Diana, King David—who penned many of the Bible’s psalms—was passionate about singing. He often sang to God in both lament and joy. When he was delivered from his enemies, he acknowledged that it was God who set him “free from [his] enemies” (2 Samuel 22:49). Because of God’s good works, David declared, “I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name” (v. 50).
God continues to be at work in the world and in each of our lives, delivering us from the malady that plagues us all: sin. May we, like David, set our hearts on singing God’s praises for all He’s done.
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
What can you praise God for ? What invites you to worship Him in song?
Heavenly Father, I bring You praise for Your work in the world and in my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Much of the material David wrote in 2 Samuel 22 is also found in Psalm 18. The psalm’s superscription tells us that David was celebrating God’s rescue of him from “the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” It appears that since the events of David’s deliverance had happened years earlier than the events of 2 Samuel 22, David is reminiscing and reflecting on that rescue. Now, looking backward, he celebrates again the wonder of divine deliverance and faithfulness—a wonder he’d experienced repeatedly in his life. He looks back at the end of life and reflects on the consistency of God’s goodness to him. The key idea of David’s song of praise? God is faithful and will deliver His own. David’s heart explodes in worship as he remembers God’s goodness to him—something all believers in Jesus are called to do.
Reminder: Clothing Closet is closed . Will reopen in two weeks.
Worship at 10 live and on Zoom. Read the book of Jude in preparation. Invite a friend and prepare your hearts to worship!
Zoom Huddle resumes at 10-11
Bread Min 10-12
. Rita's Hangout 6PM
Pastor Don update: Cardiologist reports all looks good and to keep at what I'm doing. PTL! I've been able to get outside and work without heart issues (although had some heat related stuff from overdoing it). God has healed and is restoring my health. PTL! Now I have to work on my mental/spiritual journey back to normal (not that I was ever mentally normal!) I have been able to be still and know and spend more time with God! Over the next few weeks, I expect to move closer to normal routine with some good healthy boundaries. Thanks for your prayers and encouragements! God has a plan for me and all of you and us all together! PTL! Let us seek and follow Him, His Way and healthy rhythms together!
Good Morning United Good News Bringers! We are God's Good News Delivery Co and we all have a part in that and all parts matter. God has created you for such a time as this and in Christ we are activated, gifted, trained and sent to live and love like Jesus as we join with Him, go and do what we can with what we've been given. The reminder here for me is operate in His timing and to follow His provision of people, time, finances and being able to see what He's doing to join in with. Balance and working from abiding rest is key to good fruit production. That is my call to work on for this season. Only do what I see Jesus doing and what I am called and gifted to do each day yoked to Him. Help me/us Lord to embrace this and walk with You and in Your ways and timing. Move us to abide in you and follow well each day. Bring Your easy yoke alive for each of us according to Your perfect plans for each of us and us as Your gathered and sent people. Thanks! Amen!
I've had an amazing quiet time and am praying you do as well. Two things came up for me to share. Karen and I have been discussing what she read . Eph. 3 is very alive to her right now and so I read and abided in that passage . That flowed to my I to We devo (below). They remind us of the importance of traveling this walk with Christ with uniting with others--humbly. Dying to self and really loving and uniting may take crucifying some personal wishes and ways for the unity and good of the whole and/or necessary to follow the Jesus way each day. I'm praying for how God may want to unify and grow us as teammates. I'm praying we all find some partners and for God to orchestrate His perfect plans for us as His gathered and sent people. Eph. 4:1-3 is Paul's reminder of this (below) and I will end with His prayer from Eph. 3. What's God saying to you ? Do it! Go live and love, pray and make disciples like Jesus! That is another of my prayers for me, you and us--His beloved children. We are created for such a time as this! As we follow and incarnate Christ and His way we will find unity, peace, joy and love overflowing! And see many answered prayers as he grows us and works with and through us. Amen! We are one in Christ, gifted and empowered to incarnate Him and His ways to a lost and weary world. Ask God to show you one He is preparing and sending to you and ask for wisdom and courage to do your part. Know His peace and joy!
Ephesians 4:1-3
Unity in the Body
4 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
I to We
Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth
Eph. 3:14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Thank God I'm Forgiven! PTL! What are you thankful for ? Tell God and share your joy and thankfulness with some others!
Good Morning Revival-Bringing Prayers! I had all kinds of ideas of what God may want me to share . Things about our true ID in Christ, God's unfailing love, and His transforming love that wants to love through you and me. Check out your devos and dwell with in through those and open Bibles during you prayerful quiet time . Maybe even record some by journaling. God sure uses that for me to focus and recount.
Then I came to the Connection blogs! Our call to become a House of Prayer for the Nations and to pray for revival and to stay connected to God as we go and be able to join Him in prayer and action comes alive through the Connection Blog below. Dwell in that in prayer and thank God for your forgiveness and for that of those to come! He loves you, forgives you and wants to love through you. Let Him! Ask for good fruit as you join Jesus throughout and keep praying for revival for us and our neighborhoods!
One last note! I am well on my way to being healthy (at least in my mind) PTL! I see the cardiologist for the first time since my discharge. Pray they help me continue to heal physically and for God to restore me mentally as He refreshes me and renews my thinking. Maybe there's someone else you can pray these things for as well. Rejoice for you are God's, He calls you by name, forgives you, loves you and has great plans for you. Yes and rejoice! Amen
- Responding to Our Times
In the United States, the revivals known as the Great Awakenings came in response to Christians gathering for extraordinary prayer. Often called "Concerts of Prayer," God used these times of prayer to bring awakening to His people. Robert Bakke in his wonderful book, The Power of Extraordinary Prayer writes, "It (the Concert of Prayer) was born out of convictions that say with certainty that, regardless of how bright or dark the hour we live in, God is about to do something greater than He’s ever done before. Furthermore, it said that God would not move forward with His ever-increasing and ever more marvelous plans until Christians agreed with Him and agreed with each other about what He was going to do. A great and lucid vision of Christ’s earthly reign was before their eyes--with every nation, people, tribe and tongue united as one company before the throne of God, Christ the Son, and the sevenfold Spirit. It was a compelling vision that would not let Christians rest or let go of God until the rule of God held sway in every aspect of life." (Pg.133)
Read again that last sentence from Bakke: "It was a compelling vision that would not let Christians rest or let go of God until the rule of God held sway in every aspect of life." Have you ever made a decision to pray like that? Not merely God bless us or even God protect us--but a life-changing commitment to pray until the "rule of God held sway in every aspect of life"? This should not just be a response made only by individual Christians. Has your church made a decision to pray extraordinarily for the working of God’s power? The key to the Concert of Prayer was for Christians to gather together for times of extraordinary prayer--as was the practice of the early Church.
We are living in times that are not "normal." What has been normal for us in our prayer life and experience of Christianity will not suffice for this hour. God is calling us to extraordinary prayer! How will you respond?
Lord of the Nations, my heart longs to see the fullness of Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven! May Your Church be willing to do whatever it takes to draw near to You. Help us to seek Your face in this crucial hour of history. Position us as watchmen on the walls and allow us to be able to discern the times in which we live! Give me a deep desire to take my prayer life to the next level…so that what is ordinary becomes extraordinary!
Praise the Lord Jesus, who will be “revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels” (2 Thess. 1:7).
Thank him that he will come to restore justice and righteousness in the earth.
Confess the times when you have not lived in awareness of Christ’s coming again in power and judgment.
Ask him to help you desire and look forward to his coming, and commit yourself to preparing yourself and others for “the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all who have believed” (1:10).
Ask the Spirit to give the churches in your community a sense of urgency in bringing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection to the unchurched and unbelieving in their neighborhoods.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Prayer updates: All of our homebound members could use some visits, cards, and encouragements. Most are trying to stay positive and upbeat. How might you encourage?
* LaRue Schmidt is still hanging on in hospice. Please keep her and family in prayer. She was singing Jesus loves me and is ready to leap into His arms. She may have only a few more days before her faith becomes sight.
* Ross Stuart has been placed on hospice for cancer. We had a great visit . He is upbeat and ready to be called home. We discussed his purposes to be fulfilled in the waiting. He wants to encourage all of you to always be ready to follow Jesus whatever the world throws at you and/or God allows. He reminded me of persevering in faith always. Amen! Ross has been given no timeline yet and said he feels pretty good and has no pain at present.
Good Morning Abiding in THE Vine Followers of Jesus! Oh yes! That is or can be us! I am only sharing one devo about abiding and resting in Christ. We've been discussing this important healthy rhythm already some this week. I feel God wants you to practice abiding by opening your Bibles and/or some devos and just be still in His loving presence, listening and receiving. What's He saying to you ? What will you do about it? Jesus is calling you by name to come away and abide in Him for a spell. Let's do this and share what we are sensing with some teammates to process with and pray into and maybe even begin planning something together. God loves you, calls you by name, provides all you need as you go and promises to be with you always. Start there and come as you are and allow Him to transform, empower, equip and direct your steps . Come Jesus come. Fill me up and overflow through me . Thanks! Amen! Shalom shalom=perfect peace is being prayed over you! Receive it as you abide and then thrive!
Good Morning Encouraging, Spirit-Filled Followers of the Jesus Way! Amen! May that be me and us Lord. You created us, know us, love us in spite of us, call us by name and have good plans for us. We are made new in You able to renew out thinking and ways, repent, be pruned and grow out of our brokenness to fullness in You. You have created us for such a time as this and have activated and sent us to encourage each other and grow Your Church. You are our Rock and Cornerstone and we build on You. Thank You for all You are and all You do and for making a way for me and us to be who we are in You and to do what You created and prepared us to do for such a time as this! Come! Fill us! Deliver us from evil! Refine us! And grow us to our fullest potential in You! Thanks! Love You Lord! Be my and our Lord and Shepherd . Thanks! Amen!
What is self care? Self care is a priority of our denomination, especially for pastors. Our Support team has called me to self care and opened the door for me to have a little margin to work on it before the fall and rush to . Thanks church! Self care is, well, taking care of self. For many of us that seems selfish or counter-productive when it is really just the opposite. Self care is a healthy choice and rhythm that begins with dying to self, taking up cross and abiding in Christ and His Word and then moving out to growth and new fruit production. It's working from rest not having to rest from work. It's proactive and a good choice. I can testify after I've just spent at least my fourth time in the hospital as God got my attention, slowed me down and led me to deep abiding and moving with Him from that rest to what he has for each day. That is Jesus' easy yoke He has called the weary and brokenhearted to put on. How is your self care going? I'm working on that for me. I just heard that researchers have found that spending time in God's Word and abiding in Christ is a critical first step in self care. Try it! I'm working on it. And I am looking for accountability partners and people to process with who have permission to speak truth in my life and remind me that I may need to go rest a bit in Christ. Who are your partners? How is your self care and growth and fruit growing from the abiding. Let's all focus on that this summer and develop some good habits. Amen!
In '23 we chose some words we thought God was revealing for us to work on. What word might He have for you to focus on the rest of the year as we seek to become the people we are created and gifted to be? (here are some of those words you chose in '23: faith, understanding, boldness, time management, patience, stewardship, hope, restoration, working through change, rest, pause, healthy rhythms, abiding, love, peace, relationships being useful, feeling valued and appreciated, to agape, and to be a disciple maker) Any of those words your or one you might feel God wants you to work on? Abide, seek, listen. receive and follow well. my friends! I'm praying for you! We can know His pace and rest and then be productive as we abide, reload, u on that easy yoke and follow Jesus. That's my prayer for each of you and us as His gathered and sent people. Amen! Let us live and love like Jesus, just as we are, where he has placed us and then allow Him to grow us to our fuller potential in Christ! Amen!
Man does God love us and have some great things for us! PTL! I gotta fly but check out these devos that link to all of this as you abide, renew your thinking and reload for the day ahead! God is calling you to some great things!
ODB
Habits and the Holy Spirit
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
“Did you grow up around here?” It was difficult to answer my dental hygienist’s question because her teeth-cleaning tools were still inside my mouth. She explained that in 1945, our city became the first in the world to add fluoride to public drinking water. Thought to prevent cavities, the treatment doesn’t require much: just 0.7 milligrams of fluoride to a liter of water. Its positive effects are obvious to a trained professional. But, I had no idea, I’d been drinking it all my life!
The things we consume every day can affect us over time. That applies not only to food and drink but also to entertainment, friends, and social media messages. The apostle Paul cautioned, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). While the Holy Spirit is making disciples of Jesus to be more like Him, the process takes a lifetime. Our habits can help or hinder His work. It’s not always easy to recognize what we’re consuming, but we can ask the one who’s rich in “wisdom and knowledge” to show us (11:33). Wisdom and discernment help us “test and approve what God’s will is” (12:2), while considering ourselves with “sober judgment” (v. 3).
Whatever He might be asking us to add to or remove from our daily lives is worth the price. All things are “from him and through him and for him” (11:36). He knows best.
By Karen Pimpo
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s one habit that reveals the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? What’s one that might be hindering His work?
Holy Spirit, thank You for working in and through my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When interpreting Scripture, the key words are often nouns and verbs because they tend to contribute the most to the understanding of the text. In Romans 12:1-3, however, a case could be made that the key word is therefore. This word indicates that we understand what follows is based on what has preceded it. “Therefore . . . in view of God’s mercy” (v. 1) tells us that the practical exhortations that follow are rooted in God’s great grace and forgiveness, which have been thoroughly explained in chapters 1-11. When we consider the greatness of God’s love that’s been poured out over our lives through the gift of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, no command of Scripture should seem grievous. In fact, as Paul says, offering our lives as “a living sacrifice” is our “true and proper worship” (12:1). We can ask the Holy Spirit to show us how to worship God with our lives and how to exhibit Christlike habits.
Bill Crowder
UR: A Closer Look
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. - Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
I followed signs to a sunflower field, expecting to see a multitude of flowers in full bloom. But what I found was a huge collection of dead and blackened stumps.
Though at first put off by the starkness of the place, I stood still and studied the scene. I heard many bird sounds and saw a Carolina wren darting in and out of the stalks, searching for seeds. A couple of little yellow birds — goldfinches perhaps — darted past me. Other birds I could not identify were also there along with several monarch butterflies fluttering about. And I saw several wild, blue morning glories winding up the dead stalks of the sunflowers. The site that seemed dead at first glance was teeming with life.
The words of Isaiah came to mind: “I am doing a new thing. . . . Do you not perceive it?” God is working in places that may seem dry and dead. We may look around us and not immediately see any signs of new life. Yet when we take a closer look, life surprises us. God’s creative power will never disappoint.
's Prayer
Creator and Sustainer, thank you for your ongoing creative power that brings new life to the world. Amen.
Good Morning Informed Pray-er! Please Lord! Teach us to pray and inform our prayers! Thanks! Amen!
Seems the Lord wants us to continue to focus on prayer and learning how to better and to releasing His power in prayer. We win battles from our knees. Prayer in forms our step and prepares us for the day. Prayer can tear down principalities and powers and cover and protect from evil. Pease continue to pray and keep asking God to make us a House of Prayer for the Nations and to direct our steps and lead us to good and lasting fruit. Thanks! And don't forget...Jesus is praying and interceding for you and us as well! Father, Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me . Amen! Check out these devos and blogs for !
ODB:
The Prayers of Jesus
I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. Luke 22:32
Jesus, how are You praying for me? I’d never thought to ask that question until my friend Lou shared the experience of his heart-cry to Christ when he was faced with a situation that required more wisdom and strength than he was able to muster. Hearing him voice that noteworthy question in prayer has helped me add a fresh dimension to my understanding and practice of prayer.
In Luke 22, there was no mystery as to how Jesus was praying for Simon Peter: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (vv. 31-32). When Peter was battered through trial, his faith flickered. But because of Christ’s grace, it didn’t fail.
The book of Acts tells us how Jesus’ prayers for Peter—His eager but weak disciple—were answered. God used him to preach the good news about Christ to Jews and gentiles alike. And Jesus’ prayer ministry hasn’t ended. Paul reminds us that “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). When you find yourself in the throes of trial or temptation, remember that Jesus, who prayed for His disciples, remains in prayer for those who have believed their message about Him (see John 17:13-20).
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
How does remembering that Jesus is praying for you affect how you pray? In view of His prayer ministry, how might you live and serve differently?
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your prayers on my behalf. Please help me to pray and live with this awareness.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Satan had to ask Christ for permission to test Peter and was permitted to sift him “as wheat” (Luke 22:31). This would entail forceful shaking, but Satan wasn’t allowed to destroy Peter. On the contrary, this sifting would remove the chaff from his life. This is reminiscent of Satan asking for God’s permission to test Job (Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6) and Job affirming that “when [God] has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (23:10).
Jesus’ sovereignty is evident in His prayers that Peter’s faith wouldn’t fail (Luke 22:32). His courage failed, however, as he denied knowing Christ three times (vv. 54-62). But though he momentarily faltered, his faith didn’t fail. Jesus’ prayer that Peter would turn back to strengthen his brothers (v. 32) was fulfilled when he repented (v. 62). He was later restored and commissioned by Christ to pastoral ministry (John 21:15-17). We can be encouraged when we remember that Christ also prays for us.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
With all that has been happening in our nation, it eventually becomes very easy to allow our attention to be diverted back to what we call "normal." Unfortunately, "normal" often means life without God and without a dependence upon Him in prayer. I believe it is vital for us to hold on to our first response - - the response of prayer.
The Church desperately needs to both issue and respond to a new call for extraordinary prayer. Extraordinary prayer goes beyond the normal expectations of the past. It is prayer that can bring God’s power to bear on a whole new world facing us--a world of uncertainty, fear and war.
The Bible records times of extraordinary prayer like this. One good example occurred in the Book of Esther. The crisis there concerned the lives of every Jew held captive in Babylon. A decree had been issued that would result in genocide for the Jews. Queen Esther was going to risk her life by going to the King on behalf of her people; however, before she went, she called her people to three days of prayer and fasting for her mission. Extraordinary prayer brought about extraordinary deliverance.
The Book of Ezra gives another good example of extraordinary prayer. Ezra was preparing to lead a group of the exiles back from Babylon to Jerusalem. The king had even offered troops for protection on the perilous journey. But Ezra had refused the troops, pointing out that God Himself would protect them. As the people gathered, Ezra began to realize how dangerous the trip would be and that they should not merely presume upon God’s protection. So he called the people to humble themselves and pray and fast over the journey. God heard their prayers and gave them safe passage to their destination.
Father, so often prayer is my last resort instead of my first response. In many churches week after week, prayer is often relegated to a brief recitation before and after the offering when seeking Your face should be our first priority. Show me…show Your people how to engage in heart-felt, passionate prayer that draws us into Your throne room and produces the extraordinary answers that You long to give us! May we be continually hungry for a deeper relationship with You so that our prayers are expressed from hearts that know You well. May our response to adversity or struggle always be to come to You before worrying or taking matters into our own hands. Teach us how to be men, women and children who continually engage You in prayer.
--Adapted from the article A New Call for Extraordinary Prayer by Dave Butts, co-author of Pray Like the King: Lessons from the Prayers of Israel’s Kings. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Prayer Points
Praise your covenant God for his abiding faithfulness (Deut. 7:9).
Give thanks that even “if we are faithless, he will remain faithful” (2 Tim. 2:13).
Confess any unfaithfulness you’ve allowed into your relationships with God and others.
Commit yourself to bearing the fruit of faithfulness through the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Ask God to help you be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Pray that God’s covenant love would extend through your generation and on to generations yet to come.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Note: This week we will still be using some time apart to be restored and move towards healing. So there will be NO . Zoom Huddle nor . Evening gathering. Thanks for your understanding as I take the slow and steady course of recovery.
NOTE: at 6 we will gather at Rita's for a fun hangout evening.
Good Morning Praying Friends of God! Amen! we spent time for corporate BIG Church and Kingdom things. We prayed for us individually and as God's Body with Jesus as the head to become who we are created (and gathered) to be. We prayed we would discover our purposes and step boldly into them and to allow God to use us as we are and with what we've been given and blessed with to do His will. We prayed for revival, protection, provision and for us to live and love like Jesus more and better as we move towards becoming His dynamic movement and a House of Prayer for the Nations. We prayed to come alive in '25 too. Prayer is our foundation and how we hear God and see Him at work. Prayer releases His power on earth and in and through us. Prayer prepares the harvest and directs our steps out the door. Prayer is essential to all we we do and how Jesus received instructions and power. Let us continue to seek and fellowship with Jesus and walk wit Him in His ways doing what we can with what we've been given...and just worship as you trust and obey and follow well.
Check out the Connection blog and UR below discussing prayer. What's God saying to you? How is He informing your prayers. Seek, knock and pursue Him in prayer and with 0pen hearts. release His power in prayer. Pray in urgency and reveal your shortfalls and willingness to repent and walk with Jesus more closely. he's calling you by name and has great plans just for you. Amen! Thanks Lord!
Father, teach us to pray! Use us as we pray and provide for guidance and protection as we go abou the ordinary of each day. May we behold your power at work through our prayers and send us with your healing love! Thanks! Amen!.
UR:
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. - Luke 18:1 (NIV)
I have played golf for many years, but my skills needed improvement; so I decided to take a lesson. The professional who worked with me was very helpful and pointed out several things I could do to improve. I had previously tried many other methods, but they hadn’t worked. It turned out that seeking professional guidance was the right solution.
Whether it is a challenge with work, family, or friends, I often try to solve the issue on my own. Sometimes I am fortunate enough to figure things out. But many times it’s only after multiple options have failed that I finally pray about the situation and seek guidance from God. When I reflect on this pattern of behavior, it doesn’t make any sense. Prayer should be the steering wheel that guides our life, not the spare tire we pull out in emergencies.
When we face challenges in life, our first step should be to go to God in prayer. Our heavenly Father created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. God will not only provide the guidance we need but will give us peace as well.
's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, it is a great privilege to come to you in prayer. Help us to seek your guidance in all matters, big and small. Amen.
- Prayerful Submission
As we examine Jesus’ ministry, it becomes clear that His was not a ministry of self-will, but of prayerful discernment, a recognition that the Father was doing something, and then a willing obedience as Jesus entered His Father’s work. This applies not only to His words, but also to those instances in which He did the miraculous:
“One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing” (Luke 5:17).
Here the context makes more than clear that Jesus performed a miracle of healing. However, Luke went to great pains to record that in this instance, God’s power was present in some kind of tangible way. Those who were participating in the event—either those observing to “check Him out,” those receiving Jesus’ prayer and therefore being healed, those who were friends or relatives of those being healed, or those learning the ways of the Master by watching (as the disciples most certainly did)—had an unusual sense that “something was afoot,” that God’s power was present in a unique manner. The old Puritan writers used to call this “the manifest presence of God.”
While those times of “anointing” or “unction” are rich and profound, it has an implication. This means that there were times and seasons in which the power of the Lord was not present to perform healing—even in the ministry of our Lord and Savior.
Jesus didn’t heal automatically, or even when He had a whim to do so, based on a need of the moment. He did not have an “intrinsic” or “built-in” supply of power rooted in who He was as the Son of God. Rather, He obtained access to divine empowerment by the practice of prayerful submission.
Lord, as I consider the prayerful discernment of Jesus, my heart longs to enter into the work that You are doing all around me. When Your power is present, anything is possible. The disciples noticed this in the life of Jesus and asked Him to teach them how to tap into the source of His strength. You have given Your children access to miracle-working power as we abide in Your presence and submit to Your will. May I be an obedient disciple, yielding my heart to the instruction of Your Spirit so that each word, thought and action is surrendered to Your purposes.
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