Pastor's Blog https://stmatthewsec.com Dig deeper on the issue of today with our Pastor March 7 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1900 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:15:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1900 Good Morning Team! We are one in Christ just like God is One. PTL! Recently we studied the Trinity on a . evening. God is 3 in 1. Each individual entity united as One and each with their own purpose. It's hard to get our heads around that and our feeble minds to comprehend how that works. That's all part of faith. God said it and we know it's true and we believe and live life in Christ, led by the Spirit as an act of worship to the Father. Amen! And just like God is One, Jesus prayed for us to be One the night before His crucifixion. Check out Our Daily Bread devo and Connection Blog below and meditate on our unity and oneness in Christ and your part in the unity of the Body. Let me be clear--we are one and unified in Christ., mission and in His Word. PTL! BUT, we must stay vigilant and focused and keep working at that unity so the world can experience our love. They will know we are Christians by our love--right? We are called and gathered to be God's unified powerhouse of love! Keep at it. The world around us is noticing and feeling His love and help through our unified efforts. Thanks and PTL! We all have a part to play individually and roles in His Good News Delivery Co. that are unique of us and very needed. Keep seeking first His Kingdom and working at that unity and doing your part. And keep praying for teammates to travel this life with and for our growing unity in Christ and Love. We are one like He is One and we keep growing at that! PTL! Amen! Go Team! Pray a canopy of God's blessings over us that unites, protects and attracts others. Amen!

ODB:

One in Christ

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

READ Ephesians 4:1-7

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

In , the town of Winneconne discovered it had been mistakenly omitted from the official Wisconsin state road map, costing the town vital tourist revenue. So the town decided to secede from Wisconsin and become its own sovereign state on  of that year. Some say the secession was a move to embarrass the state government, while others claim it was a tongue-in-cheek act of humor. In any case, months of negotiations resulted in state and town coming together again on , 1967.

Most division isn’t as good-natured or as easily resolved. Division is such a threat that the book of Proverbs lists “the person who stirs up conflict” (6:19) as one of seven things “that are detestable to [God]” (v. 16). 

Division may not only cause problems but misrepresents Jesus and His Father. The night before the cross, Christ prayed that His followers would be one in Him, “that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).

Jesus made it clear that our unity as brothers and sisters in Christ (or lack of it) impacts the world’s belief in Him! Perhaps that’s why Paul told the Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). May we allow the Spirit of Christ to make us one—that the world may be drawn to Him.

By Bill Crowder

REFLECT & PRAY

What are some of the things that can divide you from other believers? How can those potential points of conflict be resolved, so that the body of Christ might know and display unity?

Dear Father, please give me a heart for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Learn how you can cultivate unity within your church and community.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Disunity keeps the church weak and ineffective in its role of making disciples. In John 17, Jesus prayed for unity among believers in Him (vv. 20-23). He knew they’d need each other as they faced trials because of their faith. Paul also had much to say about the importance of unity. In Ephesians 4, he urged believers “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (v. 1) and to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (v. 3). In Philippians, he called Euodia and Syntyche “to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Finally, in Colossians he urged his readers to “bear with each other and forgive one another” and “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (3:13-14). When believers in Christ are unified in love for Him, they bring hope and light to a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).

Alyson Kieda

Connection Blog:

 - A Canopy of God’s Blessing

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. (Psalm 133) 

Can you imagine what it would be like for your entire community to be under a canopy of God’s blessing? It’s hard to imagine; isn’t it? I read the incredible firsthand account of the 1949– 1952 Hebrides Revival. For three years, God’s tangible presence was known throughout the island of Lewis. Simply put, virtually all the people were either experiencing the conviction of the Lord or the joy of the Lord. What would happen if God commanded a blessing on our unity that resulted in the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit resting upon our communities? Let’s ask! 

Lord Jesus,  I come pleading with you for a work of grace upon our community. I see the devastating results of the curse of sin and death. My city needs to see the blessing of God’s Spirit resting over our area as a tent over a family. Your Word promises a commanded blessing on brothers and sisters as we walk in unity. We need a sovereign breakthrough. Break off our petty divisions. Unearth our fallow ground. Resurrect our broken unity. Send forth your power and might to heal our land. You are our living hope! Bring unprecedented unity in my life, family, neighborhood, church, city, state, nation, and world. Root this work in your transforming work on the cross. Let the oil of the Holy Spirit drip down over your Body in our area. Make us a beautiful reflection of a blessed land. Be exalted here. Humble us in the lifting up of your mighty name. Use me as an ambassador of unity. I ask for a work of peace and healing to be wrought  in our town. We need you. We are desperate for what only you can do! We trust you  for this work of love in our community.

--Adapted from Praying God’s Word Over Your City: 40 Days of Prayer for A Transformed Community by Trey and Mary Anne Kent. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
]]> March 6 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1899 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:14:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1899 TGIF! Thank God I'm Forgiven! Yes PTL! What a loving Father we know who loves us so much that He made a way for us to be saved and then drew us to Himself with much love! What are you thankful for about your life in Christ? Tell Him and share the Good News with someone ! (Check out the Connection Blog below pertaining to this too). Our Abba Daddy says to fear not because He has redeemed us and He calls us by name. He really knows and loves us. He created us to be made new and receive His love and then helps us to grow in faith and faithfulness. Amen! We are made holy (set apart) and called by His name (Christians--Christ's Ones). Amen and PTL! TGIF! And we get to put on Jesus' easy yoke and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to a fruit-filled holy life in Christ without all the striving for favor! PTL! He has called you lovingly by name and is with you always working all things together for good! PTL!

Good Morning Redeemed Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Very Loved Child of God! PTL!!! You are known, loved and created for such a time as this! How is Jesus leading you to His best ? Praise Him! Put on His Holiness and your new nature and go live and love like Jesus and enjoy this life as he prepares you for the next. Who does He have for you to lead to Him and life eternal? What's your part in His Good News Delivery Company? Step into your purposes with Jesus and don His easy yoke as you do. he'll show you the way, help you, has gifted and prepared you and will bring His Kingdom alive all around you. rejoice and abide in his love and allow Him to do His thing, His way and in Hus time as you walk along through  praising His holy name and living life as an act of worship that turns off the noise and distractions of the world and stays focused on Jesus. help us, Lord and thanks!!! Yes you are very loved, called by name and he wants to overflow His love from you. Let Him! And change the hate and darkness around you by living and loving like Jesus and then know His peace because you did your part His way. Amen! The rest of our devotionals for  are below the connection blog. Open your Bibles and the devos and abide in His love as you prepare for the day and know His shalom. he loves you beyond measure and is with you always! PTYL and may you know His perfect peace. Amen!

Hey know this : Not only does God love and call you by name, He has united us together as His Body and man is He blessing and using you and us! And he still has plans for us to discover and step into as he sends us to connect to, love and transform our neighborhoods. And we all have a part we get to do to grow His Kingdom and grow together in Christlikeness. We have the Father, Son, Spirit and each other in this journey! PTL and unite and go love well! Amen! We are His Light and His Love! PTL! Keep praying, serving, worshiping and watching for ways to join Him on His mission of love. Ask that those around us would have ears to hear, eyes to see and hearts to move toward Christ and you and us! Amen!

Connection Blog

 - Walk in the Peace of Christ

Whether you have been following Christ for years or are just coming to faith, listen to how the Apostle Paul sums up the gospel.

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-5)

This is the gospel of peace that Jesus preached to both Jews and Gentiles. It is still being preached to each of us . Walking in the truth of the gospel means walking in the peace of Christ. It is a big part of what it means to live the Christian life. We should have a firm expectation of his peace guarding our hearts each day.

Spend time  praying over the gospel. Thank the Lord for what he has done for you and accept his peace fully into your life.

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for preaching Your gospel over my life day by day. Make me more aware of Your life-giving salvation message than ever before as I keep it continually at the forefront of all that I do and say. May it be all that I am, inform everything I think and be passed on to each person I encounter in my life. Because of Your sacrifice on the cross, I can live in complete peace, and my heart is continually grateful!

--Adapted from Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God (A 30-Day Journey to Experience the Shalom of Jesus) by David Butts. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Our Daily Bread:

God’s Goodness

Be careful that you do not forget the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:12

READ Deuteronomy 6:10-19

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

“Oh no!” That was my response upon opening a beehive and discovering the colony had suddenly died. It had been a thriving hive with lots of honey. I’d carefully maintained it throughout a mild winter and anticipated an early harvest. But a cold snap in the warm weather had led to collapse.

I checked with local experts. “Many beekeepers lost hives this time,” they reassured me. Mild winters present challenges for bees, even healthy hives. Bees fan their wings to maintain warmth in the hive in winter, but when the weather warms briefly, they exhaust themselves seeking even more food. If temperatures drop quickly, they don’t have strength to keep warm. Their “distraction” leads to destruction.

Even good things can become dangers when they turn us from what matters most. Moses cautioned God’s people about this after they left Egypt and before they entered the land God was about to give them—a land with “houses filled with all kinds of good things” that they “did not provide” (Deuteronomy 6:11). “When you eat and are satisfied,” Moses warned, “be careful that you do not forget the Lord” (vv. 11-12).

Remembering God in our blessings helps us because He is the source of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). When we humbly respond to His goodness by loving Him with heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), we find in Him the best blessing of all.

By James Banks

REFLECT & PRAY

What are you grateful for? How do all good things ultimately come from God?

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your goodness to me. Please help me to remember You !

For further study, read The Goodness of Creation.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Our reading from Deuteronomy 6 takes us to a major moment in Israel’s story. The Israelites had left Egypt and had depended on God’s miraculous daily provision in the desert just to be alive (8:16). They were now on the threshold of entering a settled land with cities, homes, wells, and farms they had no part in building (6:11). In moving from slavery to satisfaction, they’d be tempted to forget the source of all this goodness. Jesus would identify Himself as this source one day when feeding multitudes, providing enough for everyone to eat and be satisfied and even to have leftovers (Matthew 14:18-21). As we reflect on God —the source of all good things—we can respond with gratitude.

Tim Laniak

Upper Room: The Gift of Faith

Jesus said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

One day when I was six years old, my mom said she had something to tell me. Wringing her hands, she said, “Delsie, I want you to know that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit will always take care of you and our family. No matter what.” As I listened, I didn’t really know what she meant. Tears flowed down her pale cheeks, and I wondered what was wrong. What was she trying to tell me?

A few weeks later, Mom was admitted to a psychiatric hospital where she stayed for two years. As time dragged on, there wasn’t a day that I didn’t cry for her. However, I also remembered what she had told me. Missing her made me physically ache, but her words continued to echo in my heart and mind. Somehow I knew I was not alone.

The faith-filled words she spoke to me before going to the hospital have been a lifelong gift to me. They have helped me to grow strong in my faith over time. When Mom finally returned home, she had been through a lot; but we were jubilant to have her back with us. This childhood experience taught me to place my trust and hope in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

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's Prayer

Triune God, thank you for the gift of faith and for all the blessings you have given us. Amen.

The Word for You :

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]]> March 5 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1898 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:14:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1898 Good Morning Friends of God (and Mine)! Love how God works!  I could have just read my blog from . Our study was about being called and known by God and choosing to live with integrity and practicing what we preach. Let me remind you of Isaiah 43 :1 as God says to your heart and mind, "Fear not for I have redeemed you! I have called you by name! You are mine!" Amen! Meditate on that --you are God's created work of art--His masterpiece and you are forgiven, made new in Christ gifted, and activated to go do the things you are created to do. God knew you before the womb and the good plans for you. You days are written in His book and until He calls you home He has a plan and purpose for you where you are placed by Him and as you are. He loves, forgives, molds and shapes you to be valuable here and as preparation for your heavenly assignments. PTL and worship!

 What love we know. His heart breaks with yours. He is patient as you stray or doubt and He brings you back from trials that he walks with you through to the plans He has for you--good plans! Check out and pray through the Connection blogs below. What's our Abba Daddy saying to your heart . Be still and know His love and receive Hos care as you endure whatever He has allowed. Choose to stay connected to and leaning into His everlasting arms. He knows you and still loves you! PTL! he has plans for you and is preparing you! PTL! He is Love and He patiently loves, molds, helps and walks with you--always! PTL! He's whispering to your heart___(Insert name here)___, I see you, love you, have redeemed you and will always forgive and lead you to my perfect plans for you. Come to my loving arms! Rest in me and be revived for all I have for you  through eternity! AMEN! I Love you! You are Mine! Be still and know My shalom ! Dwell in My Love! You are Mine! Amen and shalom!

Connection Blogs:

 - He Knows Your Thoughts

Sincerity and honesty are the most important issues when coming before God. While teaching His disciples about prayer, Jesus used a parable that showcased two different pray-ers.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14)

Earlier, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus had taught some other principles regarding how we should pray. He taught simplicity over ornateness:

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. . . . But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. . . . When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:5-8)

While these verses certainly focus on humility in prayer, they also speak to the language we use. God simply wants us to humbly come to Him and share our hearts. We do not need to worry about how we phrase something—in fact, when we do worry about such matters, pride is taking over. Remember, the simple prayer of the thief on the cross, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42), was enough to change the man for all eternity!

Merciful Lord, forgive my prideful attempts to word prayers that will impress others rather than focusing on the majesty of Your throne! May my mind be fixed only on Your glory as I pour out my heart to You. Help me to remember that the Holy Spirit will fill in the intent of every prayer I pray, and that there is nothing coming from my mouth that You cannot understand. Heal my desire to say “just the right thing” and focus my heart on Your kingdom. May I walk in prayerful humility moment by moment as my intent becomes only to pray, “Your will be done!”

--Adapted from The Power of Personal Prayer (Learning to Pray with Faith and Purpose) by Jonathan Graf. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points
  • Praise God for his comfort.
  • Thank God that he holds you close and calls you his child.
  • Confess those times when you have rejected God’s love.
  • Commit yourself to seeking God’s comfort through the people in the church and his Word.
  • Ask him to deliver you from your desire to handle your pain alone.
  • Pray that the members of your congregation will reach out in ways which comfort those who are disheartened, discouraged, and depressed. 
     
    Prayer Pointer
    “Far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you.” —1 Samuel 12:23
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
]]> March 4 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1897 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:13:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1897 Good Morning Very Valued, Compassionate Servants! You are AWESOME and very appreciated! You matter and we see you and so does God! Thank you! Your love, compassion and service really matters! Nothing is too small for God to notice and can be used to build treasure in heaven. Remember in God's economy small is BIG, slow is fast as we move with Him and do what we can with what we've been given, not for worldly recognition but to honor and glorify God. People are being drawn to Him. The church is growing as we serve compassionately and live sacrificially and love lavishly like Jesus. Yes, THANK YOU! Check out the devotionals below. What's God saying to you? He sees you, calls you by name and wants to love and help through your surrendered heart and humble service. Thank you! May you know the peace of being who you are created to be and doing what you are created to do for such a time as this, You are God's masterpiece and He loves you and is blessed by your compassionate, servant heart! Amen! rest in His love and acceptance and know how valued and needed you are. You and what you do matter and are having affect for His glory! Amen! Shalom shalom!

Our Daily Bread

The Unnamed Women

These women were helping to support them out of their own means. Luke 8:3

READ Luke 8:1-3

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

After wiping down tables with disinfectant, Shelia stooped to tie a garbage bag filled with used cups and plates. She heaved the bag over her shoulder and turned to survey the church’s multipurpose room. She’d volunteered to clean it for the next gathering and wanted to make sure it was ready. A thought fluttered through her mind: Would anyone notice?

It’s easy to wonder if our everyday contributions to the kingdom are valued. Whether we clean, balance spreadsheets, lead a Bible study, or give money, so many of us remain unseen in our places of service and unnamed in public commendations.

In Luke 8:1-2, the historian catalogs the faithful service of women in the ministry of Jesus. He lists three by name from among the women freed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary of Magdalene; Joanna the wife of Chuza, who managed Herod’s household; and Susanna. Then Luke says, “Many others . . . were helping to support [Jesus and His disciples] out of their own means” (v. 3). Luke spotlights these unnamed women who invested themselves in supporting the gospel, and so underlines their value.

Just as God includes unnamed women in His account of valuable contributions to His kingdom, He sees our efforts. He knows our names (John 10:3), and He sees our investment in His work (Hebrews 6:10).

By Elisa Morgan

REFLECT & PRAY

When have you felt overlooked and undervalued? How does knowing that God included unnamed women in His catalog of contributions encourage you?

Dear God, thank You that You see me, know me, and value all I give You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Luke gives more attention to Jesus’ interactions with women than any other gospel writer. The women—both named and unnamed—mentioned in Luke 8:1-3 are one example, but others include His encounter with the widow of Nain (7:11-17), the “sinful” woman (vv. 36-50), Mary and Martha (10:38-42), a disabled woman (13:10-17), and the women who “mourned and wailed for him” prior to His crucifixion (23:27). Luke 2 also includes an extended account of Mary’s experience prior to Christ’s birth. In the ancient world, women were often undervalued or devalued, but Jesus elevated their status by showing great care for them. This can remind us  that when we feel undervalued and overlooked by others, we can be assured that we’re valued by God. He sees and knows all that we do in His name.

Bill Crowder

Upper Room: Compassion

When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. - Matthew 14:14 (NIV)

When reading the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, we may be in such a hurry to take notice of Jesus’ miracle that we miss an important detail: Jesus had compassion for others at a time when he needed compassion from others. Jesus had decided to spend time with his disciples away from the crowd after he learned that John the Baptist had been beheaded. But the crowd followed Jesus and was waiting for him when he stepped out of the boat. If I had been in Jesus’ shoes, I might have complained about the crowd or angrily demanded that they leave. But instead, “when Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them.”

Jesus had compassion on the crowd even though he had just learned about his cousin’s death and was hoping to spend some quiet time alone. But Jesus showed us that we can offer compassion in all circumstances. Even when we are going through troubles of our own, may we imitate our Lord’s example and have compassion on others.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

God of compassion, in our world filled with people who are hurting and in need, help us always to imitate our compassionate Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

]]> March 3 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1896 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:09:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1896 Good Morning Students and Doers of the Word of God! Amen! We sit in quietness with open Bibles hanging out with God, seeking wisdom for the day, allowing Scripture to inform our prayers and actions. We are students and doers of the Word! Jesus is the Living Word of God. He is our master and shepherd as He teaches, leads and uses us. Amen! There is power in the Word of God pronounced over ourselves, others and against Satan and the dominion of darkness. The Word reminds us to armor up for  and to ingest the Living Word as we step into this new day ready for action. PTL for this glorious train of truth! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life." We find these and share them as we open Hiss Living Word, pray it, ingest it and use it for His glory! So this begs the question, where's your focus ? Turn off the noise. Still your soul. Cast all anxiety to God and watch how He works in, through and around you  and be prepared to join Him as you travel through this day and week. He is for you, with you and has great plans for you and us and all His people as we dwell in and stand on His Truth. Our Daily Bread asks, "How has God captured your attention?" Are you still and trusting enough to focus on Him with ears that hear and eyes that see? They also ask how you will share what He's revealed to you. Will you? Someone needs to hear and understand His Truth and the Jesus Way. We are sent to bring His Light and Love alive and to make disciples of Jesus. Who has God put on your heart to pray for and engage with. DO IT and watch God work! Amen!

Check out our devotionals and blogs below as God speaks to our hearts through them and our open Bibles. The flow through them reminds us that God has called us to serve in His power as we embrace and live His Word and bring it to those He is sending our way. We are sent to bring shalom as we share the Good News and love of God. We are sent to seek and allow God to save the lost through us. There is much anxiety and confusion around us. We know the Truth that set us free and the comfort of God's Spirit and as we keep focused on Him, our peace and joy that flows from our trust will be contagious and overflow to those open to it around us. That's our Good News mission. Live it! Afterall, we are students and doers of the Living Word of God and we know Him and His love and get to share that with the hungry around us! PTL! Revival is at hand! Shine bright!

ODB:

God’s Undeniable Power

[God] rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. Daniel 6:27

READ Daniel 6:25-28

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

When the Transit Agency of Central Kentucky (TACK) renovated its headquarters, it wanted to make sure people noticed. Instead of a subtle sign or announcement, it installed a massive, nearly twenty-two-feet-tall thumbtack at its entrance. The thumbtack, a world record, is an undeniable marker that no passersby can miss.

In Daniel 6, God used something undeniable to get people’s attention: He miraculously rescued Daniel after he’d been placed in a lion’s den for choosing to defy King Darius’ decree by continuing to pray to God (vv. 10-23). The prophet survived because he’d “trusted in . . . God” (v. 23). Darius then declared that—unlike the dead idols of the Medes and Persians—Daniel’s God was “the living God [who] endures forever” (v. 26). He alone “rescues and . . . saves [and] performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth” (v. 27). It’s remarkable that even a pagan king acknowledged God’s power and sovereignty. Like a giant, divine “thumbtack,” God’s act of power couldn’t be overlooked.

Sometimes God gets our attention as He does something significant and undeniable (v. 27)—supernatural rescues, right-on-time provisions, and heart transformations. Other times, He works quietly as we watch and wait. Let’s stand in awe of what He’s doing in and around us —trusting in Him and His great power (v. 23).

By Marvin Williams

REFLECT & PRAY

How has God captured your attention? How can you share with others what He’s shown you?

Sovereign God of heaven and earth, I stand in awe of Your inspiring power.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

An important theme in the book of Daniel is that while human kingdoms and powers rise and fall, behind the scenes God and His eternal kingdom are what will truly endure. Daniel declares, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others” (2:20-21). In a world that denies God’s power, remaining faithful to Him carries personal risk. The politically motivated scheming of others led to Daniel being cast into a lions’ den because of his faithfulness to God (6:3-8, 11-16). But when God delivered him, King Darius himself concluded that God is the ultimate ruler: “He is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end” (v. 26). Daniel’s story reminds us to trust and rely on God and His great power.

Monica La Rose

UR: Scanning My Life

Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CEB)

A few years ago, a technician instructed me to lie on my back for a scan to evaluate my bone density. When I did, I felt as if my back were crooked. I adjusted my position until I felt comfortable and like my back was straight.

Following the test, the technician showed me the scan; I was surprised to see that my upper back was leaning to the right. My “straight” back was not straight at all. My perception of comfort and alignment was out of sync with the reality revealed by the scan.

This is also an easy mistake for me to make in my spiritual life. What I think is comfortable and right with respect to God’s plan and purpose may actually be misaligned. I have realized that it is important to check my thoughts and actions against the truth of God’s word regularly. Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:14-15 describe practical tools for examining and correcting our ways by studying the godly example of others and the words of scripture. These help me scan my life so I can stay correctly aligned in my faith.

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's Prayer

Dear God, as we seek your plan and purpose for our lives, keep us from leaning on our own counsel. May we stay on the straight path of your ways. Amen.

TWFYT:

Inline image
 

Connection blogs:

 - Peace and the Gospel

He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. (Ephesians 2:17)

“Jesus preached the gospel of peace and those who responded received His peace. That wasn’t just a first century phenomenon but has been the case through the centuries. The great English preacher and revivalist John Wesley experienced people responding to his preaching by receiving the peace of Christ.

To Wesley’s surprise, he began to experience the Holy Spirit powerfully convicting people of sins while he preached. Well-dressed, mature people suddenly cried out as if in the agonies of death. Both men and women, outside and inside the church buildings, would tremble and sink to the ground. When Wesley stopped and prayed for them, they soon found PEACE and rejoiced in Christ.”—Wesley Duewel, Revival Fire, p.77

Focus in prayer on these three areas in light of Wesley’s experience:

1. Hearing the truth of the gospel.

2. Conviction of sin through the work of the Holy Spirit.

3. Peace through the acceptance of and obedience to the gospel.

Spend some time praying over and affirming each of these points. Watch as the peace of Christ begins to change your emotions and thoughts.

Lord Jesus, thank you for preaching the gospel of peace. You knew how much we would need that in our lives. You have provided for us through your life, death, burial, and resurrection all that we need for peace in this world and forever in your eternal house. Forgive me when I forget what you have provided and wallow in anxiety and fear. , I choose the peace that comes from your presence in my life.

--Adapted from Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God (A 30-Day Journey to Experience the Shalom of Jesus) by David Butts. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points
  • Praise God, whose kindness toward you will last forever and ever.
  • Thank God for loving you with an everlasting love and drawing you with lovingkindness (Jer. 31:3).
  • Confess any ways in which you have not reflected that kindness to others.
  • Commit yourself to considering God’s kindness to you (Rom. 11:22).
  • Ask God to clothe you with compassion, kindness, and humility (Col. 3:12).
  • Pray that your neighborhood may see the kindness, compassion, and forgiveness of God in the way the members of your congregation treat each other and outsiders.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
]]> March 2 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1895 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:08:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1895 This week:  Zoom Huddle 10-11
: 10-12 Bread Ministry with Weis products/6-8 Dinner Huddle and study
: 9-12 Clothing Closet: Clothing Closet could use a door person/bouncer when they are open (1st and ). There are concerns of people roaming the building and for safety of workers. If interested contact Sarah, Don or Amber
: Worship at 10 Live in the sanctuary and on Zoom. Study of 2 Peter 1
   *Don't forget the Lenten Envelopes will be used to replenish the Benevolence Fund. The fund is used to help members and others with urgent needs and has been used fairly heavily so far in 2026.
Sarah Update below
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Good Morning Giving Refreshers! Oh man, that is our church! We are loving, joyful, sacrificial givers and servers and refreshers of others. And we are blessed abundantly as we do these. The great mystery of God is how we pour out and bless and then are taken care of and blessed back to keep the circle going. God is so cool how He does these things as we live and love more and more like Jesus. Keep it up church! The world around us needs to meet Jesus in the flesh and feel His love as we help and share our hope. And our neighbors are noticing His caring love, being drawn and refreshed, helped and loved and we are blessed as we continue God's circle of life and love. Amen and PTL! Check out Our Daily Bread and Upper Room devotionals for  below. they speak right into this as God encourages us to keep at it and reminds  us of His ever-present love and help. (Man I could write a sermon about all this!) What stories might you have to share about how you see God using you and us? Someone needs to hear that and be invited to come experience it and witness Jesus at work in and through us. We are doing what we can with what we've been given and God is using that and us as we are to be His vessels and He blesses and grows us as we do. he is enough--Jireh and all we need to impact the world with His love, our hope, and His help. Amen!
 was an amazing Acts 2:42 type of worship and fellowship day. Acts 2:42 is what we are basing our  evenings on and Acts 2:44 is part of what Bread and clothing closet are doing. God is with us and growing our fellowship as we do. Can you see it and God at work? He is! PTL! We are God's community of believers impacting our neighborhood with His love and ways. Meditate on this passage. What's God saying to you? How might he want you to join what he is doing? Will you? He has great plans ahead for you and us to be His Light and Love. May we live our lives surrendered to Him and as an act of worship and watch how He loves through us, grows us and blesses us and many others. He is able and he will do immeasurable more than we can imagine through our availability and moving feet. Amen! Let's discuss this further together soon!
Acts 2:42-47, 
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. [we did this !] 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity[b]— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. [We do this every week! PTL!] May God continue use us well and to add to our Body as we live and love more like Jesus! Amen!
UR: Called to Serve (Funny how Sarah reminded us of this verse  and thanked you all for answering the Lord's call with "Send me" and allowing Him to use you!)

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” - Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

When I was just out of college, my first job was working at a psychiatric hospital as a healthcare technician, helping children and adolescents. In school, I had taken an interests inventory, and my two highest scoring areas were counseling and pastoral ministry. God seemed to be calling me, but I wasn’t sure in what direction. As I prayed for guidance, the words of Isaiah 6:8 came to mind: “Here am I. Send me!”

My experience at the hospital helped me decide to attend graduate school and pursue a career in counseling. I felt God calling me to support young people and their families, to bring them encouragement and hope. God had sent important people to me in my young life when I needed help, and I felt it was time to pay that forward.

Now that I am retired, I give thanks to God for my career in counseling as well as the experiences my family and I have had serving in church over the years. My wife and I are blessed to serve as lay people in our congregation. Sometimes I wonder how my life might have been different if I had become a pastor. However, I believe as Christians we’re able to minister to others, even if we’re not ordained pastors in a church. God has a plan for each one of us!

's Prayer
Father God, thank you for guiding us as we show your love to others. Help us to trust in your plans for us. Amen. 

ODB:

Refreshing Generosity

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

READ Proverbs 11:24-31

An auditorium full of medical students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine listened intently as ninety-year-old Ruth Gottesman spoke. As she concluded, Ruth announced—to the students’ gasps, cheers, and pandemonium—that she was donating $1 billion so they could finish their education tuition free. This is the largest donation ever given to a medical school. Yet in the interviews that followed, you would have thought that Gottesman was the one receiving the gift. She expressed joy, delight, and honor to be able to give her money away.

Proverbs tells us that this is how generosity works. The one who “gives freely,” far from being left diminished or bereft, finds blessings they hadn’t anticipated (11:24). When we open our hands to others, we’re left with something more—not less. “Whoever refreshes,” Scripture says, “will be refreshed” (v. 25). We’re often tempted to tightly grip whatever we have, fearful that we’ll be taken advantage of or left with nothing. God’s economy works differently, however. Jesus went a step further, stating that it’s “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

We can be generous with our lives and our resources, offering what we have to others in need. And then, in return, we’ll find that we end up receiving too. There’s plenty for everyone in God’s kingdom.    

By Winn Collier

REFLECT & PRAY

How has giving to others blessed you? Where might God be asking you to be more generous?

Dear God, please help me to be generous like You and trust that I’ll have all I need.

For further study, read The Fool’s Greed and God’s Generosity.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The “righteous” person is beautifully depicted in Proverbs 11. A careful reading of the chapter leaves one longing for what we see. Verses 24-25 describe the blessing of life-sharing generosity. And who doesn’t desire what’s described in verse 28? “The righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” The word thrive can also be rendered flourish (nlt). The Hebrew word is parakh, which means “to break out” or “to break forth.” Its usage in the Old Testament includes the sprouting or budding forth of plants or trees. That’s also what we see in Psalm 92: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God” (vv. 12-13). When we’re generous and refresh others, we’ll flourish and “be refreshed” as well (Proverbs 11:25).

Learn about Grace and Gratitude in Greco-Roman Society.

Arthur Jackson
Sarah Update:
Good evening, everyone!
 
 was fun, wasn't it?  With Worship, and then our annual meeting and then on to our SOUPER BOWL BRUNCH.   There were 14 delicious soups to taste 
and judge.  We all had fun filling our tasting bowls with the soups and there was even some soup left for people to take home!   Thank you so much to all
that made the soups!!!   It was a great time.  In attendance we had 65+ !
 
Keep an eye out for more new and different themed brunches from Two Peas in a Pod!   
 
 
Praises and Prayer requests:
 
Terry had his first chemo treatment. It went well. He is feeling a little tired after treatments. Continue to keep him and Jane in your prayers as they
venture through this journey together, with Jesus.   Also keep Pastor Don and Karen in your prayers as they chat with and encourage Terry and Jane
 
Millidine Waterman was feeling under the weather . Prayers for her to feel better in the next coming days
 
Kathy Canfield is asking for prayer for her brother, Jim who is in stage 4 cancer. He has been dealing with this cancer for 10 years. Prayers for him
as he has his Chemo treatments.
   Also a praise, Jim's daughter was in the hospital , delivering Jim's first grandson.  Praying for Momma and baby and that all is going
well.
 
Marilyn Ritter has permanently moved into Fellowship Manor. Her new address is:
Marilyn Ritter
Fellowship Villa
Room 330A
3020 Fellowship Drive
Whitehall PA 18052
 
Reid is praising God for his co-worker's celebration of his grand baby that was recently born.  Baby and Momma are all doing well.
 
Nancy W and Kay P are praising God for safe travel to Thailand for her son and his wife. And yes, their luggage made it safely also.
Continue to pray for them as they spend three weeks in Thailand helping out with the outreach mission of GROW
 
Jim Handfast is praising God for all those that serve our country and keep us safe.  May we continue to pray for their safety.
 
Lori Rohrer was there at brunch ! She is doing well, taking her time and using a walker to get around.  Prayers for continual healing
and strengthening.  And that she is patient with herself. 
 
Please continue to keep Tina (Sandy Ritter's daughter) in your prayers as she is dealing with her painful back issues.
 
Okay everyone.....hope you all have a good rest of your evening! And have a great week!! Looks like warm temperatures are coming
mid-week.
 
Blessings,
  Sarah

]]> March 1 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1894 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:08:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1894 : WORSHIP at 10:30 Live and on Zoom (Greeting time at 10), Congregational Meeting at 11. Souper Bowl Brunch at 11:30. Come and worship and be His Church !

Good Morning Acts 2:42 Church! We are like the very earliest church and get to practice their good ways  as we gather, fellowship, study, pray and eat together and even receive the Lord's Supper. (Those joining on Zoom  prepare some bread or crackers and juice as we have communion at the end of the meeting) We, like the early church are overcomers too. Satan throws all he has at us but God's promise that nothing will overcome His Church or His people still is active. PTL! And thank God for helping you to overcome and stand on His Word and in faith. Armor up and remember the battle is the Lord's! Check out the Connection blogs below as you pray and prepare for the battles  and ahead. Step into Jesus' righteousness, repent of sins and come and worship and be His Church . Remember EC stand for more than constantly eating! Evangelical means we carry the Good News to all who God is sending us to and to us. Congregational means you lead. I am just a man called to preach and shepherd God's people. As His Body, you have a say and you get to have a vote as we come together and approve budget and plans for 2026. What vision for our Body has God given you? What's your part. May we stay united and grow in love and share His love boldly together this year. he has made you for such a time as this, gifted and empowered you and is sending us together, activated and ready to be His hands and feet of love and hope. We are Christ in the flesh to many. May we take that seriously and choose to do our parts in His Good News Delivery Comp[any. We are on our way to being His dynamic movement! PTL! May we continue to grow and go live and love more like Jesus! Amen! We are children of Light sent to drive back the darkness and overcome evil, just like the USA and Israel did in Iran. Let us celebrate new life and freedom with our Iranian brothers and sisters as they celebrate and worship in freedom all around the world . Pray a covering over them and our troops as this wraps up over the next few days. God bless America and may America bless God and walk in His ways again--one nation under God! Amen!

Connection Blogs:

 - Satan Fears Your Prayers

We have a powerful Enemy. Paul reminds us of the might of our adversary in his instructions to the church at Ephesus:
 
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12
 
Although our enemies are powerful, we are in a winnable battle. But we must prepare ourselves with the armor God provides. Once armed, there is also something proactive we must do:
 
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
 
Unceasing prayer is the offensive weapon that wins the day. Prayer makes us see the real battle, aligns us with God’s battle plan, and releases the resources of heaven. The Enemy is powerless against a man or woman of unceasing prayer.
 
“Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.” Samuel Chadwick

Prayer is our means of communication in this battle. If the communication lines are cut, we are powerless before the Enemy.
 
Father, the Enemy of my soul continually tries to assault me, as well as Your church! Thank You that You already have the victory over every attempt he makes to do damage! I am so grateful for the weapons You have provided to both protect me and to allow me to go on the offensive! Your word has power that the Devil can never overcome! Make me a person of unceasing prayer so that the Evil One can never get a foothold in my life. Keep me continually aware of the battle and prepared in prayer!
 
---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayerleader.com.

Prayer Points
  • Praise God for His creativity.
  • Give glory for the unending variety exhibited in His creation.
  • Thank God for the wonderful way you have been made and for your unique personality, gifts, and talents.
  • Confess any dissatisfaction you have had with the way you have been created.
  • Commit yourself to serving God with your gifts and talents.
  • Ask that God may reveal your spiritual gifts to you and give you opportunity to use them for Him.
  • Since “no one can come to [Christ] unless the Father…draws him” (Jn. 6:44), pray that God will draw your unsaved relatives, friends, and acquaintances (it’s best to name them) to Himself.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
]]> February 28 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1893 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:06:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1893 : WORSHIP at 10:30 in Fellowship Hall (Greeting time at 10)/Congregational Meeting at 11. Souper Bowl Brunch at 11:30 (Bring your soup heated and mark containers with your name and kind of soup). We will be having an Acts 2:42 style of worship including communion before brunch. We will collect for Everlasting Life Ministries too. The Lenten Offering envelope will be used to replenish the Benevolence Fund.

Bring some friends!

________________________________
Good Morning House of Prayer! That is our goal and we all have a part to play. Meditate on the Connection Blog and Upper Room devo below. Gather and pray is part of being an Acts 2:42 church too. And everyone doing their part! Pray for God to lead you to your part and to help to do it well. I'm praying for that! Acts 2:42 says they gathered, studied the Bible, fellowshipped, prayed and ate and communed together. That is how our church is growing on Wednesdays and we get to experience that . Come and see that the Lord is good and is with us and prepare your hearts to worship!

Connection Blog

 - A House of Prayer in Every Home, Business and School

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26).
 
Some churches are finding ways to combine the efforts of high school teenagers to bring God’s power in prayer into local high schools. Several church youth pastors in Chesapeake, Ohio, have challenged their teens to pray daily for five classmates. These students begin by laying a thirty-day prayer foundation by praying a BLESSing (B =body; L = labor; E = emotional; S = social; S = spiritual.
 
What they see God doing in answer to prayer is written out on testimony cards. These cards are received by the youth pastors and shared with all who are praying. When a school has twenty-five students praying for classmates, the youth pastors pay a visit to the principal and share the list of testimonies. They then offer to be prayer partners with the principal and the school.
 
There’s also the potential of starting new churches with Houses of Prayer. In Oak Mesa, California, Dale Roberts, a feed-store owner, started a House of Prayer. It grew! As he delivered hay in the region, he challenged others to start Houses of Prayer and provided them with a devotional booklet. Before long, several Houses of Prayer were started, and together they formed a church, which has grown to 125 members. Roberts has become their pastor. Every  Pastor Dale challenges the members to pray for their neighbors, and during the worship service he invites them to share what’s happening in their Houses of Prayer.
 
A group of churches can also work together to impact their city in an extraordinary way. In Anchorage, Alaska, prayer leaders are deliberately planting Houses of Prayer in centers of influence as well as in residential neighborhoods. Houses of Prayer are popping up all over—in government agencies, at the city airport, in city newspaper offices, at television studios and radio stations, in prisons, in senior citizens’ homes, in public schools, and in neighborhoods. The entire prayer movement has been finding favor in the city. Even government officials are taking notice.
 
Anchorage’s mayor recently invited city prayer leaders to assist in dealing with a difficult issue he faced. Eileen Starr, director of the city’s House of Prayer ministries, reports that “many people are praying, and many lives are being changed.”
 
As churches work together and develop a common vision, the goal of a House of Prayer on every street and an intercessor for every person becomes a realistic possibility. When the day comes that all the major cities in our land have reached that goal, I expect we will see a spiritual awakening.
 
Father, You have instructed the people called by Your Name, to be a house of prayer for all nations! Thank You for the example of those who are taking Scripture to heart and stepping into Your kingdom purposes within their communities. May our homes and churches collectively speak blessing into our dark culture so that the light of Jesus will shine into the shadows and make a difference in the lives of lost people You love!
 
–Adapted from Shine His Light: A Simple Way to Pray, Care and Share Jesus in Your Neighborhood by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

UR: Play Our Part

All the believers were together and had everything in common. - Acts 2:44 (NIV)

While my husband and I were traveling for our anniversary, we attended a bluegrass jam of about 30 musicians. As the evening began, it was explained that each musician would get to lead a song. They would take turns naming a tune, the key it was to be played in, and the order in which the parts of the song were to be played.

Throughout the night, as each musician laid out the plan for their song, others joined in and built it up, harmonizing and supporting the performance of the leader. Watching them work together by listening carefully to one another with no written music or lyrics to guide them was beautiful and inspiring. Even the strongest musicians made space for others.

The music was a wonderful gift that night, but even more so was the vision of this community that was so clearly built on love and supportiveness. It reminded me of what the disciples must have been trying to create in the early church: a community where everyone shared what they had and everyone benefited in the sharing. I left that night with a template of what such a community might look like and a prayer in my heart that we will all play our part in making it a reality.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

Dear God, widen our hearts to envision all of humanity as our family and community. Help us to care for our neighbors and lift them up in word and deed. Amen.

]]> February 27 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1892 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:05:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1892 It's Thank God I'm Forgive ! PTL for salvation and forgiveness . Celebrate with Him and some others all you are thankful about. God is Love! God is good--all the time! God knows me and calls me by name! I am forgiven, redeemed made new...the list can go on and on! Worship! Thank God I'm Forgiven and made new! Amen!

 is a new and unique day of being the Acts 2:42 Church. Greeting and fellowship time is 10-10:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Worship is 10:30-11 followed by the congregational meeting followed by Communion, then the "Souper Bowl" Brunch at 11:30 all in the Fellowship Hall! Join us and bring some friends. The worship will begin with a hymn sing of all your favorites (1 verse only). Think about those that you love and have memorized.

*We will also be collecting for Everlasting Life Ministries

**The Lenten Offering envelope will be used to replenish our Benevolence Fund which is used to help members and others with needs. It has been tapped a bit this year already.

Good Morning Praying and Worshiping Friends! Check out the blogs below about praise, worship, prayer and counting our blessings! It's a great day to worship and lift some praise. What a beautiful day the Lord has made! Rejoice and be glad in it! Get up and moving as you pray! Try it! I love prayer walking and lifting praise as I march around the room like a little kid. God loves worship like that and He speaks to our hearts when we come to Him as little children. Remember the old praise song that goes--"I'll shout it from the mountain top"? That's all about praising God for His love and grace. Pass it on too! God loves everyone and is waiting for all who will come to come! We all have a part in spreading that Good News and our hope. Shout to the Lord and pass His love on ! Amen! *Maybe look up the praise songs: Shout to the Lord, Pass It On, and Counting my Blessings as you praise and worshoip and prepare your heart . Focus on God and His Word and our devotionals and just enjoy this day in the presence of God! Shalom shalom--perfect peace awaits you!

Connection Blogs:

 - Daily Bread

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. . . no one can serve two Masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (Matthew 6:19-21, 24, NASB)

There is a temptation to focus our lives on the acquisition of wealth to make us secure. This temptation is sharp in Western societies where the ability to acquire wealth is much greater than in the survival societies of the third world. Still, even in poor cultures, it is difficult not to trust in material goods and possessions to ensure our future survival (or success). But the whole point of the Lord’s Prayer is that our lives are to be centered not “on earth,” but on the invasion of earth by heaven! Rather than asking heaven to guarantee our security, we are to live in such a way that the passing security of earth is rebuked by our God’s providing! To trust in the security of things “here” is to deny the security of things “up there.”

God must be our Master, and therefore must be trusted to meet our needs as we are about our Master’s business. Daily bread comes from God’s hands, not ours. Daily bread is a test to determine if we will obey our Lord.

Holy Spirit, please calm my anxious heart which always wants to be certain that everything is the way I think it should be. May I be completely submissive to Your plans and purposes and trust in Your ability rather than my own! Help me to surrender in complete obedience to the Master of heaven and earth.

--Taken from Power Praying by David Chotka.

Prayer Points
  • Praise God that Jesus Christ is coming again to bring all things to perfection.
  • Thank the Lord that you can anticipate dwelling with him in a new heaven and earth.
  • Confess any attitudes or actions which are hindering the coming kingdom.
  • Commit yourself to watching and praying, being ready for the coming of Christ.
  • Ask that you may live in a way pleasing to God, so that he might say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21).
  • Ask God to make his people generous in giving their time and gifts for the benefit of others. Ask that the love of Christ will be evident in the care Christians give to each other.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com

ODB:

Prayer Walk

Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room. 2 Kings 4:35

READ 2 Kings 4:31-35

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

I was stuck. I’d written half of a devotional article when my thoughts dried up. “God, what should I do?” I prayed. Remembering research that found that our creative output is boosted by an average of 60 percent when we walk, I headed out to the trail behind my house and continued my conversation with God. Thirty minutes later I was refreshed. I returned to my keyboard and finished the entry.

In 2 Kings 4:18-35, we read that Elisha and his servant, Gehazi, responded to a Shunammite woman’s plea to help her dead son. At Elisha’s instruction (v. 29), Gehazi laid his staff on the child (v. 31). Elisha prayed. Then he laid on top of the boy. At last, “Elisha . . . walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy . . . opened his eyes” (v. 35).

Scripture doesn’t tell us why Elisha “walked back and forth,” nor does it say what he was thinking. What we do know is that when Elisha’s prayers weren’t answered, he didn’t give up. It’s not difficult to picture him talking to God in this urgent situation.

What do you do when you’re stuck at a dead end and don’t know what to do? Perhaps a “prayer walk” is in order. Whether we head out to a trail for a walk or pace back and forth in our home, connecting to God when we’re in need brings answers that address our circumstances.

By Elisa Morgan

REFLECT & PRAY

Where are you stuck? How might you communicate with God in this situation so that He can direct you?

Dear God, when I find myself in stuck spots, please help me to walk with You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Elijah’s actions show the intensity of his prayer (2 Kings 4:33). Prayer is a spiritual activity that engages the human mind, heart, soul, and spirit. Since we’ve been commanded to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 nkjv ), we know that prayer can happen any place, at any time, under any condition. The life of Jesus illustrates that the place and posture of prayer may vary. Mark 1:35 pictures an early-rising Jesus going to “a solitary place” to pray. The prelude to selecting the twelve apostles was an all-night prayer meeting on a mountain (see Luke 6:12). When faced with the horrors of crucifixion, Christ prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. Matthew describes the back-and-forth movements of Jesus between His prayer spot and His weary disciples (26:36-46). Even as He encouraged Peter, James, and John to watch and pray with Him, it’s likely that prayers to His Father continued to reverberate in His heart. , we can be assured that God hears our prayers and will help us.

Arthur Jackson

UR: Ignoring Our Blessings

Throw all your anxiety onto [God], because he cares about you. - 1 Peter 5:7 (CEB)

 I watched in amusement as our bulldog, Archie, puzzled over a toy that had rolled under a footstool. He peered beneath the footstool and pawed repeatedly at the red ball, which remained just beyond his reach. Finally he  down in frustration, looked at me, and whined plaintively. I laughed aloud and moved the stool while Archie happily pounced on the ball and trotted off with it.

Archie has many toys, but watching him ignore all the others while he fixated on the one toy he could not have made me think. We humans can get trapped by that same mindset. We can become so intent on the one thing we can’t, don’t, or shouldn’t have that we ignore the many blessings in our lives.

Recently I was so overwhelmed with solving a problem (which was not my responsibility) that I lost all pleasure in life. Thankfully, God patiently showed me how I was allowing the problem to keep me from enjoying the beautiful life God has given me. Now, though it is still unsolved, I give the problem to God who alone has the ability to take care of it. And I focus my energy on appreciating all that God has done for me in other areas.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

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's Prayer

Patient and loving God, even though it’s hard sometimes, help us to trust you to resolve the overwhelming issues we face. Keep us ever mindful of all we have to be grateful for. Amen.

]]> February 26 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1891 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:05:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1891 Good Morning Devoted to Our Lord and King Friends! Help us Lord to stay focused and connected to you and choosing to trust and walk with you always. Thanks Amen! I have to git along but wanted to share the impact and refocusing that came through our devotionals below. There are a lot of unknowns and pressures right now--BUT GOD! He knows, cares and is with us always and always working all things together for good. He reminded me to stop leaning on my own understanding but to trust and acknowledge Him and allow Him to lead and work out His perfect plans. He is God! I am not! PTL! Lord, COME! Help! Deliver! Heal! Bring wisdom! Lead! Amen! Praying for you all to know His shalom  and walk in perfect peace as you stay focused on and connected to our ever-present King! Amen! Shalom shalom!

ODB:

God’s Rainbow Answer

Whenever the rainbow appears . . . I will . . . remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures. Genesis 9:16

READ Genesis 9:12-16

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Owen was on holiday abroad when he received a disturbing message from a colleague: “The boss is looking to replace you.” Deeply upset, he prayed one morning at dawn and asked God, “Where are You?” Then he went to the window to open the curtains—and spotted a huge, beautiful rainbow suspended above the lake outside. Immediately a comforting warmth gushed over him. “It was as if God was simply telling me, ‘It’s okay; I’m here,’ ” he recounted later.

In Genesis 9, God promised not to destroy the earth through a flood again. He promised, “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth” (v. 16). This covenant was everlasting and unconditional. It depended totally on God’s protection and provision, not on humanity’s performance. And it was just the first of many promises God would make to His people. Jesus, too, said, “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).  

God doesn’t promise that we won’t suffer. But He does promise His ever-present comfort and personal presence. We may not get “rainbow answers,” but we have His assurance that no matter what happens to us in life, He’s always there for us, and we can draw on His strength, comfort, and presence.

By Leslie Koh

REFLECT & PRAY

In times of trouble and worry, what can you do to remind yourself of God’s presence? Which promises of His give you comfort?

Loving Father, thank You for Your presence, and please help me to remember Your promise to be with me always.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The story of the rainbow in Genesis 9 is preceded by the account of humanity’s sin: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (6:5). Their wickedness had reached such a level that God responded with judgment upon the world. For the conditions on earth to trigger such an expansive act of judgment is telling. Still, God’s heart for the people remained. Many scholars estimate it would’ve taken about seventy-five years to build the ark—giving people time to respond to the warning of coming judgment. Following the great flood, God set a rainbow in the clouds—a symbol of biblical hope—as His promise to never destroy the world again by flood. , no matter what we face in life, we can be assured of God’s presence and faithfulness.

Bill Crowder

UR: All things for Good

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

In my last year of university studies, my parents were not able to afford my tuition. I felt God had let me down, especially because I was committed to ministry.

During the next year and a half, I wrote my first book, joined a school outreach ministry at my church, and made many helpful relationships. Then, thankfully, with God’s provision, I was able to complete my studies.

The apostle Paul reminds us to trust God’s process and presence regardless of our circumstances. Even when it seems as if God is silent and distant, we know God is weaving our sufferings into a testimony and forming compassion in us for those who suffer. I recall the story of Joseph. His brothers hated him and sold him into slavery in Egypt where he became a servant, was falsely accused, and thrown into prison. After some years, when Joseph met his brothers again, rather than seek revenge, Joseph chose to save their lives (see Gen. 45:7).

When we face unexpected and unpleasant situations, we may be tempted to doubt God, be anxious, or seek solutions that are not rooted in faith. We may not understand why we’re going through a tough season, but God knows and cares about every detail of our lives.

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's Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive us for doubting you. Thank you for working all things for our good. Amen.

TWFYT

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]]> February 25 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1890 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:04:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1890 :

10-12 Bread Ministry

6-8 Dinner Huddle Pizza Party and study

: 10:30 Worship with Communion in Fellowship Hall/11 Congregational Meeting /11:30 Souper Bowl Brunch

*Note: We will be collecting for Everlasting Life Ministries. Those bringing soups, please bring warm, mark container with your name and soup type. Thanks

_______________

Good Morning United in Christ teammates! Amen! Let us continue to work on growing in faith, teaming up and serving together. Let us spur each other on, encourage and build God's Church together as we are created, gifted, and empowered to do. We are created for such a time as this and gathered to grow and go live and love more like Jesus. Pray for His Kingdom to come and will be done, for unity, for tearing down of strongholds and for revival. We all have a part in His Good News Delivery Company. Pray to know what your part is and to do it with the help of your friends and God's Spirit. Pray we become a House of Prayer for the Nations and that all who come would be loved to Christ! Check out the Upper Room and Daily Bread below and allow them to speak to your heart and inform your prayers and actions. Take very thought captive before the Lord as you die to self and grow in Christlikeness. Yoke to Jesus and follow well . I'm praying for you and us. We are His people, called by His name, may we repent, turn from our wicked ways and be revived in Christ. Amen! Come Jesus Come!

UR: Doubly Blessed

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. - 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (NIV)

Last week our church observed Communion. Because of health issues, I was unable to go forward to receive the sacrament. One of the ushers noticed my problem and asked if I would like for the servers to bring the bread and cup to me, but I was reluctant. However, when they brought the elements to a woman in the row behind me, my friend motioned for them to serve me as well. I was humbled by this unexpected hospitality.

The server holding the loaf bent over and softly said, “The Body of Christ broken for you,” as she placed a small piece of bread in my palm. Her companion leaned over and held the cup out to me so I could dip the bread in it. In a soft voice he said, “The Blood of Christ shed for you.”

I had heard both these phrases spoken dozens of times before, but this time they reached through all my mental clutter and touched me on a deeply personal level. Two of God’s servants answered the call of someone in need without fanfare or hesitation. So I was doubly blessed — by the sacrament itself and by their loving outreach to me. In that moment they exemplified what it means to be part of the body of Christ.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

Dear Lord, guide us in fulfilling our role as a part of your church. Help us to grow in our strength and understanding of your will for the world you created. Amen.

ODB

Abusing God’s Name

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Exodus 20:7

READ Exodus 20:1-4, 7-8, 12-17

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The vintage photograph from World War II, taken outside a town’s Nazi headquarters, carries a warning for all of us. In the photo, a comfortably dressed woman is crossing the street. A man in a suit walks down the sidewalk, while another has stopped to read a bulletin board on the corner of the building. All seem oblivious to the large banner hanging above the headquarters’ front door, half as long as the building. It reads, “By resisting the Jew, I fight for the work of the Lord.”

This kind of treachery is what God had in mind when He commanded, “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name” (Exodus 20:7). This command covers misusing His name when we curse or when we carelessly shout God’s name when we stub a toe or smash a finger. It also includes perversion—using God’s name as cover for evil.

We shouldn’t assume we’re doing God’s work simply because others say we are. We must prayerfully check our work with what God reveals in the Bible. How can we know we’re serving Him? Psalm 119:9 says, “By living according to your word.” The God who commands us to “always give [ourselves] fully to the work of the Lord” has told us what that work is in His holy book (1 Corinthians 15:58). Let’s listen to Him.

By Mike Wittmer

REFLECT & PRAY

What work have you done in the name of God? How do you know it was what He wanted?

Dear Father, please help me be wise, loving, and careful with what I do in Your name and help me guard Your name at all times.

For further study, read Scandalous Details and an Unexpected Hope.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

The first five books of the Bible, the Torah, have many laws—613 according to Jewish reckoning—so it’s easy to miss their relational framework. The Ten Commandments begin: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). Their obedience to God’s commandments expressed loyalty to their rescuer.

There’s another purpose for obedience to these covenantal laws: “Observe them carefully, for . . . what other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?” (Deuteronomy 4:6-7). Israel’s obedience would reveal God’s character and presence to watching nations. To fail at this would bring dishonor to His holy name. , we can ask God to help us be wise in how we use His name as well.

Tim Laniak
]]> February 24 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1889 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:04:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1889 Good Morning Focused on, Listening to and Standing on God's Word Servants of the Lord! Jesus said, "I am the Way..." He is called the Living Word of God. The Bible is all about Him and how to follow in His ways. We best hear God when opening and meditating on His Word. We battle Satan like Jesus did with Scripture. When's the last time you opened your Bibles while sitting at the Father's feet? When's the last time you asked the Holy Spirit to speak to and lead you through God's Word. When's the last time you wielded the Sword against Satan. There's power in the Word and it informs our choices and prayers. Be still and know He is God as you open and dwell in His Word  and make it a daily habit. That does bear good fruit! Amen and thanks Lord! Bring Your Word alive and fill us with Your Living Word as you inform our steps and prayers. help us to always stand firm in Your Word too. Thanks Daddy! Amen! Meditate on Isaiah 53:1-6 below talking about Jesus and our relationship with Him. Then check out the Scriptures in our devotionals and meditate on them. I'm praying for His Word to come alive to and through you and us . Jesus is the Word of Life and the Way! be still and know, prepare and go with Him! Amen

Isaiah 53:1-6

53 Who has believed our message  To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?

2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
    like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
    nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—
    a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
    He was despised, and we did not care.

4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
    it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
    a punishment for his own sins!
5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
    crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
    He was whipped so we could be healed.
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
    We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
    the sins of us all.

ODB:

Missing the Divine

Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Isaiah 53:3

READ Isaiah 53:1-6

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Most people avoided George Chase. He lived in a twelve-foot square shack in the woods where New England’s Pawcatuck River meets Little Narragansett Bay. To the locals, it was obvious George didn’t have a bathtub. They could smell the evidence. 

One day a hurricane brought the Atlantic Ocean rushing over the seacoast, washing away the beachfront with its attractive homes. Survivors pulled themselves from the bay and began searching for refuge. Eleven of them, soaked and shivering, found it in George’s cabin. He gave them everything he had: water, milk, ginger tea, and shelter. After the hurricane of 1938, the townsfolk had a far different opinion of George Chase.

It’s sad when we make superficial judgments about others, yet it’s our nature to do so. We do that with Jesus too. We might picture Him as He’s portrayed in old paintings, serenely handsome. But the prophet Isaiah said of the Messiah, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him . . . . like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem” (Isaiah 53:2-3). Yet this man gave us everything He had. “He took up our pain and bore our suffering” (v. 4). He offered His life for ours.

It’s tragic when we miss the humanity of our fellow human beings. How much more tragic to miss the divinity of the One we despised!

By Tim Gustafson

REFLECT & PRAY

How might you look past outward appearances to see the humanity of others? When you think of Jesus, how do you picture Him?

Dear Jesus, please help me to see others as beautiful beings created in Your image.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

When Christ taught in the temple during the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles, some asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?” He answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me” (John 7:15-16). He warned them to “stop judging by mere appearances” (v. 24). A similar episode happened in His hometown of Nazareth. The people asked, “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? . . . Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon?” (Mark 6:2-3). They missed the fact that Jesus stood among them and later willingly died for humanity’s sin (Isaiah 53:2-4). He offered His life for us and will help us to love others made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

Alyson Kieda

UR: God's Word

If we know that [God] listens to whatever we ask, we know that we have received what we asked from him. - 1 John 5:15 (CEB)

Doña Bertitha had already lost several children. Now she looked at her tiny infant daughter — born at six months gestation, anemic, suffering from a heart condition, and having already received a blood transfusion. Doctors told Bertitha that if her daughter survived, she would have serious health challenges. But Bertitha’s father-in-law Don Rafael shared the word of God with her and said: “Believe, and it shall be done!” Holding hands, they prayed on their knees. Bertitha held fast to the promise of a miracle.

Day by day that miracle began to unfold, much to the surprise of the medical staff.

This is my life story. I was that child. I grew up and became a faithful follower of Christ. Later, I cared for my parents and my own children, and now I rejoice at seeing my grandchildren thrive. Throughout my life I have experienced many miracles and continue to believe in God’s word.

Imagine the possibilities if we all opened our hearts and minds to God’s promises and miracles!

's Prayer

Thank you, loving God, for all the unexpected gifts you give us. Strengthen us through your word, and inspire us with your promises. Amen.

TWFYT:

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Connection Blogs

 - God in the Center

"This, then, is how you should pray:  'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us  our daily bread” (Matthew 6:9-11).

Why are our legitimate human needs put into the third line of the Lord’s Prayer? It is because God would fill us with himself first and foremost, instead of with our goods and needs. God would direct us to the purpose of His kingdom’s advance instead of the advancement of our own goals and purposes. God would call us to Himself and beyond ourselves!

God has called us to the true focus of our lives—the pleasure of the Father, heaven as our true home, God’s kingly rule over all creation, God’s righteousness in our lives, and the rebuke of worry over issues of necessary earthly existence—eating, drinking, clothing. The whole point of the Lord’s Prayer and His teaching on daily bread is that God knows our needs; our greatest need is that He be the center of our existence.

Put need in the center and need becomes the god of our existence.

Put God in the center, and God takes care of the needs of our existence.

Father in heaven, You know my needs before I even ask them because You care for me. Teach me how to love You more deeply than any of my physical needs because You are the center of my existence. Show me how so many of the things I think are important are often superfluous things that do nothing for the sake of Your kingdom. Give me a vision for Your plans and purposes so that I might jump into the flow of Your river instead of my own little stream. 

--Taken from Power Praying by David Chotka.

Prayer Points
  • Praise God as the one who can wash every part of your life clean from the stain of sin.
  • Thank him for offering his only Son as a sacrifice for you (Jn. 3:16).
  • Confess those times when you have listened to Satan’s accusations of guilt even after confessing your sin to God.
  • Commit yourself to receiving God’s forgiveness and acceptance of you with a free and joyful heart.
  • Ask the Lord to help you see yourself through his eyes—clean, holy, and dearly loved (Eph. 1:3-8).
  • Pray that your love and forgiveness for your critics and opponents will attract them to the same God that you love and serve (Lk. 6:27-29, 35-36).
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
]]> February 23 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1888 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:02:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1888 This Week:
 10-11 Zoom Huddle
 10-12 Bread ministry/6-8 Dinner Huddle
 (Special Time!!!) Worship at 10:30/Congregational Meeting 11/"Souper Bowl" Brunch 11:30 All in the Fellowship Hall. Fellowship and greeting time before worship at 10. Anyone bring soup is asked to bring it warm, mark crocks or containers with your name and soup kind.
Good Morning! Lots in our devotionals . I have to get out and shovel. Meditate on these and the Connection blog. What's God saying to you and what will you do in response. He has called us to be His Good News Delivery Company and His House of Prayer. We all have a part we are custom made and gifted to do and we all have some teammates prepared to pray, encouraged, spur on and build His Kingdom with. Talk to Him and them and keep praying and loving like Jesus. Sarah reminded us that some observe Lent in this season as a time of shedding and adding and reflecting on God's love as we prepare to go love like Him. Maybe pick a word or Bible verse to work on and share it so we can pray and encourage and hold accountable. My verse is 1 Peter 1:18, Prepare your mind for action and practice self control. That's perfect for a Lenten focus. What's yours? I'm praying for God to draw, refine, prepare and send us into the white harvest fields together and humbly for His glory. Come Lord! Amen!
Connection:

 - 
Houses of Prayer in the Church Context

“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7).
Here are three distinct ways that a lifestyle of becoming a house of prayer can be built into the fabric of your church using a prayer, care, share lifestyle:

1. Where members live. Members of a church can form Houses of Prayer right where they live or work and begin to pray for and reach out to those right around them. Praying, caring, and sharing the good news is easiest and most natural when we do it with the people who are near us. Using this pattern, members of a local church cover blocks, streets, and workplaces.
 
If you have multiple members living in the same neighborhood, they can team together to pray. Or, if your members know other believers on their blocks, who go to a different church, why not still encourage your members to recruit them to join in the House of Prayer for their neighborhood.
 
2. A target area. A church may choose to focus its House of Prayer efforts on a target area such as the area immediately surrounding the church, a new housing development, an apartment complex, a dormitory, or a prison. In this situation, the Houses of Prayer may meet someplace within the target area or they may meet in an entirely different location. Distance is not a problem when God is doing the work.
 
3. Existing small groups. Many churches have existing small groups for Bible study, fellowship, caring, and prayer. These cells can develop powerful evangelistic prayer ministries if they are willing to focus outward and to invest adequate amounts of time and energy in intercessory prayer. Most small group prayer focuses entirely on the personal needs of the group. Encouraging your small groups to pray outwardly in this way can have a powerful effect on both the individuals and your church. Tacking prayer on to an existing group will not work, however, if the focus of the group remains inward and the commitment to prayer is minimal. In using this approach, be aware that some members of the existing group will not welcome a new prayer assignment. They’ll choose to stick with the original group goals that caused them to join in the first place.
 
Grace-filled Father, I long for my church to be known as a house of prayer for all nations. Give us a passion for Your holy presence in our midst! Help us to love one another and those in our community so well that we are hungry to see everyone we meet drawn into a relationship with Jesus! Stretch us beyond our own wants and needs in prayer and give us Your kingdom focus. Teach us how to reach out in prayer to our neighbors and to the nations, and, if possible, help us to become the answer to the prayers we pray!
 
–Adapted from Shine His Light: A Simple Way to Pray, Care and Share Jesus in Your Neighborhood by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points
  • Praise the saving God whose paths are beyond tracing out! (Rom. 11:33).
  • Give thanks for his continual, personal care for you.
  • Confess any failure to maintain a healthy relationship with the Lord.
  • Commit yourself to disciplined, joyful Christian living, recognizing the tremendous blessing of belonging to Jesus Christ.
  • Ask that you will be “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).
  • Pray that any personal difficulties experienced by unsaved persons around you may be opportunities for them to come to know the grace that is found in Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
ODB

Humble Leadership

Among you stands one you do not know. . . . the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. John 1:26-27

READ John 1:19-28

My friend Butch Briggs has been the beloved coach for the swim teams at a local high school for fifty-one years. Out of curiosity, I asked him how many state championships he’d won during his five decades. In his trademark, gentle tone he quipped, “I’ve not won a single championship because I’ve never swum in a single race.” Trying again, I asked him, “How many championships have your swimmers won?” He happily responded, “Thirty-nine.”

Butch taught me a valuable lesson. A coach plays an important role, but he didn’t want to take credit for what his swimmers accomplished.

Butch’s humility reminds me of how John the Baptist saw his role. John was tasked with pointing people to Jesus as the Messiah—the one who fulfilled God’s promise to send a rescuer. But John garnered so much attention that the religious leaders wanted to find out exactly who he was. In response, Scripture records that John “confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah’ ” (John 1:20). Even when they pressed him, John was clear that his role was to announce Jesus’ arrival (vv. 21-23). Jesus was the one they’d longed for (v. 27).

This aspect of humility—not taking more credit than is due—is a way we can keep a proper perspective regarding our accomplishments while recognizing others for the assignments or roles they’ve been given.

By Lisa M. Samra

REFLECT & PRAY

Where might you struggle to display humility? How might the Spirit empower you to act humbly?

Dear Jesus, please grant me grace to act with the humility You so vividly displayed and modeled for us during Your life and death.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

In John 1:19-28, John the Baptist offers a striking picture of humble leadership. When questioned by religious authorities, he refuses to elevate himself. He’s not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet they were expecting. Instead, he identifies himself simply as “the voice of one calling in the wilderness” (v. 23), pointing others to the coming Jesus. John’s leadership is defined by clarity of purpose—he knows who he is and who he isn’t. Rather than seeking recognition, he lowers himself, declaring that he’s unworthy even to untie the sandals of the one coming after him (v. 27). This posture of humility gives power to his witness. John’s role wasn’t to gather followers for himself, but to prepare the way for Christ. His example invites us to embrace humility and not seek our own recognition but to direct our attention to Jesus.

J.R. Hudberg
UR:Gentle Answer

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. - Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

The other day I went to the convenience store to buy milk. I grabbed a gallon jug from the cooler and strolled to the checkout. I recognized Reggie standing behind the counter working the cash register. Several people were ahead of me in line, but I could plainly hear the argument happening at the register. A man raised his voice to Reggie and both got upset. Tempers rose and their voices got louder. Just when I figured it would get out of hand, Reggie said, “Jesus loves you, and so do I.” Instantly, the argument was over, and the two parted amicably, not as enemies.

The Bible tells us how to quell arguments, and that day at the store I saw it lived out. Reggie’s gentle answer ended the quarrel with kindness, and I hope to use this method when I’m faced with a similar situation. It takes courage and humility to respond with a gentle answer, but with God’s help and the Spirit working in us and through us, we can do it.

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's Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to approach disagreements with love and grace. Please help us to communicate gently and humbly with others, following your example. Amen.

]]> February 22 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1887 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:02:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1887 ZOOM ONLY CHURCH at 10! Be safe  and enjoy being washed white as snow! It's already been snowing here for over an hour and worsening conditions are on the way. Don't forget to check in on neighbors and friends throughout the blizzard.
*** Souper Bowl Brunch and Congregational meeting. All begins with worship at 10:30 in the Fellowship Hall! (Even communion) Invite some friends and let us practice being a true Acts 2:42 church (study, fellowship, eating and praying together)
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Good Morning Loved, Loving, Spirit-Renewed, Servants of the Lord Our God Who Is Love! We love because He first loved us! Amen! That salutation is a mouthful worth meditating on  as you prepare your hearts to gather in worship on Zoom. God's given us another sabbath to enjoy before the digging out. Be still and know. refresh and prepare. He has great plans for you  and this week. What an awesome God! Meditate on Our Daily Bread and The Upper Room . Open your Bibles and talk to God. It's a great day to worship! Come! Worship. Abide and prepare to thrive! Get ready to live and love more like Jesus and to transform the world around you with love! God is Love! Love created you and lives in you and wants to love through you! Amen! Prepare . Love is patient and kind and not self-serving and surely does not delight in evil and lies. Love is transforming and drives out all fear! Amen! May we be known as LOVE Church! Receive refreshing streams of love  and prepare top overflow with streams of living love! Amen
ODB:

Schooled in Love

We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

READ 1 John 4:16-21

Woody Cooper stood in the loud mob the day Dorothy Counts, a Black girl, enrolled in his all-White high school in North Carolina. Taunting her, some boys yelled racial slurs and threw trash at Dorothy, but Woody didn’t rebuke them, even staying silent when a woman cried out, “Spit on her, girls!” He later asked himself, Why didn’t you at least say something? She was just another student coming to school. Haunted for decades by his sin of omission, especially after seeing himself in a news photo from that day, Woody finally reached out to Dorothy forty-nine years later to apologize.

As Woody learned, showing love and support for another human being isn’t just being brave; it’s also making a choice to be like Jesus. John the apostle taught this lesson to churches burdened by false teaching about Christ and His love.

“We love because He first loved us,” John wrote. “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar” (1 John 4:19-20). John recalled this great command: “Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister” (v. 21).

Woody and Dorothy reflected that love as they became close friends. They spoke at churches and schools together. On the night before he died, she came to see him. “I loved him,” she said, “and I know that he loved me.” That’s the Jesus way. It can be our way too, as God brings us together in His transforming love.

By Patricia Raybon

REFLECT & PRAY

When did you fail to love like Christ? How can you better show His love?

Please guide me to love like You, Jesus.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Jesus loves us so much He made a way for us to be with Him forever by dying on the cross for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). All we need to do is believe in Him and come to Him in repentance. Christ says to “love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12; see 1 John 4:11). We exhibit this love by being “devoted to one another” and honoring others “above ourselves” (Romans 12:10), by not harming each other (13:10), and by “[carrying] each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). This love is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13 as “patient, . . . kind, . . . not self-seeking, . . . not easily angered” (vv. 4-5). It “does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (v. 6). This love is possible only through the Holy Spirit’s work in us—transforming us to be more like Christ (Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 3:18) and enabling us to truly love others.

Alyson Kieda
UR: A New Spirit

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10 (NRSVUE)

During Lent, many Christians embark on a journey of spiritual growth and reflection, echoing Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. This sacred time invites us to deepen our relationship with God and others and prepares our hearts to remember Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

The story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness emphasizes the importance of self-control and relying on God’s strength during tough times (see Matt. 4:1-11). In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus teaches that fasting should be done humbly and without seeking praise from others. This reminds us that Lenten practices are not just outward acts but expressions of inner devotion and repentance. Lent also encourages reflection on Jesus’ teachings about love for God and neighbor. Lent is an opportunity to examine our lives in light of Jesus’ teachings and to seek forgiveness and renewal.

Lent is a path toward spiritual growth and transformation and a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of kindness, we can draw closer to God, allowing the Spirit to shape us into vessels of God’s love.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

 

's Prayer
Dear God, guide us in our spiritual journey to become more like you, and help us to maintain our focus on you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
 32 Comments

Prayer Points
  • Praise the King for his powerful rule in this world, and that no plan of his can be thwarted (Job 42:2).
  • Give thanks that this rule is evidenced around us and in us.
  • Confess any doubts which you may have about God’s kingly power.
  • Commit yourself to being a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing, as your spiritual worship to God (Rom. 12:1).
  • Ask that you would “never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (12:11).
  • Pray that unconditional love will be demonstrated clearly and consistently in your family relationships and friendships. Ask the Lord to give you a fuller appreciation for those whom he has placed in your life. 
     
    Prayer Pointer
    “Prayer is an end to isolation. It is living our daily life with someone; with him who alone can deliver us from solitude.” —Georges LeFevre
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
]]> February 21 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1886 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:01:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1886 ***ZOOM ONLY CHURCH TOMMOROW!!!*** Due to early snow and high winds (Blizzard warning in NJ) Church will be zoom only . Here's the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/s/3737105001?pwd=U0xuWEtlcXNIRW9pL2U2VWI1SjVSdz09#success 
Watch for details about  (Brunch (Souper Bowl) and Congregational Meeting and collecting for Everlasting Life Ministries) New worship experience next week at 10:30! Can't wait!
Good Morning Forgetting-what-lies-behind, made new, redeemed, mentoring, children of Love~! OK read the devotionals below as you sit at God's feet and meditate. I have to get going to grand babies. God did really speak top me through these. How about you? What's He saying? What will you do about it? Who are your teammates and who are you mentoring. God loves you, has forgotten your past and made you new for such a time as this. PTL! He has great plans for you. Trust and obey! Shalom!! See you on zoom  at 10. Be safe, warm and prepare for the blizzard-like wind and snow. Check in on each other too. God loves you and wants to love through you! Choose to trust Him and allow it!
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ODB:

Remembering to Forget

Why, my soul, are you downcast? . . . Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

READ Psalm 42:1-8

Author Richard Mouw tells of a Black theologian from South Africa who struggled with dark memories of life under apartheid. Mouw wrote, “He told a story about an African child whose teacher asked her to define ‘memory.’ After thinking about it, the child said, ‘Memory is that thing that helps me to forget.’ ” Out of the mouths of babes! Her past held much she didn’t want to recall, so she wanted to remember the good things.

Many carry the scars of terrible, seemingly unforgettable things. But that child’s wisdom offers hope. If we learn to remember better things, those memories can strengthen us to move forward from our painful past. In Psalm 42, the psalmist feels like a deer running for its life. However, he also says, “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng” (v. 4).

The singer’s memories of worshiping God encouraged him to praise, even in the midst of pain. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (v. 5). Remembering who our God is—and that we are His—can help us move beyond the painful past we can’t forget.

By Bill Crowder

REFLECT & PRAY

What dark memories of struggles and pains haunt you? How will you allow the God of all hope to move you beyond them?

Dear Father, You know my scars and wounds, my anger and grief. Please wrap me in Your goodness and mercy; give me healing from hurts long past but not forgotten.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Psalm 42 is a song of ups and downs. The singer rises to crescendo (vv. 1-4) with a statement of praise and celebration, joining the throng in worship (presumably at the temple or tabernacle). The singer then expresses a deep emotional low, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (v. 5). This pattern follows in the remainder of the psalm by showing the psalmist’s trust in Him in verse 8 only to repeat his lament in verse 11. When he feels that He has forsaken him (vv. 9-10), he remembers to put his “hope in God” (v. 11). , when we find it difficult to move beyond our pain, it can provide comfort to remember that God is faithful.

Bill Crowder
TWFYT
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UR: An Unexpected Guide

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

I have spent more than 30 years teaching children with behavioral disorders. But I think back to a time when I considered leaving the education field. Thankfully, God sent me a mentor and brother in Christ to help guide me during this uncertain time. Sonny was our school’s custodian, and one day he gave me a copy of The Upper Room. Afterward, Sonny would drop by my room each day and we would discuss the readings together.

I am grateful to God for sending Sonny as a mentor. I have continued a fulfilling career and now work with juveniles who were incarcerated. In addition, I’ve been given an opportunity to be a mentor to many co-workers. I give them The Upper Room just as Sonny did for me. , Sonny delivers copies of each issue to me so that I can give a copy to those I mentor.

God is unfailing when we need someone to help direct our path. In scripture God provided Joshua instruction through Moses to lead Israel to the Promised Land (Deut. 34:9). Elijah inspired Elisha, who assumed Elijah’s ministry (1 Kings 19:16). In what we might see as an impossible challenge, God is at work providing the direction we need to serve others.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

 

's Prayer
Dear God, guide our steps and direct our paths. Show us opportunities to grow and to be of service to you in unexpected ways. Amen.
]]> February 20 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1884 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:58:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1884 Thank God I'm Forgiven ! Yes PTL and lift many thanksgivings for His amazing love, grace, mercy and forgiveness! Amen!

Reminder: BRUNCH (Souper Bowl) Moved to   at 11:30. (Spread the word!) Congregational meeting is at 11 before brunch. Watch for details for next week soon.

We will determine around noon  () if  is Zoom only due to snow forecast.

Clothing Closet is open  (21st) from 9-12.

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Good Morning Living for Jesus Co-Laborers! It's awesome to be united with you in Christ and His mission! He has created, gifted, activated, gathered us and is sending us to bring new life and revival all around us and we are His Good News Delivery Company and dynamic movement transforming lives and neighborhoods! Amen and PTL! We are living for and like Jesus and He is using us! PTL! We are doing our best with what we've been given to walk in His footsteps and to grow in trust and joy as we release all anxiety to Him. Check out the devos below threaded thought that. He has good plans for you and us! PTL!

 Karen and I were discussing how the rain is washing and cleaning the snow just like we are washed in the blood and ready to be made new and washed white as snow . A song came to mind from old days--Let It Rain. God reigns in us and the whole world. Let it rain, Lord! Open the floodgates of Heaven. Click here to listen and worship and invite God into your day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghHfnXPp2AA&list=RDghHfnXPp2AA&start_radio=1

Then Karen said we need to be reminded why and sing and invite God to shine bright through us with singing This Little Light of Mine. Let it shine Lord! Set the world on fire! Bring revival and shine through us Lord! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQxc1PHvHB0&list=RDhQxc1PHvHB0&start_radio=1

Praise and worship as you begin this day! I'm praising God for all of you and praying for His Kingdom to come and will be done in, through and around you and us! Amen!

ODB:

Living for Jesus

[Jesus] died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10

READ 1 Thessalonians 5:12-23

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

In 2023, Kenyan police intervened to end what’s being called the “Shakahola Massacre”—in which hundreds died after following a cult leader’s directions to starve themselves to meet Jesus. The leader had allegedly promised he too would leave earth in this way after his followers did. After his arrest, he denied ever teaching this.

The tragedy is a troubling example of how dangerous it is to blindly trust those claiming to be spiritual leaders. Cult members were so deceived that they resisted those who came to save them from starvation. One survivor described getting “addicted” to the leader’s teachings.

Jesus Christ is the true leader of those who trust in Him. He loved us so much He was willing to die for us to have life (1 Thessalonians 5:10). He calls us to live for Him, “awake and sober” (v. 6) and to test any teaching of others against His teaching (vv. 20-22).

We respond to Christ’s love not by harming ourselves or others but by “encourag[ing] . . . and build[ing] each other up” (v. 11). By living “in peace with each other” (v. 13) and striving “to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (v. 15). Through daily reliance on and trust in Christ’s Spirit (v. 19), we can live a life of love as we eagerly await Christ’s coming (v. 23).

By Monica La Rose

REFLECT & PRAY

When have you seen damage done through false teaching? How can Christ’s example of love help us recognize untrustworthy leaders?

Loving God, please help me never replace Jesus in my heart with any other leader and help me live for You.

For further study, read Living Right Among Pagans.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

In addition to Paul’s warning in 1 Thessalonians to reject false teaching (5:20-22), the New Testament warns elsewhere against untrustworthy leaders in harsh terms. Jesus warned, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). False teachers teach what is contrary to the “sound instruction” of Christ and “are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy [and] strife” (1 Timothy 6:3-5; see Romans 16:17-18). They “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). We can recognize good teachers by their “fruit” (Matthew 7:16-20). They teach the doctrine of Christ and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The evidence of a loving relationship with Jesus is apparent in their lives. The Spirit can give us discernment to recognize false teaching and live for Christ.

Alyson Kieda

UR: Footsteps

You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. - Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

My husband and I have three sons, and I noticed recently that I can easily identify each one by their footsteps on the stairs in our home. One goes quickly and jumps down the last few steps with a thud. Another has a lighter step, and the third has a steady, even gait. I cultivated this skill without even realizing it!

I love and know my sons thoroughly. But as much as I know my sons, how much more does God — the One who knit me together in my mother’s womb — know me! God knows my innermost thoughts. God knows what I will say, do, or think before it happens. It’s both comforting and unnerving to be so completely known. It’s comforting because I am secure in God’s love for me, but it’s unnerving because I know that I am flawed. However, I think of my love for my sons. No matter their flaws or mistakes, I love them completely, and this reminds me of God’s unconditional love for me. Even so, just as my children apologize and acknowledge their mistakes, I too must confess and repent of my sins.

It delighted me to discover that I have this special knowledge of my sons. I trust that God delights even more in knowing me.

's Prayer

Dear heavenly Father, thank you for creating us, knowing us, and loving us completely. May our footsteps always follow yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

TWFYT

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]]> February 18 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1882 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:57:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1882 Good Morning Restored, Focused on Jesus, Praying Friends. Amen! This salutation flows from our devotionals and blogs for . Check them out below and abide as you pray and receive . What's God say to you. What do you need to release and leave behind? Where is His moving forward activity that He is inviting you to join? What are you going through that needs deliverance, forgiveness, healing and trust? Who are you partnering with to travel and pray as you seek first His Kingdom, open the door He is knocking on, and invite Him in to the situation and then work together to follow Him better focused. You are created for such a time as this. He is inviting you and calling you by name. Open the door. Sit with Him a spell and then move forward recharged and ready. Put on His easy yoke as you repent, trust, receive and follow well . I'm praying for you and God is for you and with you always! Choose joy and follow well. And know His perfect peace! Shalom!

Are you hungering and thirsting like the dear? God is our refreshment and He brings Living Water and wants to dispense it through us. Amen!

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Connection Blogs

 - Prayerless Churches

In Ephesians 5:16, Paul writes, “Making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”

We live in one of the most exciting generations. There are more people living  than in any previous generation. The opportunities to impact our world for Christ have never been greater. We have the resources. But there is one disturbing question. Where are the workers? There is a ripe harvest, but there is a shortage of workers.

Jesus said that the solution to the problem of workers is found in prayer (Matthew 9:37–38). But that presents another problem. Where are the men and women of prayer? Too many of us have become so busy that we have little time for God. Our lives have become obsessed with climbing the ladder of success and resting in the easy chair of entertainment. A prayerless church exists in this generation. We cannot get people to prayer meetings, but we have no problem amassing large crowds for Christian entertainment. Our church schedules are filled with events oriented toward entertainment, and we have no time left to seek God. We have become like the Laodicean church. Jesus is on the outside knocking, wanting to come in and have fellowship with us. The need exists for men and women who mean business with God, who will give God priority in their lives, schedules, and churches.

Lord, my heart is grieved that the Church You love and called into being has neglected to seek Your face. We fill our buildings for concerts and other activities, but ignore the call to prayer. The harvest is ripe but Your people are not praying for workers to be sent into the fields, nor are we responding to Your call to be those workers. Forgive me, Lord, for getting more excited about things that have nothing to do with Your kingdom rather than being obedient to Your Word. Help me to be a praying person who makes the most of my time in these evil days! 

--Adapted from The Prayer Factor by Sammy Tippit.

Prayer Points
  • Give praise to God as the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of knowledge (Isa. 11:2).
  • Thank God for freely giving wisdom to all who ask and who trust him to answer (Jas. 1:5).
  • Confess those times in the past week or month when you have relied on human wisdom rather than seeking God’s wisdom.
  • Commit yourself to seeking God’s wisdom at all costs (Prov. 2:1-6).
  • Ask God to show you how his wisdom is different from the world’s (Jas. 3:13-18).
  • Pray that your church’s leaders will be filled with wisdom as they make both public and private decisions, so that their whole lives will glorify God. 
     
    Prayer Pointer
    “Prayer requires more of the heart than of the tongue.” —Adam Clarke
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com

ODB:

Divine Restoration

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. Joel 2:25

READ Joel 2:21-27

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

My heart sank. My mind started to swirl. A friend who’d been helping set up my new laptop accidentally deleted all the photos and videos I’d transferred to it. Years of precious memories with family and friends were all gone in an instant. Panic set in.  I’d never be able to recreate those cherished moments from past holidays, travels, and special occasions. Before sentimental me could have a complete meltdown, my friend said he was hopeful he could recover my files. Thankfully, a few agonizing hours later I was overjoyed to see my special media files reappear.

I waited anxiously for only a few hours, but the fear was real. Loss can be scary and painful. In Joel 2, the prophet called the people of Judah to repentance after devastation by a horde of locusts that destroyed the grain fields, vineyards, gardens, and trees. The prophet had warned the people of the impending consequences of their rebellion against God. But God hadn’t abandoned them. He would help and bring restoration if they placed their trust in God: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten” (2:25).

God restored Judah when they turned to Him. God wants to restore you as well.

Whatever circumstances you’re in, you can turn to God and trust Him—knowing that He’s “the Lord your God, and that there is no other” (v. 27). He is faithful to help you recover from what was lost and bring you into a relationship with Him.

By Nancy Gavilanes

REFLECT & PRAY

How has God helped you during loss? How can you turn to God in your current situation?

Dear God, thank You for restoring me.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

For believers in Jesus, perhaps the greatest impact of Joel 2 comes when Peter quotes a portion of it during his Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:17-21) and rightly shows the timeless nature of God’s plan for the rescue and restoration of His lost creation (Joel 2:28-32). Yet, while Peter used Joel 2 to help explain the divine purpose behind the events of those recent days in Jerusalem (Acts 2:22-24), some of the things Joel prophesied would reach even further into the future: “I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below . . . . The  will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord” (Acts 2:19-20; see Joel 2:30-31). The events preceding Pentecost fulfilled one part of these prophecies, and Christ’s return will fulfill the rest! His faithful ways allow us to experience a relationship with Him and a bright future in His presence.

Bill Crowder

UR: The Former Things

The Lord says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

I once went to an orchestra concert where the program included A German Requiem by Johannes Brahms. The baritone solo at the beginning of the third movement was sung by

a Grammy Award-winning opera singer who had been singing professionally for 26 years.

The soloist made his entrance at the right time but on the wrong note. The conductor calmly signaled a stop, then restarted the movement from the beginning. The second time the soloist’s entrance was correct and the musicians successfully completed that segment of the requiem.

In the scripture above, God admonished the Israelites who were captive in Babylon to forget the past because God was going to do a new thing! When we make mistakes, God gives us the opportunity for a fresh start, just as it happened in the concert.

The season of Lent is a good time to surrender our former things to God. They might consist of a wrong action which hurt another person, a relationship that has deteriorated, a bad habit, or a failure to act faithfully when the opportunity came to do good. We need only look to God for help in releasing that which dwells in our past, then moving on to a new and better future.

's Prayer

Gracious God, aid us in discerning what we need to release. Lead us to follow you in making all things new. Amen.

TWFYT:

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]]> February 19 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1883 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:57:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1883 Here we go again!  Snow forecast again and starting as we awake.! I love it, but UGH...our plans seem to not be God's for us. Keep watch for . Worship Announcement. We are postponing our Souper Bowl Brunch and maybe even have to go to Zoom only church. So, the decision about the brunch/soup part of  is that we are postponing Brunch and soup until  . Details about  and the congregational meeting and brunch will be announced later . Decision about Zoom only church will be made  by noon. Please spread the word to all you can, especially those who signed up to make soup!
Lenten Offering: There are Lenten Offering envelopes in our offering boxes. This offering will be used to rebuild our Benevolence Account which has been used heavily this year already. Benevolence Fund is used to help those in need with urgent funding, like helping with a bill or securing a room for a night or maybe some grocery gift cards. Just place the Lenten Offering envelope with your donation in the offering plate sometime during Lent and we will take care of the rest. Thank You!
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Good Morning Humble, Lavishly Loving, Jesus-like Servants and Prayers! Living with uncertainty seems to be a way of life and can lead to all kinds of stress and anxiety. BUT GOD! He tells us to cast all anxiety unto Him and receive His shalom and wisdom. He and His love and protection and ever-present help our a certainty and a part of our faith. We get to choose faith, trust and hope and even the joy of knowing He is with us and for us and working all things together for good for those who believe. He has plans to prosper and not harm! PTL! You believe, right? And His ways are not our ways and that's where we get bound up sometimes. We think we know how things should go or what His plans should be--BUT GOD! So, Cast all your anxiety and the things you presume about God and His plans to Him and ask for help to trust and accept what is and receive wisdom for what He has for you each day and courage to do it. He is with us and for us--always! PTL!
Being a leader that has to make decisions that affect many others can be daunting. We question ourselves, our motives and if we really are hearing and following God. That's why it's called faith and why we always need to seek first His Kingdom and come to Him in Jesus' righteousness to know peace and to be able to follow step by step with His wisdom. Being concerned for others like for  takes it's toll. We don't want people to choose to come with soups when snowing. You know, now that we made the decision it probably will be Sunny and warm  but we will always choose to err on the side of safety. So plan to make your soups for ,  and spread the words about brunch. Details about the plans for next week will be forthcoming. The decision to worship in person or not  will be made  by noon. Please spread the word to all those you know are making soup or planning to attend brunch. Thanks for your understanding!
OK so back to our salutation and devotionals and blogs. (Check them out below) On our bulletin covers weekly is the vision statement we embrace: Learning to live sacrificially and love lavishly like Jesus. That is a good description of us or many of us. We are humble servants like Jesus. Many tithing time, talent and treasure to bless God, each other and others. Many of us are prayer warriors, releasing God's provision, blessings and power from our knees. Thank you all! remember we are a work in process to become more like Jesus and in progress towards that. Amen! Thanks Lord! Continue Your good work in, through and around us. hear our prayers and may Your Kingdom come and will be done! Amen! Our Daily bread discusses lavish love. We know it and get to share it! We grow in it by the grace of God. How's that gpoing? Who are your teammates? And the Upper Room discusses humble service that flows from that lavish love and sacrificial living like Jesus that we are working on. Do you see that coming alive through us and around us? It is!!! PTL and thank you! Then meditate on the Connection blog and especially the prayer starters. We are praying for and enduring much. God is with us and molding us, providing and guiding. PTL! receive His faith, love and help and then go live and love a little more like Jesus  and ask what your part is in the revival He is bringing and keep praying for the harvest and workers for it that are humble and loving. And ask for wisdom and courage for how to incarnate Christ wherever you go. I prayed for you for that already. God is for and with you and has great plans for ! Step in to them in faith and choose joy always! Amen!
ODB:

Lavish Love

If one of your fellow Israelites falls into poverty . . . allow him to live with you. Leviticus 25:35 nlt

READ Leviticus 25:35-43

Todd invited his younger brother Alex, a recent college graduate, to come live with him in the house he’d built. He wanted to help his sibling gain some financial footing by allowing him to live rent-free for a while. After six months, Todd asked Alex to begin paying rent. Years later, Alex made an offer on his own home. When the offer was accepted, Todd surprised him by telling him that he’d deposited Alex’s rent payments in a savings account over the years and that the substantial sum of money was now his! Alex wept as he received the lavish gift.

In Leviticus 25, God gave Moses commands for the Israelites that included allowing those in need “to live with you” (v. 35 nlt). This command was part of God enacting “a jubilee year” (v. 10 nlt)—when debts were forgiven, those in poverty were helped, and the enslaved were freed (vv. 23-55). He declared that He’d lovingly led His people “out of Egypt to give [them] the land of Canaan and to be [their] God” (v. 38). He’d provided a new homeland, and now they were to imitate Him by showing love and opening their homes to others.

The apostle John would later write, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). By Jesus’ sacrifice we can receive the fullness of that lavish love (v. 16). And as He helps us, we can lavish it on others.

By Tom Felten

REFLECT & PRAY

How have you experienced God’s lavish love? How can you extend it to others?

Loving God, please help me pour out Your amazing, lavish love on others.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

As the nation of Israel began to take shape, God wanted them to understand how they were to treat each other. Enslaving fellow Israelites was never to be part of the equation. “If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you,” He said, “help them as you would a foreigner and stranger” (Leviticus 25:35). And if any of them “become poor and sell themselves to you, do not make them work as slaves” (v. 39). Even this arrangement of indentured servitude wasn’t permanent. God said, “They are to work for you until the Year of Jubilee [every fiftieth year]. Then they and their children are to be released, and they will go back to their own clans and to the property of their ancestors” (vv. 40-41). It’s God’s desire that we never exploit one another but look out for each other’s interests. Because He lavished His love on us by sending Jesus, He’ll help us lavish His love on others.

Tim Gustafson
UR: Humble Service

Paul wrote, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.” - 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

In , our church started providing medical equipment like folding walkers, wheelchairs, toilet chairs, and beds with handles to people in need. A committee was formed, and I was entrusted as the president. We helped many people.

While doing this work, I was inspired by the Bible stories that give insight about service. Jesus humbly served others many times. John 13:4-5 states, “He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet.” Moreover, he served others when he healed people with leprosy, made the blind see and the lame walk, and healed people who were possessed. Scripture makes it clear that Jesus valued service and asked his followers to serve too. For example, Peter healed a man who could not walk (see Acts 3:1-10), and the story of the good Samaritan teaches the importance of service as well (see Lk. 10:25-37).

We are called to serve with faith and joy. If we adopt an attitude of willingness to serve others, surely the Lord will work through us.

's Prayer
Merciful God, we pray that you will open our hearts and guide us to serve others joyfully. We thank you for hearing our prayers. Amen.
Connection blogs:

Heaven-Sent Revival Is Our Only Hope

How does revival come? Any student of revival will tell you that there has never been a revival without a movement of prayer. God always calls His people to prayer in anticipation of revival. I would ask you  to get serious about praying for revival. We need to shift our prayer focus to the issues that are close to God’s heart, especially that His people, His Church, would wake up and discover the presence of Jesus in our midst.

When that happens, our lives become different. When Jesus is there, suddenly things that we accepted before, are no longer acceptable. Some of the things that go on in our church and in our society are changed because it is the Lord who is present. That is why in those great revivals in the past, there was a bit of emotionalism. Suddenly they came into a church service and there was Jesus. Now they did not see Him in the flesh, but there was a powerful sense of the presence of Jesus. What do you suppose happens if you come into a church service during a revival and there is a strong sense of the presence of Jesus and you’ve been sinning all week? When you come into the presence of the awesome holiness of God suddenly there is weeping, crying out, and sometimes even falling down before God in repentance.

Heaven-sent revival is our only hope. We don’t have answers. We don’t know what to do. We don’t have any programs in our churches that are changing whole communities and our society. It’s just not happening. What we need is God.

How do you pray for revival? Psalm 85 is a good place to begin: “You showed favor to Your land, O Lord. You restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of Your people and covered all their sins. You set aside all Your wrath and turned from Your fierce anger. Restore us again, O Lord our Savior, and put away Your displeasure toward us. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger through all generations? Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?”

Based on that passage we will find ourselves praying, “Lord, revive us again, do it again in our day.” We will come before God saying, “Lord, this is what you have done and this is what we want you to do in our life and in our nation.

--Adapted from Praying for Revival, an article by Dave Butts. Dave is the author of many books, including Prayer, Peace and the Presence of God. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points
  • Worship God with reverence and awe as a consuming fire blazing with holiness (Heb. 12:28-29).
  • Give thanks for his plan to refine your faith through trials and tests (Jas. 1:2-4).
  • Confess any times this week when you have not seen God’s purpose for you in these trials (Mal. 3:2-4).
  • Commit yourself to submitting to God’s testing in your life.
  • Ask God to strengthen you with his power (Eph. 6:10-11).
  • Pray for those who are undergoing severe testing, that God may show them his purpose and strengthen them in their weakness (Heb. 12:7-13).
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com

]]> February 17 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1881 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:56:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1881 Sarah Update below

Good Morning Forgiven, Made-New, Recharged Followers of Jesus! Jesus is the only way to know these things and accept them deep in your heart--your whole being really. Thanks Jesus! And we are followers of THE Way--Jesus and His good ways. Amen! I got a late start  and started with a great huddle with Adam Roberts. God really speaks to us as we seek Him and His plans. He does the same for all of us, even when we don't always want to hear or process what He is saying/revealing. He is with us and has great plans custom made for each of us and us as His Body. He is always with us and at work and inviting us to join Him, as we are. What is He calling you by name to hear, see, do ? What will you do about it? Be available and on the lookout for His invitation to join Him. Pray for eyes to see and feet ready to respond and to not miss His inviting you. Ask for a submitted, humbled and ready heart. Then watch the praise-worthy things He will do and worship! Then share your story with someone! Encourage someone with God's ever-present faithfulness in and through you! Amen!

I gotta fly and get ready for the 10 Zoom Huddle. Take some time to mediate on our devotionals (below) for . What's God saying to you or inviting you to do? Who might you process with or encourage . DO IT!!! I'm praying for you and a mighty movement of God--miracles even and I believe He can and will make Himself known to you and others through you ! PTL! Rejoice! Prepare and Go! Your Kinmgdom come and will be done Lord! Amen! Shalom Shalom!

Upper Room: The Crocus

Anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask. - James 1:5 (CEB)

My life seemed to be in a slump, and I felt stuck. I went outside hoping a breath of fresh air would cheer me up. The snow had almost disappeared, and a cacophony of bird calls welcomed the spring. A soft southwesterly breeze greeted me, and the warmth of the  on my face was delightful. A small patch of purple crocuses had bravely pushed through a clump of snow. I wondered how such tiny, delicate flowers had overcome the daunting obstacle of the frozen ground. It was a miracle — a hopeful sign of new life. I began to feel better as I reflected on the lilies of the field and the birds of the air that Jesus spoke about, marveling at his providential care.

Not everything in life comes easily. We are faced with hard choices, challenges, and obstacles at every turn. But when we walk with God we are not alone. God does not always remove our difficulties but gives us the wisdom to accept the struggle, the courage to meet the challenge, and the strength to overcome. We need only to ask.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

Dear God, give us wisdom, courage, and strength to face the obstacles that arise, trusting in you to walk with us through them all. Amen.

Our Daily Bread

Belle’s Belief

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life. John 3:36

READ John 3:1-6, 9, 14-16, 36

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

Belle wanted nothing to do with her parents’ faith in Jesus. In college, she proclaimed herself an agnostic and sought to live without God. But a breakup with her boyfriend and growing depression sent her on a downward spiral. She thought of ending her life.

In those depths of despair, she thought of her parents’ joy in Christ and, despite her struggles, eventually trusted Jesus as Savior. Later, she heard a man speak about a people group in China who’d never heard the gospel. She wanted to go there to tell them, but some people discouraged her because of the danger. She went anyway. Together with a young man she met in college and whom she later married, Belle spent the rest of her life taking the gospel to people in China and Thailand. Thousands of people trusted Jesus, and the legacy of this woman, Isobel Kuhn, lives on in those lands.

Who gave a young woman a new life and hope and walked with her as she dealt with difficult life challenges? Jesus.

Are you wondering what life is about? Perhaps questioning your existence? Turn to Christ—“God’s one and only son” (John 3:18) who died for you (Romans 5:8). He loves you enough to provide life that lasts forever (John 3:16). Yes, “whoever believes in [Jesus] the Son has eternal life” (3:36). And when we believe in Him, as Belle did, He will be with us as we face life’s challenges and help us extend His love to others.

By Dave Branon

REFLECT & PRAY

How does God provide purpose for your life? What does it mean for you to find hope in Christ?

Dear Jesus, thank You for the purpose and plans You have for me!

Learn more about having a personal relationship with God

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Nicodemus genuinely didn’t understand Jesus’ challenge that only those who were “born again” could see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). The language of rebirth, though it might be familiar to us , was strange to the Pharisee, and his follow-up questions highlight his confusion (v. 4). With great patience, Christ unpacks His meaning for Nicodemus, culminating in verse 16, one of the most dearly loved verses in the Bible. The impact on him is inescapable. He advocated for Jesus to receive a fair hearing (7:50-51) and helped prepare Him for burial (19:39-41). Nicodemus’ fledgling faith in Christ prompted his love for the Savior and challenges us to also extend His love to others.

The Word for You 

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Sarah Update:

Hi Warriors.......

Activate the prayer warriors (as Dean would say)

Ed Rohrer (Lori's husband) is currently in the hospital with Chest pains. He has not had a heart attack. His medical team wants to

do another catheterization.  They are not sure when they will perform the catheterization. Prayers for peace and wisdom for his

medical team

Marilyn Ritter is in the process of moving into Fellowship Manor - Tower, for rehabilitation.  Please keep her in your prayers to accept

the life change and may she meet new friends and get involved.  Prayers for her family as they help and support this life change.

Terry will be having his port inserted on . Please pray for continual peace for Terry and Jane and steady hands for his

medical team doing the procedure.

Gail Lichtenwalner - prayers for continual healing and patience in allowing the healing process to happen.

I spoke with Bill and Bert Richards , and they are both doing well, and say HI to everyone.  They are asking for prayer

for their granddaughter, Kim who has cancer. She is currently having infusions every 6 weeks. She is doing well.  Prayers

for peace and strength through this journey

Thank you to all the volunteers that are stepping in to assist with Bread Ministry

Please pray for Robert and Kelly (a couple that comes to Bread Ministry and to our  Evening Gatherings) they are in need of

some permanent housing arrangements. 

Thank you everyone, for making time to lift these folks up in your prayers. 

Hey, have a great rest of your week!

Blessings,

  Sarah

]]> February 16 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1880 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:56:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1880 This Week:

 10-11 Zoom Huddle

:

10-12 Bread Ministry with Weis products

6-8 Dinner Huddle and Study

: 6:30 Support team Zoom

. 9-12 Clothing Closet

 10 AM worship and Souper Bowl Brunch at 11:30

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Good Morning Hospitable Servants of the Lord! Thanks for being such loving hosts!  I was unable to get around to greet you. But I heard all about our guests and how they sensed such welcoming love from us! Welcoming and loving really does describe what people experience when they enter our doors. They feel peace. joy and love and experience hope and help in action. This happens Wednesdays too! Keep it up! Living and loving like Jesus is coming alive! We are God's creations. made new in Christ to do what he planned for us and has gathered us to do. Amen! Check out the Upper Room and Connection blogs below and keep working at loving like Jesus as you are. Then allow Him to grow you to live and love more like Him. He is with you and for you and His grace is sufficient. Cast all anxiety unto Him and know His peace as He leads you to His best. I am praying for you and us to grow in and as Love. Amen! We are Love in the flesh and He is loving through us! How cool!

UR: Hospitality and Grace

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. - Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

When I was a child, a family trip to my godparents’ house for the weekend was always a treat. My family lived in a crowded suburb, so the retreat to their very small town was an opportunity to explore freely and greet everyone openly.

The house itself was 100 years old, and the rooms seemed huge compared to our two-bedroom, post-war bungalow. The kitchen featured a large wooden table that managed to accommodate anyone who stopped by. Neighbors felt comfortable letting themselves in — sometimes cutting through the house instead of walking around the block — knowing the doors were never locked and coffee was always on. It was a home built upon hospitality and the grace of God.

Like our own homes, our houses of worship come in many styles and sizes — from grand cathedrals to one-room chapels. They are all created as a gathering place for those who love God, where we can enjoy the fellowship of the faithful, praise God, and gain strength and solace in times of trial. Jesus asked us to serve everyone with generous love, hope, forgiveness, and grace as members of the family of God. When we do, our own faith is recharged, preparing us for sharing God’s love when we leave.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

Dear Lord, may we be filled with your presence every time we enter your house. Help us offer acceptance, hospitality, and peace to all those who enter. Amen.

Connection Blog:

 - 
Love Your Enemies and Pray for Them

You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43–45)
 
In his commentary on this passage in Matthew, Adam Clarke says the principle in the three verses above is the “most sublime piece of morality ever given to man. . . . Who can obey it?” he asks. “None but he who has the mind of  Christ. . . . Nothing but supreme eternal love can enable man to practice a precept so unsupportable to corrupt nature.” The way to treat an enemy is to love him, even when he or she is unkind in word or deed. Extending this even further, Jesus not only commands us to love our enemies, but to pray for them!
 
Prayer is God’s love in action. Once we begin to care for the person for whom we are praying, we can extend acts of love and kindness to that person as opposed to avoiding them or treating them as they have treated us or others. As we show our love and care to them, their hearts may be transformed in such a dramatic way that everything about their lives changes. They may even become ready to hear the gospel if they have previously rejected it or have never considered the good news of Jesus. But, it all begins with prayer. When someone angers or frustrates you, begin to pray for them. Teach this to your children and grandchildren as well.
 
This command of Jesus has a promise attached. By behaving in a loving manner toward someone who has mistreated you, and by praying for the person, you will be considered a true child of your Father who is in heaven, for He is this way. “He causes his  to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” (Matthew 5:45–46).
 
I don’t know a better way to stop a fight than to stop fighting and start giving and loving. How many marriages would be saved if the partners could just crucify self and do what Jesus commands?
 
While visiting the Holy Land some years ago, I was struck by the strong emphasis on peacemaking in the Bethlehem Bible College. This school is led by one of the strongest Palestinian church leaders in the area. I recently learned the reason for his strong stand for peace in the midst of great conflict. In 1948, his father was killed by an Israeli sniper right in front of his home in East Jerusalem. His mother, left alone to raise seven children, urged them not to seek revenge but to obey Jesus’ command to love their enemies. This has been lived out by this family to this day. The college leader’s son, Sami Awad, is now the director of Holy Land Trust, a ministry that teaches nonviolence. His nephew, also named Sami Awad, spent a week in the museums of the Holocaust in Dachau, trying to understand what the Jews went through. Because of their obedience to the commands of Jesus, these two young men are highly respected by leaders on both sides of the Middle East conflict.
 
If you love those who love you, what reward have you? But when you love your enemies, and do good to them “your reward will be great” (Luke 6:35).
 
Lord, it’s true. This command is contrary to my natural human nature. Please so fill me with the divine nature that I can truly treat my enemies with the kind of love that gives. I ask You according to Your Word to pour Your love into my life. Show me those who might think of themselves as my enemy and show me how to love them with Your love.
 
 --Adapted from Encountering Jesus: Praying the Commands of Christ into Your Life by Norval Hadley. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points
  • Rejoice in God’s majesty, glory, and might.
  • Thank God that in all things he works for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28).
  • Confess any fear, worry, or anxiety you may be feeling about your present circumstances.
  • Commit your day to God and rest in his good planning for your life (Prov. 3:5-6).
  • Ask for his peace to remain with you throughout your day.
  • Pray that believers everywhere will walk in truth and unity. Ask the Holy Spirit to draw them closer to each other. 
     
    Prayer Pointer
    “I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.” —Abraham Lincoln
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional
]]> February 14 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1878 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:55:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1878 Happy Valentine's Day! What kind of ;love letter are you lifting to God ? God is LOVE! He loves you with a never-ending, saving, refining love! Share the love ! I'm about to do that as my quiet time wraps up. Take some tome to meditate on the devos below as you abide in love and prepare to go love like Jesus! Much love to you all and shalom to you !

Upper Room: God Made Us All Different

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. - Psalm 139:14 (NRSVUE)

As I  in my assigned plane seat, I took the opportunity to do a little people watching as the passengers began to flood onto the plane. I saw sad faces, happy faces, hurting faces, wrinkled faces, baby faces, and even a set of faces that looked alike (twins, I presumed). I marveled at the idea that no two people were the same, even the twins. It is amazing that God could create an entire human race and never repeat a single individual.

We are all different — in appearance, personalities, skills, abilities, and attitudes. Psalm 139:14 talks about each of us being wonderfully made in the image of God. How marvelous to know that there is no one in the world like us! We are each perfectly made and one-of-a-kind.

When you have a little time on your hands, do some people watching. You will be amazed at the originality of what God has created. We each are loved and were created by God.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

God, Creator of all, we praise you for making us who we are. Help us to grow confidently into who you have made us to be. Use us  and help us represent you in all we do. Amen.

OUR DAILY BREAD

God’s Eternally Beloved

I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

READ Jeremiah 31:1-4, 7, 9

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

One of the most dramatic and mysterious love letters of all time was penned by composer Ludwig van Beethoven and was only discovered after his death in 1827. The hastily handwritten letter is full of passionate lines like, “My eternally beloved . . . I can only live either wholly with you or not at all.” Tragically, it appears the letter was never sent, and his intended recipient remains unknown. 

Beethoven’s letter is treasured by readers who can identify with his desperate yearning for love. We seek love and fulfillment in many people, things, and experiences that cannot fully satisfy. But far greater than a fleeting romance is the love of God for His covenant people, to whom He showed great love for the sake of all people. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God declared, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). Because of His great love, God promised a future of rest and favor (v. 2) and the restoration of anything that was broken (v. 4). Despite their repeated rejection and rebellion, God vowed to bring them back to Himself (v. 9).

Many years later, that same everlasting love motivated Jesus to endure death for sinners, even before we ever returned His love (Romans 5:8). We don’t have to search for love or try to earn it. We’re already loved with an everlasting love!

By Karen Pimpo

REFLECT & PRAY

In what ways do you look for love on earth? How has God demonstrated His eternal love to you?

Loving God, I’m so grateful for the way You pursue me with an everlasting love.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

God disciplined His chosen people because of their unfaithfulness. Jerusalem was destroyed and the Israelites exiled to Babylon (Jeremiah 1:14-16; 5:15-19; 6:22-23; 25:9-11). But once the discipline was complete, God brought them back from exile (30:8-17), restored their privileges as His chosen nation (vv. 18-24), and, most important, restored the people to Himself (ch. 31). He did this because of His special love and unmerited mercy. God is “Israel’s father and [Israel] is [his] firstborn son” (v. 9). He assured them, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (v. 3). God’s discipline isn’t inconsistent with His love, for “the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:12). We can be assured that God loves us and pursues us with His everlasting love.

K.T. Sim

The Word for You 

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]]> February 15 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1879 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:55:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1879 This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Pray that we enter His courts with praise  and that we worship in Spirit and Truth. That's in praise and His Word. Is your heart ready? Come! Let us worship our King!

Good Morning! For me this has been a week! We've all endured some of those times. It's been like one thing after another thrown at me. I've been spiraling down the dark hole like water draining from the sink--spinning and being sucked in. BUT GOD! He is my shield, my strength, and my help in times of trouble. Thanks to being prepared for such a time as this and with the Holy Spirit's help, I've been able to stay focused on God. hold loosely to my plans and agendas and allow God to steer and lead through. Proverbs 3:5-6 has come alive as I acknowledge God in all my ways, turn off the noise and stop leaning on my own understanding. What an awesome, loving Daddy we have and know! Have you ever experienced anything like this? Someone may need your redirecting, prayers and help to refocus. God is for us and wants us to succeed. Sometimes life just happens as we live in this fallen world. But remember, we are not of this world, are we? Keep your focus on God and His ways. Stay humble and supple in His hands. Allow the Holy Spirit to help. Invite that! Then be still and watch what God has in store as you remain faithful and focused always. 

I'm now counting on God to bring His unfinished message to life  through me as we wrap up 1 Peter 5. In it we read to cast all anxiety unto God. He is faithful and will take it, refresh and renew us and strengthen us for the journey ahead. PTL! The Upper Room speaks to us about when life is uncertain and choosing faith. I think it ties to our 1 Peter study too. Check it out below. And Our Daily Bread is a study of love in action. Jesus washed the feet like a humble servant and called us to do the same and love as He has loved us. Serving redirects us and look around at who might need your loving service and do it. Our church vision statement or motto is "Learning to live sacrificially and love lavishly like Jesus." How's that going for you? Armor up and focus on being Jesus like and incarnating Him and His ways and all of a sudden you will realize you have moved through the trial and troubles and have stepped onto the level highway God has prepared for you! That's been my experience often--even this week. COME Lord! Have Your way with me! Refine, equip, protect, refocus and send me as Your beloved, redeemed child on mission with you for such a time as this! Live and love through me! Thanks! Amen!

UR: Life Is Uncertain

You do not even know what  will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14 (NRSVUE)

Ten years ago, my brother-in-law died suddenly from cardiac arrest. Within seconds, his two kids were left fatherless and their young mother became a widow. In the years since, Jesus has sustained the family and helped them through their grief. Though everything else in their lives changed, God did not.

Though in the blink of an eye we may lose everything, God never abandons us. Sometimes in moments of sorrow we can see God’s love for us more clearly. In a day, Job lost his children and possessions. His life, once brimming with blessings, looked like a curse. But he remained faithful, saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

God desires such faith from us — that our devotion to God would remain strong even when we face struggles in life. May we hold on to God’s promises, for they are true. We can take heart knowing that the God who helped Job in his deepest grief is with us too.

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's Prayer

O God, help us to trust in you and you alone, no matter what we face. Amen.

ODB

Handle with Care

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34

READ John 13:31-38

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

Stradivarius violins, cellos, and guitars are among the most treasured musical instruments in the world. Crafted during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the pieces are rare and invaluable. Something so precious deserves the utmost care. So when a Stradivarius cello—worth more than $20 million—fell off a table during a photo shoot, it was truly shocking!

Just as a Stradivarius must be handled carefully, so must our relationships. We’re to love others because Christ demonstrated His love toward us. In John 13:34, Jesus gave His disciples a command that requires careful attention: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Why did Christ call it a new command? It was new because it was rooted in the way Jesus loved people. This new command to love wasn’t careless or casual but intentional, precious, and sacrificial. Loving this way would lead to discipleship, self-denial, and possibly even death for the disciples. This care for one another would be how they survived in a difficult and hostile world after Christ’s departure. And Jesus told them, “Everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (v. 35).

Let’s carefully and sacrificially love others—reflecting Jesus’ precious and priceless love.

By Marvin Williams

REFLECT & PRAY

Why is it difficult to show love to some people? What can help you love them in a way that reflects the love Jesus revealed?

Dear Jesus, thank You for sacrificially loving me. Please help me love others the same way.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

John 13 forms the prelude to Jesus’ Upper Room Discourse (ch. 13-17)—His final teaching time with His disciples before going to the cross. Throughout the discourse, He speaks of the need for those who believe in Him to love one another (13:34-35; 15:12, 17). But before speaking about that important truth, He modeled it by taking upon Himself the place of the lowliest servant and washing His disciples’ feet (13:2-12). He went on to explain that this act was to set an example to them of humble sacrificial service (vv. 12-17). This humble service found its fullest expression when Christ said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (15:13). Those powerful words would be enacted in a few short hours as Jesus would lay down His life on the cross to take away the sins of the world. Because of His sacrificial love for us, He can help us sacrificially love others.

Learn how to care for others like Jesus.

Bill Crowder
]]> February 13 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1877 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:54:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1877 Good Morning Forgiven Followers of Jesus! Don't ever forget that!!! Thank God I'm forgiven is our battle cry. We are all sinners saved by grace! PTL! As we look around the world and we understand it is fitting we respond, "But by the grace of God, there go I." and "What can I do  Lord?" Because of God's on-going grace and forgiveness we can be in the world but not of it! PTL! And help us! We are His Light and Salt to be used to light up the world around us and season the people with love, mercy and grace. We are saved and gathered, gifted and sent to be His Good News Delivery Company. Someone around you needs some seasoning and light and Good News. What will you do about it? Begin with praise. Then abide and receive. Then go live and love more like Jesus yoked to Him. He is our example and THE Way! Who might need to have the way lighted up for them? 

Talk to God and your teammates as you offer yourself as a living sacrifice and go incarnate Jesus as your act of worship . TGIF! Thank God I'm forgiven and because of that great love and amazing grace, the Holy Spirit compels me to go reproduce what I know. We are sent to this dry and weary land to bring Living Water. May that Living Water gush from us and our transformed lives and water and refresh the weary around us . Go! Live and love like Jesus because He came, saved and has forgiven you and made you new for such a time as this! Yes PTL. Humble yourself. And invite Him to be your guide and shepherd . May our forgiveness and new life become contagious and infect this sin sick world with mercy and forgiveness and new life in Christ. Amen! So what's your part? What does Gid have for you  and this weekend? Seek first His Kingdom. Don't lean on your own understanding. Allow Him to fill and overflow you with His love and wisdom. Ask for His heart and mind, passion and compassion and Go! That is worship He loves! And worship He is worthy of! PTL and TGIF! Amen!

]]> February 12 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1876 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:54:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1876 Good Morning Child-like Followers of THE Way! Amen! Jesus is THE Way and His ways are our guide and examples. Help us to have child-like faith as we follow You and Your good ways  and always. Help us to stand firm in You and on Your Word and have active and alive faith of a child. Thanks Daddy! Amen!
Many things have been rattling around in this head of mine the past few weeks and many chaotic situations have been thrown at me. BUT GOD! He is my peace, my joy, my help in times of trouble, my guide and example. Where was His focus when He walked the earth? On His Abba--our Daddy in Heaven. The Holy Spirit filled and guided Jesus to God's plans and even brought all those miracles alive.  at dinner huddle we discussed Holy Spirit and His ways and purposes. He is in us and has gifted and activated us for such a time as this. He leads us and uses us to spur each other on and to build the Kingdom. He is our seal of faith, assurance, protection, guide, comforter, helper, and advocate and so much more. Turn off the noise and listen to the still small voice of God whispering to your soul through Holy Spirit. He brings salvation, activates our faith and restores our souls if we allow and invite Him to. Allow Holy Spirit to focus you, lead you and work through you . He will if you still yourself, focus on Him and ask for help. Thanks Holy Spirit! Come have Your way with me and restore my sole and pinpoint my focus on Abba Daddy and His plans. Thanks! Amen!
Are you casting all your anxiety onto God and are you walking in childlike faith? Be still and know and receive and go. Turn off the noise. Be still as you abide in Christ  and prepare for the day ahead and God's good plans for you. Meditate on the devos and posts below. God spoke to my heart through them. What's He saying to you. Who are you going to process and pray with? What will you do in response. Forget the world around you and all the craziness and distractions and focus and then go with child-like faith as you live and love like Jesus . I already prayed for you and will as I am stirred by the Spirit throughout the day. Stand firm and be focused. Shine bright refreshed and ready child of God! And bring and know His peace beyond understanding . Amen! Shalom shalom and much joy in the Lord to you!
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TWFYT
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ODB

A Nonanxious Presence

In peace I will lie down and sleep. Psalm 4:8

READ Psalm 4

In his 1985 book Generation to Generation, family therapist and Rabbi Edwin Friedman introduced the phrase “a nonanxious presence.” Friedman’s thesis, later articulated in A Failure of Nerve, is that “the climate of contemporary America has become so chronically anxious that our society has gone into an emotional regression that is toxic to well-defined leadership.” Friedman focused on how chronic anxiety spreads within a system—a family, a workplace, a congregation. Yet in the same way, a leader can offer a nonanxious presence that will spread through a system, becoming a person of peace in the middle of a storm.

Psalm 4 is a psalm of David, written in the middle of one of life’s storms. David was in the grip of anxiety. So he cried out to God, “Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer” (v. 1). While he was fearful for his life, he was also aware that his followers were fearful too: “Many, Lord, are asking, ‘Who will bring us prosperity?’” (v. 6).

David’s decision to trust God created a nonanxious presence in the presence of anxiety! “In peace I will lie down and sleep,” he said. David could rest because “you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (v. 8).

We too can rest in the nonanxious presence God provides. We can spread His peace wherever we go.

By John Blase

REFLECT & PRAY

What’s a current situation causing you anxiety? What would it look like to lead with a nonanxious presence?

You alone, God of peace, are my safety. May my trust in You encourage others to do the same.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Psalm 4 expresses David’s quiet confidence in God amid distressing circumstances and slanderous attacks (vv. 1-2, 8). Affirming that God had set him apart to live a life that honored Him (v. 3) and acknowledging his propensity to seek revenge on those who’d attacked him, the psalmist reminded himself, “Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent” (v. 4 nlt). Instead of angry retribution, he chose silent reflection on God’s goodness and faithfulness (vv. 4-8). In another psalm, David similarly wrote, “Be still before the Lord . . . . Do not fret—it leads only to evil” (37:7-8). , when we’re anxious, we can ask God to help us and to remind us of His presence and faithfulness.

Discover the secret to lasting peace in Christ.
UR: Steps to Life

In God is my salvation and my glory. - Psalm 62:7 (KJV)

In our church’s praise book there is a song entitled “Tiap Langkahku diatur oleh Tuhan.” This song is a translation of the song “Each Step I Take.” Usually I interpret the words this way: “Every step I take is governed by God, and his loving hand leads me.” I recall God’s guidance at important times in my life. I thank God for my work, my family, and all that we experience together.

But as my husband and I get older, and our physical strength is no longer what it used to be, I interpret the words every step I take as truly physical. When my husband and I walk together, I pray for God’s strength so that we will be safe and secure without falling.

Now I feel that without God’s guidance our lives feel quite fragile. So every night when I get ready to sleep, I offer gratitude to God: gratitude for  and for the salvation that Jesus gave through his sacrifice on the cross. It is that great love that gives strength to me and my family.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

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Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

 

's Prayer
O God, the Source of our life, guide us through this journey until we arrive at your house in heaven. In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Prayer Starters

Prayer Points
  • Praise God, the one who rescues and saves (Dan. 4:27).
  • Give thanks for specific ways he is caring for you right now.
  • Confess any areas in which you are worrying instead of praying and accepting his loving care (Phil. 4:6-7).
  • Commit a concern to God, thanking him for his care for you.
  • Ask him to help you believe in his willingness to handle it.
  • Pray that your family and friends may be rooted and established in love and may have “power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that [they] may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:18-19).
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
]]> February 11 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1875 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:53:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1875 DONUT DAY!!! (10-12) And Pizza Party Dinner Huddle and Study (6-8)

Good Morning Overcomers! Amen and PTL! We are overcomers in Christ! Check out the Connection blogs and pray through them. The prayer starters are focused on leaders and so is 1 Peter 5 that we will study . We are all leaders and overcomers in Christ. He created us for such a time as this and has great plans to use us overcomers to lead others to Him and His love and good ways. Amen! Help us Lord! Check out the Upper Room too teaching about praying for others. That usually opens the door for more conversation too. Pray in the moments as you go and encounter those in need of prayer. It is profitable for you, them and the Kingdom. God has plans, is able and will use us overcomers. Check out The Word for You  below too.  we had a great time of gathering, sharing and discussing concerns, and praying on Zoom Huddle. God is not hindered by the miles and we even laid hands on Terry through our computer screens.

Gotta fly. May God bless you and use you well  and at our gatherings. Join one or both and bring a friend! God is in the building and in our hearts and prayers. Amen! Come Lord! Lead and use us . Thanks! Amen!

Connection Blogs

 - Overcomer!

Father, Your Word says that I am an overcomer because of the blood of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the word of my testimony—that in Jesus, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and I have been given fullness in Christ and share in His authority over every spiritual power and authority! But I confess that I do not feel like an overcomer, and I often give in to the influence of this world instead of submitting to Christ.
 
O God, save me from myself! May I be full of Your Spirit and Your mighty power—the power of the resurrection! Teach me and use me, that I might be one who sees strongholds demolished in my life and help others to walk in freedom. Thank You, Father, that because I belong to You in Christ Jesus, You surround me with Your presence—that You are a wall of fire around me.
 
You, O Lord, are my refuge and my strength. In every situation and struggle, You are with me. I will not be afraid for my trust is in Your name. Like Joshua, may I be confident that You are with me and will never leave or forsake me. By Your Spirit at work in me make me to be strong and courageous, to not be afraid or discouraged, but always mindful that You are with me wherever I go. Use me to take back ground that the enemy has stolen. Help me to be self-controlled and alert, knowing that the enemy of my soul is prowling, looking for an opportune moment.
 
In Jesus’ name, strengthen me to submit to You, resist the enemy, and to stand firm in my faith! Give me, I pray, Your perspective of the situations I face and may I live victoriously, as a conqueror, because of Jesus and His love for me. May I be full of faith and Your Word, for I belong to You, Lord Jesus, and You have overcome the world!
 
Revelation 12:11; Colossians 2:9-10; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 10:4; Psalm 125:2; Zechariah 2:5; Psalm 46:1-2; Psalm 20:7; Joshua 1:5, 9; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Romans 8:37; 1 John 5:4
 
--Adapted from Pray the Word: 31 Prayers that Touch the Heart of God by Tiece L. King. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points
  • Praise God as the one who sets up leaders and deposes them (Dan. 2:21).
  • Give thanks for your own opportunities to lead others.
  • Confess any negligence or cowardice in leadership.
  • Commit yourself to being a leader of integrity wherever God gives you influence.
  • Ask God to grant you wisdom as you influence your children, friends, employees, and others.
  • Pray for “all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim. 2:2). Pray that leaders who uphold God’s principles will be brought to power throughout the world so that the gospel will be unhindered.

Upper Room : Got a Minute

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. - James 5:16 (CEB)

I used to work with a man who I knew to be a Christian and who prayed fervently. Once when I was scheduled for a medical procedure, I asked him to put me on his prayer list. He turned to me and said, “Got a minute?” When I said I did, he put his hand on my shoulder and prayed with and for me right then. Afterward, he explained that he developed the habit of praying in the moment when someone asked to be put on his prayer list so he would not forget. Not only did I feel better after we prayed, but this occurrence changed my prayer life as well.

If I do not make a note, I am prone to forget things, especially as I have gotten older. I have since learned that when people ask me to put them on my prayer list, if we pray right then, they know they are being prayed for and I am less likely to forget later during my daily prayers. Now when I receive a prayer request, I also respond with, “Got a minute?”

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

Dear Lord, give us daily opportunities to pray with others. Give us the confidence and courage to pray right then and the words to speak so that they hear your voice through us. Amen.

TWFYT:

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]]> February 8 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1873 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:52:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1873 We are holding in sanctuary and Zoom worship . PLEASE Stay home and Zoom in if you have issues with extreme cold! See you at 10 in person or on Zoom!

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This week:  Zoom Huddle at 10

 Bread Donut Day 10-12/6- Dinner Huddle and Study 

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Good Morning Overflowing with Love Servants! That is us! LOVE Church! People of Love who are saved by Love and loving like Jesus! Amen! Check our Our Daily Bread  about Love showing us. What's God saying to you as you engage with Him and the questions? What will you do about it?

The Upper Room discusses rest and abiding rest and eternal rest. Choosing rest as described is good self-care. Rest in the Lord. Rest and reload like Jesus before going to love others. Together resting in the Lord and loving like Him is part of your purposes and our mission as His Body. Resting comes to life when we serve and rest together. So, who are your teammates? How well are you resting and recharging and connecting to God and others BEFORE going to live and love like Jesus. Our God is a God of balance and order and He rested and gives us the gift and ability to choose rest. He is Love and fill  us with Love to go love with Him and others, working from rest. Are you choosing well? Maybe rest or serving with Jesus are words to work on this year? Talk to God about that as you abide and prepare to follow well.

 may be a great day to chill at home, rest in the Lord and worship with us from home as you prepare for the week ahead. Turn off the noise! Rest. Be ready. God has perfect plans for you, recharged servant of Love. Ask the Father to help you choose well  and to be His healthy vessel of Love.

ODB

When Love Shows Up

Give generously to [the needy] . . . and do so without a grudging heart. Deuteronomy 15:10

READ Deuteronomy 15:7-11

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

“Why are you crying?” The question was asked by a volunteer for a Christian relief ministry helping those whose homes had been destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The woman (who had burst into tears in the previous moment) replied, “I’m not crying because I lost everything. I’m crying because love just showed up.”

God’s heart shows itself in His desire that we help those in need. When Moses gave the people of Israel God’s instructions before they entered the land He’d promised them, he told them, “Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted” toward the poor. “Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Their hearts toward the poor were to reflect God’s own: “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart” (15:10).

Whether in disastrous situations or everyday life, when we give to those in need out of the blessings God has kindly given us, we make evident the love of His Son, who came “to proclaim good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). In fact, God promises He “will bless” those who share His unselfishness with others (Deuteronomy 15:10), both in this life and the next (see Luke 14:14). We can’t see God yet, but others may catch a glimpse of Him when we emulate His compassion for them. May His love show up as kindness through us .

By James Banks

REFLECT & PRAY

How has God shown you kindness when you were in need? How might you show Jesus’ love to someone in need ?

Merciful, generous Father, please help me give to others with an open heart, so that they may see Your love in me.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, they were to demonstrate God’s love by giving “generously to [the needy]” (Deuteronomy 15:10). , believers in Jesus also have the honor of making God and His love visible to the world by loving others. “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12 nlt). God demonstrated His love for us in the person and work of Christ: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (3:16). But loving others has a price tag. It may involve giving time, money, or material goods. The key word is giving: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). And as we do, others can see God’s love and compassion through us.

Arthur Jackson

UR: Rest

Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. - Luke 5:16 (NIV)

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend time with a dear friend who is experiencing a health challenge. As we discussed treatment and doctors’ recommendations, I noticed that there was an emphasis on rest. We often equate rest with sleep. Sleep is a necessity, but rest isn’t necessarily. We talked about what resting might look like during this time. We prayed together for a better understanding of rest and God’s work in our lives.

Rest can be difficult for those of us who schedule every minute of the day. But our bodies, minds, and souls thirst for rest. It is essential and fulfilling. Jesus understood and valued the concept of rest. He took time away from his ministry to be refreshed.

When we allow God to do the work of rest in us, it brings value to our daily tasks and makes our worship more meaningful. Rest is an invitation to fall into God’s loving arms, letting our Creator heal, nourish, and hold us as we soak in God’s beautiful presence.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

Dear Father God, thank you for the gift of rest that allows us to grow closer to you. Amen.

Connection Blogs

 - The Prayer Offered in Faith

“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven” (James 5:15).

When doctors see patients get well, even those patients with incurable cancer, they usually explain it as a wrong diagnosis, or a cause that they missed in their original diagnosis. Even if they said their diagnosis was correct, they explain the healing as a result of an unexplainable cause, most are never willing to admit that the unexplainable cause might be God.

A few doctors may say that prayers make people feel better. And since hope has therapeutic value for medicinal causes (and psychological causes), then prayer gives people hope and makes them better. When the whole psychological and physical systems of the individual are “up,” then the body works better, and heals itself.

However, there are Bible promises that God heals in answer to prayer, i.e., “The prayer of faith shall save the sick” (Jas. 5:15). God will answer prayers for healing when we approach Him properly. Yes, there are laws that govern the universe, but first let’s define law, i.e., law is the extension of God’s nature and power that He uses to govern the universe. Since law comes from God, cannot God create a higher power/higher law to override the existing ones? Can’t God do anything within His will that He desires to do? And can’t God govern His spiritual world by spiritual laws? The answer is YES!

God, You are able to do above and beyond all we can think or imagine! I bow my heart to the Divine Mystery who uses the weak and insignificant people to do great and glorious things for Your kingdom! Your creative power governs the universe to save and to heal. I believe that You and You alone have the power to heal hearts, circumstances, relationships and physical bodies. As my faith is set in You, I yield myself to be used as an instrument of healing for the sake of Your kingdom. 

--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 15, Problems of Seemingly Unanswered Prayer by Elmer L. Towns). This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Prayer Points
  • Praise the Maker of heaven and earth for the marvels of creation in this world.
  • Thank the Lord that he never slumbers or sleeps and that he constantly watches over you.
  • Confess those times in which you refuse God’s help and resent his watching over you.
  • Commit yourself to trusting fully in the Maker of heaven and earth.
  • Ask that God himself will make you strong, firm, and steadfast (1 Pet. 4:13).
  • Pray that marriages in danger of breaking up will be healed and the pain of divorce avoided. 
     
    Prayer Pointer
    “The first purpose of prayer is to know God.” —Charles L. Allen
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com

]]> February 9 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1874 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:52:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1874 This Week:

 10-11 Zoom Huddle )All welcome!)

 10-12 Donut Day at Bread Ministry and 6-pm Dinner Huddle discussing Holy Spirit

Sarah Update below. It includes a recap of God's Word for us through me . I really don't remember all He said and felt the message was not my best and off a bit. BUT GOD! What did He say to you? What will you do about it? Stand firm in Christ. Choose joy and His good ways and be ready for whatever may come our way, even subtle attacks like half time shows that attack our values in Christ.

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Good Morning Victorious Servants!  was the Super Bowl and the Seahawks are populated with many Christians that honor and glorify God on that platform. Check out the video of this I shared on Face Book. We too can be victorious in Christ as we humble ourselves, choose His Good Ways, share the Good News, follow Jesus and use the platforms God has placed us in to glorify Him. Who has God placed in your sphere that needs love, hope and help ? What will you do about that?

At haftime we were finally given an opportunity to choose to turn off the trash the woke NFL shoves down our throats and to choose to turn to Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA Great American half time alternative. Sounds like at least 60 million turned off the  half time trash and joined us  with family friendly fun and love of country verses gay men grinding and a cross dressing USA hating half time. PTL for opportunities to choose well and for doing so. We are called to be in the world but not of it and to choose well to follow God's ways.  Keep turning off the noise and choosing God and Bibles and Truth and Love. Who are you giving a platform to speak into your life? The Devil and his minions that think they need to shove their foolish opinions and trash down our throats or God-honoring people and His Truth? Stand firm in Christ and on His Word. Turn off the noise and seek first God's Kingdom and choose to listen to the Truth from the Holy Spirit--our guide and help! Please Lord!

God has created, gifted and activated us for such a ime as this and we get to join Him just as we are, and He then molds us and grows us to be ready to be used to do more. He has gathered us to encourage and spur each other on and to go together to spread the love, hope, help and Good News of Jesus. PTL! Team up! Prepare and go live and love more like Jesus and help someone out of the darkness . God is with you and for you and our Abba who loves and helps us--always. Amen! Be prepared! God has great plans for you! Listen to Him alone and ask for hearts and feet ready to follow !

Sarah Update:

Hi Everyone,

It was so good to worship with you , whether you were in the sanctuary or on Zoom.   Felt good to be with each other,

worshiping together, singing songs of praise, praying together and hearing His Word as it was laid on Pastor Don's heart.

We studied 1 Peter 3:19 - 4:19 

    Be Prepared - be ready to share your faith in gentle and respectful ways.    Worship Christ as Lord of our lives.    And Live well as a 

form of worship to our Awesome God!

Christ is our Lord, Savior and example. He died for our sins and made us alive in the Spirit.

God promises eternity with Him.....choose faith and stand firm in your faith in Christ.

Chapter 4

We need to turn off the past, and focus on Jesus - we need to have His attitude!!  Die to self and LIVE for JESUS!!

   Stand firm in Your HOPE in CHRIST!

Be earnest in your prayers.    Have self control.     Share with others your faith, so they can see that God will meet their needs.

     Be Ready!!  Keep doing what is right!   God will NEVER fail US!!!

That is what I heard .  What did God whisper in your heart?  Hey, why not share what you heard.....if you want to share with all

attached to this email, do a reply all, and then all on this email will receive it.   If you are a little shy about sharing, and you would like to share just to me, then just reply,

and just I will get it.

Hearing what each of hear during our time with Jesus can really encourage others....so don't be afraid to share!    We learned....BE READY to share.

Here are some of the praises and prayer requests that were shared :

Terry (and Jane) will be meeting with his oncologist  () to discuss Terry's PET Scan results and 'what's next'

   please pray for God's peace to surround all

Tina (Sandy Ritter's daughter) has on going back pain. prayers for relief and for her medical team to find a way to give her relief.

Lindsay - a friend of Neen and Sarah - is having surgery on  to remove cancer. She has been through chemo and praying for

   her surgical team to be able to remove the cancer.  Prayers for peace for her family.

Continue to pray for the Nixon/Mack family during this difficult time as they miss their wife, sister, daughter, Holly.  Holly is in the presences of

   Jesus now. 

Tracy Schwenk-Huber is a NANA!  Her daughter Brittany and Derrick are celebrating the birth of their daughter, Lainey Marie Smith. She was born

on  night at 11:30pm,  and she entered the world, 'screaming'  She is a cutie! 

Gail Lichtenwalner is asking for prayers of peace as she will be having a heart procedure on . Prayers for all to go well, and for patience's 

during the healing process.   She is also asking us to pray for all the volunteers of the Bread Ministry and the extra hands that are stepping

up to help our while Gail is healing.

Kay Paul and Nancy are asking for prayer for Dillon who is going on a missions trip, in Thailand at the end of February for three weeks and for Larry and Braidon

who are traveling to Thailand for a basketball tournament.

Ralph and Pat Breinich are asking for prayer for Ralph's brother, Daryl as he is currently having testing for heart surgery.

Josie C is thanking God for helping her friend Ellen to feel better.  Some of her meds were not liking each other so they were making her

feel sick. She is out of the hospital and home and feeling much better.

Earlier , we learned that Ruth Guldner walked into her eternal home and was greeted by Jesus. She peacefully walked home.  She has been

able to touch many lives with her talent of music and will be remembered by many.  Please keep Nanci Bain and Ruth's church family in your prayers

as she will be missed.

Darlene Geiger is asking for prayer for Sandra Zavecz's family, Scott and his sister.  Sandy passed away  ()

   May God's peace surround her family, and friends.

Hey everyone, don't forget  is Donut, Coffee, Conversation day from 10 - 12pm.  If you have time, stop in!!

    God is actively working within our Outreaches!!!   Yay God!!!

Okay everyone, have a great week.   BE READY!!   God has something great planned for each of us!!

  Blessings to ya'all!

    Sarah

Connection Blogs

 - What is Your Heart Set On?

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about , for  will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:15-17, 33-34).

To focus on heaven and heaven’s reward frees us from basing our lives on that which will pass away. Dietrich Bonhoeffer speaks well to this issue: “Earthly possessions dazzle our eyes and delude us into thinking that they can provide security and freedom from anxiety. Yet all the time they are the very source of all anxiety. If our hearts are set on them, our reward is an anxiety whose burden is intolerable. Anxiety creates its own treasures and they in turn beget further care. When we seek for security in possessions we are trying to drive out care with care, and the net result is the precise opposite of our anticipations. The fetters which bind us to our possessions prove to be cares themselves.”

Father, so often my heart is set on things that will pass away rather than on what is eternal and holy. I have made a god of activity and possessions, living a life filled with concern and worry. I ask You to pour out the peace that passes all understanding so that I might find my heart fully engaged in the concerns of Your kingdom instead of my own. 

--Taken from Power Praying by David Chotka.

Prayer Points
  • Praise God, the giver of wisdom and power (Dan. 2:20).
  • Give thanks for opportunities to worship with others, to learn from God’s wisdom, and to be touched by his presence.
  • Confess attempts to survive through mere human wisdom and power.
  • Commit yourself to carefully applying what God teaches you .
  • Ask God to empower you to live accordingly.
  • Pray for unsaved persons you know by name. Ask God to work through the power of his Holy Spirit to convict them of sin and lead them into his truth (Jn. 16:7-11). Ask God to use you to love them.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2026 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
]]> February 7 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1872 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:51:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1872 Clothing Closet Closed .

Good Morning Renewed Fountains of Living Water! Amen! Yes Praise and worship our renewing, life-giving Father who send us recharged to love and help others. Amen! Thanks Lord! That is our Body, united in You, love and mission! Use us well and may we steward well all your blessings, even refining love you bring. Renew our thinking and help us stay focused on and following You . Shine! Amen!

I have another busy day but wanted to share God's heart with and for you as He did with me  through our devotionals and during my quiet time. God whispers His love over us and shares His heart as He prepares and moves us to go live and love more like Jesus. He refines us and shapes us. Don't grumble or complain but receive it as His love for you and His help to become more like Jesus and to grow in Christlikeness and your purposes. he does have great plans for you and is inviting you to join Him . Will you? I'm praising God for you and praying for Him to transform, mold and shape and use you and us for His glorry according to His good plans. Yes Lord, Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through, and around meand us! Bring revival and revive us and our communities. Bring Love and Living Water alive! Thanks! Send me! Amen!

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ODB

Fountains or Drains?

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

READ Philippians 2:1-4, 14-20

audio playLISTEN ONLINE

Sometimes a bit of wisdom drops in when we least expect it. That happened recently as I was reading an article about American football player Travis Kelce. A frustrated coach once told him, “Everybody you meet in this world is either a fountain or a drain.” You can probably figure out which one Kelce was being!

Perhaps all of us have a bit of both elements in us. But at any given moment, we’re likely behaving one way or the other. And our call to follow Jesus means becoming more fountain, less drain.

I hear a similar idea in Philippians 2, where Paul challenges us to imitate Jesus’ humility and focus on others. Paul contrasts what drains life from others with what fills them up: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (vv. 3-4). A bit later in this chapter, he adds bluntly, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (v. 14).

What does it look like to be a drain? Being self-focused and arrogant; complaining and arguing. And being a fountain? Paul says of Timothy, “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (v. 20).

Are we being more like a fountain or a drain? That’s a question worth pondering as we seek to bless others.  

By Adam Holz

REFLECT & PRAY

What can cause you to be more like a drain than a fountain in your relationships? How can you be more of a fountain to others?

Dear Father, please help me to be a fountain of life who pours encouragement and hope into everyone I encounter.

For further study, read A United Mindset.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Paul sets the context for his theme of humility early in this letter. Writing while imprisoned, he says, “All of you share in God’s grace with me” (Philippians 1:7). Being equal recipients of His grace ought to have motivated the Philippian church to “value others above [themselves]” (2:3). Key to this is the way they were to live before a watching world. By living blamelessly, they’d be “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation” (v. 15). As they lived lives of humble service to the world, they’d “shine among them like stars in the sky” (v. 15) and be fountains of encouragement.

Tim Gustafson

UR: Ltlle Cake

Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. - 1 Kings 17:13 (KJV)

Sometimes God helps us in unexpected ways, just as God helped the widow in ’s scripture. Perhaps when she saw Elijah she hoped that he was bringing food. Instead, he came asking her for a cake!

Why would God ask the woman to make a cake for a stranger when she was the one in need? Sometimes God does the same with us. We may be busy or going through a difficult time, but God brings us a neighbor in need. How do we respond? Can we give them a smile, a hug, or a word of encouragement, even as we’re experiencing challenges?

Elijah’s request wasn’t out of selfishness. He was following God’s instructions. But I wonder if he felt ashamed, begging from a widow. And I wonder if she was offended by his request. Ultimately, both obeyed God, and God blessed them with food during a famine. When God asks us to share something we’ve saved for ourselves, let us remember the woman’s obedience and trust that God can use even our small contributions to make a big difference.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

's Prayer

Father God, help us to serve someone in need  and to do it with a willing and generous spirit. Amen.

TWFYT

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]]> February 21 https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog/view/1885 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:00:00 CST https://stmatthewsec.com/pastor_s_blog?blogm=view&blogid=1885 ***ZOOM ONLY CHURCH TOMMOROW!!!*** Due to early snow and high winds (Blizzard warning in NJ) Church will be zoom only . Here's the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/s/3737105001?pwd=U0xuWEtlcXNIRW9pL2U2VWI1SjVSdz09#success 
Watch for details about  (Brunch (Souper Bowl) and Congregational Meeting and collecting for Everlasting Life Ministries) New worship experience next week at 10:30! Can't wait!
Good Morning Forgetting-what-lies-behind, made new, redeemed, mentoring, children of Love~! OK read the devotionals below as you sit at God's feet and meditate. I have to get going to grand babies. God did really speak top me through these. How about you? What's He saying? What will you do about it? Who are your teammates and who are you mentoring. God loves you, has forgotten your past and made you new for such a time as this. PTL! He has great plans for you. Trust and obey! Shalom!! See you on zoom  at 10. Be safe, warm and prepare for the blizzard-like wind and snow. Check in on each other too. God loves you and wants to love through you! Choose to trust Him and allow it!
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ODB:

Remembering to Forget

Why, my soul, are you downcast? . . . Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

READ Psalm 42:1-8

Author Richard Mouw tells of a Black theologian from South Africa who struggled with dark memories of life under apartheid. Mouw wrote, “He told a story about an African child whose teacher asked her to define ‘memory.’ After thinking about it, the child said, ‘Memory is that thing that helps me to forget.’ ” Out of the mouths of babes! Her past held much she didn’t want to recall, so she wanted to remember the good things.

Many carry the scars of terrible, seemingly unforgettable things. But that child’s wisdom offers hope. If we learn to remember better things, those memories can strengthen us to move forward from our painful past. In Psalm 42, the psalmist feels like a deer running for its life. However, he also says, “These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng” (v. 4).

The singer’s memories of worshiping God encouraged him to praise, even in the midst of pain. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (v. 5). Remembering who our God is—and that we are His—can help us move beyond the painful past we can’t forget.

By Bill Crowder

REFLECT & PRAY

What dark memories of struggles and pains haunt you? How will you allow the God of all hope to move you beyond them?

Dear Father, You know my scars and wounds, my anger and grief. Please wrap me in Your goodness and mercy; give me healing from hurts long past but not forgotten.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT

Psalm 42 is a song of ups and downs. The singer rises to crescendo (vv. 1-4) with a statement of praise and celebration, joining the throng in worship (presumably at the temple or tabernacle). The singer then expresses a deep emotional low, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (v. 5). This pattern follows in the remainder of the psalm by showing the psalmist’s trust in Him in verse 8 only to repeat his lament in verse 11. When he feels that He has forsaken him (vv. 9-10), he remembers to put his “hope in God” (v. 11). , when we find it difficult to move beyond our pain, it can provide comfort to remember that God is faithful.

Bill Crowder
TWFYT
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UR: An Unexpected Guide

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

I have spent more than 30 years teaching children with behavioral disorders. But I think back to a time when I considered leaving the education field. Thankfully, God sent me a mentor and brother in Christ to help guide me during this uncertain time. Sonny was our school’s custodian, and one day he gave me a copy of The Upper Room. Afterward, Sonny would drop by my room each day and we would discuss the readings together.

I am grateful to God for sending Sonny as a mentor. I have continued a fulfilling career and now work with juveniles who were incarcerated. In addition, I’ve been given an opportunity to be a mentor to many co-workers. I give them The Upper Room just as Sonny did for me. , Sonny delivers copies of each issue to me so that I can give a copy to those I mentor.

God is unfailing when we need someone to help direct our path. In scripture God provided Joshua instruction through Moses to lead Israel to the Promised Land (Deut. 34:9). Elijah inspired Elisha, who assumed Elijah’s ministry (1 Kings 19:16). In what we might see as an impossible challenge, God is at work providing the direction we need to serve others.

's devotional is available to you for free because of the generosity of our donors.

Thanks to donor support, anyone can read 's meditation without logging in for up to 7 days.

Please consider supporting our ministry. Your donation or paid subscription helps ensure that readers around the world continue to receive spiritual encouragement every day.

 

's Prayer
Dear God, guide our steps and direct our paths. Show us opportunities to grow and to be of service to you in unexpected ways. Amen.
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