Wed is Bread Day 10-12, no dinner huddle (Next week we start a new video study)

Good Morning Life-Bringing Living Water! God's Goodness and Love ooze from and overflow us. Well it should and can! Work on it! As we still ourselves and abide He speaks life and love into us that can overflow into this dry and weary land. The enemy and those under his spell speak death, heat and division. We are not of this world and many are longing for love, renewal and living water that floods over them and brings life. That's our mission...be so saturated with the love, goodness and living water of God that it just oozes and overflows from us and speaks love and life over a weary and dry people. If we wat to see revival, that's how it will come and a dry and thirsty and longing for life people see it flowing from us and are drawn to take a drink from Jesus' well of living water and life. Please pray into this, for eyes to see and hearts to responds as Jesus would and the courage and boldness to go flood your neighborhoods and families with Living Water. I have been praying for you and this. We are praying God uses us like this this week on vacation as we enter a very liberal and dry area of the North East. There is a bubble of God's goodness, love and life surrounding and protecting us as we walk. Visualize that as you walk with Jesus to His plans for you this week. You are covered, protected, saturated and activated! PTL! Are you ready? Go as you are and let God use you. and be ready to worship as He uses you.

Yesterday someone asked me if good people go to heaven even if they never heard of Jesus. The Bible says Jesus is the only way and that even if they haven't heard, nature reveals our Creator and they have no excuse. Who do you know that are good people you connect with that don't know Jesus? Start there. They see the evil and need to know our Savior and Deliverer. Who do you know that would make you sad or even angry that you didn't try to reach for Christ that is going to end up in Hell? Pray for them and for words and wisdom and want to to want to go share God's love. These weary striving ones need to refreshing Living Water and God's loving goodness to refresh, fill and lead them! Amen!

Check out these devos. See you next week. Go live and love like Jesus and join Him in your part of the mission. Amen!

Upper Room: I will Give You Rest (This ties to yesterday's message! COOL!)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. - Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

It had been a long night filled with many thoughts, tears, and questions until finally I prayed and asked the Lord to allow me to sleep. I had so many things going on in my mind, and yet at that moment they ceased and I was able to sleep. Tomorrow would be another day to tackle the chaos and burdens of my life.

The following morning, I was grateful to God for the rest I got the night before. However, the turmoil of the previous day promptly resurfaced, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. In that moment, I remembered the words of Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (NRSVUE). I entered into God’s presence, and asked God to help me experience the peace that surpasses all understanding — peace to empower me to move forward and leave the burdens behind. Realizing the impossibility of resolving the chaos around me on my own, I released my burdens to God, and God gave me rest. Thanks be to God!

Thought for the Day

Even amid turmoil, I can find peace when I enter into God’s presence.

Prayer Focus

People kept awake by worries

Today's Prayer

Dear God, give us the wisdom to surrender our burdens to you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Our Daily Bread: True Treasure

Today's Devotion

James threw a long rope with a powerful magnet tied to it into the waters of a New York lake. The “magnet fisher” was stunned when he pulled out a grimy safe filled with stacks of muddy one-hundred-dollar bills. Police said James could keep the money since it wasn’t linked to a crime. Some of the bills were in such poor condition they couldn’t be authenticated, though he hoped to salvage as much of the money as possible to perhaps buy a home.

Finding hidden treasure is exciting, and Jesus told a parable about a man who did just that: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field” (Matthew 13:44). The man recognized the value of the treasure he’d found and was willing to sell all his possessions to purchase the field.

As we consider that parable, no amount of wealth or possessions could pay the debt we owe for our sins. Only Jesus could pay the incredible price to redeem us and to reconcile us with His Father, through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

Earthly treasures may be nice, but they can be lost, stolen, or destroyed. We can gratefully accept Jesus’ supreme sacrifice for us and His free gift of eternal life, knowing that living in heaven with Him is our great reward.

Reflect & Pray

Why is Jesus so precious to you? Why are you willing to let go of your old life to spend eternity with Him?

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me the true treasure of heaven when I placed my faith and trust in You.

Today's Insights

The two parables in Matthew 13:44-46 appear amid the telling of several parables on the kingdom of heaven (vv. 1-52). After Jesus told the first parable of the sower (vv. 3-9), His disciples asked why He always spoke in parables (v. 10). His answer was telling: “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them” (v. 11). He told the disciples, “Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear” (v. 16). Then He explained the parable (vv. 18-23). The disciples desired to know the true meaning of Christ’s words, and their desire was rewarded. They’d left everything to follow Him. In essence, they were living out the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl (vv. 44-46). They’d found the true treasure because they were receptive to the gospel. When we place our faith in Jesus, we receive the free gift of eternal life with Him—the true treasure of heaven.

The Word for You Today

Wed: Bread Ministry 10-12

Good Morning Worshipers! May we gather and worship in Spirit and Truth today! Amen! Funny in all the ways God speaks to us. Are you attentive? Listening? Watching? He is our ever-present God who loves to hang out with us and lead us. Be still and know! Abide and thrive! I'm having one of those sleepless nights. It will be nice to get away to recharge this week! So when I can't sleep I hang out with God until He's done speaking and I can sleep (Hopefully soon!) First thing I read was Our Daily Bread speaking about a sleepless mother sitting with open Bible. I love Psalm 63:1-8 associated with it! What pursuing worship David had. May I pant like a deer after water for God like David! Turn off the noise for a bit and listen in the stillness for His loving whisper. He's there with you right now and calling you by name. You are Hos very loved child. WORSHIP! And then ask God to give you His heart and compassion for those who are straying. Check out the Upper Room speaking into those straying from God or the church damaged that need to see people who are in love with God loving on them and inviting them in to our fellowship gatherings. I still have some time with God before He releases me to sleep (Hopefully not during worship today!) Know this, I am praying for you to have an intimate and fruitful time of worship today and for God to lead you to someone who needs His love rekindled. Ask Him to show you who. If our fellowship is to grow, it will come through loving service, inviting in, and being Jesus to someone. Amen. Go love, love and pray like Jesus and then reach out and love someone! What a joy that is and an awesome act of worship in action! Amen. Go love well!

Psalm 63:1-8

O God, you are my God;
    I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
    my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
    where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in your sanctuary
    and gazed upon your power and glory.
3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
    how I praise you!
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
    lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
    I will praise you with songs of joy.

6 I lie awake thinking of you,
    meditating on you through the night.
7 Because you are my helper,
    I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;

    your strong right hand holds me securely.

ODB: In the Stillness

Today's Devotion

When I was a kid and got up in the middle of the night, I often found Mom sitting in her chair in the living room. The glow of the table lamp revealed a book on her lap—her Bible. My mom had trouble sleeping because of her insomnia and chronic pain, but she made good use of her time. We rarely spoke those nights. I was too sleepy to do anything but nod and shuffle down the hall. But I know Mom connected with God in those quiet early morning hours, and God spoke to her.

How can we find moments to know God more fully? We don’t have to wait for a sleepless night, of course. Jesus left His companions to spend time talking alone with His Father (Mark 1:35).

The Scriptures say, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). And David’s poetry often reveals how he sought out an intimate relationship with God to praise Him for who He is (63:1-8).

The world is loud, and we’re often distracted by the noise. It claims our attention and demands our participation. That’s why we need to actively seek out the quiet moments rarely found in the chaos of family life or the busyness of work. We find God in the stillness.

He’s awake. He’s listening. And He’s always ready to spend time with those who seek Him.

Reflect & Pray

What distractions keep you from finding time for conversation with God? What’s a good way to prepare your heart to “be still” before Him?

Dear Jesus, please teach me to seek You out and rest in Your presence. Help me to put aside the distractions and to praise You for who You are.

Today's Insights

Psalm 63 portrays someone who actively pursues God. David declares, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you” (v. 1). He praises Him because His “love is better than life” (v. 3). The psalmist discovers that satisfaction isn’t found in what can be held in our hands, but in who can be known. He valued time with God even more than the satisfaction received from eating the finest of foods: “I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you” (v. 5). The language of thirst, longing, and clinging reveals a relationship pursued with intensity and love. Psalm 63 reminds us that intimacy with God grows as we seek God in stillness.

For further study, listen to the following podcast: Be Still

UR: Accepted By God

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” - Matthew 21:42 (NIV)

My husband and I live on a farm in Oklahoma. We have a small flock of sheep that produces lambs several times a year. Occasionally, a ewe rejects her new lamb and refuses to let it nurse by pushing it away, walking away, or even stepping on it. This could be due to illness in the lamb, too many lambs to nurse, poor mothering instincts, or other unknown reasons. We call this lamb a “bummer” and bring it inside to keep warm and bottle feed it.

For me, church is such a positive experience and the way I feel most connected to God. But sadly, there are many people who feel rejected by the church. Like ewes who reject their young, there are many reasons this happens, some of which are unknown. These judgments are very hurtful to those individuals — they may stop attending, stop seeking God, and even stop believing.

Jesus was rejected by the religious authorities of his time, yet we know that this rejected stone became the cornerstone of God’s plan. When we show acceptance for others rather than rejection, like Jesus, we are promoting love for all God’s children.

Thought for the Day

I will open my heart to accept others’ differences.

Prayer Focus

Those who feel rejected by the church

Today's Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for overcoming rejection to show us how to continue our spiritual journey. Help us to love others as you love us. Amen.

Check out the Upper Room and Our daily Bread below. We are to let our light shine bright. That means get rid of the negativity and gloom. And we are to have the heart, compassion and passion of Jesus as we light up the world and bring love, peace and joy alive. Someone needs to experience those. Someone just came to your mind. What will you do about that? Breakthrough with love, light, joy and be the living water that refreshes today. Shalom shalom=know and bring perfect peace and joy. people are longing for that! Go! Live and love like Jesus today!

UR: Let Your Light Shine

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

Who is that singing? I thought to myself. Our congregation was singing the same song we always do to end Sunday services, but this time a new voice was ringing out above all the others. I looked around and saw four-year-old Lucy belting out all the words with excitement.

Lucy’s exuberant singing reminded me of what Jesus instructed in today’s scripture reading. We are not supposed to hide or be timid about our love for God. We are to let our light shine before others, like Lucy. She sings with passion, and while not every note is perfect, you can tell she loves Jesus with all her heart. I used to sing quietly. I didn’t praise loudly because I was self-conscious. But now, inspired by Lucy, I’ve found the courage to praise God more openly.

Lucy has unknowingly started a movement at our church, a revival of praising God with passion. Battery-operated candles have been placed in each pew, and now the pastor calls all the children to the front to lead the closing song. They run up enthusiastically with their candles in hand. And many of the other church members turn on their candles, holding them up and lifting their voices in loud praise. Lucy’s example is a reminder to praise God with our whole heart and to let our light shine for all to see.

Thought for the Day

Where have I noticed God’s light today?

Prayer Focus

For courage to share God’s love

Today's Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for being the light in our lives. Give us courage to share your light with others. Amen.

ODB: Compassionate Understanding

Today's Devotion

My father-in-law was a gunner in a bomber over Europe during World War II. His plane was shot down and he was captured, spending several months as a prisoner of war. Jim rarely spoke of the experience, but those who knew him before the war said that he’d been a happy-go-lucky young man with a beaming smile. His war experiences turned him into a moody, withdrawn person.

Trying to understand his experience, I read Masters of the Air, Donald Miller’s description of the air war over Europe. Miller helped me grasp the physical and psychological price paid by these airmen. His book increased my compassion for my father-in-law.

The writer of Hebrews wrote of our “great high priest” (4:14)—Jesus Himself—who did much more than merely gain understanding of our struggles. He lived among us, learning how we feel in every situation. Hebrews tells us, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (v. 15). Think of it! Jesus knows what we endure. He’s been tempted just as we are.

Learning to have a heart of compassion like Jesus is a great way to show His love to those who need Him. May God give us, by His Holy Spirit, an understanding heart that reaches out to others in love and mercy.

Reflect & Pray

Who do you struggle to have compassion for? How can you develop a more understanding heart?

Dear Father, please forgive me for being harsh with others. Teach me the grace of compassion so they might see Your love in me.

Today's Insights

The letter to the Hebrews explains what Jesus did for us, but to better appreciate that, it’s important to understand the system of sacrifice instituted in Leviticus (4:1–7:10). In Hebrews, the writer affirms the humanity of Christ who, though fully God, “had to be made like [humans], fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God” (2:17). The writer explains, “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood . . . why was there still need for another priest to come?” (7:11). Jesus’ humanity and His divine nature enable Him to “empathize” with us in “our weaknesses” (4:15) and to redeem us once for all from our sins. Because He empathizes with us, we can seek His help as we reach out to those around us. In the process, we point them to Christ, our once-for-all sacrifice.

For further study, read: Who Is Your Neighbor?

Tomorrow is Clothing Closet 9-12

Sunday worship at 10 with communion

Good Morning Trusting Followers of Jesus! He is the Way! He's also Truth and Life! What more do we need but to abide, follow and thrive in Christ! Check out The Upper Room and Our Daily Bread Below and meditate on them. What's God saying to you? Turn off the noise and focus on Truth, Life and the Way. Nothing else in this world matters! Stop leaning on your own thinking about what matters and ways to rectify evil and darkness when that is God's job. Trust Him! Align your goals with His and be about the Father and His business. We are not citizens of this world. Well, we are but for His purposes that he created and gifted us to do. So be about Him and His business. Also remember that since Ismael and Isaac followers of God and followers of Ismael (Muslims today) have been against each other. We will never fix that and we cannot accommodate those here to kill, steal and destroy followers of Jesus. We need to pray God intervenes here and drives them out and vote against those opposed to God and His followers. Then give it to God and allow Him to bring justice. Dwell in Him and His shalom. Turn off the noise and worship and then go make disciples and transform the world around us. Amen! Help us Lord! Your Kingdom come and will be done! Amen! And bring us shalom as we refocus with praise and thanksgiving for you are Almighty and King of kings--our victorious God! May His ways be our ways and His peace, joy and love overflow us and draw others to Him and Truth and justice. Amen

UR: Trusting God

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

I have been a web content creator since 2013, but artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly taking over my field of work. My clients have begun fizzling out as they turn to AI for content creation. With bills piling up and my daughter in college, I have felt like I am in a raging storm without any viable solution.

One Sunday as I studied God’s word, I read Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” These words were like a lifeline. They taught me that while I could do nothing on my own, I should trust God’s plan for me.

As I continue to pray for God’s guidance and a breakthrough, peace has pervaded my life. I know that God’s plan for me is good; God has not brought me this far to abandon me. I feel more confident now as I seek freelancing opportunities, trusting in God no matter what. Uncertainty doesn’t mean God is not present. I have realized that this experience was not just about finding a job; it also taught me to trust God more, particularly during uncertain times.

Today's Prayer

Loving and caring God, teach us to trust you more when facing uncertain times. Amen.

Thought for the Day

I will trust God even though I cannot see what tomorrow holds.

ODB: Goals Aligned with God

Today's Devotion

After getting fired from his job without prior notice, Wil became so depressed that he admitted himself into an inpatient mental health facility. Then one day, after weeks with no progress, he was taking his daily walk when his therapist, seeing him, smiled and called out, “I bet I’ll beat you to the community room.” Wil recalls, “That small act triggered something inside of me.” Suddenly he felt he had a purpose. Walking fast, he raced his therapist to the room and won. To his surprise, having one inspiring goal and meeting it gave him hope—a key to his recovery.

The apostle Paul understood the power of a clear goal. “I want to know Christ,” he told church members (Philippians 3:10). He wanted to know the power of the resurrected Jesus, for that power would help the apostle become more like Him. To achieve that aim, Paul followed one strategy: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (vv. 13-14). Feel like you’re falling short? God helps us refocus our goals as we “live up to what we have already attained” in Christ (v. 16).

Paul’s goal, therefore, wasn’t focused on earthly things. He knew that “our citizenship is in heaven” (v. 20). With this eternal perspective in view, we find new hope to thrive in Christ.

Reflect & Pray

What goals do you have? How might you need to change them to align with Christ’s purpose?

Please shape my goals, dear Father, so they inspire me to know Jesus.

Today's Insights

Paul is driven by his urgent passion “to know Christ” (Philippians 3:10). He wants to “know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection” (vv. 10-11). Being transformed to be like the resurrected Jesus requires us to pursue that goal with everything we have (vv. 13-14, 17). Yet even as we “press on toward the goal” (v. 14), we know it’s only possible through complete reliance on God. He’ll help us shape our goals so that we’ll know Him better. One day, we’ll be resurrected and will finally reflect Him perfectly (v. 21).

For further study, read: 3 Tips for Discerning God's Will

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
    to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
    I will shout joyfully to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
    and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
    O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
4 What joy for those who can live in your house,
    always singing your praises. Interlude

5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
    who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,[b]
    it will become a place of refreshing springs.
    The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
7 They will continue to grow stronger,
    and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.[c]

8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer.
    Listen, O God of Jacob. Interlude

9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!
    Show favor to the one you have anointed.

10 A single day in your courts
    is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
    He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
    from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    what joy for those who trust in you.

Why not invite someone to Bread tomorrow or Communion Sunday and bring them along? May the joy of the Lord be your strength and shield today! he is with you always! PTL! Really meditate and talk to God about this Psalm! he is waiting for you to enter His courts with praise!

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
2 I long, yes, I faint with longing
    to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
    I will shout joyfully to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
    and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
    O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
4 What joy for those who can live in your house,
    always singing your praises. Interlude

5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,
    who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping,[b]
    it will become a place of refreshing springs.
    The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings.
7 They will continue to grow stronger,
    and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.[c]

8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer.
    Listen, O God of Jacob. Interlude

9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!
    Show favor to the one you have anointed.

10 A single day in your courts
    is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
    He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
    from those who do what is right.
12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    what joy for those who trust in you.

Sat Clothing Closet will be open 9-12  

Sun 10 am worship and we celebrate Worldwide Communion

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Good Morning Faithful, Trusting in God, Friends of Jesus and Mine! Amen! If that is not you, it can and should be. Life has always been uncertain and since the beginning of time, forces of this world, Satan and his minions, and living in a fallen world have been forces coming against the will and way of God. Over the eons, faith and trust have been tested and purified. Some fall away. Some never can come to faith, yet there is always a remnant of faithful, trusting followers of God. Lord willing, and I believe this to be true, we are all part of that faithful remnant. PTL!

I love how God often does this! Yesterday we heard a great message from Sarah about the sovereignty of God and how all things are filtered through His hands and often used to stretch and grow our faith or to move us to where He has created us to serve. In that pruning and refining and moving process, many loose faith. But if we persevere and trust Him and humble ourselves to His good work in us we will come out the other side refined, prepared and placed where and how He can use us. Sarah reminded us of Proverbs 3:5-6 where we are reminded to get out of our heads and acknowledge that God is God and we are not and He has plans to direct us to. As, we do, He will lead us and usually through some refining fires. Can we trust and keep faith and grow before we go? Absolutely! God is always working all things together for the good of those who believe and are called by His name. That's you, me and us, right? We need to remember that and humble ourselves and ask for faith that perseveres and allows God to have His way with us. Today there is all kinds of anxiety and fear of what is going on in the world. Turn off the noise. God is God and will have His way and if we want to follow Him to eternity, we need to die to self, take up cross daily and follow Jesus, surrendered and trusting. Help us Lord! Take my anxiety, fear and trying to fix things in my own strength and help me to let You be God, mold me, and use me for Your glory. Thanks! Amen!

The cool thing today is that Sarah's message flows to our devotionals for today. Check them out as you abide, humble yourself and receive your marching orders for today. God does have great plans for you and us that need us to be supple, available and prepared. He has already activated our faith and gifts and placed us where He wants us. He just needs us to stay connected and ready to follow. Revival is coming. So is the end--eventually. Until then we need to remain faithful trusting and supple. Join me as we seek first His Kingdom and allow Him to lead us to His perfect plans. And remember, we are His Body and we need all of us to be all in. Are you? If not ask for help and find some teammates. That's His plan for us faithful and trusting servants. Keep focused and checking in often with God and Let's roll to His plans for us! Amen!

Our Daily Bread: Accepted By God (You are!)

Today's Devotion

He was the doctor who never turned away a patient—even if some couldn’t pay him and even though he himself had experienced rejection from society. In spite of Harold’s outstanding record in his medical studies, no hospital in London hired him because of the color of his skin. So in 1913 he opened his own practice in his home, often treating the poor for free. Dr. Harold Moody spent his life helping those discriminated against, earning him the title “Britain’s Martin Luther King.”

Dr. Moody shows that our life need not be determined by the rejection of others. Scripture also shows us this truth in the story of Jephthah. Although a mighty warrior, Jephthah was rejected by his half brothers and driven away from their town. They told him, “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family . . . because you are the son of another woman” (Judges 11:2). “So Jephthah fled from his brothers” and settled in another area (v. 3).

Although his family rejected him, God didn’t. When an enemy made war on Israel, it was Jephthah that the people turned to for help (vv. 4-6). They said, “Be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites” (v. 6). God used and helped Jephthah to subdue their enemy (vv. 29, 32-33) and to later lead Israel (Judges 12:7).

When we’re rejected by others, let’s keep trusting and obeying God. It’s how He sees us and what He wants us to do that matters.

Reflect & Pray

How does rejection affect you? How does God’s acceptance of you encourage you?

Thank You, Father, for Your love and acceptance.
For further study, read The Peace that Jesus Brings at odbm.org.

Today's Insights

Jephthah the warrior was rejected by others, but God used him for His purpose (Judges 11:2-3, 29). Jesus also understood rejection. He was rejected by the people of His hometown of Nazareth, who doubted His authority (Mark 6:1-6). He was rejected by the Pharisees and other Jewish religious leaders who plotted to kill Him (3:6). Many of His followers deserted Him (John 6:60-66). For a time, His siblings failed to believe He was the Messiah (7:5). His disciple Judas Iscariot betrayed Him (18:2-3). At His trial, the people shouted for His crucifixion (Mark 15:13). When we face rejection, we can bring our pain to Him knowing He understands. He sees us, loves us, and accepts us.

For further study, read: The Peace that Jesus Brings

The Word for You Today

Upper Room: Checking In

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

As the owner of a new puppy, I enrolled us in a training class. Along with “sit” and “stay,” we learned something new to me: the “check-in.” The dog is supposed to turn and look at you every few minutes while walking on a leash, checking in with you as the handler. The purpose is to keep the dog from harm and on the right path and to create a bond of trust.

One training requirement is that the dog check in first, without being prompted, before receiving any praise or reward. The check-in is supposed to be a voluntary act, rather than a response to a command. I quickly learned that my dog rarely, if ever, checked in with me. Instead, she was distracted by everything around us, pulling this way and that. I wasn’t happy, and she wasn’t getting any praise.

Then I wondered, How often do I check in with God? Do I pause what I’m doing and take time to express gratitude for what God has done in my life or to seek direction for the path ahead? Perhaps I’m so involved with the distractions of this world that I don’t think to look to God as often as I should. And perhaps I’m also missing out on the reward of God’s guidance. No matter how busy I am, I now make it a regular habit to check in with the Lord.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, as we seek to do your will, help us always to look to you for guidance. Amen.

Thought for the Day

My relationship with God is strengthened when I check in often.

Good Morning Team! God loves us and has gathered us to team up and be His Good News Delivery Co. We each have a purpose in His gathered fellowship that will help reproduce reproducing disciples and grow His Kingdom. Amen! Please Lord move us! We are called to be about or like Jesus and the Father's business. We are also aiming to become His House of Prayer for the Nations. All of Kingdom value is birthed through prayer and happens through His prayed up, prepared and available servants. May that be us Lord! Thanks!

I'm late this morning,. Gotta fly but check out our devos below that speak into praying, serving and reproducing disciple. God seeks the lost and draws them to us. Pray that even happens today at brunch. Reach out and love on and invite in and pray for some guests today. Pray away any hindrances from coming too. God has great plans for you and us to step into today and this week, DO IT! Amen!

Upper Room: The Lord Hears Us

Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. - Psalm 4:3 (NIV)

We were about to begin pouring concrete. Everything was arranged, the scaffolding had already been set up at a great expense, and the contractor and workers were ready. But before we could start, rain clouds darkened the sky.

The contractor and the workers started arguing about whether they should begin working. The workers said there was no point because the concrete would wash away. But the contractor said that since the festive season began the next day, the project would be delayed by a month. I had to decide what to do, and I was conflicted. But I was sure God would hear me when I called. After praying, I decided we should go ahead with the work despite the dark clouds. Working efficiently, we poured the concrete and completed the job just before the rain began. One of the workers said, “It is a miracle of God.”

As today’s scripture states, God hears when we call. God loves us enough that his Son saved us from sin and death. Whatever situation we face, God has set us apart and hears us when we call.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for hearing us when we call. Help us to seek your guidance in all situations. Amen. ODB: Pray for them

Today's Devotion

The movie Sully depicts the heroic landing of a stalled passenger plane on New York’s Hudson River. As Captain “Sully” strode off the rescue ferry, he told an official, “I need to know who’s hurt and how badly and I need a count. One hundred fifty-five. That’s my number. That’s passengers and crew.” The man said, “Okay. How about you?” Sully replied, “I’ll answer that question when we’ve counted to one hundred fifty-five.”

Jesus is interested in a count too. He’s the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep. When He finds it, He “is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off” (Matthew 18:13). This doesn’t mean the one lost sheep counts more than the others. But there is the joy of relief when it’s found. As Sully’s passengers rejoiced to escape almost certain death, so heaven celebrates when someone receives salvation.

Do you know any lost sheep? Anyone who seems particularly unreachable? Pray for them. Seek to share the love of Jesus with them. Don’t give up until they’re in the fold.

Sully badgered anyone who would listen, “I need a count. We’ve got to have a count.” At long last, an official entered the hospital room where Sully was being examined. He smiled. “Got a count. One hundred fifty-five.”

Reflect & Pray

Who are three people who need Jesus you could pray for on a regular basis? How might you share the love of Jesus with them?

Dear Jesus, please help me to see Your “sheep” like You see them.

Today's Insights

Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 are a direct reflection of God’s concern for those in need of Him. The example of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep (vv. 12-14) shows the seeking nature of God. The essence of verse 14—“your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish”—is seen in 2 Peter 3:9, where Simon Peter says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This was Christ’s own mission in coming to this world—to seek with the heart of the Father. He said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). As we pray for those who need Jesus, we’re joining God in His great work of rescue.

Next Sun. 10 am worship with worldwide communion celebration

Sun Oct 18th our bishop leads worship and joins us for brunch and ACTS 2:42 communion meal

Note: The Rally Day envelopes will be used to repay money 2 Peas in a Pod brunches had to borrow from the general fund. Donations have not been matching expenses. 

New combined ministry: Family Ministries has been covering all food and study materials as well as kitchen supplies for ages birth to grave and is used for Wed evening meals and huddles and other expenditures. We are changing the name and incorporating the 2 Peas in A Pod brunches. The new name for this ministry is appropriate as it's "242 Ministries" 242 is for Acts 2:42 which this ministry embodies. Acts 2:42 They gathered, study the Bible, fellowship, eat and commune and pray together. That's what we do Wed and during brunches and are modeling all our ministries after.

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Good Morning Created for God's Purposes Followers of the Way! Amen! We've often talked about Eph 2:10 and being God's masterpieces created and activated to grow into our new nature and His purposes. I love how God often affirms our line of thinking as He did today with our devotionals below! We are formed for a purpose and we get repurposed into our new nature and for His plans for us. we get to come as we are and then transformed more in to His image and activated by the SDpirit to do what we are created to do. I love it! It's Jesus' easy yoke. What are you good at and love doing? That's probably a clue to what He has created you to do. Ask Him to come fill you, transform you, activate you and lead you to His perfect plans today. He loves you and uses surrendered hearts and willing feet to go live and love like Jesus and grows us in our purposes from one to the next as we mature in Christ. Thank Him for that and today is a great day to abide some and listen. What's He got for you? Try that and team up to pray, plan and go. I already and have been praying for us to do these things as we move towards becoming His dynamic movement of disciple makers. Please Lord! revive and activate us! Amen!

Upper Room: Formed for A Purpose

The Lord said, “Before I created you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.” - Jeremiah 1:5 (CEB)

There have been times when I’ve felt inadequate to fulfill God’s plan for my life. The weight of others’ expectations has been apparent, and I have sometimes felt rejected because I don’t always fit into others’ expectations. But I have learned that I am not alone in my insecurities.

Jeremiah also felt inadequate when called by God. In Jeremiah 1:5, God tells him, “Before I created you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart.” And though Jeremiah doubted himself, God reassured him, “Don’t be afraid . . . I’m with you.”

I have come to trust that God not only intentionally formed me but also calls, equips, and empowers me to fulfill God’s purpose. The gifts, talents, and longings within me were placed there so I could share God’s love and truth. In moments of doubt, I can trust that God, who has been with me from the beginning, will never leave me.

God has formed each of us with intent and equips us with words, wisdom, and strength for God’s mission. Following our calling isn’t about our strength or our insecurities; it’s about letting go of our fears and trusting God to be with us every step of the journey.

Today's Prayer

Creator God, thank you for our purpose and calling. In times of doubt and fear, remind us that we are never alone and strengthen our trust in your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thought for the Day

Despite my doubts, I can trust in God’s guidance.

Prayer Focus

To trust God’s calling for me

OUR DAILY BREAD: Gifts Repurposed By God

Today's Devotion

Captain Tim Mullane diligently worked at sinking the SS United States—a massive ocean liner. In fact, he was paid to send it down to the depths. Mullane repurposes ships from sailing the seven seas to serving as instant artificial reefs on the ocean floor. Sunken vessels provide attractive destinations for scuba divers and help protect coastlines as they curb the erosion of beaches. While no longer riding ocean waves, the ships continue to provide value lying far beneath them.

Moses’ shepherd’s staff was repurposed for something that would prove to be invaluable for the Israelites. God asked him, “What is that in your hand?” Moses replied, “A shepherd’s staff” (Exodus 4:2 nlt). Moses cared for sheep for forty years (Acts 7:29-30), but his staff would now be used to shepherd his people out of Egypt. The staff was a symbol of God’s working through Moses, and as he “[performed] the signs with it” (Exodus 4:17), God’s power was revealed. As Moses stretched out his “staff toward the sky” God rained hail on Egypt (9:23) and later allowed the Israelites to pass through “the sea on dry ground” (14:16).

God repurposed Moses’ staff and role to accomplish His purposes. He’ll often use our gifts and talents in fresh ways too. How might He be using your “staff” in a new way during this season of life?

Reflect & Pray

Why can it be hard to let go of roles and responsibilities? 
How might God be using your gifts and talents in new ways?

Loving God, please help me see how You’re using my gifts and talents in fresh ways.

Today's Insights

Exodus 4 records how God repurposed Moses’ staff (vv. 1-5) to accomplish His purpose. The gospel of John describes how a boy’s meager meal was repurposed. A great crowd of people had followed Jesus and were hungry. Christ asked His disciples, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (6:5). A boy had a boy-sized lunch, barely enough to satisfy a boy-sized appetite. But when the seemingly insignificant was surrendered to God (v. 9), hungry people were fed (vv. 10-13), and God received the glory (v. 14). Today, we can ask God to use us to accomplish His purposes.

For further study, read: The Confidence to Grow

Good Morning Very Loved, Forgiven Much, Vessels of Love! Thanks Lord! Send me! Amen! You are very loved, forgiven much and you matter! God loves you beyond measure and created you for such a time as this. You have a special place in His heart and a special purpose in His Good News Delivery Company. PTL! Step into your purposes today. And He has gathered us to team up and be His Body on mission with Him. Amen! Meditate on the Upper Room for today (below). It reflects back to Sunday's message about how loved we are and that we do have special purposes and activated potential. If you are still here, it's because God isn't finished with you yet. he will continue to grow you, mature your faith and use you as you are as he shapes you from one way to another and uses you to fulfill your created purposes. Seek first His Kingdom and he will add all you need, including teammates. He is with you! Worship and surrender to Him and His mercy, grace and forgiveness. Go love like Jesus! I'm pray for you and us to find our sweet spots in Christ and to team up and go transform the Lehigh Valley. God is with us and we are yoked to Jesus to go and love well. DO IT! Amen!

The Upper Room: A Beautiful Picture

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. - 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

I recently visited my older brother who lives far from me. He and his family welcomed me with food and fun. While sitting at his dining room table, I noticed a very large jigsaw puzzle that my brother had glued together, framed, and hung on the wall. When I looked closely, each piece was unique, yet each piece was needed to complete the picture.

I think my church congregation is a lot like that jigsaw puzzle. I look around my church and see people of all different sizes, shapes, and colors. They each have various gifts and skills, and when we come together to worship, it is beautiful. No one is more important than someone else. It is the uniqueness of the people in the congregation that makes the complete picture pleasing to God.

In John 13:34, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Just as my brother needed glue to hold the puzzle pieces together, it is God’s love for us, our love for God, and our love for each other that holds us together.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, thank you for bringing us together to worship. Teach us to love as you love. We pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray, “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Lk. 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.

Thought for the Day

I am uniquely important to God.

Prayer Focus

My church congregation

1 Corinthians 12:12-20

12 Christ is just like the human body—a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the body are one body, even though there are many. 13 We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jew or Greek, or slave or free, and we all were given one Spirit to drink. 14 Certainly the body isn’t one part but many. 15 If the foot says, “I’m not part of the body because I’m not a hand,” does that mean it’s not part of the body? 16 If the ear says, “I’m not part of the body because I’m not an eye,” does that mean it’s not part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, what would happen to the hearing? And if the whole body were an ear, what would happen to the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God has placed each one of the parts in the body just like he wanted. 19 If all were one and the same body part, what would happen to the body? 20 But as it is, there are many parts but one body.

Holy Spirit Come: Holy Spirit You are Welcome Here [Lyric Video] - Kim Walker-Smith

UR: The Spirit's Voice  

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? - Luke 9:25 (NIV)

After completing a degree in mathematics, I decided to continue my education in the same discipline. However, when it was time for the course exams, I was underprepared. I didn’t know most of the answers, and the two hours during the exam were some of the most ego-destroying of my life. I was gutted.

I sought guidance from a beloved high school teacher. Then I went home and slept until the morning. The following day I prayed, “Please, Lord, tell me where to go from here.”

I did not renew my academic registration the following year. I started spending more time studying God’s word and set aside time each morning for prayer. Gradually, my inner peace and the assurance that God loves me returned to my soul.

In time, God opened fresh opportunities for me. My career took a different direction, and I got a new perspective on life. I began to realize that achievement is not everything. I learned to listen to the Spirit’s voice and allow God’s peace to guide me. I began to understand the truth of Jesus’ words: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, give us the wisdom to let your Spirit guide us in the big decisions of our lives. Amen.

TWFYT:

Good Morning Held Close and Provided for Followers of Jesus! Amen! Draw close and know the love, protection and provision of Jireh, our providing God. Jesus says come to me you weary and I'll give rest to your souls. Who couldn't use that? Our Good Shepherd promises rest and restoration for our weary souls as He leads beside calming waters and to green pastures. And as we work at being still and knowing God we realize He is upholding us and protecting us in His strong right hand. What blessings we can choose to receive as we learn to joyfully trust God and allow Him to have His good way with us and even deal with the junk around us according to His perfect plans. Thanks Lord!

You know, there are many stressful things in this life. It seems like the media, government, doctors, neighbors and many love to stir anxiety and anger in us and even doubt and fear. Turn off the noise and abide with our all-knowing, almighty provider and protector this morning. Build those gratitude list and use them to help redirect your thinking and focus to praise and trust. We know that even when crawling through that dark valley, we can choose not to fear. Why? Because He is with us and working all things, even the dark hard ones together for good for us believers. We know many without hope and we even struggle at times choosing it because of some extreme things thrown at us and stirred by the devil to distract and draw us away from God, His peace and our joy. Ask our Jireh, Provider, to give you faith that leads to joy knowing He is with you and He has won already and that you and your future are secure. Maybe there's some situation out of your control that is leading to anxiety. Still yourself and give it to God. He already knows the outcome and His plans. Ask for comfort as you mourn the loss of control and peace to replace your anxiety. He's got this. Trust. Choose joy. Worship and receive peace beyond understanding. It's available and He is waiting for you to draw near. Do it!

Two of our devos sorta tie to this. Be still. Draw near and abide in His love and peace this day. I've already prayed for you. Shalom shalom--His perfect peace and His help are available. Choose that! Amen!

UR: Ask God

Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. - Psalm 139:10 (NIV)

As a healthcare provider, I had many responsibilities in caring for patients in the hospital. One time I was asked to take over a colleague’s work while she was on vacation. Her work differed somewhat from mine and required that I complete tasks and make decisions which I was uncomfortable with and not as confident about. At first I was very anxious and overwhelmed. I doubted my ability to manage this new assignment. Then I remembered Psalm 139:10 — “Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

I decided to write this verse on a note card, along with this message: You are not alone. God is with you and will help you. Just ask God. I placed the note in my lab-coat pocket before I began each workday. If I started to feel anxious, I would pat my pocket to remind myself of these important truths. This reminder of God’s presence with me gave me a wonderful sense of peace. I felt confident that the Lord would provide the knowledge and the resources I needed to accomplish the work in this new role.

With God’s guidance, strength, and support, I was able to complete this assignment in a caring and confident way. This stressful time reminded me that the Lord will guide and equip me with what I need when I ask and trust God.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, thank you for reminders that you are always with us. Thank you for guiding and helping us, especially during stressful times. Amen.

ODB: Comfort Amidst Tears

Today's Devotion

The call from my mother came around 9 p.m. “It’s about your dad,” she said. “He’s gone.” While I’d been expecting this call for days and was relieved my father was no longer in pain, the news still hit hard. I sobbed deeply as grief took its course over the following days and weeks.

While losing my father was hard on us all, it was particularly hard for some of my unbelieving family members. To their understanding, Dad was gone forever. It was then that I realized how believing in Jesus helps us to grieve.

Paul explained it this way: Since Jesus rose again from death, those who believe in Him will one day rise again too (1 Thessalonians 4:14). This will happen on the day He gathers us up to spend eternity together with Him (vv. 16-17). Paul tells us this “so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (v. 13). Knowing I will see my father again brings comfort amidst the tears.

Scripture never promotes griefless loss. Even Jesus wept for a dead friend he knew would return to life (John 11:34-44). And sometimes we don’t know what a loved one believed before they died. Still, our grief has a safety net. Because of Him, we will see our believing loved ones again, and we can entrust all into His care.

Reflect & Pray

When have you realized the power of hope in Christ? 
How do you think that hope differs from the world’s idea?

Dear Jesus, thank You that my loved ones who believed in You are held safe in Your arms even in death, and one day You’ll bring us together again.

Today's Insights

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a natural and necessary process that takes time. With death can come gut-wrenching pain and heartache. But in 1 Thessalonians 4, we’re instructed not to grieve like “the rest of mankind”—nonbelievers—“who have no hope” (v. 13). Our grief is made more bearable because the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, is with us (John 14:15-17); and we have the assurance of one day being reunited with our believing loved ones and of enjoying our Savior together, forever. Believers in Jesus know this life isn’t all there is. We have the promise of eternal life (3:16). Our loved ones are safe in Christ’s arms, and we can entrust them into His care. One day we’ll be reunited and “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

For further study, read: Hope

Meditate on our devos today and team up to pray, plan and serve in love. I', praying for you and us and God is revealing something about your role and what to pray today. Seek first His Kingdom and He'll provide all you and we need! Amen!

UR: An Easy Load

Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

We were working on our landscaping one Saturday, and our four-year-old grandson was helping us. Benjamin worked diligently, moving bricks and picking up rocks. He talked nonstop, and his presence lightened our hearts.

He helped me fill a bucket with some rocks to place elsewhere. As I went to pick up the bucket, he decided to help me move it. His little hand grasped the other side of the handle, and we slowly walked to the new location. He said, “Nana, I can help you. I’m strong, and I can carry this with you. It’s not heavy.” “It isn’t too heavy,” I replied — although the weight of the bucket was on me. He was just holding the handle.

I realized then that this is exactly what Jesus meant in today’s scripture when he talked about our burden being light. The yoke I carry with Jesus doesn’t crush me because he is carrying the weight. He bore the burden of my sin. He is an ever-present help in trouble. He carries me and is my strength.

I cannot carry the burdens and the responsibilities of this life on my own, but when I walk with Jesus, he carries the weight, and my burden is light.

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Today's Prayer

Dear Jesus, help us remember that our strength is in our relationship with you. Thank you for making our burdens lighter. Amen.

ODB

TWFYT

Sun. Worship at 10 followed by Brunch at 11:30

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Sarah Prayer up date below

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Good Morning Surrendered, Focused on Christ, Good News Delivery Company! Does that describe you and/or our church? God uses His surrendered servants to encourage each other and to grow His Kingdom. He has saved, gifted and gathered His activated servants to transform the world and bring His Kingdom to earth. We are part of that and we all have a part in His Good News Delivery Company and as a House of Prayer for the Nations. God doesn't see things like we or others do. He knows our true hearts and those who are surrendered and available for Him to use. Sometimes, the least likely in our eyes are the ones God is using in mighty ways. Ask to have His eyes and ears, heart and mind as you assess where He has for you to serve and use your activated gifts, talents and abilities to show others how to walk with Jesus. He has great plans for you and us to discover and act upon. Are you ready? Are you surrendered enough to follow Him even to the new things He has planned to prosper His Church? We need to be! Ask for help to be fully surrendered and supple in Hiss hands and for willingness to change and try His new things He is bringing alive that will draw others and grow His Kingdom. Amen! God says, "Behold, I am doing a new thing. Can you perceive it?" Many do not want to change or join Him. Pray that is not you or us. Yes we love or comfort zones, but learning to die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus means we have to hold loosely, let go of some things and allow Him to come fill us, mold us, and lead us to His future plans which He promises are for good. Amen! Help us Lord!

Yesterday, we heard how the EC denomination has identified us as a healthy, willing to change and follow God congregation that they feel God wants to invest in and assist to prepare for the future and move toward their potential in Christ. We don't know exactly how that will look and the denomination is just in the praying and planning stages. let us join them inviting God to come lead us to His plans and people to bring revival to our area. he has plans, people and is calling us to join Him. Pray for supple and willing hearts, moving feet and for His plans to come alive in, through and around you and us! Yesterday we were reminded that we are His activated masterpieces ready to fulfill our created purposes. Those created purposes are part of why He has gathered us and is preparing us to go change the world and make disciples. He has also gathered us to become His House of Prayer for the Nations. Some of us have the activated role of prayer warrior in His Good News delivery Co. but all of us are called to pray and serve. the Good news we were reminded of yesterday is that we get to join Him as we are. And as we follow, He will transform us and mold us and equip us to do the new things He has created us to do. he loves you and is calling you by name to come and see and to join Him on His mission of love. Will you? He's waiting with open arms and the help we need. Prepare yourself to be His surrendered, moldable, usable servants. It will be awesome! And He will transform us to more of our created potential as we shed the old and put on the new and go live and love more and more like Jesus. 

We have a choice! Life, death or indifference that leads to demise. My prayer is our battle cry will, "For me to live is Christ and as for me and my house, we will choose the Lord!" and that we will come with available, willing surrendered hearts to follow God to the new things He has for us. Amen! Pray into all this and prepare your hearts to worship! God is waiting with open arms of love and help! Come and see! And know His peace as you do.

Sarah Update:

Good afternoon, warriors,

We are thankful for the showers that have been falling and will continue throughout the coming week!   It was really foggy as we were driving home

from worship today.  Remember that ole saying, "it's like pea soup out there"    I was thinking as I saw the thick fog, and noticed that we couldn't see the big steeple of the

big Neffs church, as it was covered with fog. 

However, we could hear the steeple bells chiming out a hymn.   Reminds me that sometimes life seems to

block our view, tends to overwhelm us, fogs our memory and mind and we can't see much in front of us, and we wonder when it will be over. 

But if we are still and listen.....we can hear the words of our awesome God reminding us that we are not alone.   God is by our side......

Psalm 91:1-2 (AMP)   Those who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty (whose power no enemy can withstand) We will say of the Lord, "He is our refuge and our fortress, Our God in whom we trust (with great confidence, and on whom we rely)!!

Praying for each of you......pray for one another.......have a great week!  Look for ways and opportunities to serve!  God is creative soooo look for 

creative ways to serve and share His love!

I wanted to get the list of prayer needs and praises out to you so you can be reminded of those that need our prayer support and encouragement.

Here is what was shared today:

Chris Muik is home from the hospital following his surgery. He is doing better and working on adjusting.  Yvonne is feeling better after having COVID.  Always takes

our bodies a bit to heal and become strong and healthy again.

Jim Carls (Kathy Canfield's brother) is doing ok with his new treatment. This weekend several family members came into town to visit and encourage Jim.

   Having family around always helps and encourages us.

Amber Sosa is dealing with some medical issues and her family took her to the hospital on Friday night. Please keep her in your prayers and her medical team.

Kay B is asking for prayer for Melissa, who has had a heart attack at the age of 44. She has three blockages. She is very allergic to all kinds of meds so they are

working to find medication that her body will accept before they before surgery to clear up the blockages.

Barb Schware is asking for prayer for her son, Tim. He was out in the sun for many hours and became extremely dehydrated. His blood pressure was high and 

he had bad headaches.  They got his blood pressure down, and he was doing better this morning when Barb spoke with him.

Hope EC church, Fogelsville sent a team on a Missions trip to Kentucky. They are asking for prayer for the team as they serve, and for safe travel.

Pastor Don and Pastor Mike are thanking God for a completed year of racing and for the promise of another season of racing in 2027.

Lisa Wenner is thankful for time well spent with friends and being able to get reacquainted with friends.  She is also excited as she will be going on vacation

   starting on Friday.   Enjoy Lisa....we are praying for your safety!  

Everlasting Life Ministries - the hospital that Pastor Gus has been working to accomplish in Syria is coming along. The goal to complete is September 2027  They are 

asking for prayer for safety and financial support to continue as they continue to build.

Mike Snekder and Pastor Don had a meeting this past week. The conference has identified several healthy churches within the EC denomination.  And WE ST MATTHEW"S

has been identified as one of the healthy churches!!!   Tomorrow (Monday) the committee will be meeting and are asking us to pray for wisdom as they strategize how to better serve

they healthy churches and how the healthy churches may assist, and what they may offer to those churches that are hurting.

Gail Lichtenwalner reported a yay God moment from Bread ministry - She has gotten to know several of those that come to Bread, very well. And she was

   listening to one of those ladies share about her husband having cancer around his eye, and the difficult time they were having to get some medical appointments

and answers.  Gail asked Pastor Don to pray with her and the woman texted Gail this past weekend that PRAYER DOES WORK...... they received a call and her

husband has an appointment in early October at Wills Eye.   YAY GOD!! Please keep this couple in your prayers as they will have to be in Philly at Wills Eye by 7:15am

Great things are happening within St Matthew's!!!

Darlene Geiger is asking for prayer for her husband, Jim.....he is scheduled for an MRI on Thursday at 10:30am.  He is extremely claustrophobic and very

anxious about this MRI.  Please pray for him to have peace about it and not to obsess about it in the days prior to the test.

  They are also looking at a tiny tumor in hi head, they say it is benign, but want a baseline to check in the future.  Darlene is very appreciative of all your prayers and

support.

Debbie Siegfried is asking for prayer for her husband, Gerry who has a very sprained neck muscle. He went to the ER and received some treatment; has a neck collar

and is to rest and take it easy......as we all know that is easier said than done.     

Today we also celebrated with the Grim family as Brittney and Travis dedicated their second daughter, Cholbie to Jesus. It was great having their family

  surrounding them at this special event. (picture of the family to follow)

Thanks for praying!!

Good Morning Church! We are the Body of Christ. We are one in Christ. He is the corner stone we are building upon and He has gathered, gifted, is equipping, transforming and sending us on His love mission. We are gifted by the Holy Spirit to encourage each other and grow His Church. Amen! Help us to be all You created, gifted and gathered us to be! Send us and use us well. Amen!

I have some  amazing, yet in many ways discouraging news. Yesterday I met with a representative of our denomination. They have been praying, listening and using the mind and heart of Christ to examine and evaluate our efforts as a denomination and for our churches. They have identified 10-12 churches that are healthy and maintaining or growing and worth investing in. Churches focused on Christ, the mission and with a willingness to not hold so tightly to traditions for traditions sake and to invest in the future and adapt to the times. St. Matts is one of those churches. PTL! First of all, thank you for a willingness to adapt and do your best to get used to different and trying new things. Worldwide, the churches that are growing and impacting the world for the Kingdom are those kind of churches. They are churches holding loosely to their expectations and wants to seek earnestly and willing follow God to the new things He is doing. It's hard and hurts to die to self and allow God to prune and redirect us away from our comfort zones. I applaud you for realizing that we have to be among those kind of churches! Thank you!

A few years ago I shared that if we are not willing to change, adapt and invest in God's work we will fade away and die. God has allowed a fresh breath of the Spirit upon us and we have seen the bucking of the trends and actually have experienced some growth and God using us to impact the neighborhoods around us. We are being His instruments of revival. But we have much more to pray into, invest in, and do. Are we still willing? Our board discussed that last night as we received word that the denomination has determined that God is calling them to invest in churches like ours to grow the Kingdom, train new leaders, reproduce disciple making, and to seek and follow God to His new things together. The denomination has realized that it is time to earnestly seek God and earnestly follow Him as we pour ourselves out and invest in His future. Like our church they have realized that what was is no longer working and if we want to stay viable and grow again we need to change what we have been doing and really work at reaching neighbors and learning to actually go and live and love like Jesus and reproduce disciples in His way. They are still meeting, praying and listening and have now asked the identified churches like ours to prayerfully consider what God wants to do and invest in. So, pray, seek first His Kingdom and ask God to bring dreams, visions and ideas for what he wants to do. Ask for an open heart and mind to allow change and for His leading to new things. Pray for revival, harvest workers and workers from the harvest. Pray to have God's heart and mind and want to to want to allow Him to mold, send and use you and us. We are God's Good News Delivery Company! That's what He has gathered and is sending us to be. Thank Him for that and for our health and willingness and ask Him to continue His good work in and through us and bring revival. 

The world is accelerating towards the end and headed to hell. God has promised an end times harvest and to have His people be available to be His vessels for revival. may that be you, me and us! God has great plans for us. we are on our way towards becoming His dynamic movement. May we continue to walk with Him all in, fully surrendered, and alive in Christ! Or we have the option of just, like the other churches in our denomination that are fading away, to coast along until the end. Joshua said, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." may that be our battle cry as we work at becoming a House of Prayer for the Nations and a powerhouse of disciple makers. God is for us! PTL! Are we for Him and being stretched and used or are we going to shrink back and die. The choice is ours. What will you choose?

Meditate on this and talk to God and your teammates and meditate on The Upper Room and Our Daily Bread and let us reason together as we seek God and choose to be all in while following Him. He really does have great plans for us and they are plans to prosper. Let us choose that! Come Jesus come! Your Kingdom come and will be done! Mold, shape, and send us! may You be glorified! Amen!

Come Jesus Come: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9NjB38sDvQ&list=RDX9NjB38sDvQ&start_radio=1

UR: Unexpected Help

With my voice I cry to the Lord; with my voice I make supplication to the Lord. - Psalm 142:1 (NRSVUE)

A member of my church asked for my help submitting an online application for her son to attend a popular citywide activity camp program. The program is free, the children have planned activities and games, and meals are provided. I was with her all morning, assisting and advising her on which documents to upload and how to do each step. Unfortunately, her son’s application was not accepted. She had really wanted her son to attend the camp, because she is a single mother and her son would truly enjoy it. We prayed and waited.

Later that afternoon, someone in a group chat that I’m a part of offered up a spot at the camp. It came as a great surprise to me since the online sign-up process was already closed. But he explained that because he was a state employee, he was offered a certain number of slots. He had an extra one available for anyone who wanted it. Our prayer from earlier was answered quickly in a way that was almost impossible to believe. I was blessed to be able to connect these two people. Thanks be to our God who listens to our concerns and works for our good.

Steadfast God, help us embrace our connection to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to see the possibilities to help and support one another. Amen.

ODB

Sun worship at 10 (with baptism)

Pray for our Support team meeting tonight at 6:30. May God guide us to His plans and may we steward well all His blessings. Amen!

Good Morning Ambassadors of Christ! Amen! Help us represent You, be Your salt and light, and impact our families and neighborhoods for Your Kingdom. Thanks! Amen! Check out the Upper Room below. One of my prayers, and often biggest failures, is for all I think, say and do represent Christ and point to how to live well in the Kingdom, Forgive my failures Lord and help me shed the old, step fully into my new nature and live and love like You better. May I glorify You! Help! Thanks! Amen! I have an early meeting this morning in Reading, so off I go. But I had a nice quiet time, abiding, listening and repenting. I received God's love and forgiveness and invited Him to shepherd me today. Try it! Jesus loves you and is calling you to come abide and prepare to thrive as you humble yourself and yoke to Him. Go shine bright today and the rest of the week. He has custom made great plans just for you! Amen! Shalom shalom

UR:  Representing Christ

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Because I am in prison I have had to grant someone on the outside power of attorney. This allows them to legally represent my interests, sign documents, and make many decisions on my behalf — in my name, as if they were me. When acting as my agent, their decisions are attributed to me. This dynamic has helped me to understand our relationship to Christ, who is in heaven.

When we accept Jesus, we become his representatives on earth. In a sense, we are his agents, so when people see and hear us, it’s like they can see and hear Jesus. And Christ was the incarnate representation of God’s being. Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn. 14:9).

In our lives, embodying Christ involves more than going to church, reading the Bible, or sharing the gospel. It applies to every aspect of life. No matter how big or small, everything we say and do is an opportunity to represent Christ — whether eating or drinking, driving a car, telling a joke, or completing a mundane task. And we don’t need to rely on our abilities alone to do this. Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us through it all.

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, teach us how to be your representatives, bearing the name of Christ rather than our own. May all we do be to your glory. Amen.

UR: Give to Those Who Ask

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. - Luke 6:30 (NIV)

When I’m leaving my neighborhood grocery store, I often see a young man standing on the street corner, holding a sign. It says, “Homeless. Please give. Anything helps.” He stands there week after week, hoping someone will notice him and contribute. I’ve grown used to seeing him, and I don’t always remember to notice whether he’s there. Occasionally, I give him a few dollars, but I wonder: Is my money truly helping him?

Then I read Luke 6:30 — “Give to everyone who asks.” And I ponder what it would be like to live out these words of Jesus wholeheartedly. Jesus doesn’t ask me to set up a charity organization or determine what the man should be doing with his life. Jesus just asks me to give. What if I simply give what I can to everyone who asks — without judgment about whether they need it or whether it will be used well? What if I make an extra effort to be present and attentive to those around me who need help?

Some days I can give the man one dollar. Some days I can give five dollars. And some days all I can give is a heartfelt prayer as I drive by. But when I give what I can to everyone who asks, I can trust that I’m listening to Jesus’ words and learning to follow him more closely.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us to truly see the people asking us for help and to respond. Amen.

TWFYT:

Good Morning Led By God Worshipers! Amen! Check out our devotionals below and the thread as we continue to remember to stop leaning on our own thinking and trusting God more. he knows you, loves you, call you by name and He has great plans to lead you to! Will you stay focused and moving with Him to His best for you? Prov 16:25 reminds us that sometimes what we think is right or good is not and Prov 3: 5-6 reminds us to stop. Get out of our heads, refocus and let Him have control. Help us Lord! He is wisdom and His ways best. Trust, worship and thrive ibn Christ today. Amen

ODB

UR: In Every Place

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (NRSVUE)

When I moved from the bustling city of Chennai to a remote village, it felt like a step backward. Life had been convenient. I’d had a growing career, a loving church community, and close friendships.

But when we relocated, I had to walk three to four kilometers to buy groceries. The language and culture were different, and there were no familiar faces to offer friendship or fellowship. I felt lonely, discouraged, and uncertain.

In the midst of that confusion, I asked, “Lord, show me what I need to do. You gave us such wonderful opportunities in Chennai. What is your purpose for me here?”

During a moment of prayer, Romans 8:28 came to mind, and I clung to that promise. I began to trust that even in this unfamiliar place, God was working for good in my life.

Slowly things began to change as God opened new doors. I made new friends and discovered new skills. I learned to cook more creatively and gained confidence in driving. God had brought me into a new season of growth.

When discouragement tries to creep in, I remind myself: “I am in God, and God is in me.” That simple awareness transforms me, bringing peace, joy, and a sense of purpose, no matter where I am.

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Today's Prayer

Loving God, help us to trust your purpose even when our surroundings feel unfamiliar. Remind us that you are with us always. Amen.

TWFYT

Sat. Clothing Closet 9-12

Sun Worship at 10

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

Good Morning Relying on God Stewards. This salutation flows from Our Daily Bread and Upper Room devotionals below. God hears our cries of desperation and responds with abundant help for us to steward and use for His glory. We can count on Him in His perfect timing according to His perfect plans to provide and guide and we often have a surplus to sustain us past the need. PTL! Have you experienced that? I have. What a blessing our Jireh is! God sees, knows and has an answer for our desperate cries. Often that answer isn't what we expected and sometimes it's a miracle. Our part is to use what's given to complete His plans and steward the provision well. Pray into that and ask God to provide, guide and for His Kingdom to come and will to be done.

Yesterday we discussed how everything with God, who is Love, flows from love. We are even to steward His love well as we respond to whatever awaits, stewarding our Spiritual gifts well and going to live and love like Jesus. That is our mission. How well are you doing at living and loving like Jesus? We were reminded that love overcomes hate, light overcomes darkness and good wins over evil. We know the Victor and are already walking in victory. Amen. Walk well in God and His provisions. Live victory in Jesus and love like Him! We are overcomers in Christ and on a rescue mission with Him. Amen!

Yesterday we remembered 9-11, our heroes and victims and even Charlie Kirk's martyrdom a year ago. We discussed how crazy it is that 25 years later, NYC elected a Muslim mayor who is hellbent on destroying America and worships in a place that urges the killing of infidels (us). In case you don't believe me about the intent of Muslims here, check out the quotes from the Quran below about the killing of us, outlawing of Christianity and getting rid if us. Remember Muslims are offspring of Ismael who has opposed his half brother Israel since Abraham birthed them. The Quran encourages Muslims to lie and cheat and deceive to get the upper hand and then overcome the infidels. That's the total opposite of Christianity! Their plan that has been carried out in Europe and is growing here is to out populate us and then take control of government and then impose Sharia law and get rid of the infidels. Much of Europe is waking up and rebelling against them and sending them packing. We seem to be inviting our overthrow to come. Are we willing to give up our constitutional right to the freedom of religion and to govern ourselves. Or are we trying not to offed those aiming to overthrow us? May we never forget and may we stand firm in Christ, who has already won, and choose freedom and defend it. 

Check out the things below. Talk to God and your teammates. Pray. Prepare. And choose life, liberty, the freedom to worship and the pursuit of happiness. God bless America and may we bless God! Amen! Overcome hate with love. Darkness with Light. And evil with the goodness of God! Put on the battle armor and come at Jesus' enemies in the mighty name of the Lord our God~! Amen! Live and love like Jesus includes the tough love of opposing His enemies. We are facing many right here in America today. Our mission is a mission of love that transforms people and nations and bringd the peace of God not, one of hate, lies, deception and chaos. Jesus has won. May we choose that victory in Jesus and fight for our freedoms and we cry out to God. Amen!

HAPPENED AT A TENNESSEE FOOTBALL GAME---NOT A JOKE.

CHRISTIANITY IS NOW THE TARGET OF PERSECUTION...

GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO READS THIS...

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT A HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CAN SEE THE PROBLEM, BUT OUR SOCIETY CANNOT.

TENNESSEE H.S. FOOTBALL

THIS IS A STATEMENT THAT WAS READ OVER THE PA SYSTEM AT THE FOOTBALL GAME AT ROANE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL, KINGSTON, TENNESSEE, BY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, JODY MCLEOD:

"IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CUSTOM AT ROANE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAMES, TO SAY A PRAYER AND PLAY THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, TO HONOR GOD AND COUNTRY.

"DUE TO A RECENT COMPLAINT, AND RULING BY THE COURT, I AM TOLD THAT SAYING A PRAYER IS "A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL CASE LAW".

AS I UNDERSTAND THE LAW AT THIS TIME, I CAN USE THIS PUBLIC FACILITY TO APPROVE OF SEXUAL PERVERSION AND CALL IT "AN ALTERNATE LIFE STYLE", AND, IF SOMEONE IS OFFENDED, THAT'S OK.

I CAN USE IT TO CONDONE SEXUAL PROMISCUITY, BY DISPENSING CONDOMS AND CALLING IT, "SAFE SEX." IF SOMEONE IS OFFENDED, THAT'S OK.

I CAN EVEN USE THIS PUBLIC FACILITY TO PRESENT THE MERITS OF KILLING AN UNBORN BABY AS A "VIABLE MEANS OF BIRTH CONTROL." IF SOMEONE IS OFFENDED, NO PROBLEM...

I CAN DESIGNATE A SCHOOL DAY AS "EARTH DAY" AND INVOLVE STUDENTS IN ACTIVITIES TO WORSHIP RELIGIOUSLY AND PRAISE THE "GODDESS MOTHER EARTH", AND CALL IT "ECOLOGY.."

I CAN USE LITERATURE, VIDEOS AND PRESENTATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM THAT DEPICTS PEOPLE WITH STRONG TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN CONVICTIONS AS

"SIMPLE MINDED" AND "IGNORANT" AND CALL IT "ENLIGHTENMENT."

HOWEVER, IF ANYONE USES THIS FACILITY TO HONOR GOD AND TO ASK HIM TO BLESS THIS EVENT WITH SAFETY AND GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP, THEN FEDERAL CASE LAW IS VIOLATED.

THIS APPEARS TO BE INCONSISTENT AT BEST, AND AT WORST, DIABOLICAL. APPARENTLY, WE ARE TO BE TOLERANT OF EVERYTHING AND ANYONE, EXCEPT GOD AND HIS COMMANDMENTS. NEVERTHELESS, AS A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, I FREQUENTLY ASK STAFF AND STUDENTS TO ABIDE BY RULES WITH WHICH THEY DO NOT NECESSARILY AGREE. FOR ME TO DO OTHERWISE WOULD BE INCONSISTENT AT BEST, AND AT WORST, HYPOCRITICAL. I SUFFER FROM THAT AFFLICTION ENOUGH UNINTENTIONALLY, AND I CERTAINLY DO NOT NEED TO ADD AN INTENTIONAL TRANSGRESSION.

FOR THIS REASON, I SHALL "RENDER UNTO CAESAR THAT WHICH IS CAESAR'S," AND REFRAIN FROM PRAYING AT THIS TIME...

"HOWEVER, IF YOU FEEL INSPIRED TO HONOR, PRAISE AND THANK GOD AND ASK HIM, IN THE NAME OF JESUS, TO BLESS THIS EVENT, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO... AS FAR AS I KNOW, THAT'S NOT AGAINST THE LAW--YET!"

SILENCE FELL.

ONE BY ONE, THE PEOPLE IN THE STANDS BOWED THEIR HEADS, HELD HANDS WITH ONE ANOTHER AND BEGAN TO PRAY.

THEY PRAYED IN THE STANDS. THEY PRAYED IN THE TEAM HUDDLES. THEY PRAYED AT THE CONCESSION STAND, AND THEY PRAYED IN THE ANNOUNCER'S BOX!

(THE ONLY PLACE THEY DIDN'T PRAY WAS IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - THE "SEAT OF JUSTICE", THAT'S IN THE "ONE NATION, UNDER GOD.")

SOMEHOW, KINGSTON, TENNESSEE, REMEMBERED WHAT SO MANY HAVE NOW FORGOTTEN.

WE ARE GIVEN THE FREEDOM OF RELIGION, NOT THE FREEDOM FROM RELIGION!!

PRAISE GOD THAT HIS REMNANT REMAINS!

JESUS SAID, "IF YOU ARE ASHAMED OF ME BEFORE MEN, THEN I WILL BE ASHAMED OF YOU BEFORE MY FATHER.."

IF YOU ARE NOT ASHAMED, PASS THIS ON!

I'M NOT ONE BIT ASHAMED TO PASS THIS ON, ARE YOU?

THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS! GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO READS THIS AND PASSES IT ON!

The Upper Room: Gather the Leftovers

When they had all had enough to eat, [Jesus] said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” - John 6:12 (NIV)

My brother and I closed the lumberyard gates and stood looking at the meager inventory. Business had been slow due to the recession of 2009. Now our local economy on the Florida Gulf Coast was even worse due to a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Weary and overwhelmed, my brother and I fervently prayed aloud, asking for God’s guidance and provision.

The church sermon the next morning was on the story of Jesus’ feeding the five thousand. In John’s account, Jesus instructs his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” These words resonated with me, and I was excited to share them with my brother.

The next day, he and I looked for “leftovers.” In a far corner of the property, under cull lumber and covered with vines, we found a stack of metal beams left over from an order years prior. We took the beams to a scrap metal dealer, where we learned that they were worth enough to pay our bills for weeks! When customers purchased the beams years before, it had been a blessing, and God continued to sustain us with the sale of the remnants. May we always strive to be good stewards of God’s provision, letting no blessings be wasted.

Today's Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for your goodness, grace, and provision for us. Your mercies are new every day! Amen.

Thank God I'm Forgiven! Amen and PTL!

Thank God for all those that knew Jesus and stepped into His arms in 2001. It was a busy day in heaven. We will never forget!

Good Morning.

I can never forget the sacrifice of first responders, the innocent lives lost, the parentless children, and that terrible day when evil attacked us. And I can't believe 25 years later we have a Muslim mayor and an invasion that has taken control of leftist, socialist,. Muslim democrats. They can't beat us militarily but they have invaded through open boarders illegally and are out-populating us and taking control trying to institute Sharia law. They have to go! However that is in God's hands. Islam and Christianity have been battling since Ismael and Isaac. We can pray. We can vote but ultimately God is in control. Will we see revival? Please Lord! Or takeover and persecution? No thanks Lord but Your Kingdom come and will be done! Pray for Truth, Liberty and justice to prevail and for faith and revival to grow. Then trust God and vote smartly. God is with us and for us and we may have to travel thru some very hard times on our way to heaven. Stand firm and keep focused as we continue to do our part in God Good News Delivery Co. Pray like crazy and keep persevering in faith! That's our mission. Team up and be His hands and feet and go live and love like Jesus. Someone you will encounter needs Him and is being drawn. Honor the memory of those lost and our service personnel who sacrificed all for our freedom. We are free because of the brave! May we be counted among the bold and courageous revivalists of the Lord! Amen! never forget and get to it! Day light is burning! 

Come Jesus! We need You! Your Kingdom come and will be done. Revive and protect this nation from evil and darkness! We need You! Help! Amen!

Sarah update

Good evening, prayer warriors,

Here are some prayer needs that came in this evening:

Chris Muik is requesting some prayers as he is currently in the hospital ER.  There is a possibility of an amputation.

   He is asking for our prayers for wisdom for his medical team and God's peace to surround both Chris and Yvonne.

  We will share updates as Chris shares

Dean Marks shares:

    Requesting prayer for Emily who works at WaWa, and she is pregnant.  She got sick at work and was very pale

    and was throwing up blood.  Dean gave her coworker a mini Jesus and told her co-worker that we would be 

    praying for her.   Dean also shared a mini Jesus with one of her coworkers, and the coworker said he was a believer also.

     Let us pray for Emily and her unborn baby.    Thank you, Dean for sharing and for sharing Jesus!!!

I would ask that you keep the Kist family (Sarah's sister in law's family) in prayer as they have their mother's celebration 

    of life service tomorrow afternoon.  May God's peace surround each of them.

Also keep the Wert family in your prayers as they move forward in their family journey.   They held Pastor Don Wert's celebration

    of life service today.  

Thank you Warriors for all your prayers and prayer support

   Blessings,

   Sarah

Please pray for Chris and Yvonne Muik. Chris is facing foot amputation in the morning. May God be with him and the team and bring shalom to all.

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

Good Morning Persevering Christlike Teammates! Yes we can be all of these. This salutation flows from our devotionals (below). Meditate on them and process as you abide. God is speaking to someone else's heart besides mine this morning. No matter the season or difficulties or anxiousness we are facing God is with us in every season. PTL! He is our hope and help, our comforter, guide and deliverer! PTL! He is trustworthy and praiseworthy! Amen! He is working all things--ALL THINGS--together for the good of those called by His name (us believers!)! We can choose joy and it is very often a choice. But it flows from deep faith and trust that God is with us and for us. Often we need to remember and heed Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don't lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your steps." Amen! Trust, acknowledge. Get out of your head and focus on Him. He is at work, leading and working all together. Man. pray into that. Ask Him to help you remember and to do those things and you will be moving the right direction. And He will be glorified! This journey is one to Christlikeness and one where we are being transformed more and more into His image. The thought from the Chosen just came to mind, I was one way and now I'm another and the thing that happened in between was Him." YES! Are you inviting Him to examine your heart and transform you and renew your thinking? Try it! It may hurt and be hard, but man is it worth it as He keeps growing and transforming and helping us to persevere and grow. That's the journey I want to be on and when I slip, fail or face trials, He's there with open arms and help to get back at it. What an awesome God we serve! Our aim is to live, love, pray, teach, lead and make disciple lie Jesus. To do that we have to be like Him and doing the things he created us to do, He is the Way! Wal in His ways is a great choice for today. And watch how the joy, faith and trust grow as we grow more like Him. I'm praying for us all to be earnest in that pursuit and lay aside all the noise and chaos of this going-to-Hell-world! Amen! And then you will now His shalom too! PTL!

Upper Room: In Every Season

Our Daily Bread

The Word for You Today

Good Morning Redeemed and Made New Children of God! Yes and amen Lord! Thanks! I slept in and need to get ready for church. But God spoke to me through our devotionals below. is He speaking to you? What's He saying? Can you feel His loving presence, forgiveness, mercy, grace and help? Is He encouraging you to be revived, refreshed and to go live and love like Him today? Process with Him as you draw near. he wants to draw near to you. Open the door of your heart! Receive His love, mercy and forgiveness and go love like Him today. he is with you working all things together for good. Amen! Worship. Abide. Prepare to thrive in Christ. Amen and shalom! See you soon! Be still and know that he is God, he loves you, is with you always and is moving before you leading you to His perfect plans for you today! Yes shalom shalom is avbailable as you do!

ODB

UR: When Silence Speaks

[The Lord] says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

The constant hum of my refrigerator had become such familiar background noise that I barely noticed it. But then during a power outage, the sudden silence felt deafening. As I sat in the darkness with a flashlight, I realized how much noise usually filled my life — electronics, traffic, and endless phone notifications.

In the unexpected quiet, I heard other things: my breathing, the gentle rustle of leaves outside, and — somehow more clearly than ever — God’s presence. The verse, “Be still, and know that I am God,” took on new meaning. I had read this scripture countless times, but experiencing genuine stillness helped me understand it differently.

We often think of silence as emptiness or absence. But that night, I discovered that silence isn’t empty — it’s full of God’s presence waiting to be noticed. Sometimes we need to quiet the noise of daily life to hear God’s voice clearly.

The power came back on after a few hours, but that experience changed me. Now, I intentionally create quiet moments in my day. Sometimes it’s just five minutes before sunrise or turning off my car radio during my commute. In these quiet spaces, I’ve found that God often speaks most clearly.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us find moments of stillness in our busy lives where we can experience your presence more deeply. Amen.

TWFYT

Last night at Dinner Huddle we discussed tithing and loving sacrificially. Seems God would like to share these reminders with all of us. So, here I am, recounting what He revealed as I spent some early morning abiding time, sacrificing some sleep for a much better choice. The Upper Room stirs our thinking with the question: "How is God calling me to support future generations?" So how is He speaking to you as you consider your answer? Is there some corrective to pursue? Is He encouraging you with "well done! Keep it up!" Matt. 7:7-12 used in the devo reminds us, "ask, search, and keep knocking and we will be provided for as we find Him with us, giving us all we need to accomplish His perfect plans for us to become sacrificial givers." And as we do consistently we will build a legacy as sacrificially living givers, pouring out for God and the next generations. And ODB discusses just that. They ask if we are an example to others as faithful generous givers. Looking around prayerfully, who might God be stirring you to help and bless? Do it as you praY FOR GOD TO HELP AND PROVIDE AND GUIDE! I love how God often threads thru our devotionals with other things we have been studying, like being a sacrificially living giver, like Jesus. He provides, guides and wants to use us to build His legacy as such. He informs our prayers and actions. Who might benefit from His blessing thru you today, the rest of the year? Talk to God and process with your team.

Being a tither is not without sacrifice as you look around the world at the prosperity of non-givers and unbelievers. But 90% plus God is way better than 100% on our own! He promises and does give back pressed down, shaken and stuffed to overflow with many blessings. And that is truly a blessing to know how God has used you to bless and build a legacy of living and loving like Jesus. Build that treasure in heaven and you can't ever go wrong with that! Die to self, take up cross and follow and live and love sacrificially like Jesus. He is with you, for you and Jireh! He is enough! Amen! God is speaking to you today. Praise Him as you still yourself and discover what He has planned for you to live like Jesus. Go sacrificially and be blessed!

One of our prayer disciplines from the Chamber's book is to give in secret with no one knowing. Try that. It doesn't have to be extravagant, just an act of love from your heart filled to overflow with Jesus and His love. Another is to do random acts of kindness. Sacrifice and tithe can be time, talent and/or treasure. How does God want to give through you today? Try it and be blessed! And then consider how to increase to becoming a sacrificially living giver like Jesus! What a joy that is!

UR: For the Future

Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. - Matthew 7:7 (NRSVUE)

The church I attend recently celebrated the 120th anniversary of its founding. At the commemorative luncheon after the anniversary worship service, members gave speeches. Children spoke about their vision for the next generation.

One child spoke about praying for the future sanctuary. I realized that even children can understand that buildings decay, and I was deeply moved that these children were praying about their church building. I too began praying fervently that we can provide a church building for the next generation.

I became a Christian as an adult, so as a child I never thought of praying for the next generation. I was inspired to learn that Sunday school teachers were leading the children in this way.

It is vital for both children and adults to pray and then to take action together for these prayers to be realized. I am the administrator of an area shopping center and want to use my work experience to help preserve the current church building for a long time. When adults take action and model good stewardship, we partner with the faithful efforts of others and the prayers of children to provide for the next generation.

Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to preserve and protect church buildings as places where children can find faith and live it out. Amen.

ODB:

Good Morning Abiding Friends!

I'm off to doc appointment for routine physical. Have to fly. ZGod is asking you to draw close and abide. try using these devos. Shalom! See you at donut day and/or dinner huddle tomorrow

ODB

UR: Ready to Be Filled

We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. - 2 Corinthians 4:10 (NIV)

I like to collect empty jars that I put to good use. I fill some with liquid hand soap that I make myself. One jar stores my collection of buttons — if I need to sew a pair of eyes onto a stuffed elephant or hippo, I know just where to look! I crocheted a decorative covering for one of my biggest jars and turned it into a vase for flowers. The beauty of an empty jar is that it is empty and ready to be filled with something.

Sometimes we are like empty jars. When we experience difficulties, we feel like a shell, depleted from relying on our own powers and abilities. It may take a long time or a real crisis before we finally turn to God. We may wonder how God could possibly use us, but what can feel like empty space in our lives is simply room for our Creator to work in us and use us for God’s purpose. When we go to our heavenly Father in prayer, we can trust that we will be filled with his presence. Thankfully, God uses empty jars too!

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Today's Prayer

Dear God, fill us with your presence and use us for your good purpose. Amen.

Enjoy this day and chill with the Lord as you prepare for the day and week. Spend some time with the devotionals below and find His rest, joy and shalom. He loves you! Shalom!

UR: God with Us

Jesus said to his disciples, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NRSVUE)

My wife and I have retired to a home in the mountains that is surrounded by large rhododendron shrubs. In the spring, these shrubs are covered with colorful clusters of pink flowers. Their dark green leaves are evergreen throughout the year. But in the winter, particularly on frosty nights when the temperature drops below freezing, the leaves become even darker and collapse around the stems. They almost look as if they are drying up and dying. But as the day warms up, the leaves return to their robust shape, opening back up and regaining their original color and appearance.

One winter day as my wife and I walked our dog, we witnessed this apparent return to life by the leaves of the rhododendrons. It reminded us that life can at times overwhelm and burden us — with illness, injury, debt, broken relationships, or other hardships. But God is always there to revive us, comfort us, and bring peace to our minds, souls, and spirits.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for your love and for being there for us in times of stress when life overwhelms us. Amen

ODB

TWFYT

This is the day the Lord has made! PTL! And no matter what we are facing today we get to worship, praise, adore and abide. We can celebrate new life in Christ ensuring that he is with us always and knows all we are facing. And we have the promise lean on that He is working all things together for those who believe and are called by His name. Yes! PTL!

Good Morning Worshiping, Abiding, Obedient Friends of God! Amen! Prepare your hearts to worship and abide as you lift thanksgiving, offer yourself and walk by faith today. What an awesome, loving God we serve! Rejoice! All that's good flows from prayer, our faith and our resting in Christ. Begin there this morning. Abide. Worship. And prepare your hearts to follow Jesus today to His good plans for you. They may take you through some rocky roads but rejoice that he is with you and you are on this path for His good purposes. Trust! Persevere in faith! Abide then thrive in Christ today! I'm praying for you! And God is awaiting your drawing near.

I feel like He wants you to seek Him with your own Bibles and devotionals open today. he has something special planned just for you and all you have to do is still yourself, draw near and receive. Can't wait to hear how he leads you today and how He plans to live and love through you. Go! Live and Love like Jesus today! Shine!