( we collect for Everlasting Life Ministries) Bring someone to worship with us and remind them that we are a come as you are fellowship of believers! PTL for who He's sending and for receiving us as we are! Amen!
Good Morning Forgiven, Redeemed and Made New Followers of Jesus! he is our Lord and Savior, King of the Universe, Creator, Helper, Friend! yes PTL! I could just stop there because there is tons to meditate and praise through. Amen! Thanks Jesus! Can you praise in the storms and hard times? It's easier, when we remember to praise to praise in the easy times. But is your heart prepared to remain focused and worshipful no matter what your day will involve. Sometimes it's hard to remember that God allows whatever we face and filters what He knows we need to get us where He wants us. PTL! Sometimes, because we live in a fallen world, we experience terrible diagnoses or face heavy trials. PTL! Can you refocus and remember like Job..."The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Praise to the Lord!" We are on a journey to heaven and it's a rocky road with many hills and valleys. BUT GOD! The constant should be persevering faith that stays focused or is able to quickly refocus to God and to stay standing firm in faith and on our Rock Jesus. God is preparing us to persevere through some terrible and increasingly hard times as the end approaches. Are you ready to worship through it? It's called practicing faith because, like the Olympic athlete we need to keep practicing no matter what the day brings, to continue to grow in faith and be ready to persevere in worship and faith always. is a great day to practice worship and praise as we remember that cross and our hope. Yes, PTL!
And we can know joy always. Joy that springs from our hope and faith. God has this and is in this and is with me always. PTL! Check out the Upper Room talking about joy and persevering faith. Practice your faith with much joy, praise, and worship. God is for us and with us and we have eternal hope and can grow in faith and joy. Practice as you grow your gratitude lists and praise. And remember we are here to bring others into our joy and lead them to Jesus and their own hope. Who would want to join a grumpy, complaining, faithless person. We are called to be filled with joy and faith and to persevere always and to go make disciples. What is your heart like ? Is it focused in faith on Jesus and overflowing with joy? That is attractive to a world stuck in darkness and hopelessness. And even if no one wants to join you, you can have a great day and rest of the year as you praise and worship and practice persevering faith. DO IT! I'm praying for you and us right now! Come Lord Jesus! We love, trust and worship you no matter what. You are our rock and help in times of trouble. PTL!
Who needs to experience our hope and joy? Maybe share this and your faith with them ! Shalom. May God's peace be with and lead you. Amen!
Jesus said, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” - John 15:11 (NRSVUE)
Life’s challenges can be overwhelming, but Jesus’ joy is always available to us and does not depend on our circumstances. In John 15:11 Jesus said, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” This joy is a gift from Jesus, residing within us. As we navigate life’s ups and downs, it’s essential to remember that Jesus’ joy is not something we must manufacture or find in external sources. It’s a gift that’s already within us, just waiting for us to tap into it.
Whatever we struggle with — whether it’s anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, or facing a difficult decision — Jesus’ joy is available to us. What would it look like to live with Jesus’ joy in the midst of challenging circumstances? How will we cultivate this joy in daily life? What practical steps can we take to experience Jesus’ joy more deeply? Even amid difficult circumstances, when we tap into Jesus’ joy we can find peace.
's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the gift of Jesus’ joy that is always available to us. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matt. 6:9-13, KJV).
Praise God for a great day of using us, His servants, all day to bless many, study, pray and shine His light. What an awesome God that allows sinners like us to draw near and to minster through us to others! We are His hands and feet and He blesses us and through us as we humble ourselves and invite Him to use us and others to experience His Love through us too. PTL! Worship! He also allows us to be His people called by His name to gather, abide, fellowship, feast, commune, pray and love well. Yes rejoice! Thanks Lord! Please continue Your good work in and through us! Be glorified. Bring revival and new life alive. Amen!
Good Morning Abiding in His Holiness, Visionaries! Amen! That comes from OD and TWFYT. (see below) How often have we prayed, "Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come and will be done"? Often, a lot, daily maybe. Fearing the Lord is contemplating His holiness and awesomeness and emptying ourselves to abide and fellowship with Him and worship. Check Deut. 10:12-15 below and abide as you meditate and pray through it. What's God saying to you? How will you hallow His holy name as you respond and follow the dreams, visions and ideas He has given you? I pray for all of us to have those and plan and prepare together to follow His lead. Yes that's the answer to the prayer, Your Kingdom come and will be done and to send me. With obedience comes blessings is a valid statement and goal. Does God rule and reign in you and us, His gathered people? May it be so Lord! Start with meditating on this song. It often comes to mind after heavy rains. Ans then abide with the Deut. passage and then the devotionals. What visions and ideas has God given you? Who will you process, pray with and act? God has great plans for you and us that come alive as we humble ourselves, invite Him to inform our prayers and actions and then go live and love like Jesus! be still and know. Abide then thrive in Christ. I'm praying for you and us and God has heard. What's He saying to you ! Go thrive in Christ! Amen! Is. 33:6 says, (He is Jireh! May His Kingdom come and His will be done in, thru, and around you and us! Amen!)
In that day he will be your sure foundation,
providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.
The fear of the Lord will be your treasure.
12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. 13 And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you for your own good.
14 “Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the Lord your God. 15 Yet the Lord chose your ancestors as the objects of his love. And he chose you, their descendants, above all other nations, as is evident .
“I killed people in the past,” Tanitan said, “but ever since I chose to believe in Jesus Christ, He will not allow me to commit such practices anymore.” Tanitan, a member of the Ilongot tribe from the Sierra Madre mountains in the Philippines, came from a culture of head-hunting—the practice of hunting humans and severing their heads. In comparing his life before he knew God to his life now, Tanitan said, “Before, I was afraid to die but not afraid to kill. Now, I am afraid to kill but not afraid to die.”
As I read Tanitan’s story in the book To the Headhunters of Sierra Madre by Florentino Santos, I thought of how his newfound fear of or reverence toward God developed his desire to obey Him. I remembered Moses’ words to the Israelites before they entered the land God promised them: “What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 10:2). Reverence toward God was to be reflected in obedience to Him. God’s people were to “walk in obedience to Him, to love Him . . . and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees” (vv. 12-13).
As believers in Jesus, our deep respect for God’s holiness compels us to hate evil and do what pleases Him (Proverbs 8:13). Let’s ask Him to help us make reverence toward God a way of life.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
From ’s Scripture, how would you describe the “fear [of] the Lord”? Where do you find obeying God difficult, and how can the command to fear Him help you?
Holy God, please help me to experience reverent fear in Your presence.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
“Moses summoned all Israel” (Deuteronomy 5:1), and he began to publicly review the covenant God had made with His people. They were about to cross the Jordan River (Joshua 3), and Moses would soon step across a “metaphorical” Jordan into eternity (Deuteronomy 34:7). Much of his speech recounts Israel’s rebellion during their meandering forty-year journey out of Egypt (9:7-24). Even as he assured them of their future success in inhabiting the promised land, Moses warned, “It is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess” (v. 6). It was because God had chosen them, in spite of their failure: “They are your people, your inheritance that you brought out by your great power and your outstretched arm” (v. 29). Because God was their God, Israel was to follow Him. Although His holiness can’t tolerate sin, His Spirit enables believers in Jesus to “fear” Him, “[obey]” Him, and worship Him (10:12).
we minister like the first church found in Acts 2. Maybe read and meditate on that . What's your part in God's Good News Delivery Co. as we minister with bread, food, and the Living Word ?
Bread with Weis 10-12 / Dinner Huddle 6-7:30
*Note: The Clothing Closet reopens Sept 19th. (If you know of any needs let us know and we will try to help)
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Good Morning Humble, Bold and Courageous, Persevering Servants of the Lord! AMEN! May that be me and us Lord! Prepare, send and use me/us well. Protect, provide, deliver and guide. Thanks! Amen!
Are you humbling yourself before the Lord, asking for His strength and help to be bold and courageous as you continue on in the mission he created you for? Talk to Him and your team about that. make corrections. Choose to stand firm in faith and persevere until he calls you home or returns. We are created, gifted, activated and sent for such a time as this. God is with us and for us. Worship. Surrender all and be all in! He loves that and will help, Having good teammates helps too!
Check out our devotionals for as they informed the salutation and this line of thought. ask God how He wants you to serve and for His eyes, ears an d heart, passion and compassion and for willing feet and hands. Read and meditate on 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 from ODB. Life is hard, BUT GOD! May we endure as Jesus did and may we always stand firm and glorify God. We all face giants at times. Will you run and hide or run at them in the name of the Lord and overcome! Think about these things and ask God and your trusted accountability partners what you need to work on and where you need to be humble but strong in Christ. He is the Way and He is yoked to you. Well, He wants to be. Are you willing to be yoked to Him and moving with Him? Talk to God about that with a heart willing to persevere in faith and allowing Him to be strong through your weaknesses. Amen!
UR: The Blessing of Humility
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:3 (NIV)
I had volunteered at a church event to distribute food and help clean up. Initially this felt like an insignificant job, and I was reluctant. My friends were on stage leading worship, hosting, and preaching, while I was cleaning up in the back. I began to feel left out. However, I gradually realized that this simple task had meaning. Through serving I connected with people and saw those in need of help, and I found a sense of fulfillment and peace.
In those moments, I realized that when Jesus spoke of the “poor in spirit,” he may have been talking about not being self-centered, focusing instead on God’s calling and love for others. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” because a humble heart allows us to rely more deeply on God, enabling us to experience the peace and blessings of the kingdom in any situation.
In daily life, we may encounter tasks that seem small and are often overlooked. However, when we embrace these with humility and give our best, we can experience God’s presence even in these small acts of service. True blessings are not born out of pride or self-interest but flow from a humble heart. God’s grace, like a spring, nourishes our lives and refreshes the hearts of others.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, grant us humble hearts so that we will lean on you and feel your peace and blessing. Amen.
Before our trip to Switzerland, my mental snapshot was of snowy Alps, goats grazing, and mountain farmers blowing alpine horns. However, as we drove south from Zurich, the landscape was the same drab tangle of highways we saw in any city. When we got close to our lodging, we had to drive up a precarious one-lane dirt road. At our rental place, we hauled our suitcases up steep stone stairways. Exhausted and disappointed, we finally made our way onto the patio. And there, opening up before us, stretched an extraordinary vista: the Alps rising up majestically over the blue expanse of Lake Lucerne, with small towns glittering like fireflies below us. The ordeal was worth it.
I recalled the verse, “Therefore we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The apostle Paul writes of his own struggles: “We are hard pressed on every side, but . . . not in despair” (v. 8). He reveals his positive outlook: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (v. 17). He advises us to “fix our eyes . . . on what is unseen” (v. 18), to hope for that eternal landscape.
Sometimes our journey is drab and difficult. But in Christ, we’re assured that we’ll witness the ultimate snapshot. The ordeal will be worth it: His eternal glory far surpasses anything we can imagine.
By Kenneth Petersen
REFLECT & PRAY
What are the difficult roads in your life these days? What does “eternal glory” mean to you?
Loving God, I need encouragement through this tough journey. I pray for assurance of Your eternal glory. For further study, read Paul’s Pain and His Passion: 2 Corinthians 5 at odbm.org.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The encouragement about suffering that the apostle Paul expresses in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 is similarly noted in Romans 8: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (v. 18). How encouraging it is to know that as believers in Jesus in a fallen world, we’ve been given God’s Spirit (v. 23) to be with us as we traverse life’s pleasant and unpleasant territory. When we face trials, the Bible reminds us that they’re “achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
For further study, read: Paul's Pain and His Passion
Good Morning Church. We are one in the Spirit and we are one in the Lord! We are the Body of Christ--His Church with Jesus as the cornerstone on which we build. We gather like the Acts 2:42 church weekly and God is connecting us to others and using us., May He grow our fellowship and disciple making! Amen.
I'm off for blood work then to church. Please read Our Daily bread and meditate as you abide. What is God saying to you? What will you do about it? Start with prayer and find some partners to pray, process and plan. God has great plans for you and us and He is using us. May we continue to join Him on His mission of love and help! Amen
Sarah Update
Hi Everyone......what a great day of worship and then fellowship at our brunch!!!
I wanted to share some of the prayer and praises that were shared on ......but first, I want to share another story with you, where Jesus was seen.....
Ralph and Pat Breinich share that they were headed to Quakertown and there was an accident, and traffic was being diverted onto back roads where they had
no idea where they were. Having to pull off on the side of the road, they ran over some sharp objects that punctured two of their tires.
Out on roads where they had no idea where they were, Ralph proceeded to prep the car to put the spare on and Pat walked to the nearest farm house to see if
there was any one home that could help. (No one was home) While Ralph was setting things up, three people road up on the bicycles and asked if they
needed help. Yay God!!! They helped them with their tire situation, and then road on.
They tried to go to Sam's club, and another tire store to have two new tires put on their car, but they were closing. Pat got ahold of Blair who came to the
rescue once he found where they were. They started home, with Blair following them....and then a gentleman in a pick up truck pulled in front of Ralph,
and asked them to pull over. They pulled over and the gentleman was a fire fighter, and he had the tools and plugs in his truck and he put the plugs
in their tires, blew the tires up and they were now safe to head home. (another Yay God)
Then Blair went and picked up two new tires and put them on for Ralph and Pat! God was there and present!!! Thank you Ralph and Pat for sharing.....
Hey everyone....keep your eyes open and SEE Jesus! Share you story with me/us!!! These stories are so encouraging!!!
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Just a reminder you can still order your St Matthew's tee shirt......samples are at the front of the sanctuary and the shirts cost $10 per shirt.
If you have any questions, see or contact Gail L. Wearing a tee shirt letting people know about your faith and where you attend church.
It could be a great conversation starter!
Nancy W - Kay Paul's daughter praised God that her mom was not hurt when she took a spill this past week.
Nancy also is praising God for being able to spend time down in Lancaster with family and friends!
Nancy also asked for prayer for Kay to remain safe and walk steady so she doesn't fall any more
Many praised God for the beautiful weather we have been having and for our gardens taking off.
Mike Laise shared a yay God that a co worker's sister that we were praying for as she went through IBF......she is pregnant!!
Prayers for the momma and baby as the pregnancy progresses.
Please keep Mike Canfield and family in your prayers - last week Mike's father passed away. As most of the family was in the
Lehigh Valley, they had a celebration of life service for his Father on .
Hailey Lichtenwalner will be showing her steer at the Allentown Fair. Please keep her and the other members of her 4H
group in your prayers for safety as they show.
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Thank you to Lori and Barb and crew for a great time at our brunch! We were glad to see some of the community join us!
Keep our bread ministry in prayer as they share HOPE and Jesus' Love with those that enter our church!
Thank you to those that volunteer to make this outreach a success.
Thank you to our property team and to those that help keep our property looking good by cutting the grass and trimming the scrubs.
Just a heads up, we will need to have a 'WEED PULLING' party......please if you can help with this, let Pastor Don or Danny R know.
Hope you all have a great week!! Keep your eyes open for Jesus.....and share your stories!!
This Week: 10-12 Bread Ministry with Weis products / 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle with study of days 21-24 of Chambers book and kids min too.
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Good Morning Surrendered Servants Overflowing Christ and His Love! AMEN and amen! Is that not our goal, created purposes, and sweet spot in life? We may mouth that and believe that, however, choosing to live like that 24-7 is a challenge of epic proportions, right? I engaged with day 23 of the book talking about the verse that cuts me to the heart, Romans 12:1, "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice." Oh Lord, why do you have to remind me of my failures with that? And then I encountered Paul's reminder that he has been crucified with Christ. That's dying to self, pride, selfish desires and sin. And Paul continues with he has died to this life and all that's left is Christ living in him. OUCH, right? Check out Our Daily Bread below about this line of thought. What do you need to repent of and die to for Christ to be preeminent in your life? Do others see Jesus or some prideful-full of self-doing-their-own-thing sinner. Is your life exemplified in the phrase, "For me to live is Christ"? HELP!!!! Have you invited God to examine you and your ways and to reveal things needing repentance? Have you asked for help to die to self and crucify some things at His cross? Man, I ask but choosing to do it, well, help me Lord. Forgive me! Cleanse me! Can you tell I am (and have been for a bit) under heavy conviction from the Holy Spirit of things confessed but not repented of yet. Forgive me Lord and please help me to choose to do the hard work of repenting and choosing to live Christ's good ways! Help! Amen!
What has come to your mind as you read these things? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you? What will you choose to do about it? Who are your accountability partners? Man I need one or two that I can open up to and pray with and actually hold each other's feet in the fire. Ask God to send at least one. Please Lord!
, Sarah's message flowed from John 1: 9-11 talking about Jesus being in the world but the world didn't recognize him. Jesus came to His own (that's us as He came to dwell in us at our new birth) but His own didn't receive Him. Have you? Are we choosing to live Christ and His good ways? Have we died to self and invited Him to not only reign in us, but overflow us. Do people recognize Jesus in you? Are they experiencing how His love has transformed you and desiring some of that? We are called to be the Salt and Light so how is that transforming and coming to life through you? Are you desperate for a life in Christ like a deer pants for the water? Are you expectant and looking for Jesus to come, transform and lead you? Can you invite an unbeliever to come walk with you and see Jesus and His new-life-ways come to life? OUCH! HELP! Help us Lord to invite you in to transform and live through us. May we live Christ and learn to love and make disciples just like You. Help! Come. Thank You! Amen!
One final thought. Check out The Upper Room and their reminder that we have to spend time with Jesus to become like Him. Our EC motto is to know Christ and make Him known. The first part of living Jesus is knowing Him. Be still and dwell. Invite Him in and ask for His transformation to be alive in and through you. Ask to live Christ as you die to self and take up cross . And then ask for help to choose to actually do something about the things that break your heart and God's. I believe the reason God led us to and provided the Chamber's book is to teach us to abide, pray and become more like Him. Are you starting there and trying some new ways to pray and connect to God. DO IT! There is no better endeavor in life than to spend time with God and to become the person He created you to be for such a time as this. He is waiting! Are you willing? Probably, but what will you actually do about it? That is the question we answer as we walk daily with our Lord, Savior, Redeemer, Transformer, and Helper! He is for you! Are you for and about Him? I'm praying we grow in that! AMEN!
ODB:
Christ in Me
I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20
Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer became famous for his talent at age twenty. The art critics of his day called him “the greatest mind that ever expressed itself in line.” As his fame spread, influential people tried to hire him with promises of luxury and ease. Even other acclaimed artists such as Giovanni Bellini and Raphael revered his work.
In what experts consider to be his best self-portrait, Dürer mingled his physical characteristics with what he thought Jesus might have looked like. He painted himself with long, wavy hair, a beard, and eyes that seemed to convey a sense of divine purpose. While many assumed this was the artist’s prideful opinion of himself, others who knew him believed Dürer wanted to live a life that would allow people to see Jesus in him.
If we truly know Christ, this is our desire as well. Believing in Him and accepting His death and resurrection as the basis for our relationship with God means we should now live for Jesus—not for ourselves (Galatians 2:19). We live for Him, and He lives in us and works through us. The apostle Paul said this about his spiritual transformation: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (v. 20). May the glory of Christ shine through our lives so that the world sees Him in us.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
REFLECT & PRAY
How do you feel when you sense Jesus working through you to make Himself known? What challenges prevent this from happening at times?
Father in heaven, please help me to stop living to satisfy my desires. Help me to surrender to Your Spirit so others will see Christ in me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed,” Jesus said. “But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24). Christ spoke these words during the week He was killed. It’s a lesson Paul had learned as he wrote to people in danger of relying on keeping the law to earn salvation. In Romans 3:10-20, he outlines why law-keeping will never save us. He then explains that it’s “apart from the law [that] the righteousness of God has been made known” (v. 21). “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (v. 22). He goes on: “Our old self was crucified with him . . . that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (6:6). Because “Christ [lived]” in him (Galatians 2:20), the apostle could live a life honoring to God that would draw others to Christ. , God can help us surrender to the Spirit so others will see Christ in us.
Tim Gustafson
UR: Time with the Father
When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:6 (NIV)
Early each morning I eagerly await a text from my son that simply says, “Breakfast?” I quickly respond, “Yes, be over shortly.” I drive to his house and pick him up, and off we go to our favorite breakfast restaurant.
This special one-on-one time with my son is one of the highlights of my week. We enjoy a great breakfast and talk about many things: the weather, work, church, the Bible, politics, sports, and his upcoming wedding. No matter what we talk about, just the fact that he wants to spend time with me warms my heart.
The Bible tells us that we should also spend time with God, our Heavenly Father. In Matthew 6:6 Jesus said, “When you pray.” Jesus did not say, “If you pray.” The Bible describes several instances when Jesus went away to spend time with his Father in prayer. As children of God, we should do the same.
Part of the reason I enjoy my weekly meal with my son is that I can rely on our weekly schedule. I wonder if God appreciates us setting aside a regular time each day for prayer? Perhaps God looks forward with excitement to special time with us in the same way I look forward with excitement to my time with my son.
's Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, teach us the importance of spending private time in prayer with you. Help us to plan a time each day to pray and study your word. Amen.
Don't forget to invite someone to worship with us at 10 or to brunch at 11:30 or better yet, both! Who ya bringin'?
Good Morning Thankful Friends of God! Amen! is the day the Lord has made and we get to rejoice, be glad in it, worship and shine! What a great day it's going to be to shine! Take some time abiding in worship and then get outside and shine! God has great plans for you His custom made, very loved creation. He made you and placed you here for such a time as this. Shine! Do you realize how much you are loved, helped and cared for? Do you believe in yourself and your God-given mission? You should! (Check out The Word for You below) He made you for such a time as this for His plans for you. He placed you where you are for His purposes. He gifted you to build His Body (That's St. Matts) and to do your custom made part in His Good News Delivery Company. He knows you, calls you by name and goes before you with favor. Are you seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness, preparing, praying up and ready to follow to His good plans for you or someone He has for you ? Go! Live and love and make disciples like Jesus. And rejoice! He has qualified you, forgiven you, believes in you, gifted and activated you and is making a way for you to follow yoked to Jesus. Yes, rejoice and be glad in this day and for the great plans He has for you! Shine! And be blessed as you bless. Jesus loves you as you are and will use you as you are if you allow. he will shine through you! Will you invite Him to do so? He's waiting your asking and willing heart and ready to move feet. SHINE!
We received word that Mike Canfield's dad passed peacefully in the presence of loving family. Keep the Canfields in your prayers .
Hi! What a night ! And that led to sleeping past 8 . Thank God is my day off! But I still feel behind the 8-ball at 10am.
So our evening began with the invasion of 4 huge hogs in our yard. Still haven't found whose they are. We think they are sheltering in the woods behind our house. They destroyed Karen's veggie garden and broke our gutter and spouting plus some other destruction around us. Went to bed with them still feasting, Then the storms hit and our dog Archie needed com forting until after midnight. Add to that the taking of Nyquil before bed. Hence the sleeping until 8. It's now 10 and time to get to the day at hand prayed up, armored up and ready for battle and service in the Lord.
So have you had your quiet time? Have you turned the chaos to praise ? Where's your focus? You know, Satan, like the pigs and the hog that he is, comes to steal, kill and destroy. Will you let him? Of will you abide, load up, turn off the nose and cast anxiety to God who cares and hears and is faithful to provide and guide to His best. Think about all Job endured. The Lord gives and takes away. Praise the Lord. That's the right attitude as we assess the damage and move on to God's plans for the day. BUT GOD! What's you "BUT GOD" declaration ? Worship. Hand off the stress aND TRIALS AS YOU TURN OFF THE NOISE AND REFOCUS WITH PRAISE AND WORSHIP . Turn off the noise, abide in worship, armor up and go about His business for the day. I'm praying for you! God is with you. Who or what can be against us that God is not victorious over? Nothing and no one! Amen So refocus, cast all trouble to God, receive His peace and provision for the day and continue to be about Him and His business as you go live and love like Jesus . be blessed as you bless and revived as you revive. PTL! Be still and know! He is God Almighty and He is with you! Amen! Shalom!
This is the day the Lord has made and we get to rejoice and be glad in it! Choose joy --always. Abide. Refresh. And go live and love as you are blessed and created to do in Christ. Spend some time with Jesus and ask Him to use you as you travel through this day to encourage, build up and help. Ask to be like Him, even in praying and then choose to be all in. Turn off the noise. Abide and prepare to thrive. And don't forget the thanksgivings along the way. Shalom!
Ask God who you should invite to either or both days and do it. We gather like the first church found in Acts 2:42 and as they did, ask God to do for us--grow our numbers daily as we gather, study, eat, fellowship and pray. AMEN! Please Lord! Use us and help us connect to those you are wanting us to invite or minister to. Thanks! Amen!
Good Morning Pray-ers! This month has been focused on learning to pray and I haven't sensed God letting up on answering our prayers for Him to teach us to pray. Seems everywhere I turn I am reading or studying something about prayer. How about you? Is God speaking to your heart about praying? Is He teaching you to pray? Is He informing your prayers? Are we praying like the early church? We get to practice that now with this blog, at Bread Ministry, and at Dinner Huddle where we continue our study of the Chambers book looking at days 16-20 and practicing different prayer disciplines. God loves us and wants to hang with us and hear the desires of our hearts as we abide and pray. Thank God for that and draw near and he will draw near to you .
Check out Our Daily Bread's teaching on being consistent pray-ers. Would you disregard government mandates to not pray or worship. Would you boldly swing open your shutters like Daniel and allow others to see you pray? Are others experiencing your prayers for them? Are you joining with others to pray? You know praying is for all of us, not just the pastor or select leaders. Someone asked me to pray over the bread volunteers before we begin to serve. You know if God gives you an idea to pray, just do it. He hears you as much as He hears me and He will use you too and bless you as you follow His nudges. And that flows into the Upper Room devo reminding us the need to encourage the encouragers. That may mean praying for the pray-ers with them. Or learning to bless, serve, pray and love like Jesus. You can do it and God sent His Spirit to you to help. It's an encouragement to me when I see you guys serving and praying and loving. God only expects you top try, not to be an expert. So He is saying to you and us --draw close, pray always, and trust me to teach and use you as you are. He is calling you by name to come dwell in His love, abide, receive and then allowing Him to use you, pray through you and love through you. Try it! Open the shutters of your heart and allow others to see you pray and experience your loving service and don't forget to invite them to come join us this week as we fellowship, feast, study, pray and serve. I'm praying for you to experience His loving help in new ways . Shalom!
ODB:
Power of Consistent Prayer
Three times a day [Daniel] got down on his knees, and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10 Daniel 6:3-7, 9-11
Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington encouraged a group of young actors to begin each day with prayer, suggesting they “put your shoes way under the bed at night” to ensure they “gotta get on your knees in the morning.”
Developing a regular habit of prayer might take some thoughtful and even creative planning, but it’s a practice that has sustained God’s people throughout history—especially in difficult times. We see this in the life of Daniel, who served in King Darius’ administration. He quickly distinguished himself as the top government advisor, which angered local officials (Daniel 6:3). Out of jealousy they plotted to oust the prophet, but quickly realized the only charge that would stick was related to Daniel’s devotion to the “the law of his God” (v. 5). Even after the officials tricked the king into making it illegal for Daniel to pray, Daniel still “got down on his knees, and prayed . . . just as he had done before” (v. 10).
A consistent prayer life was essential for Daniel to experience God’s sustaining strength and peace (Psalm 29:11). It helped him to triumph over the forces seeking to destroy him. In the same way, establishing a regular time to meet with God in prayer and making it a daily priority can help cultivate our relationship with Him. During each difficulty we face, it’s His strength that will sustain us.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
How has a regular pattern of prayer sustained you in difficulty? What example of prayer in the Bible encourages you?
Loving Father, please give me Your strength and mercy each morning.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Luke’s gospel includes snapshots of Jesus’ prayer life. As the news of His ministry spread, He “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (5:16). Prior to the selection of the twelve apostles, He “went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (6:12). And as was the case with Daniel, prayer was a prelude to a severe trial (Daniel 6:6-10). Before Christ faced the cross, He agonized in prayer in Gethsemane (see Luke 22:39-46). Being faithful in prayer cultivates our relationship with God, strengthens our soul, and helps us to be at peace during trials.
Arthur Jackson
UR: Encourage the Encouragers
Encourage one another and build each other up. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
When I arrived at church, Joyce was already there. She had made coffee for school and had probably cleaned up the classroom, knowing her. Now she was walking around the sanctuary, greeting people with a constant smile on her face. I noticed that she made sure to speak with the elderly. She gave a hug to a woman in a wheelchair and to another woman with a walker. As church began, she slipped into the pew in front of me and turned to give me a hug and a smile.
After church, I asked her how she was doing. She hesitated a moment and then said, “Fine.” I asked again, “How are you really doing?” Dropping her smile, Joyce confessed that she was struggling. She felt lonely. She wondered if she really belonged in this church. Her words surprised me. She always seemed so upbeat. I had no idea she was hurting. I promised to pray for her and vowed silently to check on her regularly.
We all love the encouragers among us and appreciate the love they shower upon us. But do we consider that they also need encouragement? We can reach out not only to visitors and those who appear lonely but also to those who are so quick to reach out to us. They may need a listening ear and a sympathetic heart.
's Prayer
Dear God, help us to remember those who have encouraged us, and show us ways to encourage them. Amen.
Good Morning. Was going to skip blog...BUT GOD! He will redeem my time and speak to our hearts if we invite Him to as we still ourselves, empty ourselves and seek his face for a spell. Come Lord Jesus! Speak! Amen! Help me be still, repent and know that You are God and You love me always!
Too many things lined up as God spoke to my heart, even in my hurriedness. My prayer huddle was an awesome reminder of God's patient, forgiving, helping love. And a reminder that I have work to do yet as a sinner saved by grace. That is be still, repent, and know. That requires turning off the noise and focusing on God. If you have the book we did day 5, Contemplative Prayer. Stop. Turn off the noise for a few minutes and abide. he is waiting! Come and know Me and my love is the invitation. And as we do, we begin to be transformed and eventually thrive. Yes be still and abide. God's waiting to whisper to your soul and redirect you.
All our devotionals below and harvest prayer link tie to this thinking. Contemplate and receive God's coreecting, patient, forging, helping love . Come aside and abide for a few and be refreshed in His love. I'm praying for you and me to choose that ! Be still and know! DO THIS !
Michael couldn’t help laughing as Grace hid behind a menu. They were playing a game of hide-and-seek at the table in a café while waiting for the food. The five-year-old thought that if she couldn’t see her father, then he couldn’t see her. It seemed silly at the time, but as Michael reflected on the situation later, he realized it contained an important lesson: Do we believe we can hide our sins from God? Do we think that if we can’t see Him, then He can’t see us?
In Amos 9, this same point is made when God, speaking through the prophet, warns Israel not to think they can escape judgment for their sins: “Though they hide themselves . . . I will hunt them down.” He said, “I will keep my eye on them” (vv. 3-4). Nothing escapes the eyes of the all-seeing, all-knowing God.
But the warning also came with a message of hope. In verses 11-15, God promises restoration: “I will restore David’s fallen shelter—I will repair its broken walls” (v. 11). After suffering the consequences of their sin, God’s people would be restored and given bountiful blessings (vv. 13-15).
Just as God sees our failings, He also sees our repentance, and He’s ready to forgive and restore. As we draw comfort from this truth, let’s hold on tightly to our holy and righteous God, who is full of mercy and grace.
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
What sins are you struggling with? How will you respond to God's readiness to restore?
All-knowing God, nothing I do, think, say, or feel is hidden from You. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, for my hope is in You alone.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
We frequently encounter the metaphor of God’s “eyes” in Scripture, symbolism that speaks of His attentiveness to us. Before the Israelites entered the promised land, Yahweh told them: “If you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God . . . you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 4:25-26). Centuries passed, and the people indeed became corrupt. God responded, “I will keep my eye on them for harm and not for good” (Amos 9:4). However, this “harm” (His discipline) ultimately was for their good. Although Yahweh said, “The eyes of the Sovereign Lord are on the sinful kingdom,” He also said, “I will not totally destroy the descendants of Jacob” (v. 8). God’s correction is for our benefit and intended to bring about our repentance. He’s quick to forgive and restore us.
For further study, read Taking Sin Seriously.
Tim Gustafson
UR: Following the Light
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 (NIV)
“Dad!” my daughter called out. “There’s something making noise in the fireplace!”
I went into the living room to investigate the fluttering sound emanating from inside the chimney. A bird must have decided to explore. I thought that if it found its way in, it would surely find its way out. But after a while, I realized that it was not going to get out on its own.
An online article suggested propping up a flashlight outside the fireplace opening for the bird to follow the light down the chimney. I put a flashlight in place and to my amazement a bird appeared after just a couple of minutes. We propped open the front door of the house and managed to guide the bird outside. I watched it spread its wings and soar up into the trees to freedom.
Jesus told the people of Judea that he was the light of the world and whoever follows him will never walk in darkness but will have life. Like the bird that followed the light out of the darkness of the chimney, so too can we follow the light of Jesus to new life.
's Prayer
Loving Savior, thank you for being the light that leads us into understanding, hope, and new life. Amen.
Connection Prayer (Great place to start as yuou move to stillness before the Lord and emptying yourself!
Prayer Points
Praise God that he sweeps away your offenses like the morning mist (Isa. 44:22).
Give thanks that God is not unjust and will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you help others (Heb. 6:10).
Confess to him those secret things you do which you know are wrong but just haven’t been able to confess (Ps. 44:21).
Commit yourself to building others up with encouragement and ridding yourself of bitterness and anger, forgiving others as God in Christ forgives you (Eph. 4:29-32).
Ask God to help you be an imitator of him, living a life of love (Eph. 5:1).
Pray that God will give you his strength to “right some wrong” that you have committed against a family member or friend.
This week: 10-12 Bread Ministry/ 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle and study
Sarah Update from below
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Good Morning Choosing Persevering Faith and Persistent Praying, Followers of God Almighty! He is our Lord, Helper, Deliverer, Prayer Hearing and always with us Friend! Amen! Choose trust, standing firm in faith and joy always! Yes, release burdens and anxieties and choose joy. He loves that and you will too! Help us Lord! As for me and God's House called, St. Matts, we choose God and His good ways and to stand firm in faith and worship. Amen!
we looked at Habakkuk and discussed his complaining about the state of the nation to God and then about God's promised coming correction and about God's answers, which are not always what we want to hear. We were left to examine the book and challenged to pray through chapter 3, Habakkuk's praise song despite the coming wrath. We also discussed how this book can be applied to us and our nation . Are you complaining, anxious, worried and fearful. Give all that to God as you trust He is with you and that His plans are just and right and perfect and on time. He hears the prayers of His righteous followers and promises there will always be a remnant of faithful followers. (That's us, Lord willing!)
We've been studying prayer practices as outlined by the Chambers in their book "Spiritual Missionality" Try some! we will discuss days 16-20. I love day 20's practice--breath prayers or centering prayers. I's the practice of whispering a word or phrase to God throughout the day. Thoughts and prayers lifted in faith to recenter us and move us back to focus on God. I like words and phrases like, "Peace", "God is enough", God is with me", maybe even the reminder that He is "Trustworthy"? Try that throughout the day to refocus and release anxiety as you choose trust and joy always. Whatever prayer disciplines you use and practice, that can lead us to refocusing on God and persevering in faith. We know times are troubling in this nation and we know things will get much worse as we approach the return of Jesus. Practicing praying and staying focused on and connected to God will be critical for our ability to stand firm in faith and to persevere with Him. So, why not start with some worship, breath prayers and growing trust?
There really could be a thread through our devotionals tying to all of this. The Upper Room reminds us of the Martha-like busyness and distractions we face , especially as the enemy tries to keep us distracted, overly busy and anxious. "Martha, Martha", Jesus said, "CHILL and come hang with Me!" Our Daily Bread reminds us that God is always fighting for us and we fight battles in the physical and spiritual world from our knees. (Again, practice praying as warriors). And the Word for You reminds us that we can thrive (as we should and do already) in enemy territory. We are citizens of God's Kingdom placed in enemy territory for such a time as this! Be bold and courageous! Cast all anxiety unto God.! Be still and know! Stand firm and go live and love and overcome like Jesus! He is with you always! Yes, rejoice and choose persevering faith as you abide in Him who already won the victory! Amen! Know and follow His shalom! Be bold and courageous, humble and available as you stand firm ! Amen!
UR: Making Choices
Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her. - Luke 10:42 (NRSVUE)
I work at a nursery school, and one day the other teachers and I acted out the story of Mary and Martha. While reading this scene to write a script, the words Mary has chosen echoed in my heart. A deep feeling of familiarity welled up within me. Mary had made a difficult choice. She was likely aware that she should have been helping her sister prepare the meal for their guest. According to traditional roles, it was unreasonable for her to remain where she was. Perhaps she knew she would be criticized by others. But in the end, she chose to be near Jesus.
Martha, who was striving in her own way to please Jesus, no doubt also wanted to be near him. But she felt responsible for showing hospitality. Of the two sisters, the one who had peace in her heart was Mary.
Every day our lives involve making choices about insignificant things and important matters. But as Christians, our choices must not be based on pride, social standing, or how we will be seen by others. Instead, we must choose to be with Jesus, for this is the path to abundant living.
's Prayer
Lord Jesus, whom we love, enable us to be in constant relationship with you even in the midst of our busy everyday lives. Amen.
ODB
Fighting for You
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 Exodus 14:10-18
Professional boxer Jim Braddock was known as someone who fought not for riches and fame but to put food on the table for his family. The movie Cinderella Man chronicles his fairytale-like comeback from a past-his-prime boxer to the world heavyweight champion. While facing extreme poverty during the Great Depression, Jim repeatedly sacrificed his own resources, health, and pride to provide for his children. He was never intimidated by an opponent and courageously endured pummeling in the ring to keep his family safe.
Jim’s legacy is one of passionate defense of his family. We, too, have a passionate defender who has promised to take our place in the ring. When the Israelites faced Pharaoh’s mighty army after their escape from slavery in Egypt, they were terrified and cried out to God. “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” they foolishly said (Exodus 14:12). But Moses replied in faith, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (v. 14). And without any action from the Israelites, their enemies were literally swept away by the sea as God supernaturally ended the battle before it even began.
Sometimes it feels like we’re facing the trials of life or arrows from the enemy, Satan, on our own (see Psalm 91:5). But God’s with us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and He fights for us; we need only to be still.
By Karen Pimpo
REFLECT & PRAY
What battle are you tempted to fight on your own? What does it look like to “be still” as you trust God to fight for you?
Dear Jesus, I trust You as You fight for me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The theme of God as a divine warrior (see Exodus 14:14) spans the landscape of Scripture. Exodus 15 poetically depicts God at war with Pharaoh’s army, saying, “The Lord is a warrior” (v. 3). One Bible encyclopedia has this to say: “In the New Testament, the Divine Warrior theme is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the imagery shifts from physical battles to spiritual warfare, the essence of God as a warrior remains. In Revelation, Christ is depicted as the ultimate Divine Warrior who will defeat evil and establish His kingdom.” , when faced with temptation, we can rest in God, who fights for us.
Arthur Jackson
TWFYT
Sarah Update:
Good evening, church family!
Good day of worship and it was great to pray for our kids and youth that are headed off to school . And the kids helped Pastor Don pray
over our church family also......
Here is a listing of the kids to help you remember them throughout their school year:
Our Students
Caleb Hafer – Pre Counts 4 yr.old class at LVCC South Mountain Center
Maisie Grim – Pre-K 2 class at Brookside Children’s Early Education Center
Hailey Lichtenwalner – 4th Grade at Shoemaker Elementary
Bethany Rohrer – 9th Grade at Emmaus High School
Baylee Rohrer – 9th Grade at Emmaus High School
Brooke Laise – 12th Grade at Pottstown High School, taking classes at Montgomery County Community College
Arianna Sosa – 12th Grade – Virtual Charter school
Richard Paul - 2nd year at Lehigh University
Brayden Paul - 12th grade - Faith Academy
Here are some new shirts designs that are available to purchase. The shirts are of a good quality material and the cost is $10.00 each. These are screen printed so they should
not fade. The shirts are unisex, up to 3x, any color however nothing dark, since the print is black. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt, there is a sign up sheet
at the church. If you have any questions, Gail Lichtenwalner is heading up this project.
Here is a recap from 's prayer and praise time:
Pastor Don Wert is back in the hospital. Rita fell and broke two bones in her left room. She will have surgery to repair those bones on
Twin Pines is having a Labor Day Family Weekend. This is something new they are trying. Please keep the campers and this new venture in your prayers
Millie Flexer requested prayer for Chris D, he has experienced a nervous break down. Praying for God's peace to surround him
Kathy Canfield's brother, Jim has stage 4 lung cancer for the past 15 years. They are trying a new treatment and the family is feeling hopeful.
please pray for Jim and family and this new treatment.
Dean Marks praised God for the evening gathering.....the meal time and the study/prayer time have been really good over the past
few weeks. He thanks Pastor Don and others that help to make this possible.
Darlene Geiger's husband, Jim has hearing aids but is having a difficult time wearing them. Pray that he understands that it would make conversations
in the home alot easier. *** UPDATE: Darlene texted me this afternoon and said "Jim put his hearing aids in and says he is going to try them for awhile.
PTL." YAY GOD!!!!
Josie is asking for prayer for her friend Linda, she has AFIB and is looking into treatment
Mike Canfield is praising God that his dad is home from hospital and doing better. He is becoming more acquainted with his new surroundings.
They are doing palliative care for his dad.
Mike Laise is asking for prayer for a co-worker's (Religh) sister who is going with IBF.
It was sooo awesome to hear all the encouraging praises , and hear how God is working among us and answering our prayers. That is so
encouraging.....and also knowing that we can help support our church family by praying for those that are on their hearts.
Come and worship Christ the King! Join us at 10 in person or on Zoom. Bring someone along. is the blessing of the kids as they head back to school.
Good Morning! Prepare your hearts for worship and to enter His gates with praise; His courts with . Ask God to lead us to worship in Spirit and Truth . We continue our theme of studying praying and asking God to teach us to pray. We will look at the book of Habakkuk . He complains to God. Did you ever do that? We can be grumblers at times. God doesn't like grumbling. Yet we see Psalm writers often complaining too. And like Habakkuk, they turn that to praise to our ever-present, all-knowing, all-powerful King. He has a perfect plan and as we learn to come to Him humbly and offer our concerns, He hears, comforts answers and leads us to praise and glorify Him too. To God be the glory! Trust and worship and then go live and love and pray like Jesus. Amen!
Thank God I'm Forgiven! Amen! Tell God about what makes you thankful about your salvation, redemption and new life in Christ and worship!
Good Morning Faithful Servants of the Lord! Amen! I think in some way or another all of us are faithful servants and that is the desire of the heart of those reading this. Thanks Lord! Help us all want to and pursue being Your faithful servants. Amen! I am focusing on Our Daily Bread Devotional (below) . God grabbed my heart as I abided in Him and spent some time with the associated Scripture from 2 Tim. 4:1-8 (below). Paul wrote to Timothy as his student, protege, and friend. He warned Timmy to stand firm and be the servant he was created and trained to be. Don't we all desire to get to heaven and hear, "Well done good and faithful servant"? How will that happen? By being faithful servants and doing what we are created and gifted to do for such a time as this. Do you know your calling and why God gifted you as He did and placed you where you are? You can as you abide, seek His will and way and do what He made you to do. if you aren't sure of your gifts or calling, sometimes you just have to try different things until you find your sweet spot in Christ and then continue with Him to His best for you. maybe your service involves actually serving others, maybe praying, maybe teaching, maybe giving? There are many ways to serve and we are all created and gifted according to our faith and God-given abilities. he has a custom plan just for you and for us as His gathered Body. Seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and He will give you all you need for His plans for you . Stay focused and grounded in His Word and the Living Word, Jesus. And it is very helpful to find some accountability teammates to seek, pray, plan and go together with. OBD asks this critical question: "How much heart are you putting into your everyday tasks?" Well? Process that with God as you invite Him to examine your heart and process with your accountability partners and make some adjustments as needed. God does have great plans for you to discover and step into. DO IT! And know you are blessing Him and others and will be blessed back too. Amen!
This Scripture always confronts me and my heart and following issues. Am I seek, hearing and doing what God has for me as a pastor. Am I completing and running my race well? Help me Lord! Have Your way with me! Help me to discharge my duties as Your servant and shepherd. Come fill be and lead me and purify me to serve and lead. May I run and complete my race well and glorify you and bless those you are sending me to and everyday. May I preach the Word and always be ready to share Your heart. Grant Your Word and wisdom as needed. Help me to correct with love and wisdom and discernment. Help me to always encourage and build up in You and Your good ways. Help me to endure, keep my head always, do the work of an evangelist and fulfill my duties well. Help me to pour myself out and empty myself of me and filled with Your Spirit. Send and use me well. Cleanse and forgive. May You always be glorified and may I grow as you faithful servant. Thanks! Amen
2 Tm, 4:1-8
Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
Encouragement to Be Faithful
3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
ODB:
Faithfully Serving Others
Discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 2 Timothy 4:1-8
On a , in the church’s fellowship hall, sandwiches and watermelon slices were set out, waiting to be consumed by mourners sitting on metal folding chairs placed on stained carpet. It was a perfectly normal funeral, except for the preacher. He was a well-known speaker who has preached to stadiums full of thousands. Now he was speaking just as enthusiastically to this weekday gathering.
Paul told his protégé Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season . . . . discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2-5). All the duties. Not only the big ones performed on large stages with bright lights. Also ordinary, weekday duties. The speeches that won’t be recorded and broadcast for generations to come. The tasks that few will see. Do those well too.
Because someone is watching. Paul told Timothy he was serving “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead” (v. 1). Your platform may be small, but your audience could not be more important. Jesus waits expectantly for your service. Do it for Him, relying on the power of His Spirit. He will be honored as you humbly, faithfully minister to others.
By Mike Wittmer
REFLECT & PRAY
How much heart are you putting into your everyday tasks? How would God have you think about your ordinary jobs on this ordinary day?
Heavenly Father, may I serve You and others faithfully .
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
While encouraging Timothy to be faithful to his ministerial calling, Paul summarized his own service for Christ and what he looked forward to after he died: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). As the apostle anticipated his departure from labor to reward (v. 6), he was conscious of what really mattered in life. Each believer in Jesus has been given different tasks to do on this earth. With the Spirit’s help, we can strive to do them faithfully. We all long to hear the voice of Christ, our Savior, say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).
Don't forget is a busy day at church being an Acts 2:42 church (They gathered, studied, prayed, ate together, fellowshipped and served the least of these--that is us! PTL!)
10-12 Bread Ministry with Weis products
6-7:30 dinner huddle with prayer study and family time
Good Morning, Praying, Loving, Accepting Disciples of Jesus! Amen! This salutation flows from our devotionals as God threaded them together for me to share with you. Really contemplate and meditate on these, the associated Scriptures, and listen as you abide. Be still and know, receive, prepare and go fulfill your purposes for . God has great fruit-bearing plans for you and he is speaking as you pray, focus and join Him. What's He have for you /this week? What will you do about that? Join Him and your team to go live, love, pray, serve and make disciples like Jesus, I hope!
Begin with the Upper Room and Psalm 66:20, "Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love for me." Wow! Do you believe this? Have you experienced it. Be still and know and be refreshed in His love! PTL! Yes rejoice too! Give it all to God. Turn your sorrow to praise and abide in His love! We next encounter God speaking through The Word for You devo about being careful who we listen to. All kinds of voices and noise are clamoring to drown out God's still small voice and his Truth. What are you listening to? Who has your ear? Is it God and Truth or fools and lies? Turn off the noise and abide in Truth and Love with the Living Word and fill up with His Living Water! God is for us! Anything not of Him will sound like rubbish to the trained Christian ear. Remain steadfast in God and His purposes for you and don't let Satan or others sidetrack you. And then we come to Our Daily Bread. Love as God loves. What's that look like? Find joy in all those He is drawing and those whose hearts he has. Turn off the noise, falsehood and annoyances and focus on God's best. Listen to what he is teaching you and apply it to your life and help us as His Church to walk in His good ways. Live, love, teach, pray, lead and make disciples as we love them like Him. Love! Peace! Joy! That is life in Christ worth focusing on. Try it and team up to process and hold accountable and pray and even go together! God has great plans awaiting! Choose them! Obey the voice of reason and Truth and go bring streams of Living Water to a dry and thirsty land right outside your door. I'm praying for you and us and for His Kingdom to come and will to be done. Amen!
UR: The Prayer Tree
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! - Psalm 66:20 (NIV)
I was visiting a friend in a small village in Central Java. One rainy afternoon, my friend led me along muddy paths, dodging puddles, to an enormous banyan tree near a modest wooden chapel. Beneath the tree, a group of villagers in a circle, their voices rising and falling in prayer. My friend told me the local people gather here at The Prayer Tree to share their struggles and joys and to listen for God’s guidance. I watched as an elderly woman held up a basket filled with rice stalks. “We prayed for rain, and God answered. My crops are saved.” The group responded with soft amens. It struck me how ordinary her story was. Yet, in her voice, I felt the weight of her gratitude.
Later, as I under the tree’s sprawling branches, I thought about my own prayers. I rarely stopped to truly listen, to connect my daily life with God’s whispers. Watching the villagers, I realized prayer isn’t just about asking — it is about being still enough to hear God’s answers in unexpected ways.
As I prepare for the week ahead, I’m reminded of the woman’s basket of rice. Her story inspired me. , I encourage us all to pause, to bring fears, hopes, and gratitude to God, and to listen for God’s word.
's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for hearing our prayers. Help us to recognize your presence in our daily lives and to receive your answers to our prayers with gratitude.
TWFYT:
ODB:
Loving Children as God Does
The kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14
All summer long, the children in the house behind ours spend hours swinging on their swing set. Their noisy swing set. Its creaky noise doesn’t bother the children who seem, some days, to swing endlessly. Complaining, I asked my husband why their parents don’t oil the swing. Praying about it, however, I noticed a change in my heart. I could see the children’s laughter and joy bursting from the trust they find in their family’s yard, and in having parents within calling distance nearby.
Jesus spoke of such trust when speaking of children. People were bringing their children to Jesus so He could bless them, but His annoyed disciples scolded the parents, rebuking them (Mark 10:13).
Seeing this, Christ “was indignant” (v. 14). “Let the little children come to me,” He told them, “and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” He added, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (vv. 14-15).
He’d already taught His disciples this when they’d argued who among them was greatest. Taking a child in His arms, on another occasion, Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me” (9:37). Demonstrating the same idea, “He took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them” (10:16). What beautiful reminders to be childlike in our trust in Jesus.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
What do you enjoy about the joy of children? How can you learn to love those who annoy you at times?
Please grow my love for others, ever-present and loving God.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The scene from ’s Scripture passage (Mark 10:13-16) occurs not long after Jesus had made another comment about children. As Christ and the disciples were “[passing] through Galilee” (9:30), His disciples got into a quarrel about which of them was the greatest (vv. 33-34). Jesus knew what they’d been discussing, of course, but He didn’t preach a sermon against their sinful ambition. Instead, “He took a little child whom he placed among them” and said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me” (vv. 36-37). His object lesson about humility was obvious. That’s why it’s surprising when they “rebuked” people who were literally “bringing little children to Jesus” (10:13). They still hadn’t learned that “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (v. 14). As we express our childlike trust in Christ, we’ll want to welcome all who’re overlooked and undervalued.
Bread and Dinner Huddle day! Join us 10-12 and 6-7:30. Bring a friend or three!
Good Morning Mana! Did you ever think of yourself as mana? What's mana? God's provision to the Israelites in the wilderness which they gathered and turned to bread daily. Jesus is our Mana that has come down from heaven and the Bread of Life that sustains us! He is God's provision for us. PTL! Do you seek and feed on Him daily? Man does not live by bread alone but by every Word of God and Jesus is our Living Word! Feed. Taste and see how good and sweet He is. Share Him with some friends (even enemies) . Think about and pray for our bread ministry as we allow God to provide life and sustenance through us. Pray many would be drawn to the Bread of Life through our love and care. Pray we would be like mana--God's provision for those He loves. Pray we would also be like His Living Water, refreshing, blessing and then leading others to Him. Pray for dinner huddle . Pray that we not only feed those who come but that they would be open to receive the Bread of Life. Ask God to teach us and visitors to draw close and pray. Ask for His Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around you and us. Pray for God to revive us and our neighborhoods. Thank Him for all He is and all He is doing. He has great plans for you and us and some who are yet to come. Pray for revival! Thank God for all His provisions, bread, food, finances and people that make possible. Pray for His heart and mind to go live and love like Jesus. Amen! I'm praying for you and praising God for you and all these things! Remember, seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and He will provide all we need. Start there and Bathe this day in prayer and God in praise! Amen!
Bread and Dinner Huddle day! Join us 10-12 and 6-7:30. Bring a friend or three!
Good Morning Mana! Did you ever think of yourself as mana? What's mana? God's provision to the Israelites in the wilderness which they gathered and turned to bread daily. Jesus is our Mana that has come down from heaven and the Bread of Life that sustains us! He is God's provision for us. PTL! Do you seek and feed on Him daily? Man does not live by bread alone but by every Word of God and Jesus is our Living Word! Feed. Taste and see how good and sweet He is. Share Him with some friends (even enemies) . Think about and pray for our bread ministry as we allow God to provide life and sustenance through us. Pray many would be drawn to the Bread of Life through our love and care. Pray we would be like mana--God's provision for those He loves. Pray we would also be like His Living Water, refreshing, blessing and then leading others to Him. Pray for dinner huddle . Pray that we not only feed those who come but that they would be open to receive the Bread of Life. Ask God to teach us and visitors to draw close and pray. Ask for His Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around you and us. Pray for God to revive us and our neighborhoods. Thank Him for all He is and all He is doing. He has great plans for you and us and some who are yet to come. Pray for revival! Thank God for all His provisions, bread, food, finances and people that make possible. Pray for His heart and mind to go live and love like Jesus. Amen! I'm praying for you and praising God for you and all these things! Remember, seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and He will provide all we need. Start there and Bathe this day in prayer and God in praise! Amen!
Bread and Dinner Huddle day! Join us 10-12 and 6-7:30. Bring a friend or three!
Good Morning Mana! Did you ever think of yourself as mana? What's mana? God's provision to the Israelites in the wilderness which they gathered and turned to bread daily. Jesus is our Mana that has come down from heaven and the Bread of Life that sustains us! He is God's provision for us. PTL! Do you seek and feed on Him daily? Man does not live by bread alone but by every Word of God and Jesus is our Living Word! Feed. Taste and see how good and sweet He is. Share Him with some friends (even enemies) . Think about and pray for our bread ministry as we allow God to provide life and sustenance through us. Pray many would be drawn to the Bread of Life through our love and care. Pray we would be like mana--God's provision for those He loves. Pray we would also be like His Living Water, refreshing, blessing and then leading others to Him. Pray for dinner huddle . Pray that we not only feed those who come but that they would be open to receive the Bread of Life. Ask God to teach us and visitors to draw close and pray. Ask for His Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around you and us. Pray for God to revive us and our neighborhoods. Thank Him for all He is and all He is doing. He has great plans for you and us and some who are yet to come. Pray for revival! Thank God for all His provisions, bread, food, finances and people that make possible. Pray for His heart and mind to go live and love like Jesus. Amen! I'm praying for you and praising God for you and all these things! Remember, seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and He will provide all we need. Start there and Bathe this day in prayer and God in praise! Amen!
Thank you all who made or . a great day of service, love, fellowship and prayer. Many were served and loved on and some even ate, studied and prayed together. God is good! PTL!
Good Morning Salt and Light! Amen! I am asking you to just meditate on Our Daily Bread (which is not available yet as it's 2 am) and the associated passage from Matthew 5:13-16 below. ODB asks "How are you at revealing the Light of Christ?" and "How can you brighten someone's day?" Talk to God about those, Fill up and recharge your batteries and go out and shine bright . We need to drive back the darkness by being the light. How might God have for you to do that ? DO IT!!! This little light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine! ODB ends with this prayer. Make this your prayer and mission , little lights!
"Heavenly Father, please help me shine Your love and light to others ." Amen! Go live and love like Jesus! I've already prayed for you to do so! Shine baby! Shine!
Matt 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Good Morning Team! I found myself all over with the Lord . Traveling down different trails of prayer and study. I'd say none were rabbit trails either as I was focused and abiding as He led me. So maybe you are there with our devotionals or with your Bible reading. Where is God leading you as you listen to His still small voice? How is He informing your prayers? Talk to Him and ask Him to lead you, inform your prayers and direct your steps . Dedicate this week to Him and His Kingdom come and will to be done in, through and around you. Then go live, love, and pray like Jesus. I'm praying for you. God has plans for you--good plans. Seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and be determined to follow His lead. Never know where it might lead but it will lead to what He has planned and created you for. Amen!
I was really wrestling with Our Daily Bread and God . LIES! Propaganda. Deception. Doubt. Fear. These are not things of God. They are oft used tools of the enemy and they are being deployed by his minions and God=haters all around us. If we are not careful to seek and listen to truth, turn off the noise and focus on God and His good plans, we will be in deep doo-doo. Turn off the noise and focus on Jesus because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life! We are seeking life to the fullest. We will not find it without Jesus and His ways! So, turn off the noise. Open your Bibles. And follow Jesus. That's where the good and abundant fruit awaits! Amen!
Part of ODB is the reading from Col. 3:9-15 below. Meditate on that as you still your self, listen, abide, receive and prepare to pray and follow Jesus. That is the way to true and lasting life! Amen! Choose that! Trust God. Choose joy and faith and keep lifting ! Turn off the lies, deception and propaganda! Abide in the Spirit of Truth and seek His good plans. They will lead to life! Amen
Col. 3:9-15
9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,[a] circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized,[b] slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
ODB:
Plague of Lies
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices. Colossians 3:9
“What a cruel act to be untruthful,” Daniel Ladinsky once wrote in a poem that contrasts relationships built on trust with those damaged by lies. Inspired by German theologian and monk Meister Eckhart, he described truthful, loving words as “wonderful spices mixed into the days.” But lies are like earthquakes in the mind and poison to the soul: “Havoc is created in the mind that can no longer trust someone once loved . . . . a plague is spread by one who cannot tell the truth.”
The imagery of a plague spread by falsehoods might seem stark. But to take speech seriously resonates with how our words and their impact are described throughout Scripture. When Paul explains to new believers the difference between life before and after their union with Jesus, words take center stage. “Do not lie to each other,” the apostle emphasizes, “since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self” (Colossians 3:9-10).
There are many reasons to be tempted to lie or distort the truth. Sometimes we might think it’s the best way to protect ourselves or others. But through Christ’s love, through His Spirit at work in our hearts, we learn a different way—one transformed by “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (3:12). And we learn how forgiveness and love can create the kind of trust and peace that brings rest to our souls (v. 15).
By Monica La Rose
REFLECT & PRAY
How have you seen damage caused by a lie? How does forgiveness and love help you live with honesty?
Loving Savior, please help me bless others with words that can be trusted.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul instructed believers in Jesus to live a faithful and fruitful “life worthy of the Lord and [to] please him in every way” (Colossians 1:10). Using a metaphor of replacing old clothes with new, he commands us to “put to death” our worldly, sinful habits (3:5-9) and adorn Christlike virtues (vv. 10-15). Paul singled out the importance of not engaging in harmful speech—“slander,” “filthy language,” and “lie[s]” (vv. 8-9). Truthfulness is essential for believers, for Christ is “the truth” (John 14:6). Elaborating in another letter, the apostle tells us to “stop telling lies [and] tell our neighbors the truth . . . . Let everything [we] say be good and helpful, so that [our] words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:25, 29 nlt). When we “[speak] the truth in love” (v. 15), we bless others. And we’ll “[grow] in every way more and more like Christ” (v. 15 nlt).
Good Afternoon...well would be like afternoon if I got up at 3, but God allowed me to go back to bed and sleep in. PTL! Now I feel like I'm running late when actually I am running on our Shepherds time! Amen!
TGIF Thank God I'm forgiven! Man there is so much to be thankful about that! I was reminded on my daily Scripture calendar that being thankful is not a suggestion or a when-we-feel-like-it kind of thing. Be thankful always and be thankful in all things are commands. And starting with for our salvation, forgiveness, new life and gifts along with being thankful for all the facets of who God is should fill notebooks of prayer journals and redirect your thinking from mourning and grief and anger to praise. Try it!
Check out Our Daily Bread below and their reminder of the One worthy of all praise, all glory and all honor! And worship with much ! I spent several hours with this. You can start with 10-15 min and expand as the Spirit leads and great things of God, praiseworthy things, come to mind. Rejoice and be thankful as you draw near and abide in God's love.
When I got up Karen was reading Psalm 19 to me flowing out of her quiet time. She found Psalm 19 listed in ODB. A copy it below. It contains a phrase I often pray, "May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you O God!" Amen! Being thankful always and in all things leads to that heart and repentance and praise refocuses us to God and His love and good ways. Try it and know His peace, joy and love and receive the many blessings that flow from having a thankful heart! Yes, rejoice always! Amen! And TGIF!
Psalm 19
The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the .
5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
ODB:
One Worthy of Worship
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 Luke 23:44-49
One April afternoon, millions gathered along a mapped arc across Mexico and the United States to witness a rare total solar eclipse. Schools released children, small towns blossomed to receive travelers, and neighbors set up lawn chairs in driveways donning protective glasses to take in the wonder. As television crews documented the countdown to “totality,” the crowd grew silent except for one repeated phrase: “Oh my God!”
That struck me. I don’t know for certain why those observers chose that phrase in the moment, but I suspect that as mortals encountered the rare and the astonishing, they seemed to need Someone to acknowledge. Someone to thank. Someone to worship. When we look heavenward, our response is awe. As David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).
The gospel writer Luke reports Jesus’ last minutes on the cross. “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the stopped shining” (23:44-45). Matthew shares a response to this revelation: “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’ ” (Matthew 27:54). They couldn’t help but acknowledge God as the Someone worthy of worship.
In humble awe, I worship You—my God.
By Elisa Morgan
REFLECT & PRAY
Where have you seen God’s glory and found yourself awed? In what ways can you worship Him in all His awesomeness?
Dear God, You are holy. I worship You in awe!
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Luke 23:44-49, the events surrounding Jesus’ death reveal the worthiness of God. Christ’s final words where He entrusts His spirit to the Father (v. 46) show His complete obedience and trust, even in death. As darkness covered the land (v. 44) and “the curtain of the temple was torn in two” (v. 45), creation itself testified that something supernatural was unfolding. These signs moved the Roman centurion, a gentile and outsider, to proclaim Jesus’ innocence (v. 47). His response shows that genuine worship begins when the heart recognizes God’s power and holiness. The crowd, struck with remorse, departed in sorrow (v. 48), while “all those who knew him . . . stood at a distance, watching” (v. 49) as they witnessed the depth of God’s love displayed on the cross. His sacrifice there proved He was worthy of worship not only because of His power over creation but because of His self-giving love.
For further study, read The Thunder of Sinai: Exodus 20 and the Heart of God.
Good Morning Learning to Pray Friends! Amen! Teach us Lord! Thanks! Like any spiritual discipline, praying and learning to pray takes practice and intentionality. No two people are made the same and so all pray differently as well. Some are gifted by the spirit as intercessors, or warriors, or different functions in prayer. Even if not gifted we are all commanded to pray without ceasing. It takes practice to learn to pray. How's that going for you? we discussed 8 different ways to pray from the book Spiritual Missionality. we will discuss intercession an d actually practice interceding. Intercession is basically praying for another or a situation, church, nation, workplace, family, etc. If you have the book check out day 9 on intercessory prayer. And try practicing it or any of the other prayer disciplines that work well for you. We are being challenged and stretched as we learn to pray and with that comes many blessings and benefits as we release God's power on earth and in the heavenlies.
was another great . of ministry, intercession, and service. we practiced Acts 2:42 ministry. Part of that is praying. It takes practice to grow at the discipline of prayer. Don't sell yourself short. We all struggle and we all pray differently. And don't be like the guy that approached me after requesting not to ask him to pray. I am asking all who are there to pray out loud. There are no bad prayers or prayers. But you have to practice to grow comfortable praying with, for and before others. God just wants your surrendered heart, being still, conversing with Him and asking for what you need or desire. Seek first His Kingdom. Keep knocking and practicing and growing as a pray-er. All of importance in the Kingdom has been birthed, empowered and grown through prayer. We need to be a people of prayer! Will you join us and God? He's waiting to supply your hearts desires. Just ask!
Shalom shalom...may you know the perfect peace of abiding in Christ and sharing your heart with Him. He's waiting!
6-7:30 Dinner Huddle resume study of Missional Spirituality (Pizza/Ice Cream party too!)
Good Morning Redeemed, Made New, Friends of God! What love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, new life in Christ, and help we know as God's redeemed beloved children! God is so awesome and we are so blessed! Praise Him and abide in His love for a spell. Maybe spend some time with our devotionals below. We are forgiven, helped, gifted, and sent to live and love like Jesus! What's God have for you ? Who might you partner with to pray, prepare and go? You are sent! And you have a purpose in His Good News Delivery Company. Amen! Look for the thread thru the devos. God is speaking to you and us. We are made new for His plans to come alive in and through us. We are His agents of revival! GO! Live and love like Jesus!
before I started my quiet time, God put an old SWOT (Strength-weakness-opportunity-threats) analysis from March last year in my hands. Not a lot has changed since then. That got me wondering before the Lord, Have we atrophied, stalled,, slowed down, settled into the comfortable, or are we still thriving and moving forward as God's dynamic movement? What would your analysis be? What is God saying to you as you contemplate our church and how God is using us? Are we prospering as we grow His Kingdom or are we just muddling along with the familiar? Talk to God about that and let's pray, listen and respond together. Day Light is burning and we have a mission to complete. he is with us, placed us here and is sending us to transform society and those He is sending. So, what's your part? Who are your teammates? Let's roll, baby!
Strengths: Church full of loving, joyful people. All feel welcomed. We are givers. We are serving and helping others and doing what we can with what we've been given.
Weaknesses: Are we doing all God has for us? Are we seeking and following His lead? Could do more with more trained and willing leaders
Opportunities: night is growing and so is Bread Ministry. We are connecting to unchurched people and can connect some to God. There are many needs in our community
Threats: Lethargy, coasting along staying comfortable. People abusing our kindness. Non-biblical theologies come with new attendees. Burnout.
What's God saying to you? Who will you share that with to process, pray and prepare? He is sending us and brinmginmg in the harvest. Are we doing all we can with what He's blessed us with? Pray into all this and let's talk soon! I'm praying for you and for God to prosper us as He grows His Kingdom. Amen!
ODB:
Precious Parting Words
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:16-20
My friend José was in hospice care. He’d been alert and talkative during my prior visit but a week later was now frail and speechless. I with José and his family anyway, hoping my presence would mean something to them. At the end of what would be my final visit, I was the last one in the room with him. I finally stood and slowly headed to the door but stopped and turned around one last time to say, “Love you,” not expecting a response. There I saw José moving his lips. He was mouthing the words “love you” in return.
A person’s parting words can leave a lasting impression. As Jesus was getting ready to return to His Father in heaven after His sacrificial death and resurrection, He assured His disciples that all authority on heaven and earth belonged to Him (Matthew 28:18). And He left them with this lasting charge or Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (vv. 19-20). Christ also assured His followers that He would always be with them (v. 20).
Jesus’ parting words are for us too. May we embrace His call to tell others about Him so they can experience His love and forgiveness, live for Him, and enjoy eternal life with Him in heaven. His message is too good not to share with people of all nations.
By Nancy Gavilanes
REFLECT & PRAY
How do Jesus’ parting words touch you? Who can you share Him with ?
Dear Jesus, please help me to share Your good news with others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Matthew 28:16-20, which includes the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations,” is one of several texts with similar wording. Mark 16:15 says to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Luke 24:47 states that “repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” In John 20:21, Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
As soon as the Holy Spirit was sent on the Day of Pentecost (see Luke 24:49; Acts 2), these early believers in Christ immediately began obeying the Great Commission. , we’re invited to continue the mission of telling the good news to everyone everywhere.
Bill Crowder
UR: Leaving the Familiar
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds. - Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)
Before following Jesus, Peter was a fisherman; his whole life revolved around catching fish. That changed when Jesus gave him a new identity as a “fisher of men.” Yet, after three years of following Jesus — hearing his teachings, witnessing his crucifixion, and even seeing him resurrected — Peter was still unsure of his next steps. So Peter decided to return to what was familiar, saying, “I’m going out to fish” (Jn. 21:3).
Often when we feel confused or stuck, we retreat to what we know. Like Peter, when faced with uncertainty, we return to familiar waters, falling back into old habits or revisiting the places we previously frequented.
But rather than returning to the familiar, Jesus calls us to embark on new journeys, following the path he set before us. Ephesians 4:22 says to “put off your old self.” We are called to move beyond who we were before and live with purpose for the kingdom of God.
's Prayer
Faithful God, meet us in our weakness, for your grace makes us whole. Strengthen us against temptations and our old ways that still beckon us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Good Morning Praying Friends! Our cry to God is tt teach us to pray. Just like the disciples wanted Jesus to teach them, we ask God to do so for us. One of our requests is to become a House of Prayer for the Nations and that takes all kinds of prayers and pray-ers. There are watchmen on the wall sounding the alarm and calling to prayer and action. There are prayer warriors, battling the enemy from their knees. There are intercessors lifting others and situations to the Lord's presence. There are worshipers, praising God and bringing heaven to earth like the worshipers marching around Jericho. God wants us to pray and uses our prayers to influence his responses to people and circumstances. We all know we need to pray yet many shy away or forget to pray before responding or acting, only asking God to bless after they find themselves at the end of the rope. We know that anything of value in the Kingdom has been launched and sustained through earnest, persevering praying.
while huddling with a friend using the book we have, Missional Spirituality, we discussed home Satan loves to distract us from prayer and action. Satan be gone! That's often my plea. I know that often Satan distracts from things God really wants to use in my life. Often we have to cast that serpent aside and push through and then experience God's best and blessings. Such was the case and as we pushed through, God spoke and refired us and is leading us deeper into His presence and good ways. PTL! He wants to use the book and our surrendered and focused hearts and prayers. It's true that as we push through and draw close to God, He will and does draw close to us. Amen. So, armor up. head to the prayer closet before stepping out in faith and listen for His still small voice saying, "Go this way." Contemplate the Connection blog below relating to this and go live and love and pray like Jesus. Seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and he will lead us to all we need to produce good and lasting fruit while covering and protecting us from that evil one. Amen! Maybe partner up and cover each other too. God is with us and for us and has great plans to discover as we pray and step out armored up and in faith. Where's He leading you ? Go! Rejoice! And keep poersevering in prayer and service unto the Lord. Amen!
Connection Blog
- Persevering Prayer
There is a reason that Jesus taught us we must “pray at all times and not lose heart.” We have a great adversary that seeks to distract us from prayer, knowing it is our most powerful weapon. We are weak in our flesh and can easily give up. But we must “ask and keep on asking” if we are to receive. The unrighteous judge in Jesus’ parable was moved by the widow’s unceasing requests, and God is moved by our persevering prayer.
Prayer is warfare. It is a fiercely contested conflict. The enemy yields only what he must. He yields only what is taken. Therefore, the ground must be taken step by step. Prayer must be definite. He yields only when he must. Therefore, prayer must be persistent. He continually renews his attacks; therefore, the ground must be held against him in the Savior’s name.
Lord Jesus, in Your mighty name and power I will be strong! Each day I will put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand and hold my ground against the devil’s schemes. I will buckle Your truth around my waist and put on the breastplate of righteousness! I will fit my feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. I will take up the shield of faith so that I am able to extinguish the evil one’s flaming arrows. Putting on the helmet of salvation, I will take up the sword of the Spirit – the very word of God – to use whenever I am tempted or threatened! The devil is no match for Your word! I will pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests, and I will be alert and awake – always praying for all of Your people!
I'm baaack! Thanks for covering us in prayer! We had a great week of rest and renewal! I actually slept a lot. Now that I'm home, I'm back to sleeping less. Maybe I need more vacation? Ha! In reality, I drew close to God while away and with using several prayer disciplines from the book we are studying . evenings and using Sundays. But since home, God awakens me early to chat and go deeper and to give me things to blog about with you. Then I get to nap later in the morning. is one of those days!
Good Morning Praying Friends and Servants of the Lord! First of all thanks to Mike and Sarah for covering for us! What a great message on prayer Mike bought . Thanks! Did you notice how God moved and gave him and me overlapping messages. Mike was in the nursery last week and didn't know what I preached on. BUT GOD! I spoke about Samuel getting to know God's voice and become God's prophet and mouthpiece and the last judge of Israel. Mike spoke about Hannah, Sammy's mom, and her prayers that God heard and answered. We may explore this further on . God is leading me to continue our focus on learning to pray. I love how God aligns things and brings His Word alive to us. He even gave me the songs weeks ago and the ending with the Lord's Prayer praise song was so appropriate. Funny how Kay was ready for me to sing the old version the other but I never went there. No denying God is close, hears and acts on our prayers and has great plans for us as we engage with His Living Word and seek to learn to pray and become a House of Prayer for the Nations! PTL!
, God really spoke to me through Our Daily Bread and the associated Scripture from Lamentations. Who is your hope in? God or man? His ways or your plans and agendas? Being real, I have really struggled with the failure of our senators to pass the save America Act for election integrity and only legal citizens voting (and also the bill to make it illegal to hold office unless a natural born citizen) Why would anyone oppose an ID and to be a citizen to vote. It only makes sense for election integrity and for the trust for the American people with our election process. If our leaders fight these, it has to be for fraud and controlling election results. So when the senate adjourned for recess without voting on these, I became infuriated. And worried that we will see a repeat of the stolen 2020 elections and headed towards communism. BUT GOD! Does He not know and have a plan? What can I do besides calling senators to vote for my wishes and pray. And so I have increased earnest prayer for this nation, election integrity, and justice to the fraudsters. I am also praying for blind eyes of our duped citizens to be opened and for God to bind up the evil and darkness of our leaders, press and others. And now that I gave it to God, I am trusting His will to be done in His timing and turning off the noise again and focusing on Him and His plans for me and us. He does have great plans for us and our part is to pray in His Kingdom and plans, trust, obey and follow well. That is my focus again. And I am expecting Him to move in the mid terms and deliver us from evil, fraud and darkness. Amen! Please Lord! Check out ODB below and pray through Lamentations 3:19-16 remembering and reminding God in prayer that, "He is good to those whose hope is in the Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." And that is my prayer for me and us. Be still and know. Pray, prepare and go live and love like Jesus and work at reviving our neighborhoods. This nation needs Christ and God's good ways! And he has plans for us to discover, pray in and do! Amen. Our hope is in the Lord! As I was meditating on ODB the John Reddick song below (click link) came on. God reminded me to praise in the storms and trust Him to work all things together for good! Amen! So your assignment is to draw close, praise, pray and listen. Then write down what you hear, process prayerfully with some friends and then go live and love like Jesus as God is leading. I'm praising and praying for you and for revival!
ODB:
Hope in God
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. Lamentations 3:25 Lamentations 3:19-26
Because of his father’s alcoholism and mistreatment of his mother, Pablo left home when he was a teenager. He moved in with an uncle, graduated high school, married, and had three children. But sadly, Pablo began repeating the same destructive behavior he’d once fled. His own alcohol addiction and behavior began to tear his family apart. Soon, it was all gone—his marriage, family, job, and home. “My life was terrible, and it got worse,” he said.
Finally he turned to a treatment facility for help. “I was in bad shape, and God opened the door for me.” One day after praying, he experienced God through the beauty of nature. Soon his youngest daughter noticed he’d changed, and reconciled with him. he’s working to rebuild trust with his other children.
In Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah grieved over the plight of his people, who had turned from God and were exiled to Babylon: “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall . . . and my soul is downcast within me” (Lamentations 3:19-20). Like the Israelites, Pablo was far from God. And like Jeremiah, he found hope in God: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (vv. 22-23).
Like Pablo, the Israelites got a fresh start. We can turn to God and find hope.
By Alyson Kieda
REFLECT & PRAY
Are you looking for hope? How is God inviting you to hope in Him?
Dear God, thank You for offering me a renewed relationship with You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament), books are usually named for the first word or words in the text. As such, the Hebrew title for Lamentations is “How,” taken from verse 1: “How deserted lies the city.” Those who translated the Old Testament into Greek (the Septuagint) titled the book “Lamentations.” Both titles are apt. In many lament psalms, the psalmist’s cry is rooted in the phrase “How long, Lord ?” (see Psalm 13:1). And Jeremiah’s laments in both his prophecies and in the book of Lamentations are so consistent that he’s generally regarded as “the weeping prophet.” In ’s text (Lamentations 3:19-26), he’s grieving over the city of Jerusalem, which was besieged and taken captive by the Babylonians. Now, seeing the city desolated, Jeremiah finds hope in the faithful God whose mercies are “new every morning” (v. 23). Even in our times of deepest despair and loss, we can hope in God.
Good Morning Praying for Prodigals Friends. So many of us are interceding for either our own or other's prodigals. In many ways, the Church's failure to pass on God's Truth in relevant ways or failure to offer worship that connects to new generations or even not living out our faith with integrity can be to blame for the exit from the church for our kids and grandkids. Add to the pressures from schools, teachers and pagan classmates and we can see why the Church is fading from relevance in our society. The good news is that revival has begun on some campuses and with the next generations. PTL! I had no intention of blogging as I wrap up vacation, BUT GOD! I spent a week in prayer for and contemplating our own prodigals and the impact on the next generation. In many ways I failed our kids at imparting and passing on faith in Jesus and that just carries on to the next generation. many of you know what I'm saying and have experienced the rejection and push back from kids who want nothing to do with our faith. How do we rectify this? I'm not sure we can, but God can!
The Bible talks about passing on our faith and God's Truths. Maybe we can connect to some of our friends kids and grands. Often they seem to be open to non-family sharing. For sure we need to be a people of prayer and action. Ask God how you can help others to come to know and thrive in Christ. Be an intercessor and prayer warrior and watch for where God wants to use you to turn the tide in answer to your prayers. Revival is at hand! PTL! What's your part and will you join Him as he leads in both prayer and action? Please! Our nation and the future of God's Church depends on us and others like us. Stop finger pointing, blaming and inactivity and go love someone you love or even others kids to Christ! God has perfect plans for you to step into for such a time as this. Pray them to life and have willing feet to be the answer to some of those prayers. Amen!
Check out Our Daily Bread for below. This devotional triggered this blog and lots of intercession . Now time for a nap! Go! Make disciples as you live and love like Jesus. Amen!
ODB
Impacting Generations
Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9 Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-10
During basketball practice, Enrique’s dad asked him and his friend to show the team how to pass the ball correctly. Enrique had practiced for weeks but feared messing up. He prayed, completed the drill, and said, “Thank You, God!” Later his dad said, “I’m proud of you for working hard, son. But I’m prouder that you prayed and praised God.” Enrique shrugged and said, “I just did what you do.”
Throughout history, God has worked through healthy, cross-generational relationships. Sharing His decrees and laws with the Israelites, He said not to add to them nor subtract from them (Deuteronomy 4:1-2). “Observe them carefully,” God said, “for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations” (v. 6). But God wasn’t only interested in how others perceived His people. He said, “Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (v. 9). Why? So that they “may learn to revere” God and teach “their children” about Him (v. 10).
We don’t have to be parents or serve in children’s ministry to share our Spirit-empowered faith with younger people. Whether we’re praying for a younger person or a young family, providing resources to nurture spiritual growth, or offering encouragement, God uses our healthy, cross-generational relationships to impact generations to come.
By Xochitl Dixon
REFLECT & PRAY
How has God used older people to nurture you spiritually? How can you invest in the spiritual lives of a younger person or a young family?
Father God, please help me value, serve, and share You with people from all generations.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The Israelites were to pass on God’s truth to the next generation (Deuteronomy 4:9). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy, who’d been impacted by women of faith from two different generations: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5). The apostle also noted how God’s truth had contributed to Timothy’s development: “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:15). , we can ask God to help us nurture the spiritual lives of future generations.
Good Morning Abiding Friends of God! I had no plans of doing any blogs this vacation week; BUT GOD! This has been another one of those sleepless nights and I decided at 1 that God must want to talk, so I went to my prayer closet (my desk) and spent some time being still and listening. As I then engaged with our devotionals for , I understood God wanted me to emphasize some points from the message on prayer. Just check out the Upper Room and even Our Daily Bread and you'll see what I mean. Man the UR repeats some of what we discussed about solitude and silence and being still and knowing that He is God. "Be still? Wait patiently? Impossible! Yet something inside me whispered, Try it!" That's a direct quote and sounds like my plea, well God's encouragement to us, Try it! Open the Missional Spirituality book and try some prayer disciplines and find some that work for you and keep doing those. God made us to abide in Him and as we still ourselves and draw close, He draws close to us and whispers to our souls His encouragement, wisdom and directions. I like the tool they give for redirecting when we stray during prayer: list three things you are thankful for. Journal them and whatever else God is revealing. And the reminder that we need a faith community hits home with God leading us to team up and partner in life and mission with some friends that follow Jesus with us. And the thought for the day reminds us that spiritual practices, like found in the book, help us to be still and trust God. The Chambers have given us some great disciplines for prayer that will be great tools to keep ready as needed.
Our Daily bread uses Psalm 27. I love verse 14's reminder, "Wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord." When God repeats something, pay attention and do it. Waiting on the Lord can be hard. It is hard for me. But stilling self, abiding and waiting expectantly is always a good choice. be still and know that He is God and listen for those whispers from Him. Start with praise is you are stuck getting started and open the book and try it! God's waiting to meet with you. Open the door. abide and the thrive. Amen!
One other thing... we listened to the praise song, Somebody's praying for me. I told you how I can feel your prayers. Pray we have a refreshing, healthy and great week. Pray for healing for me (My back is out of whack (part of why I can't sleep) and I may have started with A-Fib again.) Pray for healing and deliverance please! Thanks!
Have a great week! I'll be abiding, listening and praying for you and for God to lead us through these new prayer disciplines to deeper prayer lives.
Note: Probably no blogs this week because I will be on vacation and focusing on learning to pray as I abide in Christ and He in me. Join me as we explore the tools to pray in Missional Spirituality.
Good Morning Worshipers! let us enter His gates with and courts with praise (every day!)
As we focus on learning to abide and pray and this week, begin with the Connection blogs and links in it. Teach us to pray Lord and make us into a House of Prayer for the Nations. Amen!
See you soon! Shalom shalom as we abide then thrive! Amen
: Worship at 10. We will be studying and discussing and praying through the first four chapters of the book Missional Spirituality that many of you picked up. It will be a bit different than our discussion of these . Our focus and goal is to learn to abide and pray. The book gives us 311 tools for praying and abiding and preparing to go make disciples.
. Pastor Don and Karen begin a spiritual retreat vacation. (I will be spending extra time abiding using the book)
10-12 Bread with Weis products. There will be NO dinner huddle this week (we will discuss the next 8 chapters when we return)
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Good Morning Resting in the Lord Pray-ers! Amen! I actually had a full nights sleep for the first time in a week. PTL! Our focus for the rest of the year will be learning to pray and abide. We are working towards becoming a House of Prayer for the Nations and that will involve seeking first His Kingdom, abiding, praying and inviting others in and discipling. All God asks is that we try to learn to pray and abide and share our heart and concerns with Him. He loves you and is calling you to come abide before thriving. He has great plans for you and us that begin with abiding prayer and flourish as we release His Kingdom come in prayer. pray-er is also a role for many of us in His Good News Delivery Company. So, use the book. partner up to pray and process. And prepare your hearts for action and revival all around us. It's coming and He is with and leading us to His best. Be still and know! Receive wisdom and peace. Then prepare to thrive in Christ! Amen!
Good Morning Abiding and Praying Teammates! Amen! TGIF=Thank God I'm Forgiven! Amen and PTL! What a great gift to contemplate and step into. One of the disciplines from the Missional Spirituality book is Contemplative Prayer. This means separating from the noise inviting God to speak to your heart. It's being still and knowing without noise and interruptions for 10-15 min or as needed throughout the day. TGIF is a great day to practice this prayer discipline. Turn off the noise and meditate on all the facets of God's love and forgiveness and invite Him to come inhabit your praise and speak to your heart. Having a journal handy is a great idea to record what you heard after your quiet, focused time in His presence. I'm praying for Him to speak to us all as we still ourselves, abide, praise and hang out with Almighty Savior! Amen! TGIF!
10-12 Bread with Weis products / 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle and book study
Good Morning Team! We are one in Christ, gifted and gathered to make Him known and to make disciples. We need each other and we all have a role to play. God has great plans for us to discover, pray to life and go do! Amen! Check out the Upper Room and discussion about allowing God control. That requires dying to self and allow, inviting even, Him to come have His way with, in and through you. Humble yourself and he will lead you. Then check out The Word for You 's reminder that God is working all things together for good on your and our behalf. Will you allow that? be still and know He is God and then pray, prepare, team-up and go make disciples!
Funny thing...during my quiet time Jesus showed up at my front door! PTL! Well actually Jesus and his teammate were delivering a new window to us. But how cool. Be still and open to the knocking of Jesus and receive His special delivery . He's knocking and waiting! Be still and know! And he does have great plans just for you and for us as His Church! Amen!
UR: Holding On
God says, “Because you are devoted to me, I’ll rescue you. I’ll protect you because you know my name. Whenever you cry out to me, I’ll answer. I’ll be with you in troubling times. I’ll save you and glorify you.” - Psalm 91:14-15 (CEB)
Many years ago, I belonged to a group of people who got together regularly to ride horses. We camped, rode trails, and participated in parades.
On one particular ride, one of the horses bolted from the horse trailer. Without thinking I grabbed the lead line, which slid through my hands, leaving severe rope burns. My injury prevented me from participating in the trail ride, so for hours I alone, nursing my hands as they began to blister. I knew I should have just let the rope go instead of holding on. As I had often done in other areas of my life, I tried to control things by myself rather than trusting God’s promises.
Looking at my injured palms, I thought of how I needed to let go of my desire for control and trust God in every area of my life. With that revelation, I gained a new sense of peace. When my friends returned, they found me smiling and ready to head home with the plan to put my trust in God, no matter what occurs in my life.
'S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence in our lives. Make us aware that your love, power, and wisdom are always available to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
PTL for an amazing day of ministry in our Fellowship Hall! What an awesome time of loving, serving and being blessed during bread ministry. The what a night at the dinner huddle as we began the study and discussion of the book "Missional Spirituality" God is teaching us to abide and pray in new and profitable ways. have you started yet? we will discuss the first four days of the book. Try them and come ready to discuss what God is saying and doing and how your prayer life is being changed. The first three days really tie together. Fast, journal what God is saying, and seek solitude and silence as you turn off the noise for a bit, empty and humble yourself and abide in His love and wisdom. He has great plans for you and us, His gathered and sent Body, and He is awaiting our abiding, surrendered faithfulness and prayers. He is encouraging us to pray, live, and love more like Jesus! Will you choose to be part of that? We are His steadfast, persevering, praying and worshipping children. And He loves that! Abide then thrive is our goal in this process to become more like Jesus!
Good Morning Steadfast, Persevering Children of God! He is able and willing and will bring His will to life as we stand firm in trust and persevere in serving always. What an awesome Daddy we know and love! he has our pictures on His fridge and our names tattooed on His hand. He upholds us in that strong right hand, protects, provides and guides us to His perfect and best plans for us, each other, others and His Kingdom. may His Kingdom come and will be done! Amen! Keep standing firm in trust and obedience and pray in and expect many blessings as we stand firm and follow well. He created us for such a time as this and he has gifted us to accomplish that. Our part? Trust, obey, pray, believe, seek with open hearts and moving feet and follow well. he's got the rest! Amen!
The salutation above flows from our devotionals for . Check them out below and prepare your hearts for action and to stand firm in faith. His Kingdom is here and His perfect will will be done! Amen! Let's partner together and with Him to be part of the fun as we trust and obey and follow ! Amen! Turn off the noise and tune into His still small voice that leads you to still waters and green pastures and even guides you through the dark valleys. he loves ! And promises to be with you always. Let Him! Shalom
Upper Room: A Sincere Heart
The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. - 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
Numbers 7 is perhaps the Bible chapter that I understand the least, not because I find it theologically challenging or because it presents a sensitive topic. It’s because it repeats the same long list twelve times. The leaders of the tribes of Israel bring the same offering for the tabernacle’s dedication: plates and dishes, bulls and lambs, and a lot more. The list is over one hundred words long, and the only difference in the repetitions is the name of the leader making the offering.
If I had written this chapter, I’d have one paragraph listing the twelve leaders and their tribes and one more stating that each brought the same list of items. Done! So why isn’t it written this way? We tend to focus on the tediousness of the repeated list, but God’s focus is on the individuals bringing gifts to honor God. Each one is acknowledged.
This reminds me that in order to praise God I don’t have to be overly clever or unique. I just need to be sincere and honest. At church, I don’t have to sing the loudest or with the best voice to stand out to God. When I’m volunteering, I don’t have to do a certain task for God to notice me. What God sees isn’t a bunch of people doing the same thing but each of us bringing gifts — our heart of worship, our service, our talents — to God, and that is what makes God glad.
's Prayer
Dear God, when we come before you, may our hearts be full, even if our hands hold little. Amen.
ODB:
New Life for Dead Hearts
You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
Heartwood is the central supporting pillar of certain trees. Although dead, it won’t decay or lose strength while the outer, living layers are intact. Composed of fibers bound together by a chemical glue called lignin, heartwood can be as strong as steel. This element of a tree’s structure enables it to survive nature’s travails.
When Paul encouraged the Colossians to live a resurrected life, he could have used the metaphor of heartwood to express how those who have been saved are transformed. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). While Paul’s reference to us as “dead” might seem discouraging, when understood from the perspective of the resurrection we grasp the hope of such a statement. God transforms the dead core of our beings, strengthening us in the power of the resurrected Jesus to endure the trials of this life.
Our prior inner beings are as dead as the heartwood of a tree. Yet we still exist as the unique people God created us to be—and more. We’re made new (Revelation 21:5). We’re new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
We see a living example of how the structure of trees represents our life in Christ. Thanks be to God for transforming us from death to life!
By Elisa Morgan
REFLECT & PRAY
What does understanding God’s heartwood in trees teach you about Him? How are you embracing His transformational power in your life?
Dear God, I pray You would strengthen my inner being, my life hidden in You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In his letters, Paul frequently talks about how believers in Jesus have “died” (Colossians 3:3) to sin. In Romans 6, the apostle reminds believers that they’ve been united with Christ in His death and will be “united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that the old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with” (vv. 5-6). Because of Jesus’ death, sin is no longer our master. We no longer live to gratify our desires or “cravings of our flesh” (Ephesians 2:3) because we serve another master, Christ. Our sins are forgiven, and we’re alive in Him. He’s canceled the debt we owed and could never pay “by nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14). That doesn’t mean we no longer sin, but that God helps us in our struggles, transforming us to be more like Him.
Good Morning Abiding Servants of Revival! Yes and Amen Lord! May we abide then thrive as your servants of revival in our neighborhoods this year. Thanks! Amen! Think about that awhile as you abide and seek first His Kingdom and righteousness.
Some of you know that I have been struggling to draw close, abide and be still in the Lord since my extended time off. I can always come up with excuses (I'm good at that and at complaining about things without doing anything to change them). Forgive me Lord! Draw me close again. Amen! Could that be your prayer too? Busyness, my agendas and to do list and the things I perceive as important often crowd out my quiet abiding time and leave me feeling like God has left me to my own devices. Now I know He never leaves nor forsakes me and that He has great plans for me. But, sometimes, those plans come to pass after a dry spell and then a deeper reconnecting to God and His perfect will and plans. It takes me not just praying to die to self and take up cross daily, but an earnest effort to turn off the noise and refocus on what is important--Father, Son and Spirit and abiding before thriving in them. What might you need to crucify to be ready to draw near to God? What noises and busyness are keeping you from intimate time with our Lord and Savior? Is He really Your Shepherd ? Have you heard His still small voice and are you stepping into His anointing for you ? Help me Lord! Forgive me! Help me to be still, and abide and know You more before stepping into and the good future You created and gifted me for. Thanks! Amen!
You know, I often seem to fight God most when He has something extraordinary awaiting my surrender and obedience. That is where I find myself lately. I know He's there knocking with a great plan for me, yet I don't open the door and invite Him in. When I do--WOW! God moves and revival comes to me. That is my prayer . I find myself fighting God about entering into His presence in new and different ways with the book "Missional Spirituality" that we are starting on , evenings and the one many of you took from church. I firmly believe God has something extraordinary awaiting me and you and us as we still ourselves in His presence and engage with abiding in new and different ways. It is a way to seek first His Kingdom, hear His still small voice and draw near to Him. It will help us hear that whispering still small voice and learn new ways to connect top and stay connected to Him. It will lead us to personal revival and allow His Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around us. I know it. So why am I fighting God? Could it be Satan attacking? Could it be my own self-serving stubbornness? Could it be fear of having to change or new things to come? I think maybe all of these? I will find I as I commit to this process and watch for the Lord to move, revive and lead me to His best plans.
I am inviting you to join me and to earnestly make an effort to still yourself, crucify some things and learn to abide and then thrive in new ways. Amen! we begin discussing the book and God is leading us to do the same. We are doing the first 4 days . I'm asking the extended church family to do the same. Fast. Pray, record what God is saying and wants to do. Be still and pray some more and then use even familiar passages like Psalm 23 and the Lord's Prayer to draw you into His loving presence and invite Him to revive you and your prayer life and to lead you to His perfect plans for you and for the want to to want to do it! Amen! Try it! Extraordinary things are around the corner as we abide deeply and then thrive in Christ and His good ways. be still and know. Pray, prepare and get ready to go! On your mark. Get set in the Lord and go be His vessels. Amen!
Check out this reminder from Connection blogs: https://www.onecry.com/post/his-presence-is-enough. Soi many things I am seeing are inviting me deeper in abiding and stilling myself before the Lord. Open the door with me! He's knocking!
Good Morning Seeking, Listening and Following Jesus Teammates! Amen! May that be us Lord! God has great plans for you! Plans He created and gifted you to accomplish! He goes before you preparing the way and grants you words and wisdom as needed along the way. The question is, how compliant are we with His will and way. Are we doers of the Word? Do we listen and receive and know what He has for us , this week? Will we trust and obey? Help us Lord! Check out the Connection blog below relating to these questions? What good thing does God have planned for you ? Do you have feet ready to move with Him. Are your words flowing from time in His? Are you living and loving like Jesus according to His perfect plans for you? Be still. Listen. Pray. Prepare, Team up. Then go into this week as His prepared and empowered vessel that you are or can be. He created you for such a time as this. Only makes sense to be all about Him and His business. Yes amen! may it be so Lord!
This week on we will discuss days 1-4 of the Missional Spirituality book. I suggested starting with the first two days combined...fasting, praying and seeking His plans for you as we ask Him to teach us to pray and prayerfully lead us to be His vessels and good news carriers. . we will discuss some of this book during worship. Seek first His kingdom and righteousness and He will add all you need to do His will. Amen!
I'm praying for God to transform our praying and obedience as we engage with God through this book study and with teaming up too. God truly does have great plans for you. Be still and know. Pray, team up and go! Be Jesus-like as you learn to pray and live and love more like Him. He is with you always and provides all you need! PTL! Abide and thrive! Amen!
Connection Blog
- Following the Voice of Christ
Author Marilyn Heavilin offers five principles to remember as we seek to discern what words are God’s and what words are not:
1. Christ convicts; Satan condemns. Is the voice you are hearing condemning or simply lovingly convicting? “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Satan is the “accuser of [the] brethren” (Revelation 12:10, kjv). Heavilin writes, “When I hear the voice of condemnation, I try to remind myself that God loathes sin but loves me and would never declare me worthless. Then I give my favorite order to Satan: ‘Scram!’ It works every time.”
2. Christ clarifies; Satan confuses. Satan will try to confuse us with the world’s philosophy. He will try to twist Scripture: “That can’t really be what God is saying.” Our protection will be to seek God and to spend time in His Word. Heavilin advises, “Pray that [God] will give [you] a sound mind and protect [you] from confusion as [you] listen for His voice.
3. Christ confirms; Satan contradicts. God never contradicts His Word, the Bible. “Satan, however,” says Heavilin, “will arrange circumstances to look like we are experiencing divine intervention in an attempt to blind us to contradictions to God’s truth.”
4. Christ chooses; Satan captures. Satan delights in tripping us. When he comes to us, he will put subtle thoughts into our hearts that it is okay to do something we know is contrary to God’s Word. Christ chose us with no strings attached. His voice will be loving, pointing us to the truth.
5. Christ compels; Satan constricts. God’s voice will be constantly moving us forward, taking us deeper into our relationship with Him. It will compel us to seek truth. Satan’s voice will constantly put rebellious thoughts into our hearts: Is that what God really said?
Again, how do we discern God’s voice? Spend time with Him in prayer and reading His Word.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for Your loving conviction when Satan wants to condemn me! Thank You for giving me clarity when Satan wants to confuse me and twist Your words. Thank You for always confirming Your truth when Satan tries to contradict it. Thank You for always choosing me and loving me when Satan just wants to cause me to stumble. Thank You that I can always trust You to draw me closer and lead me more intimately into Your ways when Satan wants me to doubt Your goodness. Keep my focus upon Your beautiful face, Lord, so that I am not tempted to follow any voice that isn’t Yours.
Go Deeper
Learn to discern God’s voice in silence so you can hear His still small voice when life gets loud! Check out the article:Silence As Intimacy with God.
Prayer Points
Praise God, who teaches you to pray “not as I will, but as you will” (Mt. 26:39).
Thank God for his counsel as you set the Lord always before you, thus keeping you from being shaken in any circumstance (Ps. 16:7-8).
Confess your struggle with God’s will when you are tempted to fail him as you see the world prospering (Ps. 73:1-22).
Commit yourself to God anew , knowing he holds you with his right hand, guides and counsels you, and will take you to glory (73:23-28).
Ask the Lord for the assurance that whenever you come to him, he will never drive you away (Jn. 6:37).
Pray that God’s kingdom will be advanced by your willingness to do whatever God may require of you and to do it joyfully (Acts 21:13-14).
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.
worship at 10 followed by brunch at 11:30. Whose coming with you?
Good Morning Fasting and Praying Friends of Jesus! One of the spiritual disciples discussed and we get to practice from the book Missional Spirituality is fasting and praying. Check out the connection blog about that below. Try it. Check with doc if fasting food is Ok. Maybe fast something else like TV. Turn of the noise for a period of time and humble yourself before God and listen. What's He whispering? (Maybe shouting!) What's He have for you to do? Seek first His Kingdom and pray for it to come alive and His will to be done and ask about your part and do it!
TGIF! Thank God I'm Forgiven! Maybe start there with lifting praise and see where God leads. He has great plans for you! Shalom!
Connection Blog
- A Fasting Lifestyle
John the Baptist’s disciples couldn’t understand why Jesus and His disciples didn’t fast. Jesus told them the remarkable reason in Luke 5:34-39: “You cannot make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? But those days are coming, and when the bridegroom is taken from them, at that time they will fast.” ... “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old garment. If he does, he will have torn the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. Instead new wine must be poured into new wineskins. No one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is good enough.’”
Fasting disciplines and enhances the spiritual walk. It helps us quell sin and move the heavens to answer prayer. It increases our desire for the Lord’s ways. Fasting was an integral part of religious life during Jesus’ time. The disciples of John the Baptist, the Pharisees, and others fasted. After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, His disciples began to fast, too, as part of their growing faith. While Jesus lived, He challenged conventional religious beliefs and behaviors. Jesus brought a freshness, a newness to the old religious paradigms. Concurrently, Jesus made “all things new” so hearts would receive Him.
Lord, I repent for not practicing a fasting lifestyle. Don’t let me overlook it any longer. Give me the insight, wisdom, and strength to integrate fasting into my life. I desire to pursue You wholeheartedly. I also repent for religious behaviors and thoughts that don’t reflect your heart. Lord, I desire and declare your understanding in every situation. I want to look at things with Your eyes, Your perspective. I declare I will not continue in old ways and thinking. Refresh me. Revive me. Renew me. Change me so I can receive all You have for me. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You that You’re my source and inspiration. I praise You and desire to draw closer to You. I praise You and want nothing more than You. I want to contend for Your presence, always.
This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Amen and PTL!
is brunch after church. It's also 250th celebration in town. Who might be interested in doing both that you can bring along? Let us prepare our hearts to worship, fellowship, feast and to bringing some others into the Lord's presence. Pray for many to come and feel God's love! It's a 250th picnic brunch celebration!
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Good Morning Crucified in Christ New Creations! Amen! Check out the Word for You below and meditate on what it means to live Christ and die to self. May many realize we are transformed and new creations because of Christ in us and want that. Pray we live and love like Jesus and bring many to Him. Pray our humble, surrendered lives point to Jesus as the Way. Amen! What does it mean to die to self, take up cross daily and follow Jesus? Live life in Christ well with His help! Shalom shalom!
Good Morning Abiding in Christ Friends! . Abide. refresh in the Lord. Seek His face with all your heart. Maybe start the first spiritual discipline and fast as you abide a little extra. What's God saying? What will you do about it? Who are you processing with?
Note: Special day at Bread Ministry 10-12. We will be serving hot dogs and fellowshipping. Come on out and bring a friend or two! See you there. And then we have dinner huddle 6-7:30 join us for food, fun, fellowship and study.
Good Morning Masterpieces of God, Made New in Christ, Empowered and Activated, Fruit Producers of God Almighty! Amen! How true is this salutation of you and our church? Our Daily Bread uses Eph 2:1-10 (below to meditate upon). We use Eph 2:10 often to describe our true identity and purposes. We are specially created to do the things God has prepared for us. We are also gathered to team up to do that better. (check out the Upper Room about teaming up). And The Word for You reminds us of the importance about seeking God first and doing His perfect will always. As you meditate about these things ask God to open your heart to Him and His plans for you and us. Ask Him for some teammates. And ask the Holy Spirit to show you your fruit and how to improve love, joy, peace. patience, kindness and self-control. God has great plans just for you that he created and has gifted you in Christ to accomplish. Doing so brings great joy, relieves the stress of trying to earn His favor and the busyness of doing your own thing and moves you to be a great teammate and fruit producer. I have already prayed for you to be still, abide, know and receive all God has for you . I prayed for Him to guide you to some teammates and together to produce great fruit as you encourage and build His Church. It's time for action! Turn off the noise. Arise and shine bright and in the weeks ahead as we grow as His dynamic movement and Good News Delivery Company. Amen! be still, know, receive, and go produce the good and lasting fruit he made you to produce and find the joy and peace that comes from allowing Him to help you reach your full potential. Great fruit and revival are ahead, so, rejoice and be glad and active ! Amen!
Eph 2:1-10, Made Alive with Christ
2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
ODB
Prepared to Help
We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Ephesians 2:10
My friend needed to practice parallel parking before her driving test that was coming up soon. I was prayerfully looking for a safe place to teach her when the idea came to go to a neighborhood church with an ample parking lot. After we set up what turned out to be a less-than-ideal practice parking space using folding chairs, she made her first attempt to back into the spot between the chairs.
Then the pastor came out with orange cones in hand, similar to the kind used in a driving test. He introduced himself and asked, “Could you use these cones?” He explained that just last week their church family had discussed ways to help neighbors new to the community. “We talked about letting people use these cones in our parking lot for parking practice.” They had prepared to help others, and what a blessing they were for my friend.
Prepared to help others. That’s exactly what God did for us and in us. He “prepared in advance” for us to do good works and care for others (Ephesians 2:10). The apostle Paul says, “We are God’s handiwork” (v. 10), so we serve under His direction and for His purposes. Salvation is a gift from God (v. 8), who is “rich in mercy” (v. 4). Our good works are a work of God through us. He’s prepared us and will give us the compassion and wisdom we need to reach out to others.
By Anne Cetas
REFLECT & PRAY
How has God gifted you? In what ways could you join with others to serve people in your community?
Dear God, please help me to see others’ needs and know what You want me to do so You may be seen.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The creation account in Genesis says that “God created mankind in his own image” (1:27). Ephesians 2:10 also declares that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Jesus set the example for us during His earthly ministry by doing “many good works from the Father” (John 10:32). Peter elaborates and says: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, . . . he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). The fruit of the Spirit’s work in us is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). As believers in Christ, the Spirit will provide the opportunities and empowerment to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do good works.
Alyson Kieda
UR: Getting Up Again
After the disciples had gathered around [Paul], he got up and went back into the city. - Acts 14:20 (NIV)
After total hip-replacement surgery, I spent several hours in recovery, but then I was told it was time to get up and walk. I was taken aback! I assumed it’d be days before I could walk, but the nurses explained that walking right away is crucial to prevent stiffness and weakness in the new joint. With a nurse on either side of me, I took my first steps. Thanks to their support I returned home that same day with more strength and less pain in my hip.
In ’s reading Paul has been beaten unconscious and dragged out of the city by a hostile crowd. Though he appears lifeless, he isn’t alone. Paul is surrounded by a group of disciples who help him get back on his feet. Forming a circle of support, they bear witness to God’s power, and it’s by this power that Paul re-enters the city that very day and continues his travels the next. It was crucial for Paul to get up again to continue spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
When life’s challenges wound us, it’s easy to stay down. The longer we’re down, the harder it is to move forward in life. However, God meets us in these moments and extends the grace we need to get up again. We experience this grace through the support of those around us who are attentive to our hurts and compassionate in our times of need. Together we help each other get up again to continue the work God has called us to do.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for your constant presence. Help us recognize your amazing grace through the people around us. Amen.
TWFYT
Sarah Update
Hi Everyone,
It has been a beautiful day and God really did some art work in the sky ! And the breeze felt great as we got to porch sit and
enjoy watching all the big and little critters walk around to say hi!
was a great day at Bread ministry. All those that attended were treated to a surprise.....Hot dogs, chips and drink!! This event was a huge
success!! Thank you to all that helped make it a success, and to all the volunteers that assist with this ministry!
Someone I was talking to about 's event said it well...."Bread ministry has really become a bit of a social club....and it's a joy to watch all
the connections, conversations and opportunities to pray with people"
Just a reminder of some praises:
Larry, Enol and Braiden Paul made it back to the Philippians safely, along with all their luggage!
Gladys Ketner celebrated her 90th birthday on !!!
Patti D praises God for Snig for being able to fix some issues on the downstairs piano rather than call in a tech to make the repairs.
Thank you Snig
Caleb celebrated his 4th birthday and it was a fun time as he was surrounded by his loving family!
Barb Schware shared a praise that while visiting their oldest son Eric, his carbon monoxide alarm went off, and they found a gas leak.
The whole family got out safely! Yay God for monitors, and for family
Continue to pray for our kids as they prepare for school to begin. Pray for them as some will be starting new schools, some will be starting
a school routine for the first time and pray for all the parents as they will work on adjusting their schedules to accommodate the kids
schedules.
Keep our Two Peas in a Pod crew in your prayers as they prep for !
Hey, if you are able to stay an extra half hour or so after the brunch to help with clean up, that would be greatly appreciated!
Okay everyone, have a great rest of your week.....keep sharing the Love of Jesus!
: Dinner Huddle and study. Food Fellowship, Fun 6-7:30
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Good Morning Steady Teammates! We operate best as we keep the steady rhythm of abiding in Christ, praying as we seek His face and abide with listening ears. Then that should flow to processing with teammates, more listening prayer and then planning and doing what is revealed as His team on mission. We are also asking God to make us a House of Prayer for the Nations and to teach us to pray. and we begin our journey through the book Missional Spirituality which teaches us new ways to abide, pray, seek God's face and prepare to go make disciples and for our roles as pray-ers. I'd suggest doing the first two disciplines together and with a friend or two. The first is journaling with some questions to prayerfully answer and the second is fasting and praying. So, seek first His Kingdom. Humble yourself and empty yourself of you and your plan, Then be still, abide, know and hear His directions. Record those things and keep praying into them and allowing God to lead you to and through. He has great plans for you and us to discover enroute to becoming more like Jesus, His fruit producing vessels and His dynamic movement. Be still. Abide then thrive.
Father draw us close and open our ears to hear Your still small voice. Lead us to teammates to process with and go make disciples. Show us our parts in Your Good News Delivery Co. Lead us to become more like Jesus and doping what he made us to do for such a time as this and grow us as Your dynamic movement with a burning passion for You and a missionary zeal to reach the lost. Fil us to overflow with You and Your love and grant us want to and drive to go live and love like Jesus and to make disciples of Jesus as we pray in His name and for Your glory. Amen!
A scientific study—which sought to explore how much of people’s musical sensitivity is cultural and how much of it is instinctual—played drum rhythms for newborn babies while monitoring their brain wave activity. Occasionally, the researchers would omit a beat from the rhythm. Amazingly, they found the infants’ brain waves spiked right when the note was left out—showing their young minds were already anticipating that beat and reacting to its absence.
The study brings to mind the amazing way that God has created us. He’s even wired us to embrace the wonderful gift of music and respond to it with joy and, as the psalmist David writes in Psalm 30, to respond to God’s grace with music of our own—songs of “praise [to] his holy name” (v. 4).
Yet pain, exhaustion, regret, or grief can sometimes weigh our hearts down and threaten to silence our songs of praise. Experiencing despair, even fearing death, David pleaded with God to deliver, asking “What is gained if I am silenced? . . . Will the dust praise you?” (v. 9).
David did experience God’s faithfulness as joy was restored once more, as God turned his “wailing into dancing” and “clothed [him] with joy” (v. 11). As God heals our hearts and fills them with the rhythms of joy we were born to dance to, we too can testify: “Lord my God, I will praise you forever” (v. 12).
By Monica La Rose
REFLECT & PRAY
How has music helped you to experience God’s grace? How has He turned your mourning into dancing?
Gracious God, thank You for breathing hope, joy, and new life into my days.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 30 is a psalm of praise for the way God had delivered and healed David (vv. 1-3, 9-11). But as commentators Jacobson and Tanner put it, the psalm isn’t just a psalm of praise, but “a psalm about praise” calling hearers to “a complete life of praise.” It’s God’s merciful and restoring character that gives His people reason to live a life of praise (vv. 4-5). To be abandoned by God would be to be “silenced” (v. 9). But because God turns “wailing into dancing” (v. 11), we have reason to “praise [Him] forever” (v. 12). As we praise Him, God can fill our hearts with rhythms of joy and give us hope for the days ahead.
Monica La Rose
UR: Friends Near and Far
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
At ninety-two years old, I spend a lot of time alone in my little trailer. I have wonderful friends at church and the senior center, but still I spend most of the time by myself. However, one day while reading The Upper Room, I realized that I have friends everywhere! In its pages, I read about people who have troubles similar to mine, and I feel connected. I read about fellow Christians who are full of joy, and it uplifts me. If they write more than once, I get to meet them again! And I can visit with them over and over. All I have to do is pick up the devotional and read it as many times as I like. Through The Upper Room’s translations, I have a worldwide community!
And, of course, I have a friend who is closer than a brother — Jesus Christ. He is with me day and night, and I talk to him very often — whether I have big problems or am merely frustrated about something I can no longer do well and need advice to direct me to a new way of doing things. Because I read the Bible often, many characters seem like good friends when I read their stories again.
I experience God’s peace when I remember my friends around the world and the One who is closer than a brother (see Prov. 18:24).
's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for friends near and far, and thank you for being our dear friend. Amen.
Connection Blog
- Learning to Hear the Right Voice
Indeed, the biggest problem in hearing God’s voice is discerning between His voice, the voice of our own flesh, and Satan’s voice. Gaining more and more knowledge of Scripture helps us to discern the difference. But so does spending time with God in prayer. You will learn to recognize His voice the more you hear it.
The boy Samuel in the Old Testament shows us this truth. One night as he was trying to sleep, he heard someone call his name, “Samuel, Samuel.” He ran to Eli, his mentor, saying, “Here I am.” But Eli told Samuel he hadn’t called. This happened three times before Eli realized the Lord was speaking to Samuel. So he told the boy to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” the next time the voice called out (1 Samuel 3). In the midst of these verses lies a telling fact: “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him” (1 Samuel 3:7).
That may be the case for many of us. We have not yet heard the Lord, so we find it difficult to discern His voice. The last verses in the chapter give a different picture of Samuel’s life: “The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word” (1 Samuel 3:19- 21). Wouldn’t it be great to have the same thing said of our lives at the end—that none of God’s words fell to the ground. The more we listen, the more we will discern.
Lord God, learning to hear Your beautiful voice is my deepest desire. Your word says that if I draw near to You, You will draw near to me. Help me to spend all of my days drawing closer to You – leaning in to hear You speak to my heart as I pray, as I read Your word, and as I sit in the stillness. Show me how to know You so well that I never confuse Your voice with my own, or with the voice of the enemy. May I be as obedient a listener as Samuel, and throughout my life may none of Your words fall to the ground!
Good Morning Strong in the Lord Worshipers! Amen! The Lord is our strength and shield, our help in time of trouble! Amen! When we are weak, He is strong and that means we can be too. He lifts us up and carries us in His strong right hand. Amen! He is God Almighty! All of that should lead to deep worship and praise. The Upper Room (below) discuss renewed strength and reminds us those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. PTL! Are you feeling weary, run down, tired? Are you struggling our hurting? Be still and know that he is God. Invite Him into your day and ask for Him to carry, refresh, uphold you as needed, he will respond. He promises as we surrender and stop striving in our own strength. Thanks Lord! Worship! Rejoice for our God is so good and kind and loving!
we began our study of Nahum. I hope to finish . we heard the prophetic word of God's promised coming wrath. We asked the question is there something God cannot do and learned that He cannot lie and that His promises and Word are always true and yes and amen in Christ. So next week we will see how His promises retribution and protection of His people in Judah came true. We were reminded that someone could be in DC pronouncing these curses to a nation that has left God and followed their own evil ways. We could heed the word of Jonah, "Repent or die!" Now God always has a remnant of faithful and Lord willing, that is you and me--people who stand firm in Christ and obey our Father in heaven. Even when we are weak, our God is strong and will protect and deliver His faithful. Amen! That should lead to worship and obedience. remember that with obedience comes blessings! Amen! We are more than overcomers in Christ! May that be so Lord! Strengthen us and help us stand firm and drive back the darkness, Bring revival not wrath! Amen! Remember God said and promises that if His people (us) Who are called by His name repent of wicked ways, turn from evil, humble themselves (something many need to do in God's Church) and pray, He will heal our land! Please Lord! We cry out as we humble ourselves, repent and pray. Please deliver us from evil and bring Your Kingdom and will alive. Thanks Lord! You are our strength and shield. Teach us to abide in you, pray, trust and obey. Revive us Lord! Amen
So in that line of thinking, . and many of us received a free copy of my friends book that our church was blessed with. It is a book about delighting in the Lord and learning different ways to abide and pray. There are 31 different ways in the book. Every we will discuss and do 4 as we learn to abide and pray. many of you took a book. I'm not exactly sure how this will go but we will try and discuss at least one, maybe two disciples a week as we learn to draw close, abide and pray. Ask God to bless this endeavor and the person (unknown to us) that gifted us with this book. May our faith, prayers and obedience increase as we learn to abide, pray and act on Your Word and promises Lord! I ask that for the start of this we try the first two disciplines--journaling (look at their suggestion of recording why you are doing this book and what you hope to learn and apply. Then you can look back later to see how God has moved and answered. The second discipline is fasting and praying. Consider a day, days or week fast as you dedicate yourself to this process and invite God to move, come, teach and lead us and revive us too. Please join us and try this. God has great plans for us that are birthed from willing hearts and through prayer. Come Lord Jesus! teach us to pray and lead us to revival and Your plans. Thanks! Amen!
OK there's your assignment for renewing your strength, humbling self and learning to pray. PTL! Worshiop! Abide and thrive! Amen and shalom!
UR: Renewed Strength
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and worn out. Our days are filled with responsibilities, challenges, and endless demands on our time and energy. Sometimes it can feel like we’re running a race with no finish line in sight. However, Isaiah 40:31 offers a powerful reminder: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
This verse paints a beautiful picture of what it looks like to rely on God. Like an eagle soaring effortlessly through the sky, we can rise above the challenges and trials of life. Eagles don’t just fly; they glide on the wind, using air currents to carry them without having to expend unnecessary energy. When we trust in God, we don’t have to strive and struggle alone, relying only on our strength. Instead, we’re invited to lean on God, allowing God’s power to sustain us.
When we feel weary, we can take a moment to pause and place our hope in God, surrendering our burdens and exhaustion. And we can trust that God will lift us up. Just as an eagle soars on the wind, we can rise above our circumstances because we’re sustained by the One who never grows tired or weary. Letting God’s strength be our strength, we can find rest in God’s promise to carry us through every challenge.
's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being our strength and for renewing our energy. Help us to rely on you so that we may soar like eagles. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is the day the Lord has made and we get to worship in it! PTL!
Prepare your hearts to worship and pray we enter His gates with praise and court with and are ready to worship in Spirit and Truth! Ask God to tear down any strongholds and hindrances for those He is sending our way and that they come and find love and Jesus in us. Pray for revival and new life. Thank God we are free to gather and worship. Praise Him for His abundant provisions and that we would be the best stewards. Pray a covering over us as we gather and for His Spirit to fill, teach and lead us.
See you soon. Rejoice in the Lord and delight in Him and His good ways!
The week ahead:
10-12 bread ministry / 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle and study
What a mighty God we serve! He knows, cares and is able to bring about His perfect will always and we get to partner with Him as His sent ones empowered and gifted by the spirit to do even greater things than Jesus did and for such a time as this! PTL! be still and know and pray, prepare and go live and love like Jesus ! Amen!
Good Morning Spirit-Led followers of Jesus! That's you and us! We are one in Christ and with Him to do His bidding . Amen! He is preparing and sending us as His agents of Light. Love and revival. Prepare. Start small and grow to your fullest potential; in Christ doing what you are created to do. Prepare soil in prayer and sow lavishly in love! Amen. The harvest is ripe and revival is at hand! Rejoice and watch expectantly for how and when to join our Father. Check out the thread through our devotionals below and the connection blog. WOW! God is speaking! What are you hearing and what will you do about that? Talk to the Father as you abide and receive then team up, pray, prepare and go make disciples of Jesus! Amen! I've been praying for you to find your part and for wisdom and courage. God is hearing and moving! Come Lord Jesus! Fill and lead us and thew weeks ahead. bring revival and send us! Amen!
Note: we will begin a study of the book of Nahum. Check out Chapter 1. What's God saying to you?
Until , shalom shalom--perfect peace to you ! Amen!
Our Daily Bread:
Road Closed, Spirit-Led
They tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. Acts 16:7
After a lengthy journey, my wife and I finally neared our street, but a large road closed to thru traffic sign blocked our path. I felt the urge to drive around it because home was just ahead, and I didn’t like being rerouted. But then I saw why the road was closed: A downed power line lay across the road. Had I ignored the warning, I could have driven into danger.
In Acts 16:6-10, Paul and his companions were eager to preach the gospel in the province of Asia, but the Holy Spirit closed that door. Detours aren’t always rejection, however. They can be divine redirections. Like the roadblock on our street, God rerouted Paul from entering the province of Bithynia. It must have been frustrating to be blocked, especially while Paul was striving to do his best. But then he received a vision in which a man said, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (v. 9). God said “no” to something good because He was preparing them for something else—taking the gospel to the people of another continent (v. 10).
Rather than seeing “no” as punishment and rejection, we can see it as His Spirit-led redirection. His detours are often pathways to divine appointments. Let’s not simply trust His direction when the roads are open; let’s follow when He closes them too.
By Marvin Williams
REFLECT & PRAY
When has God placed a “road closed” sign in front of you as you were striving to do something good? How are you listening for the Spirit’s guidance as you work out your plans?
Dear God, please help me to trust Your closed doors as much as I trust Your open ones.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Acts 16:6-7, it’s unclear how the Holy Spirit stopped Paul from moving forward with his plans. It may have been through a vision, a word of prophecy, or some other circumstance. When God prompted him to go to Macedonia so the gospel could be heard there, we’re told He spoke to him through a vision (vv. 9-10). Scripture doesn’t reveal the identity of the “man of Macedonia” (v. 9), but some scholars believe it may have been Luke, who wrote the book of Acts and joined the group at this point. As believers in Jesus, when God seems to close a door, it may be that the Holy Spirit is redirecting our plans to better align with His. The Spirit of God lives inside us to guide us. Christ said of the Spirit, “He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears” (John 16:13; see 14:26).
Alyson Kieda
TWFYT:
Upper Room: Starting Small
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. - Matthew 13:31 (NIV)
A few years ago, I decided to try my hand at gardening. I eagerly bought tools and seeds, including some tiny mustard seeds. They looked so insignificant that I doubted they would grow into anything noticeable. I scattered the seeds into the soil, watered them, and waited. Days passed with no sign of growth, and disappointment began to set in. But just when I was ready to give up, small green shoots began to appear. I realized that even the smallest things can carry great potential.
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed. Though it starts out small, once planted, a mustard seed grows into a tree that provides shelter for birds. This isn’t just a picture of God’s kingdom; it’s also an encouragement for our faith. We often overlook small acts — kind words, a few moments of our time, or a simple prayer. We may think these efforts are too insignificant to make a difference. But like mustard seeds, these small gestures can grow into something bigger than we can imagine. God can use even the tiniest acts to accomplish great works. I’m choosing to trust in the power of small beginnings.
's Prayer
Dear God, help us not to overlook the small things in life. Teach us to trust in your work in every situation. Amen.
Connection Blog:
- Awakening from Spiritual Slumber
There have been six seasons of great revival and spiritual harvest in America to date. Historians debate the dates and the extent of each has varied.
The First Great Awakening 1735-1742
The Second Great Awakening 1800-1825
The Prayer Revival 1857-1858
The Welsh Revival 1904-1905
The Jesus Movement 1969-1971
Notice that every 50-60 years in our history God has graciously come in power to our nation bringing the course correction that we desperately need.
The telling mark of these movements have not been just the change in the churches, but the rapid expansion of the gospel. Awakening implies that a man is in a spiritual slumber, unable to find God. God in His grace quickens his heart, bringing him to an awareness of his sin, a deep desire for repentance, and faith to believe in Christ. In times of national spiritual awakening this happens with stunning speed.
In the First Great Awakening 15% of the population was saved. Do the math on your city or state and you will see the massive nature of such a movement. During the height of the 1857 revival, it was reported that 20,000 people a week were coming to faith in Christ! In the Welsh revival, 100,000 people experienced salvation in 9 months, fulfilling the vision God had given to Evan Roberts in prayer, and this happened the a country that is the size of a small American state. That Awakening literally swept around the world, dramatically affecting America as well.
Records of the largest denomination of its time, the Southern Baptist Convention in America, show that more students and teenagers were baptized in 1969-1971 than any moment in that denomination’s history—before or since. This was during the Jesus Movement.
If you long for millions to be saved, pray for a nationwide, spiritual awakening.
Lord of the Harvest, awaken Your people again! Thank You for what You have done in the past to draw people to Yourself. I give you thanks for awakening sleeping churches and calling generations of believers to cry out to You for the lost. Do it again, Lord! Hear the prayers of Your people, and give me a deep desire to see another nationwide spiritual awakening that leads to millions of salvations.
Go Deeper
Signs of revival are showing up all across our nation! God is calling His church to wake up! He wants a Bride for His Son, Jesus! Check out: Rise Up, O Church of God!
YES TGI-Forgiven and TGIF too. Spend some time worshiping and reminding God how thankful you are for all His many blessings including mercy, grace, forgiveness, and much love!
I slept in again until 7:30 (catching up on sleep I guess--thanks Lord). Now I have things to get to, so a short blog .
Jesus loves you and He calls you by name to come walk with Him--serve with Him. God loves you so much that he made a way for you to be forgiven and with Him always. PTL! Spend some time contemplating these great gifts and worship . Maybe go share with someone your gratitude for all the many blessings and share how they can know these blessings by receiving the Gift!
One other note: Pray for our nation and president and for the save America act to pass. It's only common sense that only legal citizens vote. Pray for truth and justice to prevail. Pray the darkness is overcome by light. Bind up Satan and his minions and those leaders and influencers and media outlets under his control. We are well on our way to become a communist country when the major networks try to silence truth and not carry the presidents message. What lack of respect and exercise of indoctrination and control of the narrative we have been experiencing. How sad! How un-American--anti-American! It's time we wake up. Pray like crazy and be instruments of truth and revival. In God we trust is the motto of the nation. Those who trust in God need to stand up and be His vessels of truth and revival. What's your part? What will you do about that? Pray for blind eyes and deaf ears to be open to truth and for God to come revive us and save this great nation! Pray a covering of protection over our president and the leaders that know, love and follow God. Pray the voice of truth would be heard and accepted. Pray for revival! Cry out for God to intervene and bring justice and bring Truth and the true American way alive again.
: Bread with Weis products 10-12 / Dinner Huddle restart with pizza and ice cream party in the fellowship hall 6-7:30
It seems not including devotionals and blogs allowed all of you to receive my blog. I will include links below. Please take some time to click on and read them, especially the connection blog (it ties to the prayer requests for our nation we recorded the other week in church) Praying all receive these !
Good Morning Listening, Abiding, Thankful, Faithful Pray-ers and Servants of the Lord! Amen! was a sleepless night again for me, BUT GOD! There was a reason. He wanted to talk. Thanks Lord! I spent some time reading a chapter from a book on delighting in God about being still before the Lord, listening and receiving. He is always speaking love over us and wanting to whisper in love to our hearts His thoughts and plans. Be still and know that I am God is not a suggestion, yet many often find stillness and listening for God's still small voice a very hard command to keep. I know because doers and reactionaries like me gotta get to it to do things for God. "Let's roll baby. No time to dilly dally. Daylights burning!" But God say to be still and then we will know He is God, He is speaking, He is wanting to hang out with you. So I'm working on that practice of stillness as I abide in Christ and rest in the Lord. What refreshing and renewal of thinking this brings. Try it! What's God saying to you . Can you turn off the noise for a time and listen? The Upper Room speaks into this as well. God is speaking to me . How about you? What are you hearing? What does He want you to do or stop doing? Be still and know! Ask for help to turn off all the noise, to still your soul and to abide with an open mind and heart and listening spirit. Then ask for help to do what He reveals. Take some time during this hot week to chill, abide and listen with fresh hearts and then seek Him for your next steps. Maybe process what you are hearing with your teammates. We used to talk about kairos moments. Moments when God breaks through time and reveals Himself and His plans to transform you or some situation. The process of processing what God is revealing during these kairos moments goes like this: Listen, process if God is really speaking, process with some friends, release your will to God and make plans to do what He's asking, find accountability to do it, do it. be transformed or part of some transformation as God leads us forward with Him in our journey. And don't forget to thank God for who He is and all he is doing! He is awesome and he has great plans for you! Check out Our Daily bread about this. Open your Bible and read the associated Scripture meditatively and prayerfully. God does speak and inform our prayers as we abide in his Living Word! Thanks Lord! Let's start with that passage and then be still, abide and then meditate on the links asking God to speak and lead you . I have prayed that already for you and me and us. Amen! Come Lord. Speak and lead and move us to be still and then go. Thanks! Amen!
Don't be foolish. Abide and thrive in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak, fill and lead you . And sing God's praises as you build those gratitude list with what he is doing in, through and around you . be still and know, process and go. Whistle while you work ! Amen! Shalom shalom!
Eph 5:15-20, Living by the Spirit’s Power
15So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Good afternoon friends! Well God heard prayers and I slept in . PTL and thanks for praying for me! we had a great bread ministry and night dinner huddle. Great fellowship and ministry took place. Many of our spiritual gifts were exercised and God used us and answered our prayers. PTL! I also wrapped up homebound communion visits. Man are our people lonely and in some cases depressed. Maybe your giftedness is encouragement? Maybe some of you are called to call, visit and/or send cards. I know they are very appreciated. I can't imagine being stuck at home or in a facility for extended time like these are. Ask God if He wants you to minister to one or more of these and do it. Maybe team up and go love on them for an hour or two. Maybe call and pray with them. Maybe make some cards and send them. God will use your offering of your gifts, talents and time.
Speaking of spiritual gifts, talents, abilities and God using us, OUTR Daily Bread devotional speaks into this coming together and using our gifts to serve and to grow His Church. We are reminded through the 1 Corinthians 12 passages that God has placed and gathered us to go be His Good News Delivery Company and that we all have a vital, needed part in that. What's your part? Who are your teammates, who needs you. (click the ODB link below and meditate on this as you stay inside safe from smoke and heat). When I did the spiritual gifts training and classes we are reminded that we are usually deficient in some gifts and need others to be like a well oiled machine. What gifts might you need to help you with the plans God has for you? Invite some to join you and work together. We see this played out at bread ministry weekly, we all have servant hearts but different gifts and abilities that God unites as we serve and love and ministry together. The Word for You which has no links, reminds us that we measure our success and the faith of others by our fruit or theirs. Are you, are we as a Body, experiencing good and lasting fruit? We can as we abide, receive and pursue God's plans for us and go live and love like Jesus. Be still, know, prepare, pray and go produce some fruit this week. And team up to be more productive. Amen
The smoke wafting around us reminds me of how our prayers go before the Father like incense. It also remind me how Satan prowls about seeking those to destroy. And it reminds me of the Holy Spirit flowing among us bringing gifts and wisdom. Bind up Satan in prayer and ask for ears to hear God and feet willing to follow. Ask for some teammates to practice with and pray with and prepare with and go with. Then go live and love and drive back the darkness like Jesus. We are created, gifted, empowered and united for such a time as this. GO! Pray we become a dynamic movement of God and prosper as His Good News Delivery Co. And worship our Good Shepherd as He leads us! Let's roll!
I have been having an issue with 12 of your emails rejecting my blogs somedays, not everyday. I am trying to see if adding the devotionals and blogs causes this so none of those . If you get this and didn't get 's blog know I tried three times to get it to you and different ways too. Pray for me to figure this out. Thanks. My wrist is healing and I am able to type and use the mouse right handed! Yay God!
Good Morning Friends! Stay cool this week and refresh in the Living Water and Living Word while you chill at home. Turn off the noise and focus on what really matters--the ONLY thing that matters--Jesus and His ways! Amen! Help us Lord! Refresh us as we abide and bring Your Word alive as we open and encounter Your Spirit teaching and leading us. Come! Speak, refresh and lead. Prepare me to be a bringer of Living Water and to bring Your Truth alive to all who You send to me seeking You and Your good ways. Bring revival and send me Lord! Help me to know and fulfill my part in Your Good News Delivery Co. Help me to see and join with the teammates you have for me. Help me to use the gifts You have given to encourage and build. Thanks! Come! Fill me and prepare me for all You have. Amen!
May God hear our prayers and use us for His glory. Who is He bringing to mind right now to pray for, reach out to encourage, or share the Good News? What does He want you to do about that? Seek and allow Him to use you. I have started homebound visitations. Many could use a call or card or visit. Is that you God-given ministry? Most. like most of us are having a hard time to turn off the noise and lies flying around TV and social media. Turn off your noise (even the stuff rattling around in your head) and be still knowing God has a good plan and one for you through these times. Focus or refocus one the only thing and only One that matters--Jesus and His way. He has great plans for you and for someone that you know that needs to meet Him. Ask for wisdom, courage and words and even teammates and then watch and join Him along your way through the week ahead. And don't forget to worship and thank Him!
See you at bread or dinner huddle. May you know His shalom and abiding presence as His love overflows you ! Refresh and rejoice! Amen and shalom shalom.
10-12 Bread with Weis products/6-7:30 Dinner Huddle regathering pizza and ice cream party in the Fellowship Hall
. Worship at 10
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Good Morning Praying Revivalists! Amen. Several of our devotionals for are on prayer, God's mission through us and revival. Check them out and then mediate on the connection blog below. God is calling us to pray for revival and to be part of the answer to that prayer. Start with prayer and abiding and invite God to fill and lead you and this week to your part and purposes. Then GO! Live and love like Jesus and join Him on His revival mission, doing your part. Amen!
Start with meditating on John 3:16-21 from Our Daily Bread. Ask God to bring this alive to and through you . he loves you, is calling you by name to join Him in His plans for the day. Will you join Him? Try it! His plans are great for you for such a time as this! PTL!
John 3:16-21
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[a] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.
Connection Blog
- Accelerated Prayer
All through history God has chosen seasons to “rend the heavens and come down.” These times of revival in the church and massive spiritual awakening among the lost are used by God to remind us of what heaven is like and to make His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. It is His great mercy that brings such times. When the church and a nation sink to desperate spiritual lows, the cry of our hearts should be for such revivals and awakenings.
Richard Owen Roberts describes revival as “The extraordinary movement of the Spirit of God among His people that produces extraordinary results.” God is at work everywhere all the time. But seasons of revival accelerate the movement of God, accomplishing in a matter of days or months what could not be accomplished in decades.
Revival brings the church to life again. In 1857 a noon-day prayer meeting began with six men led by Jeremiah Lanphier. They must have assumed in its beginning that it was just another normal prayer meeting by a few earnest believers. But God had other plans. No one could explain what happened in the succeeding weeks. Soon 50,000 people were gathering daily to pray in New York city! This is the church revived! Such acceleration in prayer does not merely lead to revival, it IS revival, as Jonathan Edwards said.
Revival, above everything else, is a glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is the restoration of Him to the center of each believer’s life and the life of the Church. It is an intense passion for Christ, fueled by the atmosphere of His presence.
Lord God Almighty, You alone can bring repentance, renewal and redemption! You are the God of Revival! Stir inside of me and give me a deeper awareness of Your presence than I have ever known before! I long to see You move among Your people, Jesus! Come and dwell in our hearts through an even greater faith as we cry out to You! We want to see You high and lifted up among people, in our homes, in our land and across the earth. Catch us on fire, O Lord, so that we, as well as the lost, will be attracted to Your flame and be awakened to Your presence in our midst!
Good Morning Friends and Servants of the Lord Our God! Amen! Man, He loves you/us! He calls us by name and helps us to become more like Jesus and to do the things we are created to do--even repent of sins and wayward ways. He created us for such a time as this and has empowered us to fulfill His purposes. The question is are we ready to go, repentant and restored to be used, do we want to? Whoa! Hold on! Um maybe? We are the ones He has to go be His vessels and change the world. He has gathered us as His Good News Delivery Company where each of us, regardless of age or situation, has a role to play. Are we doing our part? Have we lost heart? Are we all in doing what we can with what we've been given? That's all He asks! That is your and our mission as we go live and love like Jesus. Help us Lord to see with your eyes, hear with your ears and respond with your heart and mind. Amen
Check out the thread through our devos and blogs below. What's God saying to you and what will you do about that? Who are your teammates? Go! Be Jesus and be part of changing the world and expanding His Kingdom. The world stinks...But God! Pronounce blessings and His Kingdom come and will to be done in prayer and then be part of the answer to that prayer. Amen!
Check out the thread through our devos and blogs and seek first His Kingdom, The GO! Be Jesus and a world-changer! Amen! God has something and someone for you --abide, pray, pronounce, prepare, partner up and GO! Amen
Bulgarian lifeguard Yane Petkov won a world record for swimming with his hands and feet tied together. He swam 3,380 meters through the water but added something to intensify the challenge—he wrapped his body in a sack.
The patience and strength required to keep moving despite being so “tied up” amazes me. The apostle Paul also displayed rugged resistance to obstacles as he served God in the days of the early church. Despite facing fatigue, hunger, sleeplessness, and beatings, Paul continued to preach and write letters of encouragement and instruction to his fellow believers.
Paul penned his last letter to Timothy when he was isolated in a Roman prison, awaiting execution. Although shackles restricted his body, he noted that the good news could not be “chained” (2 Timothy 2:9). “Therefore,” Paul said, “I endure everything” to give others the chance to hear and accept the truth about Jesus Christ (v. 10).
God can help us endure any kind of difficulty that stands in the way of serving Him. Physical limitations such as illness, injuries, and disabilities require care and attention, but they can’t ultimately surpass God’s power, which is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Let’s give God the glory when He works through us to do things we cannot do on our own.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s your greatest area of struggle as you consider serving God? How does He want to help you cope with the frustration that comes from your limitations?
Dear God, I lay down my pride and ask for Your help to bring glory to Your name.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul felt abandoned (2 Timothy 1:15). His imprisonment would end in his execution, a prospect that makes his words to Timothy endearing: “You then, my son, be strong” (2:1). He employed three metaphors to encourage Timothy. The soldier maintains a disciplined focus to “please his commanding officer” (v. 4). The athlete competes “according to the rules” (v. 5). And the farmer “should be the first to receive a share of the crops” (v. 6). Amid tremendous personal hardship, the apostle wanted Timothy to know the struggle “for the gospel” (1:8) was worth it. As we face difficulties , God will help us endure whatever stands in the way of our service to Him.
UR: God's Unfailing Love
Paul wrote, I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39 (NRSVUE)
In 2013 when my contract with an international non-governmental organization ended, I was completely overwhelmed. I felt like I was sinking. The future looked bleak. I was approaching my fiftieth birthday with no job prospects. I even started doubting God’s love for me.
One day I was watching a Christian program on TV when the speaker mentioned Romans 8:38. The words of that verse filled a void that I was feeling. They provided an assurance that absolutely nothing could separate me from God’s love. At that moment, my mistaken thought that God didn’t care about my predicament changed. I knew God’s love for me was unchanging.
It gave me the courage to continue.
Even , over ten years later, when challenges come, this verse reminds me of God’s unshakable love and care. Whether I am facing life’s struggles, spiritual battles, or even death itself, God’s steadfast love for me is still unchanging.
's Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the assurance that nothing can ever separate us from your enduring love. Amen.
TWFYT
Connection Blog
- Embrace God’s Purpose
Jesus knew that He had been sent on purpose by His Father. That He lived on mission. He came to seek and save that which had been lost—the people that the Creator made in His image who had wandered from Him. Christ came to bring them back so their lives would worship and serve their King.
When Christ came to the most significant decision in His earthly life, He did not pray, “God, remove this from Me,” or, “Let me be comfortable,” or, “Save me from this pain.” As He faced the grueling prospect of the cross, the most effective prayer, the one that is always answered was this: "Father, glorify Your name."
God delights to answer this prayer and the results are stunning. This prayer, prayed from a humble, genuine heart, is the prayer that never fails.
Answer my cry, O Lord, in a way that will accomplish Your will, for Your will is good, acceptable, and perfect. If it is best for You then it is best for me and any others who may be affected by this prayer. Father, I want You to be magnified and seen in this circumstance. May all that happens ultimately glorify You!
Go Deeper
It’s often hard to pray when life is hard, but here are some powerful ways to give God glory through trials: 7 Ways to Pray in Difficult Time
Schedule Adjustment: 7-15-26, 6PM <Rita's Night Out then Wed 7-22-26 Dinner Huddle restart with Pizza Party
Good Morning Gifted Servants of God Most High! He created us for such a time as this and has gifted us to fulfill our purposes and placed us here to do them together and to build His Church. He will call us home when our races are complete. Until then we are to keep following and serving. Amen! Help us Lord! Not our will and way but Yours!
Getting better but still tough typing and using the mouse left handed. But had to share a couple of devotionals that speak into the salutation and our purposes.
Talking to some of you and visitors (BTW another awesome donut day! Thanks servants of the Lord!), the question often arises about our gifts and purposes an d what God wants and expects of us. After all He created us to do His bidding for such a time as this and has gifted and is preparing us to complete them. He has gathered us and placed us here to work together as His Body with many parts and purposes that comingle to be His special stew (if you will) to go feed His sheep. Begin with the reminder from Proverbs 3:5-6, Don't lean on your own understanding as we can be apt to do. But focus on and honor God with all your thinking and actions and He will direct your steps. And H e does! Amen! We get in the way of His workings and plans at times. Be still and focus on Him. He has created and gifted you for such a time as this and He is calling you by name and empowering and sending you. And He won't call you home until His mission is complete. He truly does have great plans for you! He has someone for you as a partner and someone to reach, just as you are and He will walk with you and help you if you allow. It just takes that first step of faith. Keep watch! Keep praying! Keep preparing as you do what you do and He will! He will come, fill, unite, guide and work through you! PTL!
Meditate, pray through and process these devotionals with your team! GO TEAM ! I'm praying for you. Shalom shalom
ODB: (Look up the passage they use from Romans 12:3-8. What's God sayin g to you? and process with your friends and apply to your life and mission)
ODB
Sharing Our Spiritual Gifts
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans 12:6
“You’re good at playing the guitar,” I said to a new friend at church. “Thanks,” he said. “That’s my ministry.” There was that word again. Ministry. I didn’t know what that was or how someone “got” a ministry. But my friend was simply using the musical ability he’d been given to serve others. When I later discovered that one of my gifts was exhortation, or encouragement, I was a bit disappointed. It felt too plain. But soon I realized that as the care leader of our small group, I delighted in writing encouraging notes or calling our members. I’d been using one of my spiritual gifts without even knowing it.
As believers in Jesus, we’re each given spiritual gifts to serve in the church (1 Corinthians 12:6). Sometimes we don’t know what they are, so we simply serve where there’s need. The Holy Spirit will do the rest (vv. 4-6, 8-11).
Just as our human body has many parts with different functions, in Christ, “we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:5-6). Teaching, encouraging, giving, and showing mercy are just some of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the passage from the book of Romans (vv. 6-8). Whatever spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit entrusts us with, let’s use them to serve others in the church—the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27).
By Nancy Gavilanes
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s one of your spiritual gifts? How can you use it to bless others?
Dear God, please help me use my spiritual gifts to serve others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Spiritual (grace) gifts are listed in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; and 1 Corinthians 12:28. No two lists are identical, which indicates they aren’t exhaustive. The purpose of listing the gifts isn’t to enumerate how many types of gifts there are but rather to teach us to use them in a loving way that promotes growth and unity in the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; 13:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10). Spiritual gifts equip God’s people to do His work, to edify and build up the church (Ephesians 4:11-16), and to serve others and bring glory to God (1 Peter 4:10-11). To achieve this, Paul tells us not to think too highly or too lowly of ourselves but to use our spiritual giftedness in humility (Romans 12:3). With our diverse gifts (vv. 4-6), we can serve others in sincere love (v. 9) and mutual respect (v. 10). , God helps us humbly use our gifts to serve others.
TWFYT
UR: Trusting God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
I grew up with an alcoholic father and a mother who suffered from mental illness. My older sister, Linda, was the only family member I could rely on. I looked up to her in adulthood as well.
When Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer, I prayed every day that God would heal her. When cancer took her life at the young age of forty-one, I was so angry with God. I spent the next twelve years following in my father’s footsteps, drinking to help ease the heartache I felt in losing Linda. It wasn’t until I came very close to being charged with driving under the influence that I knew something had to change. I walked into a 12-step meeting, and though it wasn’t easy, I became sober and have kept my sobriety for the last fifteen years.
By studying the Bible and listening to many sermons along the way, I came to the realization that God did not take my sister from me — cancer did. My life is so much better without alcohol, and God has blessed me with financial stability and a healthy lifestyle. We don’t have all the answers, but God does. We must learn to trust God even when things don’t go as we wish. God is truly our friend and never our enemy, even in times of deepest grief.
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's Prayer
Dear Father, help us to trust in you always. Amen.
Yes Thank God I'm forgiven! Thank God for love, grace, mercy and forgiveness that has made a way for sinners like us to be forgiven, restored and made new. Yes PTL! I've been contemplating all of these gifts from God . I am/we are very loved. So much so that God sent His Son and Jesus willing laid down His life to make a way for us to be cleansed, forgiven, made new and be able to stand in faith before our Holy Father. PTL! What love, grace and mercy we have been showered with. PTL! Be still and contemplate these things, thank God and share the Good News of Jesus to someone. Ask God who and to lead you to share His love and go about your day living and loving more like Jesus with your eyes on God and for Him to be moving around you. Amen! He loves you and created you for such a time as this! WORSHIP< TRUST< OBEY ! amen
Good Morning Forgiven Friends--Servants of the Lord Almighty! Yes worship and build that gratitude list ! What grace we have been show, What love we have been showered with. What joy we know as we receive and love as we have been loved! Amen!
One schedule readjustment...just noticed that will be blazing hot--dangerously so. So we are again skipping Rita's. HOWEVER we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a Pizza party with ice cream the 15th at 6. Bring some friends and chill with us!
OK got to go. Praying shalom and love overflowing into Living Water over you! Shalom shalom
is donut day at bread ministry 10-12. No gathering due to my wrist injury. Restart next bWed. 6-7:30 with pizza party.
Trying to type one handed and use mouse left handed is a real challenge BUT had to share two devos .
Good morning gifted, pursuing servants of the Lord! What's your purpose? We all know God has one form us that we are created and gifted and helped to complete. Are you running your race well? Talk to God about that and seek some team mates to help, pray an d hold you accountable! Keep seeking first His Kingdom and working on the purposes He created you for. He's calling you by name to come and walk with Him towards it. Keep running! The end could be near. Praying you can read this and that God speaks to your heart and directs your steps . Shalom!
TWFYT
UR: Run to Win
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)
“One kilometer to go,” shouted the timekeeper as I crossed the mark in a 5-kilometer run. I was tiring, but I kept my eyes on the finish line and my mind focused on winning the prize. I was running for the reward that comes with being first to cross the finish line. I had trained months for this day.
Early on, others passed by me, but I had kept to my own pace. Thoughts of quitting entered my mind as I tackled the hills. The last hundred yards were the hardest. My breathing was heavy and my legs ached. But the cheers of people along the roadside spurred me on. I finished strong and won first prize.
Paul likens the Christian life to a race. We are to run the course set before us with purpose and perseverance. In order to run with vigor, we must practice the spiritual disciplines of prayer, worship, and Bible study. We will all give account to Christ and be rewarded for how we have lived. When I stand before Christ, I want to receive his commendation and receive the rewards for a life of faith and obedience.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to run with vigor the course of life so that we honor you and receive our eternal reward. Amen.
Connection blog
- Fulfilling God’s Mission
There is no mystery about our mission. Whether we realize it or not, engage in it or not, we have one mission, for which Paul requested prayer.
“Pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make know with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20).
Prayer is not merely about getting a few things for yourself or simply being helped when we are in trouble. It’s about advancing the kingdom of God! It is God’s weapon to help invade Enemy territory and snatch people from the jaws of Satan who has come to “steal, kill, and destroy.”
It is telling that almost every prayer Paul requested from others was for boldness to proclaim the gospel. Not for health, wealth, or prosperity. Not even for safety. Paul asked them to pray that he would open his mouth and boldly proclaim the gospel. He needed their prayers for mission-driven courage.
There are millions of people who are enslaved to the Enemy. We have the singular message that can release them from his clutches. They cannot be delivered unless we pierce through the Enemy lines and get the life-saving message to them. And prayer is the power that makes all of this work!
“Up in a little town in Maine, things were pretty dead some years ago. The churches were not accomplishing anything. There were a few Godly men in the churches, and they said: 'Here we are, only uneducated laymen; but something must be done in this town. Let us form a praying band. We will all center our prayers on one man. Who shall it be?'
They picked out one of the hardest men in town and centered all their prayers upon him. In a week, he was converted. They centered their prayers upon the next hardest man in town, and soon he was converted. Then they took up another and another, until within a year, over two hundred people were brought to God, and the fire spread out into all the surrounding country. Definite prayer for those in the prison house of sin is the need of the hour.”
When do lost people need to hear the gospel? All the time, every day. When do Christians need boldness to share the gospel? All the time, every day. When should we be praying for the fulfillment of God’s mission through us? All the time, every day.
Majestic Father, I confess my weakness and fear to boldly confess the gospel of Jesus Christ! There are so many people bent on heading to hell in my family, my city, my church, my nation and beyond. Give me boldness to share what You have done for me with those who desperately need to hear not just some good news, but the best news of all!
Go Deeper
When we begin to pray for lost people, God will give us a deep love for them and a deeper desire to be used to draw their hearts to Jesus.7 Focused Ways to Pray for Lost Peoplewill direct your heart towards God’s mission.
Prayer Points
Praise God as the one who again has supplied you with all you have needed this week.
Thank him for putting some of his resources into your care.
Confess any waste or mismanagement of those resources this week.
Commit yourself to sharing with God’s people who are in need (Rom. 12:13).
Ask God to bring to mind the name of someone with whom he would have you share by showing hospitality (12:13).
Pray that your children and those of your friends learn principles of Christian stewardship from an early age. Ask God to make you an excellent example for 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.
Happy Independence Day! Let us praise God that we can worship freely and pursue the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Good Morning Free-in-Christ Friends! Amen! We are free indeed! PTL! On this 250th birthday of our great nation, I wasn't going to blog--BUT GOD! I opened my email to find the Connection Blog (and link to an article on revival). I had to share it! Take some time to thank God for our many blessings including being born here in the land of the free and that is because of the brave who stood up for our country and freedoms and for those who suffered much to allow us to become one nation under God! The blog below will tie to our worship . Until we gather let us be still and know that He is the God of our lives and our nation. His hand of blessing is upon us as we stay faithful and serve Him with all our hearts and obedience's. May He bring revival and restore our land, drive back the darkness and evil and bring alive Truth, justice and the true American way! May His Kingdom come and will be done! Amen!
Until we meet again, rejoice in this day the Lord has made, worship, abide and enjoy a great and safe holiday! Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD! May that be us Lord! God bless America and may America bless you! Amen!
Have a great day! Shalom shalom!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Happy 4th of July from OneCry!
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- Freedom to Pursue the Heart of God
And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. (Acts 19:8)
When you consider the inalienable rights identified in the Declaration of Independence—gifts given to us by God—you see that “liberty” comes right after “life.” To truly understand what that liberty is and why it must again be declared and defended in our nation, we need to start with a very specific liberty—religious liberty. Why? Because it is truly our first freedom.
Do you recall the story of the Pilgrims? They hold a special place in our hearts as models for setting aside time to give thanks to God our provider and sustainer. But they also influenced the founding spirit of our nascent nation with their commitment to liberty. The Pilgrims famously arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620 after fleeing persecution for their faith in Europe. Once on this side of the Atlantic, they proceeded to establish the Mayflower Compact— a covenant made expressly before God, and which upheld religious toleration.
Wave after wave of settlers came here and embraced the Pilgrims’ desire to freely pursue faith and freedom, and this became a core element of America’s DNA. In fact, religious liberty became so foundational to the framework of our nation that it was actually incorporated as the very first freedom designated for protection in the Bill of Rights.
Now, our nation’s Founders didn’t come up with this idea on their own. It is based on ideals from the Bible. We know all people have dignity as individuals made in the image of God, and we quickly see in the early chapters of Genesis that part of that dignity includes a freedom to choose right from wrong. In the New Testament, too, we find that Jesus does not force decisions on His hearers and that gospel missions are based on persuasion, not coercion. Ultimately, robust faith requires every one of us to choose for ourselves whom we will serve.
We must focus our intercessory attention on this first freedom— to freely pursue God’s heart—for without it we are lost as a nation. May Americans never falter in cherishing the freedom to choose Christ and to worship Him freely. May we be a people of true and robust faith.
Lord God Almighty, thank You for the spiritual seeds of , faith, and freedom that the Pilgrims sowed in our land. Please stretch me, and every other believer who wants to see America remain a beacon of light for religious liberty in our world, towards a deeper level of intercession than we have ever known! Gather Your people and Your Church together to ask that each person in this nation will cherish our liberty to seek and honor You freely. May hearts in our land turn fully to You, Lord Jesus, and may we choose to serve You wholeheartedly!
Thank God I'm Forgiven! What are you thankful about? Tell God and share with some others! Thank God for freedom in Christ! And for those fighting for our freedoms, truth and justice in the USA. Amen!
Good Morning Free and Forgiven Friends! What a blessing that God has freed us, saved us, forgiven us and placed us in the land of the free where we can practice our faith freely. PTL! most workers are celebrating a day off for Independence Day holiday. We have so much to celebrate and be thankful about! Think about our freedoms in Christ and this nation and all the blessings God has bestowed upon you and worship! This is the day the Lord has made and we get to chill and worship in it! Amen!
See you guys at 10 for more worship and fellowship. Until then REJOICE! And chill! Shalom!
10-12 Bread Ministry with Weis products. Thank God for His provision and for using us. Come hang out!
6pm Emmaus Rita's chill out night. All welcome. Wear your St. Matt's shirts. Ask God to connect us to some neighbors and for us to shine bright for Him!
Good Morning Praying, Persevering, Partners! Amen! This salutation flows form the blog and devo below. Check them out and ask God to help you be a praying, persevering partner with Him and some others. Pray we partner up to pray, encourage and build His church and that we grow as His House of Prayer for the Nations! Hope to see you sometime ! Be chill and know His shalom as you persevere in prayer and service . Amen!
Connection Blog
- Growing Your Prayer Life
God wants to teach you some things about your prayer life:
Abide in Me - Learn how to stop, listen, and be silent throughout the day. It is the art of listening that makes My voice clear and distinct. I want you to learn how to quiet your soul in the midst of anything and everything. To abide in Me. Some of this is external - resisting the noise of the world. Some is internal - practicing the presence of God. Retreating. Consciously listening, for I am here and I am not silent. (John 15:4-5)
Ask More of Me in Prayer - Until now, you have asked for nothing. Ask and you will receive so your joy may be full. As you do, the world will see Me. I want to use you to show the world—and I want to use your church to show the world—that I answer the prayers of My people. That I am there constantly, waiting for them to pray. (John 15:11)
Let Me Help Your Life to Bear Great, Lasting Fruit - I have so much more for you than you can imagine! You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I have given you spiritual gifts. My very Self, the Holy Spirit, resides in you. I will guide you into great prayers if you will listen to Me, and I will produce great fruit through you if you will surrender and obey My promptings. I want to produce fruit through you that will last into eternity. But … you must pray! (John 15:16)
Walk carefully through these Biblical thoughts again. Would you pause right now and respond in prayer to each of these things He is saying to you?
Sovereign Lord, teach me to abide in You and with You. There are so many things and so much noise competing for attention in my life – and only “one thing” is needed…sitting at Your feet and listening. I want to dwell in Your presence and disengage from all that distracts me from time with You. Show me how to be bold in my prayer life – to ask big things of You that align with Your kingdom purpose so that others might see Your power. Holy Spirit, help me to stay attached to the Vine so that my life might be fruitful and useful for the glory of Your Name!
Good Morning Called, Equipped, Being Prepared, Praying Servants of the Lord--God's team!! PTL how God works all things together and leads, equips, steers and helps us. Thank God for His protection and covering and keep releasing it over us and our nation. Thank God for gathering us and uniting us to worship, pray, serve and encourage and to build His Church. Check out the blog and devo below as you meditate and pray . It's a good day to spend some extra chill time with the Lord and seek His Kingdom and righteousness and release His Kingdom come and will be done. He's waiting for you and us to come and unite and go and love like Jesus. Let's work on that the rest of the year. He has gathered and equipped us for such a time as this! Amen! We are His Good News Delivery Company! Let us not grow weary nor give up! Let us unite and soar together! Amen!
is my normal day off and many, like Karen have off as the holiday, so probably no blog. It's gonna be a hot weekend. Be safe and wise. We are hosting a family picnic for like 40 people . Pray protection over all who will be out in the heat. I'll be out getting ready all day and . Appreciate prayer. Thanks! See you all . Shalom Team!
ODB:
Team Effort in Christ
Pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:10
In 1869, construction began on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. Soon after work commenced, chief engineer Washington Roebling became very ill. His wife, Emily, pitched in to help. She studied his plans, revised specifications, and gave instructions to his assistants. Emily assisted her husband in any way she could, and when the bridge opened in 1883, she rode in the first carriage across it. Her husband praised her “remarkable talent” and “her thorough knowledge of the work and plans.”
Such teamwork is beautiful and the secret to the most meaningful work of our lives. Solomon explained the basis of teamwork in Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (4:9-10). And Paul said we should view teamwork as a key to the work of the church: “There are many parts, but one body” (1 Corinthians 12:20). He further explained that there should be “no division in the body” (v. 25) as everyone serves together, caring for each other.
In our work, our family, or in the life of the church, none of us are in this alone. We need each other when someone falters, and we need each other as we combine our talents. Teamwork is vital as we set out to accomplish what God wants us to do.
By Dave Branon
REFLECT & PRAY
In what ways can you team up with others to do God’s work? How have you been helped by a teammate in serving Christ?
Thank You, dear God, for guiding me to work together with others. Please help me to be the kind of helper others can depend on.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Ecclesiastes may seem like little more than a string of musings from an embittered sage. Any coherent message we do find is steeped in futility. Chapter 4 is typical as the philosopher surveys “toil and all achievement” (v. 4) through a bleak, earthbound lens. “There was a man all alone,” he says. “There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth” (v. 8). When we live for ourselves, contentment eludes us. The writer provides hope, however: “Two are better than one” (v. 9), and “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). Left to ourselves, our human pursuits are truly in vain. God intended for us to live in community, interdependent on each other. Most of all, He wants us to live with Him at the center of our lives (see 12:1, 13-14). In Him, toil becomes teamwork as He helps us accomplish what He wants us to do.
Although all of us are called to intercede, many people have a specific “calling” to give themselves to intercession. What do I mean by that? There are certain people who God seems to specially grace with the desire to pray for hours a day on behalf of others. While we may struggle to stay focused in prayer for ten to fifteen minutes, these choice pray-ers seem to effortlessly spend hours at a time pleading cases before the throne.
If you begin to sense God calling you to this ministry, here are some tips:
Find another intercessor to mentor you. Make sure it is someone who has a good relationship with his or her pastor and church. Sometimes intercessors can become withdrawn and even critical of their church. That is not healthy; and you do not want to be mentored by someone like that.
Make sure you spend time in the Word. As you begin to spend long times in prayer, reading and meditating on God’s Word will help you stay balanced. Intercessors who are not grounded in God’s Word quickly become targets that Satan can manipulate for his purposes. Never pray at length without an open Bible. Pray the Word.
Guard against a prideful spirit. One of Satan’s best tactics for destroying intercessors is to fill them with pride. You may start to feel more spiritual than others. You may start to get annoyed that your church “isn’t doing things right.” These are signs of pride creeping in. Pride will totally invalidate your ministry!
Develop your calling. Spend even more time in prayer. Read books about intercessors and intercession. Fill your prayer closet with things that stimulate your prayer life: maps, photographs, powerful quotes, and the like.
Lord Jesus, You are even now interceding for Your people! Give me a deep desire to grow in the “gift” of intercession so that I can devote more of my time and attention to the needs of others and the purposes of Your kingdom. Draw me to Yourself. Protect me from the attacks of the enemy who wants me to become prideful. Keep me grounded in Your word and help me to develop a richer and more powerful prayer life day by day!
Praise God as the one worthy of the worship of our entire lives (Rom. 12:1-2).
Give thanks for God’s mercy shown to you personally.
Confess times of conforming to the pattern of this world.
Commit yourself to the continual renewing of your mind.
Ask God to be true to his promise that you will be able to test and approve what is his will.
Pray that each of God’s people will be reminded of the different gifts he or she possesses, according to the grace of God (12:6). Ask that they be further equipped through worship to use those gifts for God’s kingdom (12:7ff.).
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.
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. - Luke 18:1 (NIV)
God knows that there are days when we feel like giving up on prayer. Maybe we think there are bigger problems in the world, or we feel that God isn’t interested. Yet, instead of just admonishing us to pray more, Jesus told a story about a widow and a judge. There aren’t many details about the widow, but I imagine she wasn’t politically connected or rich. We aren’t told exactly what the issue was, but we know she had a conflict with someone and went to the judge for help.
Initially, the unjust judge refused to help her, but she didn’t give up. Instead, she kept going to him. I picture her walking to the judge’s house day after day, knocking on the door, and him muttering, “Oh no! Not her again!” Maybe her persistence did annoy him, but all she wanted was for the judge to do his job. Finally, he granted her justice. I can see him throwing his hands up and saying, “All right! I’ll do it! Just please leave me alone!”
Jesus ended the parable by reminding us that God is not even a little bit like that judge. God wants to hear from us. Our Creator loves us and wants the best for us. And because God is so good, we should never give up on praying. God is listening, and if we keep on praying and believing, we can trust that God will answer.
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's Prayer
Dear Father, teach us to trust you in all circumstances because you have promised to hear and answer our prayers. Amen.
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends! Come inside. Come inside. Do you know the artist that sang that? It's from ELP. Emerson, Lake and Palmer. They were probably clueless, I can heart God saying that to us. Come! Lets hang out for eternity. And I say Amen! It would be cool to rework some lyrics from my wild days yo praises and prayers. May you have some. I often turn words and lyrics to personal Psalms. Try it ! God's calling you by name to come and abide! Amen!
Good Morning House of Prayer for the Nations! Is that us? We are striving to be one as we unite in prayer, intercession, battling in the spiritual realm and uniting with brothers and sisters from all tribes and nations to release God's Kingdom and power on earth. Join us! Join Him and be part of the eternal staff and Good News Delivery Company. One station in the company is prayer warrior and another is watchman on the wall. Are you one of those? Our loving Father is calling you by name. Come abide and let's converse all day. Join me in the show that never ends! May it be so Lord! Check out the Connection blog below and pray and meditate, seek, listen and abide and even all day. God is whispering to you and showering His love over you. Rejoice!
How often have you heard at a funeral or about someone that has passed that they were a prayer warrior? My grandmom always prayed for...my dad always covered me in prayer...my aunt prayed me to salvation...? What's your legacy? Is it one of love, as a warrior and ceaseless pray-er? Check out The Upper Room below as well. How does God want to use you, your time and talents and your intercessions? Sometimes too He wants to use us as an answer to our prayers. Who are you praying for that God wants you to go love on, serve or disciple? What will you do about that? Remember, God is for us, knows us, calls us and helps us to go live and love like Jesus. That includes praying and serving like Jesus and He longs for us to unite as His House of Prayer for the Nations. Unite us Lord! Send us. Use us for Your glory. May Your Kingdom come and will be done in through and around me and us. May I/we leave a legacy of loving service and faithful prayer warrior. Come! Thanks! Amen!
Connection Blog
- God’s Invitation to More of His Love
God is the God of more. He longs for us to grant Him access to our lives through the continuing posture of unceasing prayer. The Lord has some things to say to you that will help you see the inestimable value of such a life—to forever change the way you view the privilege of prayer. If you were to sit with Him and ask “Lord, what do you want to say to me personally about prayer?” what would He say? Based on things He’s already said in His Word, we can imagine the conversation might go something like this …
“I want you to know that I’m waiting for you. I am more interested in prayer than you are, because I am more complete in my love than you are. If you loved like I love, you would want to talk with Me without ceasing. Unceasing prayer is not a command, but an invitation! And, I long for you to long for Me. I do not want to be shut out, to be ignored, or to not be consulted, for I know that there is so much more for you in My kingdom if you will pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
“I want you to know that prayer is not complicated. It is the heart of humble helplessness that looks to Me, not to yourself. This is faith. Your greatest qualification for prayer without ceasing is your helplessness. The more helpless you are, the more qualified you are to pray. I am knocking at the door, desiring entrance. I am longing for you to open the door and grant Me access to your greatest areas of helplessness, all day long. To pray is to let Me in.” (Revelation 3:20)
Lord, how can I ever comprehend the depth of Your love for me? May I continually come to You as a helpless, weak servant who knows that You alone can use me for Your purposes. Without You, I can do nothing! I am powerless without Your Spirit working within me. Please help my heart to find its way to deeper levels of Your love for me so that I will grow in my life of prayer in ways I cannot even imagine in this moment. I freely give You access to all that You have created me to be so that Your love for others and for the world will be in me also!
Praise God that he is in control of every storm (Mk. 4:35-39).
Thank him that he does not want anyone to perish but to have everlasting life in him (2 Pet. 3:9).
Confess to God your wrong response to the stormy, unexpected events in your life that leave you feeling panicky and fretful.
Commit every stormy situation, as well as every good one, to God as he cares for you, restores you, and makes you strong (1 Pet. 5:7, 10).
Ask God to calm any anxiety or fear that you are experiencing.
Pray for troubled unbelievers to find victory over stormy lives in the calm that only Jesus can give.
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.
[Dorcas] was always doing good and helping the poor. - Acts 9:36 (NIV)
My brother-in-law Phil had been a creative man who taught art, loved nature, and made hand-crafted jewelry, wood items, and pottery. When he died, my family dressed thoughtfully for his celebration-of-life service. Instead of a traditionally somber color, I chose to wear a sweater with a design of birds and trees — natural elements Phil had loved. One of his daughters-in-law picked clothes reflecting his favorite colors. Another sister-in-law wore jewelry that he had made for her.
Seeing the way our family honored Phil
reminded me of the story in ’s reading. Dorcas, a disciple in Joppa, had died, and the local believers sent two men to fetch Peter. When he arrived, a group of widows gathered around him crying, showing him the robes and clothing Dorcas had made for them. Scripture says Dorcas was “always doing good and helping the poor” and in doing so, she influenced many lives with her generous, giving spirit.
God has created each of us with different gifts and talents. Not everyone will create beautiful jewelry like my brother-in-law or robes like Dorcas. But we each are called to love God and one another. As we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, in Christ’s name we can make a beautiful impact on the lives of others that may continue long after we are gone.
's Prayer
Gracious God, work through us to use the gifts you have given each of us to show love to others in your name. Amen.
worship at 10 on Zoom and live from the Fellowship Hall as we practice being an Acts 2:42 church and worship, eat, study, celebrate the Lord's Supper and pray together, Brunch at 11:30 follows worship. Bring a friend!
. 10-12 Bread Ministry with Weis products/ 6 PM Rita's hangout. Wear your St. Matts shirts!
(Note: Clothing Closet is closed until Sept 19)
National 250th Independence Day celebrations! We are free in Christ and as one nation under God! PTL!
Good Morning Acts 2:42 Worshipers! Ready or not, here I come! Time for me to get back at it! Can't wait to worship, fellowship, commune and feast together ! Remember worship is in Fellowship Hall followed by Brunch. Who ya bringin'?
I want to thank the Support team, PRC and all of you for allowing me to mourn, use up my vacations (we renew vacations ) and rest and abide. I did rest a little and fully disconnected. I was also able to get many house and yard projects complete which allows me to have great peace and the ability to abide in Christ more and better, Thanks for your prayers and encouragements. I know I have been prayed for and God has heard and answered. PTL! Now it's transition time. It's often hard after a week. Wonder what the transition will be like after a month off? Still appreciate your prayers and patience. Thanks!
Just note that there still may not be blogs daily. They will come as God speaks to my heart and leads me to share with you. . will be a pizza and ice cream party as we transition back to our summer meal and gathering and study schedule for . evenings 6-7:30 in the Fellowship Hall. This is open to all who will come. So bring some family and friends along and hang out. Pray for God to lead us to what to study. (I have some ideas to discuss next week) This week we kick off the return with one of our Rita's hangout night at 6 in Emmaus.
Alrighty. Time to get ready to worship as I return. Pray we enter His courts with praise and worship in Spirit and Truth like an Acts 2:42 church . Shalom shalom! See you soon!
Good Morning Faithful Pray-ers! Please, Lord, hear our prayers and grow us to become a house of prayer for the nations. Raise up worshipers, watchman, warriors and workers for Your Kingdom and harvest. Lord help us to keep prayer as a priority and may we be faithful intercessors. Thanks Lord. Amen!
Pray through and meditate upon the Connection blog for
- Interceding for those who Govern
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1–2)
The highest place and the most influential vocation is that of intercessor. From our humble homes and lowly hearts, we are able to influence kings and nations, to change history. Why would God give such power to our prayers? The answer is vast, but one reason is he gives us a small part in joining him in ruling the universe through prayer. As we cry out , we will be seeking God on behalf of our President, Congress, Senate, governors, mayors, and all those who rule on a local level. Through prayer, we have been invited to shape history and influence world events. Let us enter this high calling of prayer with a humble and contrite heart, never praying from a place of pride or selfish anger, but seeking the highest good for those who govern our nation and community, as well as for those who are being governed. Let’s pray.
Father, we follow your Word, which commands us to pray for kings and for those in high positions. As you said, we start with supplications— seeking that every need of those who govern would be met by Christ and that he would become their Lord and Savior. Our prayers for them are that every leader would know the love of Jesus —that their decisions would be rooted in this heavenly love, and that wisdom from heaven would pervade their thoughts, meetings, and each decision. Our intercessions are for your kingdom to come and your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven through these leaders’ governing. Establish your government through their leadership. I join with other intercessors offering thanksgivings for the leaders you have put in office. Bless them beyond what they deserve. May your grace and justice be the clear guide as they govern nationally and locally. Glorify your name through each and every leader from the President of the United States to the president of the local parent-teacher organization. Enable me to be a faithful and fruitful watchman on the wall for our governing leaders. Shine brightly as they lead. May righteousness exalt our nation .
Praise God for his quietness, restoration, and strength (Ps. 23:2-3).
Give thanks that God will give you that quiet time to reflect on his restoring power and quietness (Ps. 46:10).
Confess your failure to be still before the Lord so he can speak to you.
Commit yourself to a daily time of worship and adoration of God.
Ask God for assurance that in quietness and trust is your strength (Isa. 30:15).
Pray that your quietness before God will result in winning the “respect of outsiders” (1 Thess. 4:11-12) so that they will see Jesus in you.
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.
. 10 am worship in Fellowship Hall with communion followed by brunch at 11:30. Come as you are, fellowship, worship and bring some friends along.
Next week nights refire with our Rita's gathering at 6 (wear your St. Matts shirts) . Evening dinner Huddle will restart from 6-7:30 in the Fellowship Hall. We kick off with a pizza/ice cream party night.
(Note: Clothing Closet is on summer break until Sept.)
Good Morning Abiding Worshipers! Amen. Well that's my plan for this week as I transition back to active duty with a spiritual retreat week. God is always speaking to us ands wanting to lead us to His perfect plans. My week will be focused on abiding, seeking first His Kingdom, praying, praising, listening and repenting and preparing to follow Him into the rest of the summer and fall seasons for Sundays and . evenings. I continue to praise God for this time where I was able to use up my saved vacations that were set aside to move mom home and be there as Terry passed. God took care of those things for my sisters and I. Thanks Lord! He allowed me to use up these saved weeks to tackle some major house projects which for me is a source of peace now that they are almost complete and they are an act of worship as I have alone time and use my gifts and abilities to actually accomplish some things. We are almost ready for our big family picnic here. PTL! I have a few more things to complete and of course lots of gardening, weeding, mowing and sprucing up. It's hard to explain but God allows me to stop focusing on these to do lists as things are completed and draws me close as I am now able to abide more fully focused. Thanks Lord! He also allowed us to save money as I am able to do things we don't have to hire someone to do. That's also good stewardship. He's also allowed me time to mourn and to take care of mom's affairs (I'm executor). I am almost ready to refire up refreshed, focused and connected to God more fully. I'm more fully able to seek, listen, watch and join Him as I leave things behind and focus on Him. Thanks Lord! The hard part is the thinking about how I am closing in on retirement. I don't ever want to stop ministering! And His call on me to St. Matts. is still active and alive. But it is nice to have some me time along the way. Resting and abiding is biblical and taking a sabbath is a command. God knows what we need and leads us to it if we allow. This is the first I have ever been able to fully do that--let go and let God as I still myself and stop the busyness and turn off the noise. Thanks Lord! And He's not finished with me yet! He's not finished with you or St. Matts either! PTL! He has great plans for us yet to come and good fruit is budding and ripening. PTL! Let us keep focused on Him and following His commands and leadings. Amen!
Thank you all for your prayers, cards, encouragements and patience. Thanks to Sarah and Mike and all of you for allowing this break to happen. It has been very profitable for me and should flow into future blessings for us all. Please Lord! Please keep praying and preparing yourself for service too. I'm almost ready to roll into the rest of the year. I will be offline until as I abide and refresh. (My body needs healing too from all the labors during this break). There will probably not be any more blogs until next week. But God! You know sometimes He has other ideas. Afterall His ways are not our ways! PTL for that! Check out this songs below. These have been songs I have been constantly singing and praising with. I have felt your prayers and God has heard and is responding. Keep praying, seeking first His Kingdom, surrendering, and preparing for where He is leading us to be His Living Water! Someone needs prayer, love and refreshing. Someone you know needs God! And sometimes we have to turn off the noise and leave the junk behind! I can't wait to get back at it with you and God! May His Kingdom come and will be done! Amen! Until then, may we all know His loving presence and peace! Shalom shalom=perfect peace! And just abide and worship as you prepare and go! Amen!
Thank God I'm Forgiven! Saved by grace! What a gift! Worship !
Thanks for praying for me! All went well with mom's service. Pray for peace. closure and shalom for family. And pray for God to draw and some to open the GIFT! Thanks. Now to retreat and abide. Shalom! Amen
Good Morning Praying Teammates! Amen! May we always be in a state of prayer as we travel through the day and ready to partner with and allow the Holy Spirit to pray through us. Check out One Cry blog below about always being ready and prayerful. I'm amazed how often through out the day that the Holy Spirit prompts me to intercede for someone or for God's Kingdom to come into some situation I am seeing or walking through. And I am always thankful for all the answered prayers. God stirs us to pray, hears, cares and responds according to His perfect will. Amen! night I texted Sarah and Mike praising God for how many times He stirred me top pray, for people He sent to me or me to to pray and for answered prayers. It was truly an evening of love--a gift from God to me as I was kind of feeling out of the loop during this sabbatical time. Thanks God. Good fruit of prayer begins with being still, abiding, watching and listening with a willing heart to follow His lead to pray and bless. I experienced that evening. You can too! be still, stay tuned in, seek first His Kingdom and watch and pray expectantly. he has great plans for you and to use your prayerful heart. Be on the lookout and be ready to pray and follow! I'm praying for you!
I'm really struggling the past few days (weeks really) with trying to get mom's service for perfect. I appreciate your prayers. Thanks! I find it usually pretty easy to write a funeral that blesses God and the family and brings comfort and peace. I usually find it God-led as I am able to bring to life the memory of the one who has stepped into heaven. It's very difficult for me to be able to feel that what I have written does that, especially because Mom and Terry want the gospel shared and my sisters, cousins and families to be saved. So I ask for prayers for shalom, his favor and words and for open hearts to come to Him in repentance and seeking new life. Thanks! Her first service in Florida was meant to be for her and Terry and their desires were completed. I always have to redo things and there is a different focus . Pray I have peace and fulfill God's plans and honor mom's memory and wishes. I did a funeral for the father of an old high school friend two weeks ago and it did those things and the family keeps thanking and affirming me (Thanks Lord!). I know I have the ability, by the grace of God. Pray I get it together and step out in faith knowing He hears and answers my/our prayers and that His will will be done. Amen and THANKS! While your at it, please pray that I am able to fully disconnect next week and abide deeply in Christ seeking His Kingdom and plans for me and us moving through the fall season and even into . Thanks! he's got this! I'm surrendering, trust and watching to join along the way. We are made for such a time as this and to be able to do His will. Thanks Lord! Come! Fill me and us and use us well according to Your perfect plans. Amen!
Connection Blog
- Only You
In a very real way, we need to look at intercession with passion, with a sense that our prayers could make the difference between “winning and losing.” Too often, when we are asked to pray for something, we come at it with a lackluster, ho-hum attitude: My prayers won’t matter in this situation; surely others are praying too. Or we believe that God is going to do His will in this situation regardless of whether or not we pray, so we are not burdened to pray. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Prayer leader, Steve Hawthorne, states, “What does it really matter if I say words into the air?” Or “If God knows what He’s going to do, why doesn’t He just do it?” But if God truly presides as Judge, with His court ever in session (Genesis 18:20-23; Psalm 65:1-4; Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:25-8:2), our words of intercession are not just sound waves hitting the ceiling. Our expressions of prayer reverberate throughout God’s court, not just for Him to hear, but for all the angelic hosts before whom this awesome drama is being played out.
Scripture also clearly indicates that intercession is important to God. How do we know this? Because both the Holy Spirit and Jesus are involved. Romans 8 tells us that “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. . . . The Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will” (verses 26-27); and “Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (verse 34). Hebrews reminds us that “[Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
We need to attack every situation we feel a tug to pray about as if we were the only one praying! You might be the only person who ever prays for your unbelieving neighbor’s salvation. No praying grandmother. No Christian wife praying for her husband. No believer at work. Only you.
Holy Lord, help me to obey quickly when You put someone or some situation on my heart! When Your Spirit urges me to pray, I ask for the awareness and passion to intercede! Help me to grow in this practice so that You can use me for Your purposes in the lives of others.
Note: Pastor Don returns . That is Brunch and communion. It is also a day for national repentance. We will worship in the Fellowship Hall that day. The only open door will be the Fellowship Hall. Worship at 10 with communion live and on Zoom. Brunch at 11:30. Bring some friends!
Evenings resume with a Rita's Night at the Emmaus Rita's 6pm (wear your St. Matts shirts), the we gather for dinner and study at 6-7:30 in the Fellowship Hall
Thank you to all who allowed me to use up my vacations and grief leave to rest, reload, remember and celebrate mom (and now Terry), get a lot done on my house and to prepare for the summer and fall seasons as I end next week with a spiritual retreat. Special thanks to Sarah and Mike for leading worship so well and covering for me! (Maybe I could take a few more weeks off!)
Good Morning Faithful, Generous, Loving Friends of God! Amen! As I have stated, unless God really speaks and leads me to share, I won't be doing blogs until my return. Well, He spoke and led me to share through our devotionals (below). First of all let us stop, contemplate and celebrate this salutation that describes our Church. Thank you all for your loving faithfulness, generous, sacrificial giving, and God's blessings and the fact that He calls us friends! Amen! How can such a small gathering of servants and worshippers accomplish so much for God and be such a blessing to the needy around us? Well, it starts with God. He blesses us from His storehouse and replenishes as we give. He promises to provide where He guides and we see and experience that all the time as we love and serve from all He has given us and where He leads us to bless others. We incarnate Him and His love and blessings as we go live and love like Jesus. And God keeps multiplying our ability to give and serve because we pour out generously, sometimes sacrificially from His blessings to us. It is an ever-increasing circle of blessings, giving and serving, blessings more and giving and serving more and more blessing...PTL! So many around us have experienced His love, care and help through our ministries! PTL! Keep it up loving, faithful, generous servants and givers. God is funding the great commission through your giving and serving! Keep it up, faithful stewards! Praise God for all His blessings, provisions and guidance. Pray we all and our church continue tom steward well and for many to experience His and our love as we give and serve in ever-increasing ways. Amen!
OK! Enough for . Meditate on our devotions and pray for God to continue to lead and use you and our church and to bring in the harvest as we serve and love like Jesus. Ask Him if there is some way He may want you to give sacrificially and do it! Maybe gather with your team and brainstorm some extra way to go bless others in the weeks ahead and always share His love generously! Amen! (Please pray for me as I attempt to write mom's funeral for . . Thanks. Ask God to use me and draw many family and friends through the message. Mom and Terry insisted that I share the gospel strongly during their services. Pray for open hearts and salvation to come and repentance. Thanks!) Keep seeking first His Kingdom and righteousness, praying, giving generously and sacrificially and keep watch for increasing blessings! Amen! Remember, we do reap what we sow! May we sow lavishly in love out of great gratitude! Shalom shalom until the next time!
Our Daily Bread:
Giving from God’s Gifts
God is able to bless you abundantly, so that . . . you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
Stanley’s generosity never ceased to amaze me. He often bought meals and gifts for elderly church members, cleaners in his neighborhood, or anyone who needed cheering up.
Equally amazing was that even though Stanley wasn’t wealthy or savvy at investing, his small investment did impressively well, enabling him to keep giving. Whenever someone thanked him, he’d point upwards and smile, as if to say, “It came from God, not me.” God, he often said, helped him to help others.
This was what Paul alluded to in 2 Corinthians 9 as he wrote about giving. Proud of the Corinthians’ readiness to help fellow believers (v. 2), he hoped to pick up a collection they had started (v. 3). Imploring them to give generously and cheerfully, he noted that God would not only reward those who gave (vv. 6-7) but also bless people so they could give even more (v. 8).
God doesn’t expect us to give what we’re unable to give (8:12). Rather, He entrusts us with money, time, or talent to “abound in every good work” (9:8), and He supplies what we need so we “can be generous on every occasion” (v. 11). That’s why we can give in faith and with a cheerful heart (v. 7), knowing that we give only from what we’ve been given. In the process, we bring praise to God’s name (v. 13).
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
What has God given to you? To whom can you give , sharing from what you’ve received?
Dear God, please open my eyes to Your blessings and open my heart to bless others generously and cheerfully.
The instructions in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 about the generous giving believers in Jesus at Corinth should employ weren’t given in a vacuum. In the previous chapter, Paul had described the ultimate model for giving—what Christ has given us (8:9)—as the example that should also characterize our giving. The Macedonians had already embraced this heart of generosity (vv. 1-6), and as the Corinthians had displayed growth in so many other areas, the apostle wanted them to know the joy of giving as well (v. 7). , we can experience the blessing and privilege of giving cheerfully from what God has given us.
Bill Crowder
The Word for You
The Upper Room: Looking UP
With God nothing shall be impossible. - Luke 1:37 (KJV)
Though I’m no longer a child, I still like plush toys. I have several of them from over the years — almost all of them given to me for one reason or another.
One plush toy in particular wasn’t actually given to me as a gift, but my heart feels like it was. A few years before Dad went to be with the Lord, he and I had talked about my getting a white tiger plush toy, which I did.
One feature of this white tiger is that, although the tiger is lying down, its head and eyes are always focused upward. More than once, the white tiger’s upward focus — regardless of the position it’s in — has been an encouraging reminder to me to look upward. I can have that focus by meditating on the Lord Jesus Christ and thinking of the glories of heaven; by praying and being in an attitude of prayer; by reading, quoting, and meditating on scripture. Having an uplifting, encouraging song in my heart also helps me to focus on “things above.”
I have found that having an upward focus isn’t something that just happens automatically. Though it’s easier at times than others, I need to be intentional about it. With God nothing shall be impossible!
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's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, help us to focus on you so that we may be assured that with you nothing is impossible. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Sarah Update:
Good afternoon, church family,
in worship we celebrated Flag Day and Pastor Mike led us in the pledge of allegiance. Sarah then took us on a journey through the
life of Daniel. There are so many aspects of Daniel's life that we could take a look at learn from. , we limited our time with looking at
what happened when Daniel stood firm on his faith and belief in God. Daniel, praying three times a day to God and not some king or man
made god, as the decree stated......was thrown into a den of lions.
We had a den of 'lions' in our sanctuary , to help us visualize the scene......here you can see the lion and his young cubs in the den.
There are more pictures and a video on the church's Facebook page.
We learned that Daniel’s life exemplifies faithfulness, courage, and wisdom in a foreign culture.
His story teaches that God honors bold faith, provides guidance through divine revelation, and remains present even in the darkest circumstances.
Daniel’s experiences encourage us - believers to trust God’s plan, even when we don’t get it….
Daniel’s experiences encourages us to - remain obedient, in all circumstances.
Daniel’s experiences encourages us to rely on His protection and insight, regardless of external pressures – regardless of peer pressure, regardless of things that may seem to be like a good idea but go against God’s Word.
And now for the REST OF THE STORY.....and this is for someone who was really listen with anticipation......(KE, this is for you!)
Daniel stood firm on his belief in God and on the faith that he had. And God blessed him and protected him. God made sure that
those that were jealous of Daniel and what God was doing in and through his life, that those that were jealous 'got theirs'.....
Verse 24 - At the King's command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions'den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
Vs 26 - King Darious issued this decree "I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. "For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed......
And that is the REST of the Story.......oh yes, and did you know that Daniel was 83 years old when he was thrown into the Lions Den!!!
May God lead us to someone that needs to hear what God has shared with us ......
**
Here are some praise and prayer requests that were shared:
Pastor Mike praised God for a safe race and for all his supporters and friends. The friend that loaned Mike the motor
for his car, actually won the race.
Mark H praised God that we have electricity so we can stay cool!
Many thanked God for the rain, the nice weather, that beautiful flowers and the yummy fruit that is coming into season!
Keep Terry Trout (male partner of Pastor Don's mother) family in your prayers. On he wondered no longer what heaven
looked like as he walked onto the streets of gold. Please pray for his family and friends.
Prayers for Dave Schoener - he is dealing with some health issues. (Dave and his wife Dottie, worship with us on Zoom)
Continue to keep Pastor Don and Karen and family in your prayers as they will have Jane's family funeral this week.
Continue to keep Larry Paul and family in prayers as they reconnect with family and college hunt. We look forward to seeing
Larry and family .
Millie Flexer has asked for prayer for her brother who is having some medical issues
Dean Marks has asked for prayer for Brian and his daughter Kim. Brian is someone the EMTs responded to and he hit his head.
might have had a possible stroke. Prayers for all as they try to find out what is happening
Thank God for all the EMTS and Police and Fire departments and volunteers that are ready and willing to come to our
aid when we need them.
Caleb is registered for Pre-K!! Kathy Canfield reported that all is falling into place with his schooling and therapies
Yay God! Please pray that Caleb will accept and improve on his eating skills as he will be having a snack and lunch
at school. It's so exciting to see our miracle little man grow and watch him learn......
Please pray for Lori Rohrer - she has had a BAD reaction to Pokeweed. She has hives, very itchy hives all over. She
has been to the ER and gotten shots and medication. But as we all know that ITCH is the worst part!
** ** ** **
This week - Bread Ministry from 10 - 12pm on - use Fellowship Hall Door
Clothing Closet will be open , 9 - 12pm. Our clothing closet will be closing for
summer break and will re-open on . IF you hear of anyone that has a clothing need please
let Sarah know or leave a message on the church phone.
Praying you all have a great week.....looking forward to seeing you .
Remember if you have a prayer need or a praise to share.....you can do a 'reply all' to this email and it will be shared
Good Morning Team! We are God's Team--His Body united in Christ, gathered together to worship and go make disciples. We are His Bride united in love. Go team! I thank God for you and the team He has gathered at St. Matts! I thank God that your unified effort has allowed me this respite to be still, rest, abide, reload and to get many projects done around my property which will allow me to focus more fully on God's plans and enacting them moving forward. He is leading me beside the still waters and restoring my soul as He leads me to lush green pastures and even through the valley too. He has gathered us, gifted us, united us, sent us and He is producing and will produce much good fruit in and through us! PTL! Go team! One thing God keeps driving home to me is our call to team up and to find teammates to travel with thru the journey He has for us. I see this being played out and coming to life through our bread, clothing and brunch ministries. How else might He be calling you to team up to serve and go love? Talk to Him as you abide and ask for eyes to see who He has for you to team with and minister with and to. Then try it! (You'll like it!) I really value you, my teammates! Thank you for praying for and blessing Karen and me through this sabbatical, restorative, refreshing time. I have much going on and there has been much drama regarding mom's affairs and Terry is about to step into Jesus' arms, maybe even . We have mom's funeral next week too. But through all the drama and chaos, the Lord has shepherded me to still waters and He is restoring my soul. Thanks Lord! And thanks team! Keep praying for God to unite and lead us and for me to be restored, refreshed and ready to return in a few weeks. He really does have great plans for us for such a time as this and much good fruit awaits as we abide, unite and keep going together and as we live and love more like Christ and according to our potential. So, seek some teammates and ask God to use you and for His eyes, ears and heart to be Jesus to someone together! Amen! One other note: Last year at this time I was very sick with major heart issues and spent two weeks in the hospital. The past two weeks I had two different types and cardiologists visits and some follow up testing. God is awesome and our healer! I had great reports from both and even got off some meds! He is awesome and worthy of all praise! Guess He has some more work ahead for me and us! PTL!
I had no intention of doing blogs during this time unless God led me to share His heart with you. Well, at 2 He stirred me to arise and abide. As I did, His heart for us came alive through our devotionals for . Check them out below. Maybe even chat about and process what God is saying to you and leading you to do with your teammates. Don't have any? Prioritize that! God wants us to work on teaming up as we follow. And He is preparing the way. What's He saying to you as you abide? What will you do about it? Who does He have for you to team up with, pray, prepare and go to live and love like Jesus united in Him and His love? He does have great plans for such a time as this for you and us!!! Seek first His Kingdom and go love well, united! The good fruit is budding! Amen!
The Upper Room: Spirit that Gives Life
The Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. - Isaiah 32:15 (NIV)
Two months ago I caught COVID-19, and I am still dealing with lingering symptoms. I could only get a deep breath every few minutes, and my chest hurt from the effort. I had to rest a lot and walk slowly. This was still an improvement from the first weeks of illness when my chest was tight all the time and I struggled to breathe. I am grateful that I can breathe deeply .
In the original languages of the Bible, the word for air or breath also means spirit: ruah in Hebrew and pneuma in Greek. I find that just as I need to breathe air to live, I also need God’s Spirit. Sometimes I struggle to live as God would want, and I don’t see the fruit of the spirit such as joy, patience, and generosity manifesting in my life (see Gal. 5:22). When I am out of breath or feel pain from breathing hard, I have to stop and rest. Likewise, when I start to get irritable, lonely, or self-centered, I need to take a break from the busyness of daily life and rejuvenate my spirit by spending time with God who sustains me.
's Prayer
God of abundant life, we thank you for making us whole through the gifts of breath and of your Spirit. Amen.
Our Daily Bread:
It hasn't posted yet but it's about being prepared to share. try it with your teammates! God has someone just for you that needs to feel His love and hear the Good News! Amen!
Until next time, know I am seeking God and His plans and praying for you and preparing for what He has for me and us now and in the future. He is at work and he is Love! Love lives in you and wants top love through you. And he has gathered us to love like Him. try it! It's awesome and leads to much fruit and praise and glory to God! Hallelujah!
Good Morning Refreshed and Cared for Friends! The Lord is our Shepherd and we do have all we need to walk with Him in His good ways and to become more fully who we are created to be. PTL! Right? What an awesome God we serve! Where He guides He provides. He is our provision and all we have is a gift from Him to be used to bless Him and others. As we do, He leads us by the still waters where we get to be restored and load up on Living Water that can gush from us to refresh this dry and weary land. Check out Our Daily bread below. Abide in the green pastures of God's refreshing Word and care. Walk with Jesus through whatever valley you are facing. Allow Him to guide and correct along the way. And know this we WILL dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Amen. Be still and know. Stand firm in faith lifted by our Lord who loves you, calls you by name and cares for you as you walk with Him in growing faith and in becoming more like Him and as you go make disciples. Amen! Come Lord! Have your way with me and us. Refresh and lead us and use us well for your glory. Protect, correct, provide and guide. Come with Your Shalom. May Your perfect Love drive out and overcome all fear in us. You are our Shepherd. Shepherd us well and revive us, your people and this nation. Come! Thanks! Amen!
I had no intention of doing a blog for awhile. There is so much going on during this sabbatical time that could have me all bound up...BUT GOD! It seems like daily drama and crisis's have become almost the norm for me and my family right now. I have been beating my body too, trying to get tons of yard work done in preparation for a big family picnic and to be able to shut down and have a full blown spiritual retreat the last week of this break. For some reason, the more I work, the less I sleep. So, I got up early to abide some and listen. And God led me to share with and update you. Be still, abide, listen and prepare to respond as He leads.What's He saying to you? What will you do about it? I am doing a funeral for an old friend. Psalm 23 is often part of funerals and a passage many of us have memorized. But do we live it? Ask God for a fresh and open heart and mind as you contemplate with Him all the facets of this great Psalm. He is our good Shepherd who does restore our souls! And He leads us, well wants to, to His best. Will you cooperate with His Spirit along the way? Try it! Refreshing streams and green pastures are right before you. Choose them. Amen!
Couple of prayer requests: Mom's Terry is in his last weeks and is struggling as cancer eats away his body and mind. My sister Bev, has been caring for him but has returned home . Pray peace over her and for Terry. She was relieved of her duties by clueless family members and friends. As a result, Terry is alone a lot. We are dealing with all kinds of executor duties and issues with closing up mom's affairs and I am preparing to do her funeral up here later this month. We need God's favor, shalom and direction and help to bind up darkness and evil around Terry. Ask God to bring him home soon. Pray for me to be still and prepare to abide and refresh before my return . Thank God for our members and leaders. Ask God to use them well and to bring His Word through Mike and Sarah. Pray for peace for them and no issues to deal with. Pray for Karen as she has to put up with me through the drama. Ask God to allow her and I to actually get away for a few days. Pray for health and protection and that we would steward well all God's blessings. Pray I could actually sleep more than a couple of hours a night. Thanks! I continue to pray for you all daily. God is with us and for us and leading us to the promised land and to be His vessels of Living Water. Amen! Shalom shalom to all of you! Again, unless God leads me to do a blog, there will be very few before my return. Love you all! To God be the glory! Amen!
ODB:
God’s Provision
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. Psalm 23:1-2
I was putting my grandson to bed during a sleepover. When his Bible bookmark opened to Psalm 23, he objected, “We already read this one.” After I suggested we might learn something new, he read aloud, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastries.” Green pastries?! I explained that the word was pastures, not pastries. Hours earlier, he’d stood before a bakery shelf, selecting treats. His interpretation came into focus: To him, a bakery conveyed a place of rest and enjoyment.
Psalm 23 may be so familiar to us that we miss its deep offering. David, a king well acquainted with shepherding, describes God’s provision over a lifetime of things both idyllic (vv. 5-6) and challenging (v. 4). He points out that our good God leads us to places where we can partake of His presence, be rejuvenated, and prepare for what will come. “Green pastures” and “quiet waters” (v. 2) are such dwellings for sheep, and we are God’s sheep (v. 1).
My grandson’s innocent interpretation opened my eyes to the “green pastures” God provides for me—places of rest and enjoyment in everyday life where He restores me. A gold-hued sunset. A verdant field. A quiet corner. A bakery shelf of green pastries, wafting out delight. I’m so glad we read Psalm 23 again!
By Elisa Morgan
REFLECT & PRAY
What unexpected “green pasture” moment have you experienced? How does Psalm 23 invite you into the provision of God’s presence?
Dear God, please open my eyes to the “green pasture” moments You provide. Help me to enter Your presence each day.
Despite David’s failings, he was a man who loved God and was loved by Him. We see this clearly expressed in the psalmist’s writings. Psalm 23 is a classic example that still speaks to us . With God as our “shepherd,” we truly “lack nothing” (v. 1). He leads, refreshes, guides, and comforts us (vv. 2-4); and our “cup overflows” with His blessings (v. 5). He surrounds us with His love and goodness in this life and for all eternity (v. 6). With such a God, we don’t need to live in fear (v. 4). In Psalm 27:4, David exudes, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Like David, may our longing be for God. In His presence, we find rest and restoration.
Good Morning Remembering Worshipers! Amen! we remember the sacrifice of Jesus and all our warriors that were willing to lay down their lives for our freedoms, like Jesus, and paid the ultimate price. May we never forget these sacrifices and live our live in honor and remembrance. We will never forget is a motto from 9/12.01. And we promise to never forget those who suffered so we can be free and those who laid down their lives as victims of war. We party and have picnics because of those freedoms. Thank you Lord and sacrificially surrendered servants of the Lord and this country. Freedom comes at a price and the price is the blood of God and these valiant warriors. we pray for their families and for provision and peace. we pray for all the wounded warriors and pray for healing and help and provision. And we pray a covering over all these still fighting for our freedoms. may God protect, guide and bring His peace. And we pray for the leaders of this nation to get their act together and unite to pass the Save Act and eliminating foreign invasion of our political system. To God be the glory and may we move to become one nation under God and pray for truth, justice and American way to rise again and lead us forward. God bless America and may America bless God! Amen! We will never forget and we will continue to fight for Christ and our freedoms. We remember the brave and pray for God to embolden our leaders to do what's right. Amen!
Prayer Points
Give praise to God as the Comforter, who feels deeply for those who have been mistreated and abandoned (Isa. 49:13).
Thank him for calling many believers into compassionate ministries for the sake of those who are suffering.
Confess those times when you may have withheld comfort from others who needed it.
Commit yourself to receiving God’s encouragement and grace each morning and allowing that to flow through you to others.
Ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his love, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph. 3:19).
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.
Hi all! Just intended to update you. BUT GOD! He gave me a word to share with you as a reminder to keep working towards your full potential and His purposes for creating you and gathering us. He wanted me to encourage you and remind you that He is calling you by name to His great plans for you and us and that we are seeing some fruit and there's more to come as we continue to seek first his Kingdom and righteous and keep sowing, watering, fertilizing and harvesting yoked to Jesus. Amen!
So last week we had my mom's service in Florida and got to spend some time with her friends there, Terry and my sister, Bev. God was present and He used me. We were able to take care of some of her and Terry's affairs. Now that I'm home there's a little more of that here before her service here . I am officially on sabbatical as I use up my vacation and spiritual retreat time before our July deadline to do so. I probably will do a few blogs as God leads but will mostly be off line and abiding and restoring my soul. I may attend some bread ministry days but will not be in church until when we celebrate communion at our next brunch. Thank you to Sarah, Mike and all of you for your support and help with this! May God bless you for your kindness! he is blessing me already! PTL! Our next official . evening gathering will be a Rita's night at 6. Please pray for our ministry to regather and continue to grow as we minister to outsiders God is drawing. pray those that have come stay connected to us as well. . evenings have been like a church plant for us. may God continue to bless and grow that! Amen! So, now, check out what God may be saying to you below and ask Him what His plans are for you and His and other's help to achieve it. He does have great plans for you and us! Amen! And His plans for me right now are to disconnect from the chaos and stress and to abide, reconnect to Him, and rest by the still waters and refresh in his green pastures! Shalom shalom--perfect peace to you and that is what I am seeking. Peace and love to you all!
Good Morning Peace-Bringing Sowers of Righteousness! Amen! May that be me/us Lord, and as a lifestyle. Thanks! May we sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. Thank You! Amen! Check out and meditate through the blogs and devo's below. Do you see the thread through them as God speaks to your heart and prepares you to go live and love like Jesus as you sow in and bring peace to the chaos around you/us. We can see the forces of darkness by their fruit. They sow in anger, lies, confusion and finger-pointing that stirs chaos, division and turmoil. But our God is a God who sows in righteousness and peace and love and He does that through us as He always works to bring shalom (His peace) to the chaos. We team up to go sow in love, peace and encouragement and work together to calm the storms of life and we get to sow into His good works as we tithe and give cheerfully into His Kingdom and good works. Amen! Keep loving, sowing and uniting in love, peace and joy. That describes our fellowship and it is producing good fruit as many are being watered, fertilized and becoming part of the harvest God is using us to produce. So, what's God saying to you and what's your part. Seek first his Kingdom and righteousness and sow lavishly and He will continue to provide all you/we need to produce good and lasting fruit. Amen! May we know His shalom as we go love joyfully and sow in love. Amen! Rejoice. Abide, Receive and then go prepared. Amen! Follow Him and His peace! I'm praying for you and us and covet your prayers too! Shalom shalom!
Connection Blog:
- Righteousness Is Sown in Peace
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18)
The Bible is filled with instructions telling us that whatever we sow, we will reap. In the gardening world, my wife and I discovered that truth a few years ago. We went to the nursery to buy zucchini plants. It was a good year and the plants took off with good growth. It was when the zucchini started to form that we began to question things. Most of the vegetables were obviously zucchini, but some of the produce were rounded and much larger. By the time they turned orange, we knew that about half of our zucchinis were, in fact, pumpkins. Every single plant was marked zucchini by the nursery. Regardless of what we thought we were planting, what we sowed, we reaped.
In the very practical book of James, we find a similar challenge regarding sowing and reaping. Verses 13-18 are all about the desirability of wisdom, and James contrasts earthy wisdom with heavenly wisdom. Verse 17 describes the beauty of heavenly wisdom: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” The harvest of such righteous behaviors comes when you sow in peace by those who make peace.
James puts this into a picture that helps us understand our role. We want to see the wisdom that comes from above that brings righteousness. This harvest of righteousness comes from the steady planting of peace by those who are following Jesus. It’s an interesting picture that most of us have not grasped. We speak peace, live peace, work for peace, and literally follow the Prince of Peace as peacemakers. That is a sowing of peace. What this passage does for us though, is point out the added, even perhaps ultimate result of sowing peace. Heavenly wisdom comes that is desperately needed in our world. It is wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, merciful, impartial and sincere. That’s quite a harvest!
I love how this passage of Scripture takes peace from simply being a personal characteristic and makes it a powerful instrument in expanding the kingdom of God on earth. It’s no longer just about us trying to experience peace, but now, as those who are sowing into others’ lives, we are seeing a harvest of righteousness that exalts Jesus and empowers his followers for greater effectiveness. We are peacemakers who are changing the world through the power of the Holy Spirit, who is leading us to sow peace wherever we go.
Ask Jesus to open your eyes to see the opportunities he brings to you where you can sow peace into the life of someone else.
I thank you Lord, that I am privileged to follow you as the Prince of Peace. You have called me to be a peacemaker in my own life, family, congregation, and culture. Would you help me to keep my eyes fixed on you that I might always be one who sows peace wherever I find myself? May your Spirit take my small sowing efforts and produce an amazing harvest of righteousness!
Give thanks for the many material blessings you enjoy in this life.
Confess any dissatisfaction or jealousy you have felt about God’s provision for you.
Commit yourself to living a truly thankful life.
Ask God to give you your daily bread (Mt. 6:11).
Pray for those who lack the necessities of life.
Ask God to provide for specific needs of which you are aware.
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.
This is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 13:47 (NIV)
When my son was in kindergarten, I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle, the mother of another student. I felt an instant connection with her — as if we were kindred spirits. Working full time while juggling parenting duties was overwhelming, but Michelle had a calming presence. I felt grounded when I was near her.
She invited me to a gospel concert one night and then to church. I hadn’t been to church in years, but I said yes. No doubt it was the Holy Spirit working in me.
I felt that this friendship was God’s divine work. Michelle was my Barnabas — my encourager. Barnabas found Saul and brought him to Antioch, planting him in a community that God was growing (see Acts 11:25-26). They were traveling companions on a missionary journey.
I am so thankful for the faithful friends God has placed in my life as my traveling companions. I need encouragement. I need the example of other believers living out their faith. I’m thankful for my encouragers, and I pray that I can be an encourager for others. Friends are truly a gift from God.
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the people who encourage us in our faith. Help us to sow seeds of encouragement for others with our words and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Our Daily Bread
Generous Giving
Bring all the tithes . . . so that . . . the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows . . . may come and eat and be satisfied. Deuteronomy 14:28-29
When Oswald and Biddy Chambers ran a Bible college in London from 1911 to 1915, they continued with their life principle of not turning away those in need. Astute Londoners were aghast at this practice, thinking the college would be taken advantage of. In response, Oswald observed, without inviting others to follow in the practice, “My responsibility is to give. God will look after who asks.”
The couple followed the example of our generous Creator. Through His instructions to Moses, God laid out gracious ways for His people to live and serve others, including the giving of their food and possessions. Moses told the Israelites at the end of every three years to “bring all the tithes” so the Levites, “foreigners, the fatherless and the widows,” could come and “eat and be satisfied” (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Through the generosity of His people, God cares for the vulnerable.
The Chambers’ trust in God was so strong that they gave willingly and without question. They’d learned to “revere . . . God always” (v. 23) and receive His blessing “in all the work of [their] hands” (v. 29).
We may also feel inspired to give freely while we lean on God for wisdom and discernment. We know that God will generously lead and guide as He provides for the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s your view and practice of giving? How has God provided for your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs?
Generous God, I look to You for all I need. I know that You’re the source of all good things. I worship You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Scripture reveals that God has been generous to us and calls us to be generous to others (Deuteronomy 14:29). The ultimate way that He’s demonstrated His generosity is in the giving of His Son. In Philippians 2, Paul says that Jesus “gave up his divine privileges; . . . he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being” (v. 7 nlt). Then “he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (v. 8 nlt). All that we have comes from God, our generous creator. In response, He’ll help us give freely to others.
Good Morning Spirit-Filled and Led Worshipers! Plead Lord! Thanks! Fill us! Lead us! Revive us and our area. May all we do be a Spirit-led act of worship that honors and glorifies you and blesses many! May we see you at work and join you. May we hear your still small voice and follow the Holy Spirit nudges. Thanks! Come! Fill us! And send us equipped, empowered and ready to be Your vessels of love, healing and hope, Holy Spirit, come, teach us,. move us, revive us! Amen!
's devotionals are all about allowing the Holy Spirit to do His thing in, trough and around us as we seek God to help us follow Jesus and be doers of the Word just as we are created to do. We are the clay and He the Potter that molds, shapes and prepares us to be His vessels that live and love more and more like Jesus. What a cool thread through our devos as God speaks to our hearts, informs our prayers and leads us by His Spirit. Amen! Come! Fill and lead us to worship and Spirit and Truth . Holy Spirit speak and lead. Father, Your Kingdom come and will be done and use us well! Thanks! Amen! I'm praying for you and us to encounter God's Spirit and to allow Him to have His way with us! Amen! Shalom shalom!
ODB:
The Answers God Provides
The Holy Spirit . . . will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26
“What’s my birth mother’s name?” My seven-year-old daughter’s sincere question pierced my heart. Ours had been a private adoption where we were provided only the most basic of information about her parents: height, weight, age, color of hair and eyes. How was I to respond? The question felt impossible! I drew in a breath and prayed, “God, what do I say?” A sentence tumbled out of my mouth: “What would you like her name to be?” She beamed at me and proclaimed, “Madeline!” “Then, Madeline it is!” I declared. I believe God had provided an answer when I didn’t have one.
In the years after His death, Jesus’ followers would encounter great challenges where they needed God’s answers in seemingly impossible situations. In John 14, Jesus promised He would not leave them alone but would come to them with help (v. 18). Further, God would provide an ongoing flow of help: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (v. 26).
Sometimes the questions we face seem impossible to answer. We need God’s help and answers with our children, our work, our neighbors, and our world. When we don’t have the answers, He can provide them.
By Elisa Morgan
REFLECT & PRAY
In what area of your life do you need God’s help ? What questions do you have that you can bring to Him for the answers only He can provide?
Thank You, dear Father, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to guide me in each moment.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
With His work on the cross soon to be accomplished, Jesus assured His disciples that He wouldn’t abandon them as “orphans” but would return to them soon (John 14:18, 28). Christ was referring to His own resurrection and to the Holy Spirit, who’d live with them and be with them (v. 17). God gave us His Spirit to assure us that we’re His children, enabling us to call Him “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). As “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17), He’ll teach, counsel, and empower us to live as obedient children of God (vv. 23-26). , when we’re looking for answers, we can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us.
K.T. Sim
UR: Hearing God
Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and it will be added to you. - Mark 4:24 (NRSVUE)
I used to wonder what it was like to hear God’s voice. I had heard so many people talk about how God spoke to them; I was curious. Did God have a masculine voice? Did God thunder loudly among lightning flashes or speak quietly? When God finally talked to me, would people nearby hear God’s voice too? Eventually, I got frustrated when I still had not heard God’s voice, and I wondered if others were doing something that I wasn’t.
After a while, I began to seek God genuinely — not to satisfy my curiosity but because I was tired of hearing about God from others. I wanted to know God for myself. And when I began to study God’s word in earnest, I began to hear God’s voice.
It didn’t come as I expected, and it came along different channels. First, it was in the pages of scripture. The words seemed like they were written just for me. Then as I began to draw closer and spend more time in God’s presence, God began speaking to my heart too. That voice is like a gentle rush of water and always brings a sense of peace. This experience has strengthened my faith and my walk with God.
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's Prayer
Open our hearts, Lord, that we may hear you speak to us. Amen.
Good Morning Strong and Courageous, Abiding in Christ Prayer Warriors! Amen! This salutation flows from the Connection Blogs and The Word for You devotional below. Meditate on these this rainy day. God is giving us more space to abide in the Vine, to be still and know and to contemplate with Him what He has for you and beyond. Seize that opportunity. What's God saying to you? What will you do about it? Who might you discuss, process and pray with? God knows you, loves you, created, gifted and empowered you for such a time as this! PTL! So, how does that translate to your actions? Are you strong and courageous? You can be! Do you abide and converse with God in prayer? You should! Take some extra time or to abide, know, and prepare to boldly move forward in Christ and with some friends. That is true worship God loves! Go live and love like Jesus courageously flowing from your abiding time . Amen!
Connection Blogs:
- Abiding in Jesus
In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. (Hebrews 5:7)
Does God hear everyone's prayer? Surely, as an all-knowing God, He is capable of hearing everyone. But, apparently there are some prayers to which He gives lesser attention. Jesus, our ultimate example, was always heard by His Father, and the writer of Hebrews tells us why.
There are some conditions to prayer. One is desperation with the humility that is borne out of our recognition of need. But further, God hears and answers the prayers of those who are willing to humbly obey as He instructs. Why would He answer our prayers if He knows we have no intention of obeying Him?
Jesus was heard “because of his piety.” We do not, and cannot, be sinless like Christ. But there should be in us a heart’s disposition to follow Him as faithfully as we can by His grace.
For instance, let's say your son not only wants a car, but he needs a car for transportation and he asks you for this provision. But, he has repeatedly violated the use of your car each time it has been entrusted to him. And he openly tells you that if he gets a car, he will use it to speed, go places where he should not go, and do things you know are harmful to him. Would you answer his pleas for a car? To do so would be less than loving. Further, to wisely withhold the provision would potentially create a desire for the car that is so great it might lead him to humbly submit to your directives about its use.
Andrew Murray, in “The Ministry of Intercession: A Plea for More Prayer” said, “Why are there such numberless unanswered prayers? … Christ taught us that the answer depended upon certain conditions. He spoke of faith, of perseverance, of praying in His Name, of praying the will of God. But all of these conditions were summed up in the one central one: ‘If you abide in Me, ask whatsoever you will and it shall be done unto you.’ It became clear that the power to pray the effectual prayer of faith depended upon the life. It is only to a person given up living as entirely in Christ and for Christ as the branch in the vine and for the vine, that these promises can come true.”
Father, how I long to come to You as one who is filled with humility, who longs to be obedient in all things, and who always intends to stay attached to the Vine! Yet, I am not always this person. Would You give me a deeper longing to be someone whose effectual prayer of faith is always marked by the deepest longing of my heart? I want to live in and for Jesus and to pray with a depth of persistence that can only come with the greatest desire for all that You are!
Praise God as the great and powerful Creator who has no equal on earth or in the spiritual realm.
Give thanks for the vast, eternal reaches of God’s knowledge and wisdom.
Confess those times when you have not trusted in God’s leading.
Commit yourself to spending more of your prayer time meditating on the depth of his knowledge and understanding.
Ask God to daily make you aware of his power, his wisdom, and his great love for you.
Pray that your pastor and elders will spend increasingly more time in prayer for God’s guidance in the direction of the church, relying on the Spirit’s leading and the instruction of God’s Word (Acts 6:4).
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.
YES LORD, Thank God I'm Forgiven and every day. We worship and adore our Lord, Savior and Friend. Jesus ! Thank You for everything!
Good Morning Forgiven Friends! Thank God for His great and patient love, mercy and grace. Thank Him for His shalom--peace that is always available. Meditate on this blog and worship. You are forgiven. Repent and believe the Good News! Amen!
Connection Blog
- The Peace Process
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:17-19)
God certainly makes it clear that peace is a high priority in the Kingdom. From Old Testament teaching and example, to the life and message of Jesus, to the clear teaching of the New Testament epistles, peace is consistently presented as a central focus of the desire of God for his people. It is of such importance that one of the titles for Jesus is Prince of Peace.
Though humans have not done well in living out peace, the high value that God places on peace has made its way in our collective psyche. Some of our best thinkers and writers have written about peace.
Here are a few short quotes from a diverse group:
“Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.” —John F. Kennedy
“When I say it’s you I like, I’m talking about that part of you that knows that life is far more than anything you can ever see or hear or touch. That deep part of you that allows you to stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate, peace that rises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful than greed.” —Fred Rogers
“We plant seeds that will flower as results in our lives, so best to remove the weeds of anger, avarice, envy and doubt, that peace and abundance may manifest for all.” —Dorothy Day
“We look forward to the time when the power to love will replace the love of power. Then will our world know the blessing of peace.” —William Gladstone
I wonder when the Church will begin to put such a high value on peace. All too often, we Christians are seen as those who fuss and fight over little things. Church fights and splits are all too common and certainly do not present a message of peace to our culture. If we want to continue to be a biblical people, it is time to get serious about being a people of peace.
’s text gives a message of peace that simply cannot be ignored. Paul says with apostolic authority that the Kingdom of God is a matter of peace. Because of that, we are to make every effort to do what leads to peace. Can you imagine a church fellowship where this is taught and modeled? Our assemblies should be marked by an atmosphere of peace whenever we gather.
It is time that church leaders begin to teach and expect peace as a characteristic of corporate Christianity. But for that to happen, all of us need to begin pursuing peace within us as part of what it means to walk with Jesus. We must take to heart Paul’s instruction that we are to “make every effort to do what leads to peace.”
Lord, I thank you that the very angels sang of peace when you were born. You have built peace into the gospel message and made it a pillar of your kingdom. May your Church begin to reflect your peace in radical ways in the way we treat one another. Teach us to passionately pursue peace in ways that demonstrate your life of peace within us.
Praise God as the great and powerful Creator who has no equal on earth or in the spiritual realm.
Give thanks for the vast, eternal reaches of God’s knowledge and wisdom.
Confess those times when you have not trusted in God’s leading.
Commit yourself to spending more of your prayer time meditating on the depth of his knowledge and understanding.
Ask God to daily make you aware of his power, his wisdom, and his great love for you.
Pray that your pastor and elders will spend increasingly more time in prayer for God’s guidance in the direction of the church, relying on the Spirit’s leading and the instruction of God’s Word (Acts 6:4).
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.
Good Morning Focused, Running to Win, Sheep of the Good Shepherd! Amen! Please Lord! This salutation flows straight from our devotionals (below) for . I've had a very sleepless night . Many of us know sometimes it's just hard to sleep with nothing on our minds keeping us awake and some of us struggle with overthinking and things stirring us to being awake when it's bed time. There's not much I can do when the first scenario hits. I get up (sometimes, like , a couple of times) and head to my office to pray, meditate and maybe even play some games hoping to get tired enough to sleep. Usually God has something to say and when I process and pray He brings tiredness and allows me some sleep time. And there are often naps throughout the day. When the later hits, I pray, sing praise songs and hymns as prayers and lift some and usually sleep comes as I do. Whatever reason, I know God is with me, speaking and working all things together for good and I find peace in that reality. And He always redeems the hours spent with Him whether in pour prayer closets or in bed praying. How cool, right!
I (and my sisters) have been carrying a heavy burden with what we would do with mom when we bring her home. God lifted that concern when He called her home. Yet we have not been able to have full closure during our time of mourning. Next week Karen and I and possibly my sister, Bev, will be traveling to Florida to get mom's cremains and hold a memorial service at Terry's (her companion, who himself is drawing close to his last days on earth). We have executor duties to do for mom and some things my sister needs to do as Terry's POA. It's a lot! Then we bring mom home and will have a service up here . There are things that need to happen up here too. Add to all this my sister Connie's declining health with many doc appointments and struggles with heart and severe asthma. To say I am a bit distracted is a reality. PTL that I was saving vacation to go down and help get mom ready to bury Terry and move home. Now God has arranged to be able to use that and my bereavement and spiritual retreat time to take a mini-sabbatical. (we have to use vacations before July when they renew). So beginning ('s are usually my day off and this year Karen is off for her birthday (39 again!)), I will be out of the office until . PTL for Sarah and Mike and all of you that allow this time to regroup and refresh without worry! Thank you for your prayers and encouragements! I will be in church leading worship.
With all of this being said, our Zoom Huddle is on indefinite break. We will probably resume in some manner in July. Our . evening dinner huddle will resume in the Fellowship Hall from 6-7:30. We are scheduling a night at Rita's (wear your St. Matt's shirts) at 6. We will celebrate our summer communion . (& brunch) and sometime after that I will do our homebound visits. I may be at a few Bread Ministry days throughout the break time, as God leads. Needless to say after , these blogs will appear sporadically as God leads. And I expect He often will have something for me to share with you, but, probably not daily. I'll be praying for you and we always appreciate all of you, your prayers and your serving and filling the gap! I'll be thinking of, praising God for and praying for you often. He is with us and for us and His will is always going to happen in His timing. We love you guys! Thank you!
Now, check out the devos below and talk to God. He spoke to my heart and encouraged me. I'm praying He will do the same for you. Be still and know, Pray, prepare and go live and love like Jesus! He is our Good Shepherd who wants to lead us to still waters and fruitful green pastures and He always walks with us through every valley and over every mountain top. We need to rest in Him and keep focused on Him and moving with Him to His perfect plans. Don't forget to partner up and help each other to run your races well and for His glory. He loves these things and He loves you and is calling you by name--come! Continue to work at being Focused, Running to Win, Sheep of the Good Shepherd. Amen and Shalom shalom!
Upper Room: Our Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. - Psalm 23:1 (NIV)
My husband and I used to travel to villages in south India to visit rural churches during our ministry. Some villages had no proper roads, so we had to travel by jeep or oxcart on rugged terrain. This caused me severe neck pain that eventually developed into spondylitis.
A pastor from our church visited and saw my neck brace, so he prayed for me. He encouraged me to repeat Psalm 23 daily and meditate on it. This began my daily practice of meditating on this beautiful psalm. The pain in my neck eventually went away, but my practice continues.
Psalm 23 is a beautiful expression of trust, dependence, and assurance of God’s care and provision in all circumstances. David was a shepherd and knew what it meant to care for his sheep and protect them from harm. He led his sheep to green pastures and beside still water. Like every good shepherd, he knew his sheep and they knew his voice.
God is our shepherd. God not only cares for our physical well-being but also for our spiritual health. God brings healing and wholeness to our innermost being. Even through life’s most challenging moments, we can be assured of God’s presence and protection.
's Prayer
Loving God, thank you for nurturing us with your word and blessing us with your gracious presence in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Word for You :
Our Daily Bread
Longing for Home
If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth. Psalm 137:5-6
Ethel and Ed live in the high desert area of the Rocky Mountains. As our family visited them on their ranch filled with memorabilia, the conversation turned to childhood stories of riding horses on the grasslands of North Dakota and herding cattle in Montana. They’re on in years now, and I could hear in their voices a longing for home.
Psalm 137 captures a similar emotion. The Israelites had been forced into captivity and longed for home. “By the rivers of Babylon we and wept,” they said. “There our captors asked us for songs” (vv. 1, 3), prompting the Israelites to ask, “How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?” (v. 4).
The longing to return from exile is a common theme throughout the Old Testament prophets. Eventually the Israelites did return. They rebuilt Jerusalem and resettled in the land, but it was never the same. When the temple was rebuilt, those who remembered its former glory wept because it was a shadow of the first (Ezra 3:12).
Old age may feel as if we’re in exile from our former selves as time takes a toll on mind and body. For those who know Jesus, this longing points not to the past but the future. That’s where my conversation turned with Ethel and Ed—a longing for our future home, where everything is made right and is far better than anything we can imagine.
By Matt Lucas
REFLECT & PRAY
What do you miss from the past? How might this longing help you anticipate the future?
Father in heaven, thank You that You’re with me in every stage of life and that You’re preparing a bright future for me.
“There on the poplars we hung our harps,” says the psalmist of the Jewish exiles, whose desolate situation quenched their musical passions (Psalm 137:2). This national despondency metastasized into bitterness, and the songwriter concludes on a disturbing note: “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks” (v. 9). Many have attempted to explain away this horrifying imagery. One plausible interpretation, however, is that these exiles had witnessed such atrocities committed against their own children. In turn, they anticipated divine judgment of their tormentors. Their desire isn’t to carry this out personally but rather to let God exact His vengeance (vv. 7-8). But the song clings to hope with its focus on Jerusalem (vv. 5-6)—the city of God. Our own griefs and regrets in life may make us feel like we’re in exile, but we too can find hope by trusting our loving God and resting in the promise of our future home with Him.
Tim Gustafson
Prayer Points
Praise God as the one from whom all things have come; praise him as the one to whom you are going when you are called home.
Thank God that your relationship with him extends beyond this life.
Confess the times when your focus has been only on physical needs, not God’s eternal purpose for you (Mt. 6:33).
Commit yourself to seeking God’s will for you and to hearing the voice of his Spirit through the preaching of the Word.
Ask God to reveal himself to you in his splendor and glory.
Pray for those preachers in other countries who must serve eight or ten churches at a time. Ask God to give them strength and to provide lay leaders who can minister in their absence.
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.
Good Morning Friends! Shalom shalom! I gotta fly workers on the way here and I'm off to pick up the weis stuff. Take some time to be still with our loving God. Worship as you engage with our devos below. Be still and know. prepare and go live and love like Jesus ! he loves you and is calling you by name to come join Him beside the still waters and to walk with Him through whatever brings. he is love. He is peace. He is our joy and salvation. Ask God who to share that with and know His joy come to life through you as you do. He has great plans for you ! Ask Him to lead you to and walk through them with you. You are made and gifted for such a time as this! GO! Shalom shalom.
ODB
Joy in Jesus
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Do you ever long for something you see glimpses of but can’t quite grasp? C. S. Lewis longed for joy. He wrote, “Our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen from the outside, is . . . the truest index of our real situation. And to be at last summoned inside would be . . . the healing of that old ache. . . . The whole man is to drink joy from the fountain of joy.”
Lewis writes of the joy we’ll experience in full when we see Jesus face-to-face. As believers in Jesus, we have the joy of Christ through our relationship with Him and the work of His Spirit inside us. But sadly our joy is hampered by sin and death, the forces of evil, and the world’s brokenness. Paul writes, “Now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). In verse 10, Paul talks of the coming “completeness.” This is when we’ll know and experience joy fully because we’re with Jesus.
Although we wait expectantly for that day, He gives us a small foretaste now of the overflowing, unhindered joy of heaven!
By Alyson Kieda
REFLECT & PRAY
What do you think it will be like to see Jesus? What do you most look forward to in heaven?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the moments of joy I experience here on earth. I’m anticipating the day when I can know it in full.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us, one day we’ll see clearly when we see Jesus “face to face.” Grand and glorious realities await us at death and with the return of Christ, but even now some of those good things are ours to experience. Through the encouragement of Scripture, the life we share with believers in Jesus, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, we get “sneak previews” and a “foretaste” of things to come. Such things are particularly meaningful to those undergoing trials. The apostle Peter’s words included the following encouragement: “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). , we can look for glimpses of joy around us as a reminder of the fullness of joy that’s yet to come.
Arthur Jackson
UR: God's Trail Map
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. - Joshua 1:8 (NIV)
I set out to hike North Dome in Yosemite National Park in the early morning, following a steep trail. After passing the Dome, I turned and followed dirt trails and stacked rocks, often used as trail markers, which soon led me steeply downward. I questioned, Is this the trail? When I didn’t see any more markers, I realized that I was offtrack. I finally pulled out my map and could see where I had left the trail. I had failed to consult my map earlier, reasoning that I was a veteran hiker. In fact, what I had been following wasn’t the trail itself but markers another hiker had placed as they ventured off the path to explore.
This reminded me of my early college experience when I had become distant from God, and my attempts to read the Bible were frustrating. After being challenged to try a Bible-study program, I began to read the Bible regularly, and it became a satisfying experience. I had been without a trail map for my life for too long.
Often I still attempt to rely on my own wisdom to straighten out life’s paths — with frustrating results. Life is full of trails that crisscross in confusion, but keeping God’s word close at hand helps me to stay on the right path.
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's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for the guidance we find in scripture, helping us to navigate life’s twists and turns. Amen.
Good Morning Faithful Servants of the Lord! May that be me and us Lord! May we continue to seek first your Kingdom and righteousness. May we stay focused and steadfast no matter the situations we face . May we be still and know that You are God. May we hallow Your holy name. Your Kingdom come and will be done and use me as You have planned. Thank You! Lead me and us and bring revival to our hearts, this region, state and nation. Send me Lord! Thank you for provision, protection, ability and peace! Come! Fill me and us and unite us in You and mission. May we be your united and faithful servants. Thanks! Amen!
God created you for such a time as this. You are His masterpiece, made new and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do all thie things He created you to do. Seek Him and His plans as you begin with abiding time of prayer and surrender. Then GO! Serve faithfully as you are. Experience His love, shalom and provision as you step into this day with Him prepared and ready. he has great plans for you and us. Talk to Him and process with your teammates then Go! be like Jesus and love your neighbors well. Amen!
Gotta fly! Plateful . God is for us, with us and preparing the way for us. Let us seek Him and follow well . And worship as you go and as you see Him at work be ready and willing to join Him. Great fruit and revival are at hand and He wants you tto be part of it! So, rejoice! Shalom shalom!
Good Morning Deep-Rooted, Supple, Fruit Producers in Christ! Amen! This salutation flows from Our Daily Bread (below). It reminded me of Jonah's hard heart we studied and God's pursuing love, mercy and grace. God has sent us as His prophets to pronounce the good news and the fate of the non-repentant. We are commissioned to bring His Good News alive and His offer of mercy and forgiveness and His willingness to turn hearts of stone to ones of flesh. Who is God sending you to with His message of redemption and justice? Are you running away like Jonah? Is there someone or a people group that you hate so much that you would run from God's CALL TO YOU TO GO?
God sent Jonah to over 120,000 people who were doomed and despite his half-hearted effort a whole city repented and God spared them. Jeremiah 17:7-8 reminds us that we can be blessed by trusting God and we grow and produce good fruit as we sink our roots deep into Him and His Word. Do you sink your roots deep and draw up living water and then go bring living water to the people of this parched and weary land? That's our mission and why we are still here. Our message is repent and believe the Good News. Draw strength from the depths of your connection with God and go water and fertilize, seed and harvest. God is ready to bring revival and He will use people like us to go. Watch, prepare, and go do your part in His Good News Delivery Company. And we need to remember we are a team sent to change this nation one soul at a time. We need each other to pray, fund, encourage, and go together. We are one in Christ sent to invite others in. We are even sent to refresh and love enemies and offer them some of God's grace. Let's keep working on that together. I'm praying for you and us to be used mightily by God and for multitudes to hear His warning and repent. So, what's your part and who are your partners? Let's go! Daylight's burning!
many in this nation gave it back to God as we repented for past sins and dedicated ourselves and our country to God. As a result, God has heard and His heart is moved to our people. He is sending you with His message of hope and love and to make disciples. pray into that and for this nation and prepare to go do your part and even to disciple others for how to sink their roots deep too. Don't force God to bring a fierce storm and big fish that will barf you out where He has already sent you. Turn your hearts of stone to ones of flesh and allow God to use you. Revival is at hand. Let's celebrate and join Him and do what we can with what He's given us for such a time as this! Amen!
ODB:
Anatomy of a Hardening Heart
, if you hear [God’s] voice, do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 3:7-8
It’s fascinating to see your own heart. Recently, I did. Chest pain led me to see a doctor, who ordered tests that allowed me to see that my heart has calcium buildup. More than I should have. Atherosclerosis, the doctors call it: hardening of the arteries.
I’ve made big diet and exercise changes. But I’ve also realized that my cardiac concerns didn’t emerge overnight. In my case, they were the fruit of unhealthy choices. In time, those habits couldn’t help but impact my heart’s health.
Scripture uses similar language to describe being spiritually unhealthy. Our hearts can gradually grow hardened toward God—one day and one choice at a time. Hebrews 3:7-8 (referencing Psalm 95:7-8) says, “, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” After God delivered His people from Egypt, they “tested and tried [Him]” (v. 9) during their time in the wilderness.
God had faithfully provided for His people, but they refused to see it (vv. 9-10). What about us? What habits nudge us away from God—day by day hardening our hearts against Him? We all make some of those choices. So I’m thankful that , right now, God offers to exchange our hearts of stone for those softened by His love (see Ezekiel 36:26).
By Adam Holz
REFLECT & PRAY
How is God drawing you closer to Him? How can you learn to hear His voice?
Dear Father, sometimes my heart gets tired. Please forgive me for choosing the wrong things. Help me embrace Your offer to cleanse and soften my hard heart.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Hebrews 3:7-15 is a reflection on the ongoing relevance of the terms (vv. 7, 13) and rest (v. 11) from key Old Testament passages. in Psalm 95:7, for example, captures a moment in Israel’s wilderness sojourn when they hardened their hearts and didn’t respond with belief—a related theme developed further in Hebrews 4. A whole generation missed the rest that the promised land graciously offered to those who’d take God at His word. The writer of Hebrews compares this rest with the seventh day of creation, which is itself an invitation into God’s rest (vv. 4-6). To completely trust in His work, rather than our own, is literally our ultimate “Sabbath-rest” (v. 9). , we can ask God to soften our hardened hearts and rest in His love.
This is the day the Lord has made and we get to rejoice and be glad in it! Amen! PTL and rejoice . Be still and know He is God as you lift praise and abide in His loving care. He knows you! He loves you! He is calling you by name to come and be loved, refreshed, healed and encouraged. Run to Him and abide as you prepare for the day ahead. He is with you and for you and always forgives and even corrects in love. He is working all things together for good! Yes rejoice! Don't lean on your own understand or wander off on your own. Acknowledge Him and run to Him. He's waiting with open arms! PTL!
Good Morning Flock of Jesus! We are the sheep and He is the Good Shepherd. He wants to lead us beside the still waters and to the green pastures. He walks with us through the darkest valleys. He comforts, protects, provides, guides, refreshes, pursues us, heals, hears, forgives and just wants to love on us all the time! Amen! Be still, know, receive, refresh and go live and love like Jesus . To God be the glory! He gathers us, anoints us for healing, corrects in love, leaves the 99 to find and rescue us! He is the Good Shepherd and we are His very loved flock. PTL! Meditate on Our Daily Bread Below and abide, worship and go refreshed and ready as you feed on His Word and walk in His paths for you . Know and follow His shalom. Amen!
ODB
Listening to the Good Shepherd
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; [Jesus has] come that they may have life. John 10:10
I opened my online banking app and discovered two withdrawals over $500 each, which I hadn’t made. Panicked, I called the bank and discovered my identity had been stolen. With the bank’s help, I was able to reinstate my good standing, but the experience taught me to be alert to prevent such thefts in the future.
In John 10:10, Jesus warns that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Rebuking religious leaders who opposed Him for healing on the Sabbath (9:13-15), Jesus revealed their motive: to steal, kill, and destroy. Our spiritual enemy, Satan, plots to steal our understanding of God’s grace—and the freedom Jesus’ death provides for us. Hope and help come earlier in the passage where Jesus described Himself as the good shepherd who calls His sheep by name (10:2-4). The good shepherd’s sheep “will run away from [a thief] because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (v. 5).
We sometimes find ourselves victimized by the evil in our world. But our loving God invites us into a practice of discernment where we learn to recognize and avoid the voice of our enemy who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. As we tune our ears to the voice of our Good Shepherd, we can trust Him to lead us to life “to the full” (v. 10).
By Elisa Morgan
REFLECT & PRAY
Where in your life is “the thief” seeking to harm you? How will you listen for the voice of the Shepherd who longs to lead you to Himself and provide abundant life?
Dear God, please help me discern the voice of the thief and instead tune my ears to Your voice.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In John 10, Jesus exposed the agenda of Satan through those who should’ve been shepherding believers well. The endgame of false teachers is “to steal and kill and destroy,” while Christ came so we “may have life . . . to the full” (v. 10). In Ephesians 4, Paul notes that Jesus gives the church leaders “to equip his people” (v. 12) and build them up through sound teaching so that they “will no longer be . . . blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (v. 14). , as in Christ’s day, sincere seekers of truth aren’t exempt from the schemes of those who don’t have their best interest at heart. The Spirit will give us discernment to recognize the true voice of the Good Shepherd.
Thank you all for the love, encouragement, sympathy and cards! We love you all! We have great shalom and Christ is our strength! Amen! After I will be using up my vacation and bereavement time mourning and celebrating my mom and her new life in heaven. We will see her again soon and Terry is at the doorway to join her soon. What joy awaits us all and remember, we do not mourn like those without hope!
Good Morning Deep-Rooted, Fruitful Trees of the Lord! Amen! Sinking roots deep into Christ and His Word produces much good fruit, even as we endure droughts of faith from this dry and weary land. We are called to be fruitful and to bring living water to refresh those around us. We can only do that when our roots are sunk deep into the life-giving Lord and His Word. Check out Our Daily Bread devotional below speaking into this. We've looked in the past at our fellowship being like a stump and a green shoot. Our roots as a stump still sink deep into the Lord and draw up life giving nutrients and water that are pushing up some green new shoots. Our fellowship continues to grow and thrive because of this and we are beginning to multiply disciples that make disciples and new expressions of worship. we have built on the foundation of Christ and we are rebuilders of walls. We are the Living Water. We are God's remnant gathered, refreshed and watered and new fruit is budding as we continue to stand firm, sink roots deep and draw up His life-giving living water and water those around us in this dry and weary land. Keep it up! New life and revival are at hand and we need you and each other to continue to go and continue to live and love like Jesus. Many around us are being drawn to the Giver of Life in us! Amen!
ODB:
Deep Roots
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7
As Douglas Kent, a landscape architect, toured a charred Los Angeles neighborhood after the city’s raging 2025 wildfires, he encountered a shocking surprise—trees, alive and green, right next to melted cars and burned buildings. Many of them bore lush palms and leaves, abundant fruit, and strong trunks and branches. How?
After two consecutive rainy winters, the trees’ roots had reached deep into the soil to draw moisture, carrying it to branches and leaves. In a fire, they proved resistant. “What I saw,” said Kent, “was that if you were deep-rooted, you survived.”
Our faith during the fiery trials of life can be like that. As we set our spiritual roots deep in Christ and His love, we become “like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:8).
Jeremiah, who never minced words, warned that those who trust in “mere flesh” are “cursed” (v. 5). “That person will be like a bush in the wastelands; they will not see prosperity when it comes.” Instead, “they will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives” (vv. 5-6). How much better to trust in God! Well-watered by His sustaining love, we thrive even in raging times, bearing spiritual fruit in Him.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
How deep are your roots in Christ? How can you trust Him during fiery trials?
Dear God, as the world seems to burn around me, please remind me to trust in You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jeremiah warned the unrepentant, idolatrous people of Judah that God would exile them to Babylon for their unfaithfulness (Jeremiah 25:8-11). God persistently and patiently urged them to repent before it was too late (35:15) and promised restoration and blessing once discipline was complete (31:23-28). In chapter 17, Jeremiah contrasts the curses on the ungodly with the blessings on the godly (vv. 5-8). In language reminiscent of Psalm 1:1-3, the prophet proclaims: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. . . . They will be like a tree planted by the water” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). In contrast, cursed are those who “turn their hearts away from the Lord . . . with no hope for the future” (vv. 5-6 nlt ). The curse and blessing motifs are also in line with the covenantal consequences laid out in Deuteronomy 28. In times of adversity, Jeremiah reminds us that our security, stability, faithfulness, and fruitfulness are rooted in our trust in God, not in men.
Thank God I'm Forgiven ! Lift many praises and thanksgivings as you populate your gratitude lists. So much to be thankful about beginning with love, grace mercy and forgiveness. It could be a day full of praises. And doing that leads to much joy too. So rejoice and be glad in this day and let God and others know of the many blessings you are thankful about. Every time I think of all of you I am so thankful. What joy you bring to God , me and others! Yes PTL!
Good Morning Masterpiece, Made New in Christ, Purposeful Worshippers! AMEN! Pronounce that over you and our fellowship of believers! Eph 2:10 has become an often cited instruction for us. We are God's Masterpieces, made new in Christ and activated to do the things He made us to do. As we do His purposes, we grow in our potential and new life. Even when we don't do God's bidding, we are still His very loved creation. Because of our saving faith, we are made new, receive spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit to help us repent and complete our created purposes. That is Jesus' easy yoke. Quit striving in your own strength and leaning on your own understanding. he loves you and created you for such a time as this and so He wants to help you grow and run your race well. Amen!
Meditate on these things as you live thankfully and team up to go live and love like Jesus just as you are. he has great plans for you and wants to love on you ! Receive His love and direction and then Go and be like Jesus . I'm praying for you and us to be His dynamic movement of purposeful worshipers. Amen! That all lead to joy and shalom. Dwell in all that and rejoice!
Upper Room: Finding Purpose
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. - Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
A few years ago, I felt lost in my career. The daily tasks were monotonous, and I began questioning whether my work had any true purpose. Despite my best efforts to stay positive, I struggled to find meaning in what I was doing.
One evening, during a moment of prayer, I came across Proverbs 16:3. It was a gentle reminder to surrender my work to God and trust God to guide me. Instead of focusing solely on promotions or achievements, I started praying each morning for my actions to serve God’s purposes.
As I shifted my perspective, I began to notice small opportunities to serve others at work — helping a colleague with a project, listening to a co-worker share their struggles, or simply offering words of encouragement. These seemingly minor acts gave me a renewed sense of purpose. My work was no longer just about accomplishing tasks but about reflecting God’s love to those around me.
When we feel uncertain about our purpose, we can commit our work to God. We can ask God to reveal meaning even in mundane or challenging moments. When we trust that God is working through us, we can be assured that no task is too small to honor the Lord.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, when we feel lost in our daily routines, help us to trust your guidance and find purpose in serving you. Amen.
This is the day the Lord has made and we get to fellowship and eat donuts in it! PTL! Donut day at Bread Ministry 10-12. How might God want to use you? Come and see!
Good Morning Donut-Eating Harvesters! Amen! God loves you and uses you as you are to be part of the harvest. We all have a part of that and need each other. I have to fly. Lots to do before donut time, but think about the above and talk to God and your teammates about the plans for . Then meditate on the devotionals below as you prepare for this day. God is with you and has great plans for yyou or someone you will engage with. Rejoice! Prepare and GO! You are blessed to bless! Be a blessing to God and others and be blessed back as you go. Amen! And shalom!
ODB
Waiting for the Harvest
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
In 1962, Joanne Shetler and Anne Fetzer made an arduous trek by bus and foot into the rugged mountains of the Philippines to share the gospel with people who’d never heard of Jesus.
For five years, they translated Scripture into the people’s language, but the Balangao villagers weren’t receptive. They did, however, help build a primitive landing strip so new supplies could be flown in. One day, a plane dubbed “magic from another world” by the people arrived. The pilot then flew a deathly ill, pregnant village woman to a faraway clinic. When the plane later returned with the recovered woman and her healthy newborn, the people began asking about “this God” they’d been told about. Soon the village had a church full of believers in Christ.
All of us who share the story of Jesus have times of discouragement when our listeners don’t seem to hear. The apostle Paul knew that can happen. After explaining to the Galatians the importance of planting and harvesting the gospel, he recognized that a sower may grow tired. So he challenged his listeners not to “become weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9).
The first five years of Joanne and Anne’s work was surely discouraging. But they kept sowing, and eventually they reaped a harvest. Let’s not “give up” (v. 9). Surely, the message of salvation will “reap eternal life” (v. 8).
By Dave Branon
REFLECT & PRAY
Why do you sometimes grow weary in sharing the gospel? What’s your sure hope?
Dear God, please help me to hang in there and keep sowing when a loved one seems disinterested in the gospel.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Galatians 6:7-10, Paul emphasizes the theme of sowing and reaping—that is, that the choices we make come with real consequences. A life guided by “the flesh” (self-reliant human nature focused on self-gratification—5:16-21) inevitably leads to “destruction,” whereas a life guided by Christ’s Spirit leads to “eternal life” (6:8) and an abundant “harvest” (v. 9). Remembering this principle can strengthen the resilience and fortitude of believers in Jesus as they seek to “serve one another humbly in love” (5:13). Every action guided by the Spirit matters greatly. Sometimes the path of sharing the gospel and living like Christ can be exhausting, and results may not be obvious. But believers can be assured that their witness to Jesus’ love in words and lifestyle will lead to good results that will last for eternity.
Monica La Rose
UR: In-Between Days
Jesus said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 (NIV)
A song that has been meaningful to me gives the assurance that God is with us both on the mountain and in the valley. Over years of growing closer to Christ, I have felt God’s presence with me on the mountains and in the valleys — on my best days and my worst.
But after evaluating my relationship with God, I have realized that the ordinary days between the mountains and valleys are the ones where I fail to feel God’s presence. The days that I fill with meetings, conference calls, and never-ending emails are the ones when I drift from God. I allow myself to be distracted and to think I can do life without God.
Jesus told his disciples, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” We need to be connected to Christ every day if we want to bear fruit.
When we allow ourselves to be distracted on our in-between days, we unconsciously allow ourselves to drift. We must, with great intentionality, remain in Christ all our days.
'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
Loving God, help us to abide in you always, including on the days when the world distracts us most. Amen.
Good Morning Connected, Praying, Fruit Producers! Amen! Are any of these you? All of them? They can be as we humble ourselves, seek His Kingdom and righteousness, dwell in His loving presence and receive all He has for us and then plant it in our fertile soil or prepare other's soil in prayer to receive Him. Amen. Isn't that His plan, mission and reason for creating us? We are His people equipped and empowered to transform this world as we represent Him wherever we step. We are always walking on holy ground because He is with us. Amen! We are yoked to Jesus' easy yoke? Which means we are plowing the soil and preparing ourselves and others to receive the good seed, and then water, fertilize and reap good fruit. Amen! You are created for such a time as this and sent to multiply His Kingdom and good works. Amen! Our devotionals below flow through this thread from God! We are His masterpieces, made new in Christ to produce the good fruit He made us to produce. (Eph. 2:10) Amen! So...How's that going? What may need some tweaking in you or your ministries. Begin with abiding prayer and conversation with God. Listen. Receive. And team up to process. He is working all things together for good, even the hard things, the correctives and sometimes flowing from the highs too. He corrects in love and wants to draw you close and work through you towards your fuller potential in Christ. Are you focused on, seeking first His Kingdom and allowing that? Try it! Start with abiding and receiving and preparing your soil and the soil of the day ahead in prayer and then sow, water, fertilize and prepare to harvest. I have been praying for you and these good works in Christ to produce great fruit for years and even . Be still. Know. Prepare, team up. GO! Amen! God is with you and you will know it by the peace and blessings you receive as you abide and follow . PTL! Yes, rejoice! Shalom shalom!
Our Daily Bread:
Good Soil in God
Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown. Luke 8:8
In late spring each year, I plant cucumber seeds in our garden. The seeds produce leaves quickly, but it takes time to see the fruit. In fact, one summer after I watered the seeds and waited, I questioned whether I’d get any cucumbers at all. I thought, Did I put too many seeds too close together, or was the ground not warm enough when I’d planted them? But one day, I spotted a green bulb. The next week, I spotted another. Then another. Within a few weeks, we moved from only vines to almost enough fruit to make salad for a week.
Spiritual growth looks like that sometimes. We don’t always see the things we’ve been praying for: patience, self-control, being gentle and loving (see Galatians 5:22-23). But if we ask God to help us create the conditions needed for growth—prayer, studying the Scriptures, worship, serving others—the Holy Spirit will produce the growth.
This is the crux of the parable Jesus shares in Luke 8: “A farmer went out to sow his seed” (v. 5). “The birds ate” some of the seeds that fell on the path (v. 5). Others landed on rocky ground, where they received no moisture and withered (v. 6). Some more fell among thorns and were choked before they could grow (v. 7). But the seed that was planted on good soil yielded a crop that was “a hundred times more than was sown” (v. 8).
As God helps us, let’s cultivate “good soil” and grow in Him.
By Katara Patton
REFLECT & PRAY
How is God helping you cultivate “good soil”? Where have you observed growth in your life?
Master Gardener, please help me produce good fruit from good soil.
In the parable of the sower in Luke 8:1-15, the focus isn’t on the sower who scatters the seed but on the soil where the seed is sown. The life-bearing seed is “the word of God” (v. 11), and the soil represents the heart condition of the one who receives it. Jesus highlights different outcomes depending on where the seed falls. The seed that falls on “good soil” (v. 8) represents receptive hearts “who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest” (v. 15 nlt). We are “God’s field” (1 Corinthians 3:9) where “the word of God” is planted. Even as we cultivate good soil, it’s God who makes “things grow” (v. 7) and makes us fruitful (vv. 6-9).
K.T. Sim
Upper Room: Turning Towards God
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. - 1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
While visiting a sunflower field, I was fascinated by the way the flowers turn their faces to follow the as it crosses the sky. Scientists attribute this behavior to the circadian rhythm, an internal biological timekeeper that regulates their actions. This circadian clock helps sunflowers open their blooms at dawn for pollinating insects and optimizes their light absorption for photosynthesis.
As I reflected on this fact, I realized that as I turn my face to the living God, I receive God’s light and my spirit is filled with strength and courage to face the challenges of this world. When I fix my gaze on God, I give God well-deserved priority and attention. I have learned that God never hides from us. God invites us to draw close through Bible reading, prayer, worship, and helping others. God knows our needs and provides for them. Proverbs 8:17 says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.”
Turning our faces to God brings us to a place of deep intimacy and allows us to experience the relationship God desires to have with us. God blesses us abundantly as we seek God’s face.
's Prayer
Faithful God, help us always to keep our eyes on you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Good Morning Lost but Found Followers of Jesus! Amen! Thanks Lord! I'm really struggling and wrestling with God lately about the fact that we are not making disciples of Jesus that make disciples. That is our mission and we are not connecting to any generation, let alone the next couple. Why? Is that God's plan for us? We are doing what we can with what He's provided? But is there more He desires? Are we missing out on something good He has for us or are we to just stay comfortable as is and drift away until the money runs out? I don't think so! We are created, gifted, gathered and sent for such a time as this! PTL! Send us! Who do you know and are praying for that God may be calling to His love and salvation? Where are we seeing revival fires being lit that we can be part of? How can we pray, learn to pray and learn to become a House of Prayer for the Nations?
It all starts with and trust. PTL for all He is and all He's given and pray for revival and to use us and connect us with the harvest and trust God to provide and guide. And come to Him with prayerful, thankful, willing hearts. he does have plans for us. We just have to figure them out and step into the, and that takes prayer and willing feet. God wants everyone to come, even those we think are beyond saving. Our job is to pray and serve them into the Kingdom. Check out the Upper Room reminder that we are all important to God and that He is still seeking and saving the lost. And then our part is to join Him in that and to make disciples that make disciples of Jesus. And we all have a part. What's yours? Seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and He will give you all you need to succeed at your part. Amen and PTL! Let us commit to live, love, pray, serve, and do our part to be His disciple makers and world changers. Father, Here we are. Send us, Teach us to pray, to live, to love and to make disciples like Jesus. Grant us the want-to to want to follow you. Help us to glorify You and fulfill our purposes and mission. We need You! Come! Have Your way with us and grow us in our created potential to be Jesus like in all we think, say and do. Help us turn off the noise and focus on You and what really matters-Your Kingdom come and will be done. Amen!
UR: Lost and Found
In the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. - Luke 15:7 (NIV)
We have been raising a few hens, and one day we discovered one very young chick was missing. We were deeply saddened by its disappearance. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to locate it. We speculated about where the chick might have gone. After a week, we were driving to church when my wife saw our missing chick approaching the car! We pulled over, caught the chick, and put her in a box we had with us. There was not enough time to go home and put her in the coop, so we went to church and the chick stayed in the car during the service.
The joy our family felt at finding the lost chick reminded me of God’s happiness when the lost are found. In Luke 15, Jesus uses three parables to teach us the importance of finding the lost and bringing them back into the fold. In the parables, the sheep wanders, the piece of silver vanishes, and the prodigal son wastes his wealth on frivolous living. Nevertheless, the shepherd searches the woods, the woman sweeps the house, and the forgiving father waits for his son to return, ready to greet him with a hug when he does. In God’s eyes everyone is important and nobody is unwanted.
's Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to follow your example of love and mercy so that all who are lost will find their way to you. Amen.
Good Morning Amazed, Hope-filled, Worshippers! Amen! God often God amazes us even though we know He is a miracle working God. He is so awe-worthy! He offers us hope and peace beyond understanding as we still ourselves in His presence in worship and even as we travel through every day and even hurdles with trust and faith. He really does work all things together for the good of those who believe and we need to always remember that and worship. We have the ability to choose to obey the command to choose joy always as we trust, stand firm and worship. Even in the hardest of times, we need to be ready to trust and worship. Having your gratitude list nearby does help you to stop, refocus in praise and breathe in His shalom as you choose joy that comes from His presence and knowing He's got this. So, choose joy --always. Walk by faith and not by sight. And keep watching in faith for God to move or be at work around you and then worship some more. That's sort of been my story this week. God is able and I am not God. He has a perfect plan and purpose for things--always. PTL! Be still and know! And joyfully move through with Him. He is able and He loves you! Amen! Check out the Upper Room and worship joyfully ! I already prayed for and praised God for you and all He's doing. Yes rejoice--always! Amen! His grace and love are amazing!!! Shalom is within reach . Choose it! PTL!
UR: From Hopeless to Amazed!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
I clutched my exam results in trembling hands as tears streamed down my face. I was the top-scoring student in my school, but instead of feeling joy I was overcome with despair. As a girl from a poor family, I knew that no matter how good my marks were, there was no hope of paying for high school. “God,” I whispered through my tears, “I wish these marks belonged to someone whose family could afford to make their dreams come true.”
Though it felt like an unreachable dream, I secured an interview at the local Catholic girls’ school. I passed, but we didn’t have enough money for school supplies or the fees to get me through the gate. Refusing to give up, my father suggested we go to the school anyway and ask for more time to pay the fees. We arrived at the principal’s office, burdened with worry but carrying a sliver of hope.
To our amazement, the principal admitted me on the spot — without fees. That day marked the beginning of a miracle. I completed my studies, and I am a tutor at a teacher training college. Looking back, I see how God’s plans were greater than my doubts. Even when I thought my future was lost, God prepared a path to prosper me, turning despair into hope.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, we give thanks that your plans are always greater than our fears. Help us trust you even when the road ahead seems impossible. Amen.
Happy Mother's Day! May the love like a mother's love overwhelm you ! God is love and He loves you like a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings to comfort and protect. Amen!
Good Morning Redeemed Worshipers! Yes we are! PTL! Prepare to worship in spirit and truth . Enter His gates with praise and His courts with ! Check out our Mother's Day devotionals below and prepare your hearts and lift praises! We will gather soon to worship together and many will gather with moms and families later . May God be with you and fill you to overflow with His love, peace and joy! Amen!
So freaky night with mom! She passed at 8:15 last evening and was pronounced at that time. About 40 minutes later while my sister was with her waiting for Terry to arrive to say goodbye, she started breathing again and returned to her tent. The staff and all of us were freaking. They had never experienced this before. That's just like mom, messing with us. We had all said our goodbyes and committed her spirit to God in prayer. BUT GOD and mom! We all had made our peace and then--WHAT?!?! She's alive? Reminds me of Jesus and the tomb or Jonah in the whale. (we will study Joan 2 . It's his prayer inside the big fish) All we could do was laugh. around 4:30 with my sister with her, mom did step into the arms of Jesus and take her first breaths of heaven and is now celebrating her best Mother's Day ever! What a trip for sure! My grandmother, mom's mother-in-law waited to pass on years ago. She waited for all of us to have our meals and when her husband returned, she passed. Mom may have wanted to allow Terry his time with her. He was at home and had just pulled into the hospital when she started breathing again. Who knows. But at 4:30 was her appointed time and she let go for good. And now, even though we mourn, we can celebrate and even laugh a little. What the heck mom?!?! We will sure have a story for generations! And now we carry on in the strength and comfort God gives us. Amen!
After worship , we will make plans for heading down to do her service there and then fly her ashes home. There will be no Zoom Huddle and no Dinner Huddle . Thank you for your prayers and love we feel them ! May God bless you all and may you all know His love, joy and peace beyond understanding ! Shalom shalom!
ODB:
Jesus Revealed in Us
We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
After Joni Eareckson Tada’s mother died, Joni thought about how our bodies are like “jars of clay” that hold the treasure of Christ’s presence. She mused about a modern equivalent to describe our earthly bodies—a cardboard box. She knew her mother’s “box,” with its worn-out corners and bends, was now empty. But, she reflected, it was a box they’d treasured, “the vessel in which the treasure of the Spirit of Christ had dwelt.”
As Joni notes, those who follow Jesus let Him shine through them, often in spectacular ways through the creases and holes as their boxes collapse with age. In this she followed Paul’s words about the treasure appearing in “jars of clay” because it would reveal that “this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Although Paul was “hard pressed” and “perplexed” with what he suffered, he was not “crushed” or “destroyed” (vv. 8-9). Through his sufferings in his body, he knew that Christ’s life would be revealed.
How’s your cardboard “box”? You might feel the creases grow larger as you groan under the weight of pain or disease. Know, however, that Jesus is being revealed in your body (v. 10). As you submit to Him, He’ll shine His light through you, so that those who are in darkness may receive His love and His life.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
How have you seen Jesus revealed in others? Why do you think God encloses His presence in these “jars of clay”?
Spirit of the living God, please live in me, that I might shine with Your love and presence.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s description of his struggles in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 is a reminder of how difficult life can be. Like the psalmist David, we may be “worn out from [our] groaning” (Psalm 6:6). But the Bible tells us that trials bring growth. Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). And James goes so far as to tell us we should “consider it pure joy” when we “face trials” (James 1:2). Why? Because “the testing of [our] faith produces perseverance” and perseverance makes us “mature and complete” (vv. 3-4). Trials can draw us closer to Christ, where we find the strength, courage, and joy to go on. Jesus said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He triumphed over death and the devil through His death and resurrection. As believers in Him, we share in that victory. , in the midst of our trials, as we submit to God, we can be light to those who are in spiritual darkness.
Alyson Kieda
UR: A Child of God
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! - 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
I have fond memories of how my mother would light up when she recited this verse from 1 John. I could tell it spoke to her and touched her on a deep level. When my mother passed away a decade ago, my sister asked if there were any Bible verses she liked a lot, and I referred her to this one. At my mother’s funeral, the pastor shared this passage, proclaiming God’s immense love for us all.
As Mother’s Day comes and goes each year, I think of my mother. We had a strained relationship, but we both tried to love one another the best way we knew how. When I recall her favorite verse, I am reminded that our Father in heaven loves us as his children and desires to be close to us.
God loves us in ways that humans aren’t able to — with a pure, lavish, and unconditional affection that endures forever. May God’s example of love, through Jesus, inspire us to love one another more fully and abundantly.
's Prayer
Dear God, thank you that your love knows no bounds. Teach us to accept the love others extend to us, and reveal to us how we can love others more fully. Amen.
Good Morning Praying, Persevering in Faith Friends! Amen! Thank you for praying and for your patience with me as God carries me and my family through the dark valley we are facing. Mom apparently suffered an un-survivable stroke . She is currently on life support. When my sister, Terry and her family arrived it was too late to do anything so mom remains in ICU at present. She will be transferred to hospice and decisions will be made. my whole family was able to be on a group call and love on mom and each other and say goodbye. It appears apparent that later she will step into Jesus' arms and take her first breaths of heaven. If so, she will celebrate her best Mother's Day ever. PTL! And so we can celebrate as her faith will become sight and we can be assured of a reunion someday in God's presence. My sisters are being drawn to salvation. Please continue to pray for that great thing to flow from this tragedy. God is able and God is with us and I have great peace. Please pray for God to receive her spirit . Karen and I believe she is already with Him. However, God is able to heal and He has a perfect plan in all of this. If He sends her back to us, pray she would be fully healed. At this point she would probably be severely compromised and incoherent. Yes Lord, Your will not ours! Either way may mom be fully restored! Thanks! Amen. Terry is really struggling with his declining health playing a factor as well. I was supposed to marry them next week. Pray for God's promised presence to be real, His comfort, shalom and strength to be very real to all of us. Check out the link from Pastor Mike below. God is speaking. Thanks Mike!
These kind of things are why I loathe Hallmark holidays like Mother's and Father's Day and Valentines. We should always love and honor God, parents and each other. will be a hard day for many who have lost mothers or cannot be one. Bless and encourage them. I'm praying for all of you to know the peace and joy of His loving presence and for Him to lead you to green pastures and still water. I expect to be at church . Next week is uncertain at this point as I will be traveling to Florida early next week to attend to things.
I love and appreciate all of you and the team God has gathered at St. Matts! Thanks all for the love, prayers, help and patience! The Lord is our ever-present help, comfort and strength. And He is working all things together for good for us believers! PTL! Meditate and pray through the connection blogs . Be still and know He is God. Receive His loving best for you and then go live and love like Jesus just as you are for such a time as this. God does have perfect plans--always! Shalom shalom means perfect peace. May we all know that . Amen!
Often those who have been believers for a while will find an aspect of God’s character to address in prayer. For example, I never heard prayer leader Evelyn Christenson pray without starting out, “Holy, Holy, Holy God.” God’s holiness is so meaningful to her, she comes into His presence reminding herself of it and reminding God of her respect for Him. A missionary friend of mine, Herb Lamp, finds great comfort in the fatherness of God and all that means. He almost always approaches God with “Father dear.” What characteristic of God touches you? Address God with that attribute.
Next, realize that praying in Jesus’ name means more than tacking “In Jesus’ name, amen” onto the end of a prayer. There is authority in the name of Jesus; there is power in the name of Jesus. When we pray in His name, we are representing Him. We need to get to know Him more and more to pray effectively in His name.
Holy, holy, holy Father, Your name is above all others! You are filled with grace, compassion and love for me, and for all You have created. Your mercy is great and Your faithfulness is throughout all generations! Help me to grow towards knowing You in all of Your fullness and power so that I may learn how to pray Your kingdom come, Your will be done in the full authority of Jesus!
Praise God as a rock of refuge, as a shelter, as a safe dwelling place (Ps. 31:3, 20).
Give thanks that you have been rescued from forces in this world that would have overwhelmed your soul.
Confess those times when you have paid little attention to the safety and refuge he offers.
Commit yourself to remaining under the shadow of his protection.
Ask God to shelter you this day.
Pray that God will be especially close to those Christians around the world who are imprisoned or persecuted for their faith. Ask that they may sense your prayers around them like a shelter and a cloak of protection.
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.
Reminder from Sarah about --the National Day of Prayer:
Tell of His glory among the nations,
His wonderful deeds among all the peoples." 1 Chronicles 16:24
, , is the National Day of Prayer!! The above verse is the theme verse for this year's national day of prayer.
2026 theme calls us to, “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations.”
The National Day of Prayer task force is excited and delighted to share the 2026 National Day of Prayer theme with you, and ask that you commit to pray with us each week as God blesses us as we seek Him in Scripture and fervent prayer and glorifying Him through the 2026 National Day of Prayer theme that prompts us to, “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations
Please, will you take time, on , joining Christians around the world, praying for family, community, national leaders and global concerns
God told us: If my people who are called by my name (Christians) will humble themselves, turn from their wicked ways (repent) and pray then I will hear from heaven and heal their land! PLEASE Lord! Help us to be people after your heart and humbly, repentantly walking in Your ways. Heal our land! Bring revival and salvation. May we become one nation under God that glorifies you and honors your good ways. Use us! Send us! Drive back the darkness and bring Truth, justice and Your way alive. God bless America and may we bless you! Amen!
That's enough for ! Cry out--rend your hearts for the things that displease God and cry opt for His Kingdom to come and will be done. Amen! Ask Him to help you fulfill your role in His Good News Delivery Company and for our church to become a house of prayer for the nations and His hands and feet for revival. Amen!
Thank God I'm Forgiven ! Talk to Him about all that means to you and for those you love.
Good Morning. Tough morning here at the Kerns household. Got awoken with a call from Terry that mom was on the way to hospital. Details are sketchy right now. She may have had a stroke. She is being moved from emergency to ICU. Prayers are appreciated. My sister and husband are flying down at 1. Prayer is for God to heal fully or take peacefully. I have peace. I was planning to travel down to work on legal things with my sister and Terry on the 19th. That will probably change now. Praying for you all! And for my family. God knows, cares, and is on it! PTL!
At this point we are still planning to study Jonah 2 . It's his prayer from the belly of the big fish. Sometimes we have to get to the end of ourselves to want to hear and listen to God. When we are at the end of the rope, God is there to catch and hold us. He is our deliverer, our healer, our help in times of trouble. Sometimes we need to cry out with all our heart focused on Him. He does love, care and hear always. May we all know His shalom as His kingdom comes and will is done. Amen!
Good Morning Weak But Strong, Growing in Faith, Trusting, Expectant Prayers! Amen! May that be us Lord! Grow us in these and be glorified, Amen! This salutation flows right from our devotionals for (below). When we are weak, He is strong. That is reflected and comes to life as we get to the end of ourselves, humble ourselves, allow Him to grow our faith as we keep trusting in His faithfulness and good plans no matter what we are facing. As we move through these things our prayers are informed and we know we can expect Him to answer according to His perfect will! (Even when it's not our will) Yes! Amen! So be it Lord! Where do you find yourself leaning on your own understanding and trying to resolve things in your own strength as if you didn't trust God? Where are your prayers weak and half-hearted? Stop! Breathe out the junk and anxiety and give it to God. Humble yourself and be still in trust and faith knowing He's got this! And turn to Him with and joyful praise that flows from this trust. He knows you, loves you, cares, hears and responds as we continue to allow Him to do His thing His way.
in zoom huddle we discussed not worrying and how that is almost impossible for us. Yet we know all these above things but still struggle. We are able to grow in faith and trust and as we continue to allow Him to have His way and watch for His promised faithfulness. We all have our struggles and have experienced and moved through hard things--sometimes severe things and witnessed God working all things together for good. Who do you have to help you redirect, pray with you and hold you accountable. Finding teammates we trust is critical Our zoom huddle has become a place of deep trust, fellowship and a place of encouragement and prayers. We are witnessing someone trying to continue to trust even with a hopeless diagnosis. We are trying to help another process and prepare for what seems to be a very hard future. We encourage, process and pray and God is always with us and leads us and even brings His shalom. But we have to release our junk to know and receive that shalom. And when we release and trust and pray, we can move forward in faith doing what we can with what we've been given and even things we can't imagine because all things are possible for God and then we are watching for Him in little and big things and answered prayers and we continue to worship and trust. Please find some teammates. Life is hard! BUT GOD!
What's your impossible, nerve-wracking thing? Who is helping you to process, refocus, pray and choose joy? Who is walking with you as you persevere in faith? That is your assignment: find some teammates and keep persevering in faith through the hard and the good things together. Lead us and unite us with the right teammates Lord. Bring Shalom and help us release all anxiety to You knowing Your plans are perfect even when we have to endure hardships. Thanks! Come! Help! hear and answer according to Your perfect will. Amen! Be still and know before you joyfully step into this day and His peace beyond understanding. His plans are perfect and He will be with you always! Amen!
We are: Weak But Strong, Growing in Faith, Trusting, Expectant Prayers andand that's good! PTL!
Upper Room: Strength Is Overrated
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1 (NRSVUE)
It’s often flattering to be called strong, but I am learning that human strength is overrated. I wanted to be strong for my dad and our family as I helplessly watched my dad’s health deteriorate due to sepsis-induced multiple organ failure. So I tried to ignore the hurt I felt. Even after he died less than three weeks later, I kept trying to be strong. The effort nearly broke me. I was exhausted and drained physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I’m learning it’s okay to be tired, frustrated, or overwhelmed. And we can admit it to those close to us — especially to our heavenly Father. We don’t need to pretend with God, to act strong or seem like we’ve got it all together. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Christ cried to God before facing crucifixion, so why should we try to face challenges, heartbreak, or loss without crying to God for help? God is our ever-present help in trouble, and God invites us to draw near in times of need. We can be vulnerable with God, who is not embarrassed by our tears or put off by our weakness. Rather, God takes us in, comforts us, and gives us strength.
's Prayer
Ever-present God, may we, with the help of the Holy Spirit, always remember that even when we feel weak, you are with us in our times of need. Amen.
The Word for You
Our Daily Bread
Fueled by Faith
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” Matthew 15:28
J.D. witnessed amazing sights on his trip to several African nations. His text messages to us from Eastern Zambia included several pictures of faith-filled women who presented their three-year gospel ministry plan. “It is one of the most powerful strategic plan presentations I’ve ever heard in my life. Instead of a whiteboard, they drew in the dirt. Instead of handing out nice copies of what they were going to do, they displayed their plan on poster-sized crumpled paper held up by two of them. It was just incredible!”
They were demonstrating the kind of faith that Jesus values. Matthew 15:21-28 records another example. A daughter’s condition drove a woman to seek Him. “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly” (v. 22). Her “great faith” (v. 28) in Jesus contrasted with the faithlessness of the Jewish leadership whose hearts were far from God (v. 8). While Christ recognized the outward pedigree of those belonging to Abraham, His commendation was for a gentile woman who possessed the faith of Abraham.
What compels you to look to Jesus ? A personal, family or community need? Whatever prompts you to go to Jesus, go—even if you feel that you’re limping. Go to Him because it’s not the size of your faith that matters. What matters is the object of your faith: Jesus and Jesus alone.
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
How would you describe your faith ? How might you refuel your trust in Jesus?
Dear Jesus, please help me to grow in my faith as You provide what I need.
The encounter with the Canaanite woman has often perplexed Bible students because Jesus’ treatment of her seems out of character. Why would He be so harsh with this hurting woman? Perhaps His interaction with her regarding her demon-possessed daughter was more for the disciples’ benefit to show them the hardness of their own hearts as they repeatedly pushed Christ to send her away (Matthew 15:23). By communicating with her before His disciples, Jesus gave them a wonderful example of what “great faith” (v. 28) looks like when He healed the gentile woman’s daughter because of her faith in Him. It’s saying that this incident closely follows a debate between Christ and the religious leaders whom He described as formalistic in their religion without a true heart for God (vv. 1-14). , as we focus our eyes on Jesus, the object of our faith, we can entrust our cares to Him.
Good Morning Praying Friends! Prayer is essential to our relationship with God and for anything of value to be released from heaven.will be all about praying for this mess of a nation. for our church and for those who need a covering or deliverance. Sarah's prayer update is at the bottom and two prayer starters from harvest pray for our nation and revival are below. Read. Meditate. Pray! Maybe print these out to contimue to cover our nation and to be part of ushering in national revoival. The time is ripe for revival and we are God's vessels. Let us commit to being His vessels of prayer, good news bringers and disciple makers.
Our nation, and indeed, every nation, is in great need of targeted intercession! There are so many different ways to seek God on behalf of America; however, here are five topics to prompt your prayers and guide your heart towards whatever else the Holy Spirit places on your heart:
1. Presence
“I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people” (Lev. 26:11-12).
Nothing is more important than the Presence of the Lord Himself in the midst of any situation we may face as a nation. The Presence of God changes lives and meets the deepest needs of our nation and its culture. Welcoming the Presence of the Lord into every aspect of the life of our nation can open the door to a longing for His Presence in all of society.
Prayer Prompt: Thank You, Lord, that You dwell among us, and walk among us as our God! Keep us continually aware that we are Your people, created for Your glory! Make Your Presence known in our nation, Lord!
2. Protection
“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Ps. 32:6-7).
Asking for the Lord’s protection keeps us from anxiety and worry because we know we can trust in His ability to do what is best for us.
Prayer Prompt: Father, we ask for Your protection over our nation from anything or anyone that might bring harm. Please provide physical, mental and spiritual safety as we trust in You to be our hiding place. Protect us from trouble and surround us with songs of deliverance!
3. Peace
“I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and not one will make you afraid. I will remove savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country” (Lev. 26:6).
In the midst of a badly divided nation, we desperately need God’s peace. Pray that God’s peace would touch the church in this nation so that we would lead the way to the Prince of Peace.
Prayer Prompt: We long for Your peace to come to our nation, Lord! Keep us from being fearful and give us the peace and rest that only You can provide. May our nation be a reflection of Your peace.
4. Provision
“He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations” (Ps.111:5-6).
We need to humbly come before the Lord and confess our need for His great provision to be poured out upon our nation. We need wisdom from above. We need the provision that meets healthcare needs in just ways. We need the provision of a robust economy that allows us to provide good jobs to those who are able to work. We especially need to be a nation that realizes that what we have comes from the Lord’s hand.
Prayer Prompt: Thank You for being our Provider, O Lord! You give us our work, shelter, food and all that we need for life. We ask that You would use Your people to meet the needs of those around us so that our nation reflects the love of Christ to all! May we help to make this nation a beacon of light and life in ways that show the world You alone are our Provider!
5. Proficiency
“Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace” (Ex. 18:19-23).
Prayer Prompt: Father, we need a nation that is proficient in all its ways because we follow Your ways. Show us how to reflect proficiency In every part of society, from government to business, from schools to healthcare. In every area, teach us the value of work and organization. Allow our justice system to reflect the culture of Your Kingdom and not the ungodly ways of man.
Lord God, help us to obey Your voice as You show us how to function well as a nation. Put trustworthy, godly people in places of authority and leadership so that our nation will reflect the love You have shown us. Guide us to be just, kind, and generous in all ways, and among all people. May the name of Jesus be elevated and revered as this nation puts its trust in You alone Prayer for Spiritual AwakeningReal revival is always birthed in and sustained by prayer. That’s why fervent, ongoing prayer must be more than a program or a fad; it must become a genuine lifestyle of seeking God. Let’s believe God to do extraordinary things as we turn, pray, and unite with a desperate cry for spiritual awakening!
Looking In
“Lord, let revival begin in ME.”
I bow before You as God. You are in charge of everything. Please give me the desire and power to obey You in every moment. (Daniel 4:34-35; Philippians 2:13)
I reaffirm that my relationship with You is my first priority. Teach me to stay close to You like Jesus did, rejecting pride which leads to destruction, and embracing humility which leads to abundant life. (John 14:10-11; John 15:1-17; 1 Peter 5:5-6)
I submit to the authority of the Bible to guide me. Would You reveal any thought, attitude, or action in my life that does not conform to Scripture and to the image of Jesus? (2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:19-27; Galatians 5:16-24)
I honestly confess my sins before You, naming them specifically before You now and asking for forgiveness. I promise to repent of whatever You show me to be sin, now or in the future. (Joel 2:12-13; 1 John 1:9-10)
My desire is to be attentive and obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Would You fill me with Your power and fullness? (Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 3:16-19)
Looking Up
“Lord, I seek YOUR face.”
Please give me a healthy fear of You. Move me to care more about Your opinion than I care about the opinions of others. (Proverbs 1:7; 29:25)
Show me the depth of my need for You, and shatter my self-sufficiency. (John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5)
Change my mindset so that prayer becomes my first response in every situation. May I seek You in all things. (Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:33)
Help me to put all my hope in You. I confess any misplaced trusts, including dependence on military might, political power, or economic strength. (Psalm 43:5; Psalm 20:7)
Increase my faith in Your ability to intervene supernaturally in my life and in the world. Would You do miracles by Your Spirit in, through, and around me? (Hebrews 11:6; Mark 9:23)
Cause the glory and fame of Jesus Christ to become my greatest passion and pursuit. Please send revival to make Jesus known throughout the earth and to fulfill Your promises to exalt Your Son. (Ephesians 1:15-23; Colossians 1:15-20)
Looking Out
“Lord, let Your KINGDOM come.”
Help me to be a prayer warrior who perseveres in seeking You day after day, joining in the spiritual battle to see strongholds of the enemy torn down in my life, family, church, community, and nation. (Luke 18:1-8; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Send an outpouring of Your Spirit that will rapidly advance the gospel and glory of Jesus Christ throughout the whole earth. (Isaiah 11:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10)
Please increase the fervency and urgency of my prayers for spiritual awakening, and use me to make prayer contagious to others. (Mark 1:35; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Allow me to influence other believers in my circle of relationships to unite in prayer until our homes and churches become “houses of prayer.” (Mark 11:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Give me faith to believe Your promise to move toward those who move toward You in humility and prayer. Thank You that You will forgive and restore all those who call on Your name. (James 4:6-10; Jeremiah 18:7-10)
Sarah Update:
My Cousin Mary lives in a 10 story senior apartment building in Shillington with 2 elevators that have now both broken down leaving dozens of seniors unable to do stairs literally trapped in their apartments.They could take weeks to repair. Mary lives on the first floor and can do stairs but she has asked for prayer for all those stranded in their apartments as management, local officials, police, fire,etc, decide what to do. Gary Bastian
Thank you Gary, for sharing this prayer need for Mary’s neighbors. Let us all prayer in agreement that these elevators are repaired with in this week….. We serve the God of miracles.
My Cousin Mary lives in a 10 story senior apartment building in Shillington with 2 elevators that have now both broken down leaving dozens of seniors unable to do stairs literally trapped in their apartments.They could take weeks to repair. Mary lives on the first floor and can do stairs but she has asked for prayer for all those stranded in their apartments as management, local officials, police, fire,etc, decide what to do. Gary Bastian
Hope you are all doing well. Have you given the agenda of your day over to our Lord? This is the day the Lord has made and we WILL rejoice
and be GLAD in it!
It was good to be in the house of the Lord.....what did you learn so far from Jonah's journey? we talked though Jonah chapter one.
Has God ever asked you to go and tell someone about Jesus, that you really don't care for or have a difficult time starting up a conversation with?
Jonah rejected God's call to go and speak to the Ninevites, because Jonah felt they didn't deserve God's love.....so Jonah ran, he tried to hide.
As Proverbs 15:3 says: "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. So there was no place that Jonah could have gone
that God would not have found him.
Are you stuck in the belly of the whale - asking yourself:
What is God trying to get your attention about? What is God trying to get you to forgive and let go? What is blocking you from growing closer
to God ?
Who is God asking you to go and share the love of God with even though you may feel they aren't worth it or are underserving?
Re read Jonah 1 and read through chapter 2 in preparation for's service and look for the display of God's love, compassion in Jonah's journey.
Pastor Don reminded us that God has plans for each of us - will you say here am I, Lord OR will you jump on a ship and run away?
Praises and prayer needs shared on:
Darlene Geiger is praising God that her heart is doing good......and asking for prayer for her husband, Jim who is in AFIB, and his meds are being increased to
help with the AFIB. They would like to admit him to shock his heart back in rhythm. Please pray that Jim will schedule this procedure sooner than later.
Kay Paul was not feeling wellmorning. Hopefully she is on the mend now, let's keep her in prayer that she is back to feeling herself over the next
couple of days.
Pastor Don is thanking God for the beauty of colorful flowers. He is also thankful for time he and Karen are able to spend together planting their flower beds.
Barb Schware is praising God that Tim, has completed his college courses and will be graduating this coming weekend. He will remain in VA, and build up his
flying hours so he can become and apply for a pilot's position. Let's show Tim our support by sending him a congratulations card in the mail. His address is:
Gail and Houstin Lichtenwalner are thankful for their sons and their dedication to help out when help is needed. They were blessed by a brief visit from the oldest
son Lee. He was very helpful to both Houstin and Gail while he was here. He has returned safely back home to CA. Thank you for your prayers for safe travel.
Several of you have indicated that God has heard and answered your prayers for healing; strengthening; and providing a time of respite.
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This week at St Matthew's we have ourBREAD/WEIS OUTREACH - 10 - 12pm
andEVENING IS OUR SUPPER AND STUDY GATHERING STARTING AT 6:00 - 7:30PM
All are welcome to attend !
If you have any prayer requests or praises and would like to share them, you have two options to do so:
You can REPLY ALL to this email to share or you can email me directly and I will share it with our warriors.
Hope you all enjoy your week.....looking like it will be a warm one.
Bread Min with Weis products 10-12/Dinner Huddle 6-7:30
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Good Morning Team! We are one as God is One. Well, we are called to be united as one with His focus on Him and His plans. We strive for that kind of unifying love and unity of mission. Thanks! Keep working at loving God wih all your being and love others as you are loved. May they see us united and focused and as loving representatives of our God who is love! Check pout the Upper Room and meditate on that. What's God saying to you? Who is He want to sew together with you? What will you do about that? Go! Live and love united and following as One in Christ . I'm praying for you anmd us to see, unite, plan and follow well. Amen!
UR: Sewn Together
Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
When I begin a new sewing project, I choose fabric from my fairly large stash of remnants that vary in size and shape. I take into consideration the patterns, colors, and fabric thickness when deciding what to use.
Once I’ve chosen the fabric, I start measuring, cutting, ironing, and sewing the pieces together, ensuring that each piece meshes well with the next one so that the end result is strong and cohesive.
Much like a sewing project joins various fabrics, Christian community brings diverse people together. Just as fabrics have their own unique characteristics, every person is distinctive. Our life experiences also shape us and help us to connect with others. Times of grief, uncertainty, or even joy can help us to become more compassionate toward others.
When we support one another, our lives are woven together, forming a strong unit. The strength and confidence we find in community help us to care for each other and show the love of Christ.
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's Prayer
Dear God, fill us with your love so that we may show compassion to others. Guide our words and actions as we seek to help those around us. Join us together in forgiveness, love, and support for one another. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Good Morning Team! Do you really know deep down inside how much God loves you? How does that affect your choices and how often? No matter what we are facing, enduring, or celebrating, God is good and He loves you, He knows all about you and what He has allowed to filter through His hands to you. Sometimes things are allowed to test us or to grow our faith. Sometimes to correct us or others. Sometimes just because it's His plan and perfect timing and sometimes because we live in a fallen and evil world. No matter! God loves us, is with us and He is working all things together for the good of those who believe. Seek first His Kingdom and don't lean on your own understanding and He will provide all you need. Die to self, take up cross, allow God full access to your surrendered soul, and He will lead you. Keep your eyes on Him. Pray for wisdom, insight and direction and he will help and direct. PTL! Sometimes it feels like the world is against us or like we have run full speed face first into a brick wall. Is God there? Is He allowing things? Do you still trust Him? He has great plans for you that often involve stretching of faith, perseverance, and always keeping your focus on God. We can't run from Him and it often seems like our problems are growing. That's the way this world is--BUT GOD! he is there with you and wants to gather you close like a chick gathers her chicks. Will you let Him? Put on His armor. Stand firm and wield the sword of the Spirit--his Word. Then come with a supple heart that says not my will but your Lord as you stay connected, persevere and continue to trust and obey. God loves you, calls you by name, promises to be with you always and to bring His perfect will to life in, through and around you. he never promises easy, though sometime it is. But we know most times life is hard requiring full connect to and surrender to our living and active Father. Begin with emptying yourself and receiving His love and help. Then see where the day takes you. As you follow well, ore will be added and you will be encouraged as you go. Amen! Dwell in His shalom and bring it into every situation you are experiencing. Then watch God move--calling to you to join Him? Will you? Are you ready? You can and can be by His all-sufficient grace. Amen!
is the day the Lord has made and we get to gather, fellowship and worship in it! PTL! May we worship in Spirit and Truth and enter His courts with praise and His gates with ! Amen!
Good Morning Worshipers! Amen! we will begin four week study of the book of Jonah. May we run to God always and follow ASAP as He leads. May our lives be a sweet aroma to Him and those He is drawing. May we pronounce His Word to a world in need of forgiveness and restoration and may our lives always point to Him. Amen!
Check out and pray through the Connection blogs and our devotionals . May we seek first His Kingdom and follow His provision and peace. Amen! PTL! He has great plans for you and us ! Amen!
Connection Blogs:
- Desperate Faith
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (Luke 18:35-43).
Here we find the account of a desperate pray-er—a blind beggar. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out for mercy. When other people tried to silence him, he "cried out all the more.”
His desperation made him shameless. He must have thought Jesus was his only hope. He must have believed that Jesus could actually change his life. And, he must have known that his opportunity was fleeting.
Jesus hears cries like this, and he described the blind man’s desperate cry with one word: faith. When faced with external pressure to quit praying, this man’s belief in Jesus caused him to increase his cry.
An African pastor once said to one of my friends, “In our country, we did not cry out to God until there came destruction. I wonder when the American church will turn and cry out to God? Will it be at the point of desperation or destruction?”
God is looking for people of persistent, desperate faith. Faith is the key that unlocks the door and makes room for God. And faith expresses itself in desperate cries.
Prayer that will never give up. Prayer that cries out all the more.
God who hears and answers prayer, You are the only One with the power to heal and to change the lives of desperate and damaged people! Please grow my faith so that I will come to You consistently and persistently in prayer! I also lift up my nation, Lord! May Your people cry out to You day and night and never give up! Please don’t allow us to become discouraged or deterred! Help us to get past our focus on self and make space for Your power to be demonstrated in our midst!
God sends his teaching like rain and his words like the dew (Deut. 32:2).
Praise God for being your teacher (Ps. 71:17).
Thank God for the privilege of receiving his instruction through his Word.
Confess any lack of attention you’ve paid to God’s teaching.
Commit yourself to listening closely to what God has to say to you.
Ask God to reveal himself more clearly through his Word each day.
Ask that God will shower the blessings of salvation on unsaved people in your community as they learn of 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.
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. - Habakkuk 3:18 (NIV)
In her first week of life my daughter had seizures, but the doctors could not find a cause. My husband and I were filled with anxiety as we contemplated her uncertain future. One day we both wept and prayed, “Lord Jesus, she is your child. We know you love her more than we possibly can. We will accept whatever outcome you decide.” My husband and I were terrified that our child would have a poor outcome. And yet we prayed and relinquished her to God’s care, knowing that, whatever the outcome, God would be with us.
Habakkuk was a prophet at a difficult period in Jewish history. The king was wicked, and the people worshiped false gods. They were facing an economic crisis and attacks by Babylonian soldiers. Habakkuk was in despair, yet he prayed, proclaiming that God was in control. Even if the crops failed and livestock died, he would rejoice in God’s strength and salvation. In the end, Habakkuk was convinced that he could trust God’s care, no matter how bleak the circumstances appeared.
My family also faced difficult and confusing circumstances following our daughter’s birth. And yet, like Habakkuk, we prayed a prayer of humble submission, trusting our daughter to God. Ultimately our daughter recovered with medication. Thanks be to God!
's Prayer
Dear Lord, we accept whatever challenges arise because we know that your strength is with us. Amen.
“We wave until they’re out of sight. It’s a way of showing that we love them.” Those words from my mother when I was a boy explained a habit she and my father had when a family member left our home after a visit. Mom and Dad stood outside and waved to the ones leaving until they disappeared in the distance. Sometimes they stood there for a long time, but that didn’t matter. When I left home myself, I understood why.
Seeing them waving in the rearview mirror touched my heart, and I felt loved and cared for. I still say goodbye to our family visitors that way to show love for them. It’s a habit I hope my children will continue.
Another way we can express love for our families is to communicate God’s love shared in Scripture. As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan into the promised land, God taught them with these instructions for life: “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds. . . . Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19).
These are words that would one day find fulfillment in the perfect love of Jesus, who promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). As we share His truth and kindness, we can trust that His love is able to overcome every distance.
By James Banks
REFLECT & PRAY
Whom can you encourage with God’s wisdom and truth ? In what ways will you show them His love?
Please help me, dear Father, to share Your love and truth with others so they may believe and walk with You always.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Deuteronomy derives from the Greek word deuteronomion, which means “second law.” Most of the book of Deuteronomy repeats the law of Moses given to Israel on Mount Sinai forty years earlier. The generation that had agreed to that law (Exodus 24:7) decades earlier, however, had died in the wilderness. Now, the law needed to be rehearsed for a new generation preparing to enter the promised land. The law instructed them not only how to relate to God but also to one another. , as we study the Scriptures, we also learn how to share His love and truth with others.
Thank God I'm Forgiven ! PTL! I challenge all who read thjis to respond to all and share one thing about your new life, forgiveness or salvation that you are thankful about! I'll start...I am thankful that God chased me down and drew me back and saved a wretch like me! Your turn... I'm thankful...
Good Morning Reborn, Renewed, Redeemed and Restored ! What's your story of what God has done for you? Who needs to know that or hear the Good News of the grace, love and hope we know? What will you do about it? As you respond to the above challenge, you will write 's blog. That's all I've got. I'm in a fog and wrestling with many things and walking through lots of uncertainty. BUT GOD! He chases us down and restores, refreshes and revives! PTL! What's your story? let God write it and then go live, love and share the Good News like Jesus ! Shalom!
10 AM Worship (In person and Zoom) Study Jonah 1 (Don't forget the Celebration offering envelopes will be used to fund outreach gift cards)
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Good Morning Hallowing Our Abba Daddy, Praying in His Kingdom and Will, Followers of the Way! Think about that a second and talk to God and process with your teammates what that means. God is our Dad and we are His adopted children who are very loved and always helped and that leads to worshiping Him. When we pray, "Hallowed be Your name" we are confirming the complete wholeness and separateness (holiness) of His being and the integrity of His holy name (His good character) and we worship and ask for help to glorify Him and live according to His perfect plans for us. Then we pray in His Kingdom on earth and in heaven to come and pray for His will to be done in, through and around us. And we ask for His help to fulfill our created purposes and help to follow Jesus (THE Way) yoked to Him. And guess what? God says gladly! Thanks for asking and releasing My power and plans. And after praying we step into the day informed and led by His Spirit to all He has for us. Just pause as you digest this and what it means to you and us and for His Kingdom and then worship as you prepare for . Before stepping out engage with The Connection Blog, Our Daily Bread and Upper Room devotionals. Abide in His presence and receive and release all He has for you and the day ahead. He has great plans for you and us. Don't lean on your own understanding or be about just your business. Be about Him and His business as you incarnate Jesus and His plans to lovingly bring people into His Kingdom. Allow Him to uplift you, empower you, and lead you to His perfect plans and also release His power to save, transform and bring His justice to bear all around you. And then worship as you walk through it with Him. And don't forget the testimony of His faithfulness you get to share along the way. Encourage each other, build His Church and help each other to do so well. If you are still here on earth, He's not finished with you yet and there is work to do until He calls you home and your race is complete. Think about the joy of that day you step into Jesus' arms and he thanks you for doing your part well. We can complete our races well and be His good and faithful servants! That comes about one day, one step of faithful obedience at a time. Keep at it and continue to trust, obey, worship, choose joy always and run your race well. Thank Him for this day, His provisions and presence and even protection and ask for help to steward well all his blessings and to glorify His holy name. Amen! I prayed for you earlier and God says to remind you how much he loves you and is rooting for you to grow in Him and to live and love like Jesus well ! AMEN! Father, we hallow Your holy name and pray for Your Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around us ! Come and use me well. Thanks! Amen! Shalom shalom!
Connection Blog
- God Initiates Prayer
Scripture clearly shows us that God’s will is primary in prayer:
I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (John 5:30)
So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. (John 8:28)
For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. (John 12:49)
Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. (John 14:10)
Christ prayed and lived by Divine initiation and so must we! Think of how this “loop” of prayer works. We are in God’s presence in prayer. We ask Him what His will is—how He wants to usher in His kingdom on earth. He reveals His will to us as He desires. We align our prayer and our lives with His will and pray for His “kingdom to come” and “His will to be done on earth as it is (being done) in heaven.”
Prayer is not a matter of getting God to do what you want. It is not an exercise to persuade God to align His will with ours, but exactly the opposite. We are in His presence to hear what heaven has to say about our lives and this world. And then, in prayer, to enlist the resources of heaven to accomplish His will on earth.
This type of prayer starts in heaven, passes through the discerning intercessor, and returns to the Throne. Such prayer is effective because it was initiated by God Himself. God loves to answer His own desires, and we get the joy (and training) of being involved as His instruments.
Divine King, all prayer originates within Your heart, flows to Your people through the power of the Spirit, and then, through Jesus, is ushered back into Your presence! Help me to fully grasp and understand this amazing mystery. How can I be worried, anxious, angry, unsettled, uncertain or fearful when You are always listening, always working and always moving in my life? Help me to listen to everything You have to say about my life and the world around me, so that I may obediently align with the very thoughts of heaven.
---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayerleader.com.
ODB:
Follow God’s Way
The Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.” Haggai 1:5
Ken avoided the migrant workers in his building. Their habits and way of life, so different from his, annoyed him. One day, however, while Ken was praying, a thought pierced him: They’ve been your neighbors for years, yet not once have you shared the gospel with them. Think carefully about your attitude towards them.
Scripture tells us of when God confronted the Israelites with a similar warning: “Give careful thought to your ways” (Haggai 1:7). After their captivity in Babylon, His people returned to Jerusalem, tasked to rebuild the temple. God had “moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia” (Ezra 1:1) to order the construction and provide funds (vv. 2-4). But after the people laid the foundation, opposition grew (4:1-5), so they neglected the project for fourteen years.
Through the prophet Haggai, God told them, “Give careful thought to your ways. . . . My house . . . remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house” (Haggai 1:7, 9). God was saying, “Think carefully about how you’re living. Are you doing what I want you to do?”
God disciplined His people (vv. 5-11), but when they resumed construction, He encouraged them, “I am with you . . . . Do not fear” (2:4-5). And the temple was completed in less than five years.
In what area of life do we need to “give careful thought to [our] ways”? Let’s ask God to show us and help us follow His correction.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
How is God’s way different from yours? What things do you need to change to truly obey Him?
Dear God, please help me to follow Your way.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When the Babylonian captivity ended, the Jewish people returned with a mandate from King Cyrus to rebuild the house of God (Ezra 5:13-14). When the prophet Haggai wrote, it had been eighteen years since their return, and the project remained unfinished due in part to spiritual lethargy. This became, in a sense, the theme for the book of Haggai—spiritual lethargy that dulls the enthusiasm of the people of God for the things of God. To follow His way requires a heart and passion for Him. , God likewise wants to show us where we need to follow Him in obedience.
Bill Crowder
UR: In the Gap
The word of the Lord to Ezekiel, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” - Ezekiel 22:30 (NIV)
Last summer while my husband and I were walking our dog, we noticed a hollyhock plant growing on the edge of the street. The plant stood tall, tucked in a space where two concrete curb sections came together. It was an unusual place to find a flower growing.
Over the summer, I marveled as the plant bloomed with pink flowers, attracting butterflies and affecting the whole neighborhood. Bike riders moved to the center of the street to avoid bumping the flowering plant. Neighbors congregated near it and watered the hollyhock. On trash pick-up day, I nervously watched the approaching garbage truck. My fluttering stomach calmed as I saw the truck swing wide around the plant.
This little plant brought to my mind the story in Ezekiel 22 of God searching for people in Jerusalem willing to stand in the gap in the wall. God was looking for people willing to make a difference and stand strong against sin when no one else would.
God still searches for people willing to stand up and make a difference. It may mean doing the unpopular or the uncomfortable. It may mean going to unexpected places or speaking to someone who seems unapproachable. It surely means trusting completely in the One who is always dependable.
's Prayer
Dear God, show us how to stand in the gap and make a difference with you and for you. Amen.
Good Morning Spiritually Hearted, Faith-Filled, Jesus-Like Servants of God! Amen! We pray for and have God's heart and pray to live and love like our Servant Leader, Jesus. We step out in faith doing what we can with what He's given us and do our best to show our love to God and others and even as we love ourselves and offer ourselves to our Creator to do as He pleases. Amen! Thanks Team! Even in hard times we refocus to God as we contemplate His deep love and care for us and/or by serving others. He is faithful and helps us to love well. God is Love and love lives in us and helps us to love more like Him as we go and love. What a blessings! PTL!
contemplate the salutation above and talk to God about His love for you and how He shows it to others through you or how He desires to so and then go love. Prepare your hearts as you meditate on the blogs and devo below. What's God saying to you? What will you do about it? Know this...He knows you, loves you, calls you by name and has some good purposes and blessings for you to step into in faith . Seek first His Kingdom and all that's need will be provide to love Him and others well. Amen! And then show your love by loving like Jesus! That's a great goal for ! Live and love more like Jesus, just as you are and with His help! What joy and peace we can know as we do these things! Amen! Commit to die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus with much love and joy! I already prayed for you and God's love is in you! Rejoice!
Connection Blogs:
- Spiritual Hearts
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31).
A healthy heart is crucial to a healthy body. Because blood pumping through our veins is so important, having a defective pump can be life threatening. In the spiritual life, we need a healthy heart as well. But our spiritual heart does not pump blood—it pumps love. Love is crucial for growing a healthy believer—love for God and love for those around us.
If we do not love God, our service for Him will be lacking. If we serve at all, it will be out of duty or fear. We will not care that our sinful lives grieve a holy God. If we do not love others, we will not care enough to share the good news of Christ with them; we will not sacrifice for others. We will not be concerned that our actions confuse or hurt others.
Lord, draw my heart close to Yours so that I might love You with everything in me. Transform my sinful state into a lifestyle of joyful sacrifice so that others may know Your heart also. May I be compelled by love to see my neighbors through Your holy eyes.
Thank him for including you among Abraham’s spiritual descendants, for calling you to shine like a star in the firmament of glory (Gen. 22:17).
Confess that sometimes your witness is dim.
Commit yourself to connecting with and praying for other Christians who want to shine for God.
Ask where you should begin.
Plead with God on behalf of children in your family and those around you. Pray that they will see the spiritual consequences of daily choices—and choose God.
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.
Do not worry about , for will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
A few years ago, I faced a period of profound uncertainty. My job situation was unstable, and I was unsure how I would support my family. Each day brought new challenges and questions without clear answers.
Sitting at the kitchen table one evening with bills scattered around us, my wife and I prayed together. As we prayed, I looked out the window and saw a small bird perched on a branch, singing joyfully. Here was a creature with no means to plan for the future, yet it seemed completely content and provided for. This reminded me of Jesus’ message about the birds of the air in Matthew 6.
The next morning I took a walk to clear my mind and reflect on God’s words. I noticed the beauty all around me: the flowers blooming by the roadside, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the warmth of the on my face. These small blessings reminded me that God cares deeply for all creation. Focusing on the present and trusting God with my future gave me a profound sense of peace.
I learned to pray daily for my needs and to leave my worries with God. This practice didn’t remove the uncertainties, but it transformed how I navigated them. I began to see each day as an opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness and provision, even in the smallest of things.
's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your constant care and provision. Teach us to live in the present and to trust in your faithfulness each day. Amen.
Good Morning Residents and Servants of the Kingdom of God! Amen! May that be us Lord as we live, love, teach, lead, pray and make disciples like Jesus and do our parts in Your Good News Delivery Company. Help! Be glorified! Thanks!
Adam Roberts and I just finished our huddle focused on the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven--same thing. There's so much we don't fully understand yet we are called to walk with Him and sent as His ambassador. The Kingdom is already--not yet, inside-out, upside-right kind of thing. The Kingdom is here yet not of this world and will be more fully realized in the end. We must die to self to live. Serve to lead. Be in the world but not of it. How do we do all that? Just as we are! And with His help. We need to keep focused on Him, listening and processing moment by moment with willing feet to follow as He leads us. He has created us and placed us where we are and has allowed all we are experiencing for such a time as this. We are saved, gifted and activated to do the things He has created us to do and He provides where He guides. All we do can be done for His glory as we steward well each moment. And remember, everywhere we walk, we walk on holy ground and we can choose to walk yoked to Jesus. Praying to steward well each moment and to see and join and do what He has for us along the way.
Now that's a boat load to process for sure. I think of Peter when Jesus preached from his boat and said to go out and cast the nets. Peter grumbled some because they caught nothing all night and had just cleaned the nets. BUT Jesus was about to break through and bring the miraculous and all it took was Peter's BYSSIW (Because You Say So I Will)! And Boom! Two boats were filled and the nets were breaking. Then Jesus said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men." Would you drop everything and follow like Peter Andrew, James and John? When He speaks and reveals we have two choices. respond with yes, now or when? And follow to your miracles. Or we can say no thanks and run away (well try to) like Jonah. What do you choose? Are you in every moment with God and stewarding each moment well? You can and you are walking on holy ground with Him. As you pray, "Your Kingdom come and will be done." you are implying that you are part of the will and getting it done. So what's God have for you and along the way? Ask. Listen. Receive. Then watch out for the moments He is offering you to steward. The saying came to mind as a good choice for us holy ground walkers and supple servants: "I am who I am because I am allowing I AM to be who He is in, through and around me" and because I join Him along the way as He molds and shapes me. Amen! Abide in Christ and His Word and then be ready to go and produce good and lasting fruit as you join Him throughout each day. That is being a disciple and apostle of Jesus and doing what you can with what He's given as a good steward. And doing these things helps us to move from "come as we are" to growing, maturing in Christ, fruit producers for the Kingdom and God's glory. Amen! May that be us Lord! Thanks!
Here are two devos to contemplate as you prepare to walk from your prayer closet and onto holy ground prepared and activated. Amen! May God bless, lead, walk with you in each moment and be glorified in all you think, say and do! Amen! May His Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around you! May you steward well each moment ! Amen!
UR: The Little We Offer
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
One night, my 10-year-old son and I were returning from another city, and we stopped to buy him some food. The eatery was crowded, but we waited patiently and I got him a rice bowl with chicken. Because it was getting late, we returned to our car, planning for him to eat on the way. Suddenly a child ran up to us with her hand held out, begging for money. Without thinking twice, my son pressed the food parcel into her hands.
In that moment I was reminded of another generous boy who gave his meal of five small loaves of bread and two small fish to Jesus when there was a crowd of five thousand hungry people to feed. The boy didn’t keep it for himself, though he must have been tired and hungry too. Jesus thanked God for the food, and it was sufficient. There were even leftovers! My son didn’t solve all the problems of children living on the streets of India — or even for that one child. He just did what he could. If we all are generous in a small way, the Lord will take the little we offer and multiply it.
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's Prayer
Dear God, help us to reach out to others with all that we have even when we have only a small contribution to make. Amen.
ODB
In God’s Line of Sight
The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:8
Trina received a free ticket to a sold-out event and tucked it into her Bible. Later, her son saw her frantically searching through the pantry. When she explained that she’d lost her Bible, he asked why she was looking in the food cupboard. “Because I’ve looked everywhere else, and the event starts in thirty minutes,” she said. “I don’t want to miss one moment.” Her son chuckled. “Breathe, Mom,” he said. “I think you’re suffering from FOMO, the fear of missing out.” She laughed. As her son joined the search, Trina’s husband entered. “You left this in the car,” he said, holding up the Bible.
While it’s not wrong to enjoy unexpected blessings, big breaks, or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, a desire for enjoyment can easily turn into a fear of missing out. We can even be tempted to think God holds out on us or loses sight of us. However, the “Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2) is our ever-watchful and never-sleeping provider and protector (vv. 3-7). So we don’t have to fret over detours, delays, or even missed opportunities. God will watch over our “coming and going both now and forevermore” (v. 8).
During times of affliction, seasons of abundance, and in every mundane moment God plans for us in-between, we’re always in His line of sight. We won’t miss out on anything God has planned for us to experience.
By Xochitl Dixon
REFLECT & PRAY
How does being in God’s line of sight impact your life? When has missing out on something led to an unexpected blessing?
Faithful God, thank You for keeping me in Your line of sight.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 121 is part of a collection of songs designed for use during the high holy days of Israel’s calendar. People from all over the land would journey to Jerusalem for the celebration of “the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles” (Deuteronomy 16:16). However, most of them made the journey on foot (as Jesus did with His family in Luke 2:41-52), and the trek could be treacherous. Most pilgrims made the journey from the lowlands around Jerusalem, so going to the city meant climbing up Mount Zion. That’s why Psalms 120-134 are called Songs of Ascents. Psalm 121, in particular, promises that the God who lives on Zion watches over all those journeying to His city, and He’ll protect them on their way. Even , we can trust that the God who lives in the heavenly Zion watches over us no matter where we are.
9-12 Clothing Closet (Note: we have placed a big trash can outside for people who drop clothing other thanmornings.. is preferred)
NOTE: Our Celebration offering envelopes will be used to fund help for the needy in our fellowship and those God is sending to us. We will buy grocery and other gift cards to use as needed to help others around us.
Good MorningBuilders and Rebuilders! Amen! The Bible reminds us we are to be rebuilders of walls and cities and for us that means people too as we restore and bring new life! It's part of our Great Commission to go make disciples. As we gaze around our area and country we often see dilapidated, run-down, and destroyed communities in need of restoration and so it is with the souls living there. Slums, tent cities and shelters have become too common placein many cities. If the Church was doing what it can with what's provided, we would see much less of this. And the start of that is reaching the least of these who have wandered and the prodigals that are living in the pig styes. Looking around Emmaus area we find homelessness is rampant and many gathering together and usually not in homes in need of help and community. We meet some of these people at bread ministry/clothing closet and do what we can. However we can always do more to bring hope, help, healing and the love of God alive as people are restored, revived and helped to feel safe, loved, fed and cared for.Where might we be able to expand our help?How might God be calling you to minister to one of these, His children?Let us continue to cover our serving ministries in prayer and provision which includes time, talent (people) and treasure. The needs are great and the workers few.What's your part?Talk to God and process with some friends and then go love like Jesus! Be His hands and feet, givers and helpers and prayer warriors. Amen! Even if you can't physically help, your part can be to pray and to give. Talk to God about what He wants from you as we reach the least of these and do what we can with what we've been given! Thanks! Amen!
Contemplate Our Daily Bread devo forand process with some friends and brainstorm ideas to go live and love more like Jesus and according to His provision and call for you.May we love sacrificially like Jesus!He has blessed us to be a blessing. Amen! Part of our spiritual gifts from God is to be used to grow His Church, part to encourage others (be a Barnabas) and part to help us repent and walk more fully in the Jesus Way. Go! Be Jesus and grow in your faith, blessings and potential in Christ.God has great plans for you and us!Amen! Yes rejoice! Father, send us! Thank You for Your provision and for hearing our prayers. Lead us to be Your hands and feet as restorers and rebuilders and faithful servants who live and love more like Jesus. Yes send us! Thank You! Amen!
In, a fire broke out in Notre-Dame de Paris—the city’s famed medieval cathedral—destroying the spire and a “forest” of oak beams supporting the lead roof. Almost immediately, plans formed to restore the cathedral. Donations poured in from across the globe, and craftsmen have undertaken restoration using the same building techniques and the same types of timber and stone employed in the original structure.
When Nebuchadnezzar instructed his armies to set fire to God’s temple in 586 bc as part of his siege on Jerusalem, the structure was decimated (2 Kings 25:9). When the people returned to Jerusalem after decades in captivity in Babylon, they “gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God” (Ezra 2:68).
After tending first to the altar, they “gave money to the masons and carpenters” and secured “cedar logs by sea from Lebanon” to lay the temple’s foundation (3:7). Though their rebuilding efforts were opposed and even sabotaged, the task was finally completed, and God’s people once again worshiped Him in His temple (6:14-22).
As believers in Jesus, we—together—are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). God equips us to continuously restore fellow believers and “build each other up,” not with wood or stone, but with encouraging words, prayer, and spiritual gifts (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
How are you building up fellow believers in Jesus? How has someone built you up recently?
Thank You, loving Father, for supplying what I need to build up and restore others as Your temple.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Just as God equipped the leaders and priests to encourage the Israelites (Ezra 2-3), throughout the ages, He’s equipped others to be encouragers. A prime example is “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus,” better known as Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). God used him to speak on Paul’s behalf to the disciples, who were fearful because of the apostle’s former role as persecutor of the church (9:1-4, 26-28). Barnabas also taught the believers in Jesus in the church of Antioch, where he “encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (11:23). Later, Barnabas sought out and brought Saul to work with him. Just as God gave others the tools needed to encourage others, He can do the same for us.
Good Morning Stretched, Tested, Growing, Persevering in Faith, Trusting, Thankful Servants of the Lord! Amen! Count your many blessings and choose peace and joy. Help us Lord! God stretches and grows us. Trials and tribulations are promised to come our way. How do we know peace and choose joy in the midst. We can refocus to God and His plans and stay faithful as we lift praise and for all our blessings. the themes of knowing peace and joy continued as we were remind that joy is a intellectual choice we can make because we know no matter what God has allowed, is with us always and is always working all things together for good. Amen. We can know the peace that comes from trusting Him and refocusing to Him as we turn off the noise and just worship!
Start with worship as you engage with these songs of reminder to count and lift our blessings to God. maybe even recount those many blessings to someone who is struggling and needs to see our faith in action as we travel through hard things. Then check out our devotionals below as you still yourself, dwell in His love and walk in His peace . Yes choose joy always and rejoice daily--hourly--as needed! he love you and is with you always and always working things together for good--always! PTL and know His shalom shalom as you turn off the noise, recount your blessings and focus on Him. Amen! never give up! Keep praising and focused on God and he will lead you to His green pastures and still waters of peace and carry you through the dark valley. Do not fear or fret! Choose His perfect peace. And choose joy always--yes rejoice--right now! Amen~!
I am the Lord your God, who grasps your strong hand, who says to you, Don’t fear; I will help you. - Isaiah 41:13 (CEB)
When I was young — no older than about five — I lived in a small community in East Texas. My dad taught me how to swim at the community pool. I loved being in the water and learning to swim. One day my dad said he wanted me to jump off the low diving board for the first time, and I was petrified. Fear gripped me at the thought of jumping off the board.
My dad treaded water in front of the board and assured me that he would catch me. I whined, complained, and cried, but he was insistent that I jump. I stood on the board for what seemed like forever. Then suddenly, not knowing what compelled me, I just jumped. My dad caught me and pushed me toward the ladder. He was there for me in my moment of fear.
Sometimes God will take us out of our comfort zone, away from what is familiar. It can be scary, but God is faithful and trustworthy. We can depend on God to grasp our hand and help us move through our fear.
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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
Faithful Father, help us to live our lives with the confidence that your presence and assistance is always with us. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.
TWFYT
ODB
Staying in Step
Accept one another . . . to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7
Lillian Colón, who grew up in an orphanage, beat out four hundred dancers to win a coveted spot on a world-renowned dance team. She performed with that group, with its tightly ordered synchronized choreography, until her mid-forties. Now teaching dance at age seventy, she imparts to students her greatest lesson from precision artistry: Work together. “On and off the stage, our lives are deeply intertwined,” she said, “and we all fare better when we support and care for one another.”
The apostle Paul knew the importance of this principle. Harmony in Christ points praise to its true purpose—glorifying God. Paul taught this lesson to believers in Rome, both Jewish and gentile, to encourage their unity. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,” he wrote (Romans 15:5). This was “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 6).
Competing voices won’t produce this result. Joining together to praise God, with no one person or group discounting another, gives unity in Christ its true purpose. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you,” wrote Paul, “in order to bring praise to God” (v. 7). When we seek God’s help to do this, He inspires our common voice as we step together and give Him glory.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
Whose voice can you join in praise to God? How can you prioritize unified praise?
Please open my heart, dear God, to unified praise with others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Romans 15, Paul says the foundation for the unity of believers in Jesus is to have “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (vv. 5-6). Unity is found in following Christ’s example of self-giving love, not in having identical beliefs, backgrounds, or preferences. The goal of this unity is worship “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 6). In fact, unity itself is a form of worship: “Accept one another . . . in order to bring praise to God” (v. 7).
Romans is especially focused on Jewish and gentile unity. Paul quotes Israel’s Scriptures to emphasize that Jews and gentiles worshiping and glorifying God together fulfills God’s promises (vv. 8-12). In the apostle’s vision, Jewish and gentile believers finding unity in worship is evidence that the united worship of believers offers a picture of creation’s full restoration, when all will join in praising their Creator (see 8:18-23; Isaiah 45:23).
Thank God I'm Forgiven! Amen! May we live a life that produces lasting fruit flowing through Christ and our salvation to bring Him glory! Thank God we are forgiven and empowered to go with Him to produce good and lasting fruit! And thank God He has brought us together to do our parts in His Good News delivery Company! Amen!
Good Morning Forgiven, Gifted and Empowered Producers of Good and lasting Kingdom Fruit! Amen! Yes PTL! Humble yourself before Him and go be about Him and His business . What's he saying to you? What will you do about it? Who is helping you? What is your role in His Good News Delivery Company? We need each other to do our parts and we need the Holy Spirit given to us to help us repent and grow His Kingdom. How does that apply to you ? Process that with God and some friends . Work prayerfully through the connection blogs, praying Scripture in it back to God and release His power and provision, and engage more through our devotionals. TGIF and thank God He is with me/us and making a way to be producers of good and lasting fruit just as we are. And thank Him for growing us as we remain faithful and connected to Him and each other. Amen! He has great plans for you! Come as you are and grow in your gifts and faith journey as you go. Great fruit lies ahead for you and us! PTL! Let us commit to allowing Him to use us and pray for His Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around you and us! It's a great day to go shine bright and drive back the darkness. It could be a day to plant, seed, water, fertilize and even harvest. Thank God I'm forgiven and empowered and he will bring good and lasting fruit alive as we humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, repent, worship and grow in trust as we go! Yes rejoice for good and lasting fruit is at hand! May God come and use us to heal this land and grow His Kingdom and may we unite and go live and love more like Jesus! Amen!
Connection Blogs
- In His Name
Hebrews tells us that Jesus “always lives to intercede for [believers]” (7:25). Because of our standing in Christ Jesus, and because the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we can pray. We are drawn to pray.
And Jesus Himself said to pray in His name, including several times in His Last Supper discourse:
“I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (15:16)
“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. . . . In that day you will ask in my name.” (16:23-24,26)
What does it mean to ask or to pray in Jesus’ name? Books could be written on the subject, but here’s a simple explanation. Because the Holy Spirit indwells us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have the right to call God “Father”. As His children, we have complete access to Him. We have the right to use Jesus’ name as our authority.
Father, I glorify Your name for the amazing privilege You have given me through prayer! You have made a way for every believer to have complete access to Your throne, and to have Your undivided attention when we seek You. Holy Spirit, thank You for coming to dwell within me so that I can more fully know what is on the heart of God. Lord and Savior, Jesus, Your name is holy above every other name! Thank You for giving me access and authority to come before the Father. May every prayer I utter bring glory and honor to Your name.
Praise God, the one mightier than all the officials of all the nations.
Give thanks that he is interested in the substance of justice and mercy rather than mere outward forms (Zechariah 7).
Confess times during which your walk with God doesn’t go much deeper than formality.
Commit yourself to a lifestyle of justice, mercy, and compassion (Zech. 7:9).
Ask God to regularly prompt you to loving faithfulness in such a life.
Pray that your church’s leaders will not be sidetracked by mere adherence to forms or accepted patterns. Ask God to fill them with courage to effectively lead you into his justice, mercy, and compassion.
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.
When Chris McCandless wandered off the grid and into the Alaskan wilderness, he expected to return. But he crossed the Teklanika in April, well before summer ice-melt would swell that river into an impassable torrent. Months later, out of food, McCandless couldn’t get back. His tragic death is memorialized in book and film.
The people of ancient Israel faced a crucial river crossing in order to enter the promised land. However, “the Jordan [was] at flood stage” (Joshua 3:15), a challenge that would grow their faith. God told Joshua, “ I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses” (v. 7).
Joshua told the people, “The ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you” (v. 11). Taking the ark, the priests stepped into the Jordan, and “the water from upstream stopped flowing” (vv. 15-16). The entire nation stepped across on a dry riverbed (v. 17).
From time to time we’ll face “river crossings”—impossible situations that can grow our faith if we’ll turn to the one who makes the way across. The greatest of these crossings is from this life into the next. No matter what it is, the God who was with Moses, Joshua, and the Israelites also makes a way for us.
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
What “river crossing” do you face ? How have you seen God show His power on your behalf in the past?
Thank You, dear Jesus, that You make the way across any river I face, including the final one.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
God personally led Israel out of Egypt, through the sea, across the wilderness, and through the Jordan River (Joshua 3:13-17) into the promised land. These miracles are explainable only by God’s presence among them. At Mount Sinai, Moses had confessed, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16). God’s presence is vital for us too and the primary source of our witness to an onlooking world. No matter what situations we face, He’ll go with us and make a way for us.
Tim Laniak
UR: Transforming Light
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. - John 1:5 (CEB)
Skyscrapers cast cold shadows through my drive downtown to work on Good . An occasional intersection crossing, however, allowed a brief blast of sunlight. My mind drifted as I drove. Darkness had plagued our family for so long, and I had clung to the small glimmers of hope that broke through.
Turning west, I in awe as the ’s reflection against a mirrored skywalk scattered rays of light everywhere, bouncing off the windowpanes of an old brick building nearby to yet another glass structure. It made the appear to be shining from every direction. I was surrounded by incredible brilliance and felt a sense of peace come over me.
The old buildings downtown had seemed drab and worn-out, but in the light they had a new radiance. On Easter , the darkness of Jesus’ crucifixion gave way to glory in our risen Savior. Similarly, Jesus can take our broken-down lives and transform them. No matter our struggles, the Son is all around us!
'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
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for embracing us with your peace. Help us remember that your light shines through even our darkest moments. Amen.
This is the day the Lord has made and we get to rejoice in it! PTL! Even though we are probably heading towards a rainout at the racetrack we can praise because we need rain and His will is being done and we get to hang with Him and follow Him into whatever the day brings! YES Rejoice and be glad as you choose joy always and obedience that glorifies God. Amen!
Good Morning Faithful Servants! That's us! PTL! And even if it isn't, we long to glorify and obey as we learn to walk more fully in the Jesus Way and become more adept at repenting and getting back at it. We can be faithful servants if we choose to be. We worship a patient, lovingly correcting God who only wants His best for us. We get to dwell in His love, hear His still small voice and get to choose to correct and be ready to follow. He is always gracious to forgive and help us repent and get back at it! PTL! He rules and reigns and we invite Him to reign in us and lead us to His best and for a spirit of cooperation between His Spirit and our minds and hearts. Be still and listen as you abide. Turn off the noise and don't lean on your own understanding. Be still and know that He is God as you see Him at work all around you, in you and through you! Amen
God wanted to talk to me very early and so I got up and came to my office to listen and invite Him to speak and lead and even write this blog. He was so gracious and brought a few things to mind to share with you . I love when God does this and uses me! One of my long prayers has been for God to bring Jesus and His way alive in and through me and you and us. Jesus is the Way, truth and Life and He brings the Truth and Life alive as we choose to walk in His Way. Amen! Come Jesus come! Bring the Way alive . We are called to incarnate Him, His love and THE Way. How might we bring Him to life ? have you asked Him? What has He revealed? Will you do it? Is there someone to partner with to do so? Jesus loved and engaged with sinner in love that was patient as he corrected. He still loves us like that . How might we repent and get back at it? Who does He have for you to encourage and spur on or join in mission? be still and know and don't lean on your own thinking or keep pushing your way and agenda. Allow His Spirit to correct and lead and then go prepared to live and love more like Jesus. To love well we need to abide in His Love and ask for the Holy Spirit to help us serve and love well. Have you? Will you? Check out Our Daily Bread below as you still yourself and receive His love, wisdom, peace and direction . Humble yourself, pray and go love well . God has great plans for you to discover and step into! PTL and prepare then go! Amen! Die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus as you trust, obey, worship and allow Him to do His thing in, through and around you! Amen! Pronounce this over yourself and our church...I/we are filled to overflowing with His love. I/we will go, as we are, and follow Jesus to His best plans for the day. Amen. then be still, prepare and go allow your life to be a sweet aroma to God! What will you get to do as an act of worship? Share that with some others and go!
ODB
Serving Like Christ
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5
As I visited a patient in the hospital, I was struck by the actions of a young doctor standing with a team of other inexperienced physicians. The group listened as a more seasoned doctor explained about the patient’s health. Suddenly, the patient anxiously announced that she needed to use the bathroom and couldn’t get up. In fact, she couldn’t wait for a nurse’s aide to be summoned to the room.
Amid the frantic scene, the young doctor got a bed pan off the shelf and assisted the patient. When the nurse’s aide arrived, she was shocked to find someone had already assisted the patient. The lead physician proudly acknowledged the assistance of the young doctor.
Jesus didn’t cling to His divinity and refuse to assist humanity. Though He was “in very nature God, [He] did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Philippians 2:6). As a human, Christ was able to become our sin offering and sacrifice Himself for us. He saw our need for help and salvation, and He humbly laid down His life (v. 8). Paul wrote, “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (v. 7).
We’re called to imitate Jesus’ attitude and sacrificial ways in our relationships with others. As He helps us, let’s humbly serve them no matter how lowly the job may seem.
By Katara Patton
REFLECT & PRAY
How can you reflect the attitude and ways of Jesus? What will it look like for you to humbly serve someone ?
Thank You, Jesus, for humbly giving Yourself for my sin. Please show me how to sacrificially serve others.
There’s been some debate about the meaning of Philippians 2:7: “[Jesus] emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (esv). The word translated “emptied” comes from the Greek word kenoō, resulting in what is known as the kenosis theory. If Christ “emptied himself” (or “made himself nothing” niv ), of what did He empty Himself? Some suggest He emptied Himself of His deity or His divine attributes, but then His sacrifice on the cross would’ve been insufficient. Colossians 2:9 says, “In Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Rather, He emptied Himself of the right to choose how to live and how to make use of His divine attributes—making Himself utterly subject to the Father’s will and “taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7) , we can imitate Jesus’ attitude of humility and sacrifice as we serve others.
Good Morning Humble, Surrendered, Faithful Children of Our Father in Heaven! Hallowed be His name! May His Kingdom come and will be done. Amen! after learning more about what Jesus taught about the end of times, we listened to a great version of the Lord's Prayer (below) and then we prayed it too. Be still and know as you humbly approach His throne of grace and begin your time with Daddy, Abba, Father in stillness, listening for His heart and wisdom and then just worship as you repent of sins, receive His eternal forgiveness, and prepare for the day with His marching orders and His presence guiding you. He calls you by name and reminds you that you are His and then He will reveal what's the next step into this day of promise. After being still and praying through the song, meditate on the Connection blogs prayerfully and then approach surrendered, humble and in His care. He has great plans for you and He will show you the way when you ask and invite Him to. Start there and then end the day in praise as you recall all the answered prayers, how He used you and that His Kingdom was near and His will was done. Amen! Check out Our Daily Bread and Upper Room devotionals too. What's God saying to you? Where is He leading? Ask for a willing heart, moving feet with Him and open arms of love as you reflect Him and His good ways . Amen! I'm praying for you. Start with the peace of His presence and follow His peace --always, humble, faithful child! Shalom shalom!
“Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”
Christ could have instructed us to use any of the multiple names of God as we approach God’s Throne. But, He instructs us to use the words “our Father.” We are approaching the One who has adopted us by His grace into His family. Who sent His Son to rescue us. The One who loves us perfectly. The One who cares for us more than the greatest father on earth. It is an endearing, non-threatening term as we come before God. It is intended to help us realize that we are standing before Him as His beloved son or daughter.
Pause right now, and look up to God and speak these words slowly before the Throne: “My Father!” and simply rest in all that means.
If you want to make contact with God, and if you want to feel His everlasting arms about you, put your hand upon your mouth for a moment as you enter in … Stop for a moment and remind yourself of what you are about to do. Do you know that the essence of true prayer is found in the two words “Our Father.” I suggest that if you can say from your heart whatever your condition, “My Father” in a sense your prayer is already answered.
But Christ did not stop there. We are to pray “Our Father, who is in heaven.” This is not just any Father. Your Father is the One who is above all. He is perfect in all His ways. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He knows every star by name. He created every cell in your body. He owns everything. There is nothing that is not at His disposal. He is the source of every provision and the giver and guarantor of every promise. He is your heavenly Father with all the resources of heaven and earth at His disposal.
As we meditate on the privilege of calling God our Father, a gratitude should rise in our hearts. We should begin to realize who He is, what He has done, and that He now invites us in to talk with Him. I cannot imagine instantly praying a list of requests at such a moment. If we have genuinely entered in, our first response will be worship. “Hallowed be Your name.”
God’s names are inexhaustible. That’s why the Bible (and our heart when we meditate on Him) is filled with a multitude of names. These are given to help us understand His nature, but also to verbalize our praise in prayer. As you enter in before the Throne, pause and spend time adoring Him. Thank Him for His great names and rehearse what you are seeing in His presence. Thank Him for who He is, but also for what He has done. If you have approached the Throne rightly, you will be overwhelmed with gratitude. Don’t rush this moment in prayer. It will set the tone for the rest of your praying. Let a vision of God fill your soul and direct your praise. Don’t move forward in petitions until you have hallowed Him in praise!
Holy Father, I praise You because Your name is above all others! You created me and have loved me fully and completely as Your beloved child. Help me to come before Your throne with humility and gratefulness. Slow me down so that I can focus on Your promises, Your peace, Your provision and Your presence.
---Adapted from Simply Prayer by Bill Elliff. This book is available at prayerleader.com.
Prayer Points
Pray that you will be diligent in teaching Christ through the way you live your life and the way you speak to others.
Ask God to help you be an excellent model for the generations coming up behind you.
Pray that God removes any distractions to wholesome love among your family and friends. Ask that all ungodly priorities and self-interests will be wiped away so that love can abound
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.
A pilot and his two daughters took off from Soldotna, Alaska, on a sightseeing trip. Their small plane, however, never made it to its destination. After several local pilots began searching for the missing aircraft, one named Terry Godes finally spied its nearly submerged wreckage on a partially frozen lake. The three family members were standing on its wings as they had been for hours. Thankfully, the trio was soon rescued by the National Guard. Godes humbly sacrificed his time and resources for others—leading to lives being saved. In humility, he said of his efforts, “I was just the guy that saw the plane first.”
King David sacrificed much for the people of Israel, including battling to save them from their enemies (1 Chronicles 14:8-17). Then he heard from the prophet Nathan that through his bloodline a throne would be “established forever,” as fulfilled in Christ (17:14; see Luke 1:30-33). He replied in humility, “Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” (1 Chronicles 17:16). He knew that his life was established by God and His will (v. 19) and that He had ultimately done the work of rescue and redemption for David and his people (vv. 20-22).
Jesus “humbled himself” and made the ultimate sacrifice for us (Philippians 2:8). As He helps us, let’s humbly sacrifice our lives for others.
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
Why is humility before God so important? What will it mean for you to humbly sacrifice for others?
Loving God, please help me to humbly sacrifice for You and others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles offer two approaches to Israel’s kingdom story. In 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings, the focus is on the kings and prophets of Israel—from Saul to the final kings of the divided kingdom era. By contrast, 1 and 2 Chronicles focus on the kings of Judah and the priesthood and development of the temple. The writer of 1 Chronicles—which Jewish tradition says was Ezra the priest—considers David’s prayer (1 Chronicles 17:16-22; see 2 Samuel 7:18-29). The prayer has a priestly tone to it, with its emphasis on Yahweh as the covenant-keeping God of Israel. David humbly sacrificed for the people of Israel, but he acknowledged that God is the one who has redeemed His people: “You made your people Israel your very own forever, and you, Lord , have become their God” (1 Chronicles 17:22). , as we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us, we can humbly respond in sacrifice to Him and others.
Bill Crowder
UR: Balm for the Brokenhearted (Think anbout how the thorn in your flesh is sent to humble you and keep you there! and PTL!)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
The weeks leading up to the anniversary of my mother’s death are filled with memories. My mother’s laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with kindness, the sound of her voice, and her comforting embrace are vivid in my mind. Yet the pain of her absence feels as fresh as the day she passed away. Each memory is a bittersweet reminder of the love that endures in her absence.
One evening, as I struggled with the weight of my sorrow, I opened my Bible and came across Psalm 34:18. It felt like a personal reminder that God is intimately aware of my pain. This verse assured me that my broken heart is not beyond God’s reach; God is present, ready to heal and restore.
I find comfort in knowing that God is near. God understands my pain and is my constant source of strength. Even in the valley of grief, there is hope and light. My mother’s memory lives on, and her spirit is a testament to the enduring love that binds us.
Grief, though heavy, is a testament to the depth of our love. And God’s comforting presence is a beacon of hope, guiding us through our sorrow and into God’s everlasting peace.
's Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we grieve, comfort us with your promise to be close to the brokenhearted. Strengthen our spirit, and remind us of your hope and peace. Amen.
Good Morning Loved, Found, Redeemed, Embraced By Love Worshipers! Yes meditate on that as you begin this day rejoicing in the Lord and Who He is and all He's done! Amen and PTL! Yes rejoice! We are Loved, Found, Redeemed, Embraced By Love Worshipers and all because God first loved and still does love us! We've received the blessings of new life, being His heirs, hugs from God and able to sense His overwhelming love all around us! We were lost but now found. We are blanketed in His Love. And we get to worship, praise and abide in Him. These thoughts are threaded through our devotionals below. Be still and share all you are thankful about. Be refreshed and purified in His Love. Then go bless and love on some others . It's a great day to abide, worship, trust and go live and love like Jesus as you steward well all His blessings! Amen! is the day the Lord has made and we get to rejoice, serve, worship and love in it! PGTL! Yes rejoice and then go love well as You allow Jesus to lead and God to reach through you. And the added blessing is we get to know His peace as we trust and obey and are affirmed and blessed back. What joy that brings and His peace beyond understand. I already prayed for you and for God to speak to your heart and direct your steps as he opens your eyes and heart. Amen! Shalom shalom!
Our Daily Bread
Lost but Now Found
Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin. Luke 15:9
When I visited Ecuador’s Amazon region with my father many years ago, we took a fun speedboat ride to a small village to take in the sights and learn about the local tribes. My dear dad bought me handmade jewelry, including a set of earrings. I only wore those earrings on special occasions, including when I went to visit my sister for my birthday. When I came back from my trip, I was horrified to discover I’d lost one of my earrings. I looked everywhere.
It was just an earring, but I’d have to travel all the way back to the Amazon jungle to replace it. Amazingly, when my sister returned to the restaurant we had visited for my birthday, she spotted my missing earring in their lost and found. I was overjoyed!
Jesus told a parable about a woman who’d lost her silver coin. She wouldn’t rest while her valuable coin was missing. “Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?” Jesus asked (Luke 15:8). And when she found her coin, she greatly rejoiced (v. 9).
Jesus told this story to demonstrate how precious we are to God. He “came to seek and to save” those who are lost (19:10). Although we were once lost, heaven rejoiced when we were found.
By Nancy Gavilanes
REFLECT & PRAY
How does it feel to know you’re precious to God? How does it feel to know heaven rejoices when we’re found?
God’s love for us is described throughout the Bible. John 3:16-17 declares, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” He “did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” God “lavished” great love on us by “[sending] his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 3:1; 4:10). We were deserving of death, but because of God’s merciful love, He “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions” (Ephesians 2:5; see Romans 5:8). When we turn away from our sins and place our faith in Jesus, heaven rejoices (Luke 15:10).
Alyson Kieda
Upper Room: Blanket of Blessings
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. - 1 Kings 19:19 (NIV)
Years ago I was invited to a nearby church as a guest preacher for worship. After my sermon, the deacon who was leading the service invited me to kneel at the altar with her for prayer.
What happened next surprised me. She took a very soft and smooth woolen blanket and covered my shoulders as she said, “This hand-knitted blanket was given to the congregation as a special blanket of the Lord’s blessing. I therefore cover our guest speaker with God’s love.”
I still feel the wonderful, spiritual warmth from that blanket as I was covered in God’s grace. I recalled the story of how Elijah threw his cloak around Elisha as a token of the Lord’s call to be a prophet. I do not consider myself a prophet, but I know that our Lord and Savior covers all of us in blankets of blessings. For me, the words of Numbers 6:24-26 capture this promise perfectly: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
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's Prayer
Dear God, open our hearts to your love and grace this day and in all the days to come. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
The Word for You
Prayer Points
Praise the sovereign Lord who cares for his sheep (Ezek. 34:11).
Thank the Lord for shepherding you, caring for you in his rich pasture (34:14).
Confess times of wandering away from the side of the Good Shepherd.
Commit yourself to rejoicing in the bounty he provides for you.
Ask God to help you be a blessing with the blessings you’ve been given.
Pray that your church’s caregiving and fellowship efforts will be led by faithful shepherds who care for the flock (34:1-10). Ask God to give them compassionate diligence to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, and bind up the injured (34:4).
Good Morning Receivers and Bringers of Shalom! Shalom means peace and shalom shalom (a Jewish farewell blessing) means perfect peace. Jesus promised us His peace and that we could choose His perfect peace=shalom shalom. I end these blogs often with that blessing pronounced over you. But do you know perfect peace? Have you ever received or shared the peace of Jesus? In this world of chaos, confusion, hurriedness, strife and sicknesses isn't it amazing that we can know and choose the perfect peace of God as we continue to trust and surrender things to His capable and willing hands? Be still and know! Don't lean on your own understanding. Turn off the noise! These are things I share often but the only way to do that well is to spend time getting to know our loving and capable God and to release our junk to Him because He knows, cares and is able to work all things together for good. Amen! Check out the Connection blog below about these things and be still, receive and know His perfect peace.
We are commanded to cast all our anxiety to God. Why? Because He cares for you! Amen! As we do, we can dwell in His loving presence and know and receive His perfect peace--a peace beyond understanding. This world needs His perfect peace but that will only happen after His return. Until then we are sent to go in peace and love and to bring His peace and love alive in this chaotic, strife-driven world. I often pray for me and us to know and bring His peace alive. We can only incarnate His peace if we dwell in it ourselves. So, what's troubling you that has pulled you away from His peace? What problems do you keep grabbing back from God and focusing on instead of casting them to Him and trusting He will work all things together for good? Be still. Release all. And receive and dwell in His love and peace --perfect peace.
Check out Our Daily bread too about joining God and doing what we can with what we've been given that includes sharing the peace we know and have received. God promises to be with us always, to help us always, to work all together for good and the only way to know His shalom shalom is to be still, give Him all our struggles and receive and dwell in His peace. And sometimes we are able to redirect to Him and grow in trust as we share His love, peace and help with others. Try it! There is no greater need then to know His peace. We can and He wants to share it as we incarnate Him to others. Be still and know. Receive and go live and love like Jesus, peace-bringer! Amen! Shalom shalom!
Connection Blogs:
- Stay in Perfect Peace
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)
I don’t know about you, but perfect peace seems like an impossibility. With everything going on in the world around us, not to mention the confusion of thoughts within us, we wonder how such a promise could be made. It helps, of course, when it’s God himself who made the statement. That puts this promise in a whole new light. It also helps for us to understand what is meant by perfect. Biblically speaking, perfection refers more to maturity or a level of completion. Here’s the truth of the matter . . .God wants you to live in mature peace in your life and he is willing to commit to keep you in that place of peace
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The Prophet Isaiah gives us insight into how this works in a very practical way. The first and most important part is God’s part. God commits to keep us in perfect peace. Without this commitment, it will not work. Peace is a gift of God, not simply something we work on. Jesus offered peace as something that came from him.
God’s commitment to keep us in perfect peace is not without our part. We are to have our minds stayed on God. Perhaps an easier way of saying this is the New Testament command to fix our thoughts on Christ. What are you thinking about? What is your mind stayed on? It is impossible to have a mind filled with peace if our thoughts stray from the Lord. He keeps us in perfect peace when we fix our thoughts on him who is the source of peace. Over and over again, we are commanded to guard our hearts, to be careful what we are thinking about. Peace comes from a mind that is focused on God.
According to Isaiah, the third part of walking in perfect peace comes from trust. This is the combination of the nature of God and the work of man. We keep our minds fixed on God because we trust him. But we trust him because he has shown that he is worthy of all our trust. He is the Eternal One, always faithful, always worthy of our trust. Because of who he is, we trust him. This brings peace.
, choose to fix your mind and thoughts on Jesus, the Shalom Giver. Remind yourself of how he has been trustworthy in the past by thinking of those times he worked in amazing ways in your life.
Lord Jesus, I am so grateful that You are not only a God of peace, but that You want to pass that peace to me. You literally commit Yourself to keep me in peace. Help me to do my part. Help me through Your Spirit to keep my mind fixed upon You and to trust You in every way.
Praise God for his powerful actions on your behalf.
Thank God for saving you and bringing you into the richness of life with him.
Confess attitudes of self-reliance and independence from God.
Commit yourself to remembering that all he has placed in your hands is still his.
Ask God to give you a giving spirit.
Pray that God will show himself holy through his people in the sight of the nations (Ezek. 39:27).
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.
As the Taliban swiftly overran the Afghanistan government in 2021, and tens of thousands were trapped with no way to escape, many were isolated and desperate. Ordinary citizens jumped to action, including one young man who launched an Instagram campaign, raising $7 million to pay for chartered evacuation flights. “We’ve shed the political divisions in this situation,” he told a news outlet, “and really come together from all walks of life to rally together and save these people.” They chose to jump into the fray.
It’s not just Afghanistan. From skyscrapers to villages around the world, so many people are alone—enduring crushing sorrows. It’s stunning, however, to see God’s attention turned toward these places of suffering and hopelessness. Somehow, ultimately, in His own way and time, He will “deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help” (72:12). And remarkably, one way God’s help arrives is through us. Psalm 72 refers to both King Solomon’s work and God’s work—and it’s not always easy to disentangle which is which. God is the rescuer, but He calls us to move with Him.
When we encounter injustice or suffering, we can join Him, moving right into the middle of the ruin. We can follow God and go into the places where no one else is there to help.
By Winn Collier
REFLECT & PRAY
What situation have you encountered where it seems like there’s no one else to help? How can you join God in that place?
Dear God, thank You for promising to help us—and for calling us to join You in helping others.
Psalm 72 is one of only two psalms attributed to King Solomon (see also Psalm 127). The Expositor’s Bible Commentary says of Psalm 72, “This psalm is a royal psalm wherein petition is made for the prosperity of the Lord’s anointed. The psalm is messianic in the sense that Jesus is the ‘Christ’ (‘anointed one’) who shares in all the promises made to David and to his descendants (see 2 Samuel 7).” Seen as a messianic psalm, it anticipates the time when Jesus will return as “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15; see Revelation 19:16) and bring an end to all injustice and suffering. In fact, this psalm was the inspiration for the classic hymn “Jesus Shall Reign” by Isaac Watts, which celebrates the future worldwide reign of Christ. , as we wait for His return, we can join Him and help those who are suffering.
Good Morning Team! Love you all! Thanks for all the love and prayers. Thanks also for being the church that loves like Jesus well! Outsiders tell me all the time how they feel the love and joy of the Lord in and through us and how comfortable they feel fellowshipping and worshipping with us! Keep up the good work! Amen! , our daughter visited for Mother's Day and even though she lives over an hour away, she loved it her and wondered if she could make this her home church. Thanks! Keep letting the love flow! I'm praising God for carrying me and using me to bring, love, joy, hope and His Word alive! The only way I can explain it is BUT GOD! I have this amazing peace beyond understanding and know He is with me and my family during this hard time. The other thing to remember is we don't mourn like this world does because we have hope and we know where our saved loved ones are and that we will see them again. He somehow turns our mourning to dancing and He comforts those who mourn is more than a saying, it's an experience we know as His loving presence wraps His arms around us and upholds us in His strong right hand. Amen! When we let go and let God, humble ourselves before Him and allow Him to help--He's always there. we discussed Jonah 2 and his prayer from the belly of the big fish. We were reminded that when we get to the end of ourselves and cry out to God we are at the best place to know and receive His loving, helping, comforting presence. Don't lean on your own thinking. be still and know and there is God waiting with open arms. PTL! Anyway, that's kind of what I am experiencing. God is good--always! Amen! And it always helps to have some loving brothers and sisters in Christ to come alongside, encourage, pray and walk with us. That's you/us! PTL! Keep living and loving like Jesus team! he is for us and with us and using us! Amen!
There's nothing like the fellowship of believers we know and thrive in! We are one as He is one. People who don't worship with others like us are missing out on a great gift from God! We are made for community. We are God's community sent to love and prepared to receive all who will come. Amen! Check out the Upper Room below that speaks into this community thing. Then spend some time with Our Daily bread's teaching on our fragility and God's enduring love and His everlasting Word. He speaks to and directs and corrects us through our time with Him in His Word. Praying His Word brings great power to prayers. Don't lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge God and He will lead you to His best. Open His Word and hear His whisper as he invites you to come as you are and to prepare you to be transformed more in to His image. It's awesome! Worship and team up to listen as we seek first His Kingdom and then follow His provisions together. Amen! try it! You'll love it! Amen
UR: Holy Community
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life. - Revelation 22:17 (NIV)
Driving in an older section of our town, we passed by a historic, majestic church building. A sign out front announced its closure and gratitude for the 110-plus years of its service to the community. I felt an overwhelming sadness as I imagined all the weddings, baptisms, and other celebrations that would no longer be held there. I also thought of the somber occasions — the funerals, the broken families seeking refuge. I imagined the people of that church praying with and for each other, sharing in their joy and grief.
, worship takes many forms. For some it is an online event. Others feel that the Lord doesn’t require four walls or a church community to worship God. There is truth to that. We can worship anywhere and anytime.
But for me, church is the place where I experience God with other believers, and being part of that has been a dynamic experience. There is something special about people of different ages and backgrounds joining together as a church family to worship God. Together we reach into our community and around the world to promote God’s word and to support and help each other.
What a joyous feeling it is to join with others in a shared love for God!
's Prayer
Dear Lord, we worship you and offer all praise and glory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In the early 1900s, successful steel businessman Charles Schwab decided to build perhaps the most lavish mansion in New York City. Completed in 1906, his Riverside Drive estate took its inspiration from French chateaus and spanned an entire city block, with lush gardens, grand halls, and opulent interiors. It stood in stark contrast to the rising apartment buildings that would soon define Manhattan. Despite its grandeur, the estate struggled to find a buyer after Schwab’s death. The mansion was too large, too costly, and out of step with real estate trends. Riverside Drive estate was demolished in 1948. Both the mansion and the man faded away.
It’s easy for us to point to earthly realities like wealth, ambition, and mansions as destined to fade away. The words of Isaiah 40 remind us, “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field” (v. 6). Isaiah wrote to people enduring God’s discipline for their faithlessness. After He had corrected them, God would comfort them (vv. 1-2). What the prophet says about people, grass, and flowers is true (vv. 6-7). But the truth of God Himself? It will outlast men and mansions and wealth and ambition and accolades. Yes, “the word of our God endures forever” (v. 8).
It’s good to keep in mind how fragile we are. And it’s wise to remember God’s word is everlasting.
By John Blase
REFLECT & PRAY
What have you witnessed that has withered and faded away? How does God’s eternal nature and unfailing word encourage you?
Eternal God, I praise You because Your word endures forever!
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The words recorded in Isaiah 40:6-8 are sobering. There’s nothing flattering about humans being described as “grass [that] withers” (v. 7) or “flowers [that] fall” (v. 8). These word pictures describe the temporary nature of our human existence, which contrasts with the permanence of “the word of our God” (v. 8). The apostle Peter, before citing Isaiah 40:6-8 to biblically support the point he was making in 1 Peter 1:24-25, wrote these words: “You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (v. 23). Isaiah wasn’t the only biblical spokesperson to grasp the potency and permanence of the Scriptures. The psalmist’s words in Psalm 119:89 touch on this theme: “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” Though constantly confronted with our frailty, we find comfort that “the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8).
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