Thank God I'm Forgiven! PTL! What are you thankful for ? Tell God and share your joy and thankfulness with some others!
Good Morning Revival-Bringing Prayers! I had all kinds of ideas of what God may want me to share . Things about our true ID in Christ, God's unfailing love, and His transforming love that wants to love through you and me. Check out your devos and dwell with in through those and open Bibles during you prayerful quiet time . Maybe even record some by journaling. God sure uses that for me to focus and recount.
Then I came to the Connection blogs! Our call to become a House of Prayer for the Nations and to pray for revival and to stay connected to God as we go and be able to join Him in prayer and action comes alive through the Connection Blog below. Dwell in that in prayer and thank God for your forgiveness and for that of those to come! He loves you, forgives you and wants to love through you. Let Him! Ask for good fruit as you join Jesus throughout and keep praying for revival for us and our neighborhoods!
One last note! I am well on my way to being healthy (at least in my mind) PTL! I see the cardiologist for the first time since my discharge. Pray they help me continue to heal physically and for God to restore me mentally as He refreshes me and renews my thinking. Maybe there's someone else you can pray these things for as well. Rejoice for you are God's, He calls you by name, forgives you, loves you and has great plans for you. Yes and rejoice! Amen
- Responding to Our Times
In the United States, the revivals known as the Great Awakenings came in response to Christians gathering for extraordinary prayer. Often called "Concerts of Prayer," God used these times of prayer to bring awakening to His people. Robert Bakke in his wonderful book, The Power of Extraordinary Prayer writes, "It (the Concert of Prayer) was born out of convictions that say with certainty that, regardless of how bright or dark the hour we live in, God is about to do something greater than He’s ever done before. Furthermore, it said that God would not move forward with His ever-increasing and ever more marvelous plans until Christians agreed with Him and agreed with each other about what He was going to do. A great and lucid vision of Christ’s earthly reign was before their eyes--with every nation, people, tribe and tongue united as one company before the throne of God, Christ the Son, and the sevenfold Spirit. It was a compelling vision that would not let Christians rest or let go of God until the rule of God held sway in every aspect of life." (Pg.133)
Read again that last sentence from Bakke: "It was a compelling vision that would not let Christians rest or let go of God until the rule of God held sway in every aspect of life." Have you ever made a decision to pray like that? Not merely God bless us or even God protect us--but a life-changing commitment to pray until the "rule of God held sway in every aspect of life"? This should not just be a response made only by individual Christians. Has your church made a decision to pray extraordinarily for the working of God’s power? The key to the Concert of Prayer was for Christians to gather together for times of extraordinary prayer--as was the practice of the early Church.
We are living in times that are not "normal." What has been normal for us in our prayer life and experience of Christianity will not suffice for this hour. God is calling us to extraordinary prayer! How will you respond?
Lord of the Nations, my heart longs to see the fullness of Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven! May Your Church be willing to do whatever it takes to draw near to You. Help us to seek Your face in this crucial hour of history. Position us as watchmen on the walls and allow us to be able to discern the times in which we live! Give me a deep desire to take my prayer life to the next level…so that what is ordinary becomes extraordinary!
Praise the Lord Jesus, who will be “revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels” (2 Thess. 1:7).
Thank him that he will come to restore justice and righteousness in the earth.
Confess the times when you have not lived in awareness of Christ’s coming again in power and judgment.
Ask him to help you desire and look forward to his coming, and commit yourself to preparing yourself and others for “the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all who have believed” (1:10).
Ask the Spirit to give the churches in your community a sense of urgency in bringing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection to the unchurched and unbelieving in their neighborhoods.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Prayer updates: All of our homebound members could use some visits, cards, and encouragements. Most are trying to stay positive and upbeat. How might you encourage?
* LaRue Schmidt is still hanging on in hospice. Please keep her and family in prayer. She was singing Jesus loves me and is ready to leap into His arms. She may have only a few more days before her faith becomes sight.
* Ross Stuart has been placed on hospice for cancer. We had a great visit . He is upbeat and ready to be called home. We discussed his purposes to be fulfilled in the waiting. He wants to encourage all of you to always be ready to follow Jesus whatever the world throws at you and/or God allows. He reminded me of persevering in faith always. Amen! Ross has been given no timeline yet and said he feels pretty good and has no pain at present.
Good Morning Abiding in THE Vine Followers of Jesus! Oh yes! That is or can be us! I am only sharing one devo about abiding and resting in Christ. We've been discussing this important healthy rhythm already some this week. I feel God wants you to practice abiding by opening your Bibles and/or some devos and just be still in His loving presence, listening and receiving. What's He saying to you ? What will you do about it? Jesus is calling you by name to come away and abide in Him for a spell. Let's do this and share what we are sensing with some teammates to process with and pray into and maybe even begin planning something together. God loves you, calls you by name, provides all you need as you go and promises to be with you always. Start there and come as you are and allow Him to transform, empower, equip and direct your steps . Come Jesus come. Fill me up and overflow through me . Thanks! Amen! Shalom shalom=perfect peace is being prayed over you! Receive it as you abide and then thrive!
Good Morning Encouraging, Spirit-Filled Followers of the Jesus Way! Amen! May that be me and us Lord. You created us, know us, love us in spite of us, call us by name and have good plans for us. We are made new in You able to renew out thinking and ways, repent, be pruned and grow out of our brokenness to fullness in You. You have created us for such a time as this and have activated and sent us to encourage each other and grow Your Church. You are our Rock and Cornerstone and we build on You. Thank You for all You are and all You do and for making a way for me and us to be who we are in You and to do what You created and prepared us to do for such a time as this! Come! Fill us! Deliver us from evil! Refine us! And grow us to our fullest potential in You! Thanks! Love You Lord! Be my and our Lord and Shepherd . Thanks! Amen!
What is self care? Self care is a priority of our denomination, especially for pastors. Our Support team has called me to self care and opened the door for me to have a little margin to work on it before the fall and rush to . Thanks church! Self care is, well, taking care of self. For many of us that seems selfish or counter-productive when it is really just the opposite. Self care is a healthy choice and rhythm that begins with dying to self, taking up cross and abiding in Christ and His Word and then moving out to growth and new fruit production. It's working from rest not having to rest from work. It's proactive and a good choice. I can testify after I've just spent at least my fourth time in the hospital as God got my attention, slowed me down and led me to deep abiding and moving with Him from that rest to what he has for each day. That is Jesus' easy yoke He has called the weary and brokenhearted to put on. How is your self care going? I'm working on that for me. I just heard that researchers have found that spending time in God's Word and abiding in Christ is a critical first step in self care. Try it! I'm working on it. And I am looking for accountability partners and people to process with who have permission to speak truth in my life and remind me that I may need to go rest a bit in Christ. Who are your partners? How is your self care and growth and fruit growing from the abiding. Let's all focus on that this summer and develop some good habits. Amen!
In '23 we chose some words we thought God was revealing for us to work on. What word might He have for you to focus on the rest of the year as we seek to become the people we are created and gifted to be? (here are some of those words you chose in '23: faith, understanding, boldness, time management, patience, stewardship, hope, restoration, working through change, rest, pause, healthy rhythms, abiding, love, peace, relationships being useful, feeling valued and appreciated, to agape, and to be a disciple maker) Any of those words your or one you might feel God wants you to work on? Abide, seek, listen. receive and follow well. my friends! I'm praying for you! We can know His pace and rest and then be productive as we abide, reload, u on that easy yoke and follow Jesus. That's my prayer for each of you and us as His gathered and sent people. Amen! Let us live and love like Jesus, just as we are, where he has placed us and then allow Him to grow us to our fuller potential in Christ! Amen!
Man does God love us and have some great things for us! PTL! I gotta fly but check out these devos that link to all of this as you abide, renew your thinking and reload for the day ahead! God is calling you to some great things!
ODB
Habits and the Holy Spirit
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
“Did you grow up around here?” It was difficult to answer my dental hygienist’s question because her teeth-cleaning tools were still inside my mouth. She explained that in 1945, our city became the first in the world to add fluoride to public drinking water. Thought to prevent cavities, the treatment doesn’t require much: just 0.7 milligrams of fluoride to a liter of water. Its positive effects are obvious to a trained professional. But, I had no idea, I’d been drinking it all my life!
The things we consume every day can affect us over time. That applies not only to food and drink but also to entertainment, friends, and social media messages. The apostle Paul cautioned, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). While the Holy Spirit is making disciples of Jesus to be more like Him, the process takes a lifetime. Our habits can help or hinder His work. It’s not always easy to recognize what we’re consuming, but we can ask the one who’s rich in “wisdom and knowledge” to show us (11:33). Wisdom and discernment help us “test and approve what God’s will is” (12:2), while considering ourselves with “sober judgment” (v. 3).
Whatever He might be asking us to add to or remove from our daily lives is worth the price. All things are “from him and through him and for him” (11:36). He knows best.
By Karen Pimpo
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s one habit that reveals the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? What’s one that might be hindering His work?
Holy Spirit, thank You for working in and through my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When interpreting Scripture, the key words are often nouns and verbs because they tend to contribute the most to the understanding of the text. In Romans 12:1-3, however, a case could be made that the key word is therefore. This word indicates that we understand what follows is based on what has preceded it. “Therefore . . . in view of God’s mercy” (v. 1) tells us that the practical exhortations that follow are rooted in God’s great grace and forgiveness, which have been thoroughly explained in chapters 1-11. When we consider the greatness of God’s love that’s been poured out over our lives through the gift of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, no command of Scripture should seem grievous. In fact, as Paul says, offering our lives as “a living sacrifice” is our “true and proper worship” (12:1). We can ask the Holy Spirit to show us how to worship God with our lives and how to exhibit Christlike habits.
Bill Crowder
UR: A Closer Look
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. - Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
I followed signs to a sunflower field, expecting to see a multitude of flowers in full bloom. But what I found was a huge collection of dead and blackened stumps.
Though at first put off by the starkness of the place, I stood still and studied the scene. I heard many bird sounds and saw a Carolina wren darting in and out of the stalks, searching for seeds. A couple of little yellow birds — goldfinches perhaps — darted past me. Other birds I could not identify were also there along with several monarch butterflies fluttering about. And I saw several wild, blue morning glories winding up the dead stalks of the sunflowers. The site that seemed dead at first glance was teeming with life.
The words of Isaiah came to mind: “I am doing a new thing. . . . Do you not perceive it?” God is working in places that may seem dry and dead. We may look around us and not immediately see any signs of new life. Yet when we take a closer look, life surprises us. God’s creative power will never disappoint.
's Prayer
Creator and Sustainer, thank you for your ongoing creative power that brings new life to the world. Amen.
Good Morning Informed Pray-er! Please Lord! Teach us to pray and inform our prayers! Thanks! Amen!
Seems the Lord wants us to continue to focus on prayer and learning how to better and to releasing His power in prayer. We win battles from our knees. Prayer in forms our step and prepares us for the day. Prayer can tear down principalities and powers and cover and protect from evil. Pease continue to pray and keep asking God to make us a House of Prayer for the Nations and to direct our steps and lead us to good and lasting fruit. Thanks! And don't forget...Jesus is praying and interceding for you and us as well! Father, Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me . Amen! Check out these devos and blogs for !
ODB:
The Prayers of Jesus
I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. Luke 22:32
Jesus, how are You praying for me? I’d never thought to ask that question until my friend Lou shared the experience of his heart-cry to Christ when he was faced with a situation that required more wisdom and strength than he was able to muster. Hearing him voice that noteworthy question in prayer has helped me add a fresh dimension to my understanding and practice of prayer.
In Luke 22, there was no mystery as to how Jesus was praying for Simon Peter: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail” (vv. 31-32). When Peter was battered through trial, his faith flickered. But because of Christ’s grace, it didn’t fail.
The book of Acts tells us how Jesus’ prayers for Peter—His eager but weak disciple—were answered. God used him to preach the good news about Christ to Jews and gentiles alike. And Jesus’ prayer ministry hasn’t ended. Paul reminds us that “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). When you find yourself in the throes of trial or temptation, remember that Jesus, who prayed for His disciples, remains in prayer for those who have believed their message about Him (see John 17:13-20).
By Arthur Jackson
REFLECT & PRAY
How does remembering that Jesus is praying for you affect how you pray? In view of His prayer ministry, how might you live and serve differently?
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your prayers on my behalf. Please help me to pray and live with this awareness.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Satan had to ask Christ for permission to test Peter and was permitted to sift him “as wheat” (Luke 22:31). This would entail forceful shaking, but Satan wasn’t allowed to destroy Peter. On the contrary, this sifting would remove the chaff from his life. This is reminiscent of Satan asking for God’s permission to test Job (Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6) and Job affirming that “when [God] has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (23:10).
Jesus’ sovereignty is evident in His prayers that Peter’s faith wouldn’t fail (Luke 22:32). His courage failed, however, as he denied knowing Christ three times (vv. 54-62). But though he momentarily faltered, his faith didn’t fail. Jesus’ prayer that Peter would turn back to strengthen his brothers (v. 32) was fulfilled when he repented (v. 62). He was later restored and commissioned by Christ to pastoral ministry (John 21:15-17). We can be encouraged when we remember that Christ also prays for us.
“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
With all that has been happening in our nation, it eventually becomes very easy to allow our attention to be diverted back to what we call "normal." Unfortunately, "normal" often means life without God and without a dependence upon Him in prayer. I believe it is vital for us to hold on to our first response - - the response of prayer.
The Church desperately needs to both issue and respond to a new call for extraordinary prayer. Extraordinary prayer goes beyond the normal expectations of the past. It is prayer that can bring God’s power to bear on a whole new world facing us--a world of uncertainty, fear and war.
The Bible records times of extraordinary prayer like this. One good example occurred in the Book of Esther. The crisis there concerned the lives of every Jew held captive in Babylon. A decree had been issued that would result in genocide for the Jews. Queen Esther was going to risk her life by going to the King on behalf of her people; however, before she went, she called her people to three days of prayer and fasting for her mission. Extraordinary prayer brought about extraordinary deliverance.
The Book of Ezra gives another good example of extraordinary prayer. Ezra was preparing to lead a group of the exiles back from Babylon to Jerusalem. The king had even offered troops for protection on the perilous journey. But Ezra had refused the troops, pointing out that God Himself would protect them. As the people gathered, Ezra began to realize how dangerous the trip would be and that they should not merely presume upon God’s protection. So he called the people to humble themselves and pray and fast over the journey. God heard their prayers and gave them safe passage to their destination.
Father, so often prayer is my last resort instead of my first response. In many churches week after week, prayer is often relegated to a brief recitation before and after the offering when seeking Your face should be our first priority. Show me…show Your people how to engage in heart-felt, passionate prayer that draws us into Your throne room and produces the extraordinary answers that You long to give us! May we be continually hungry for a deeper relationship with You so that our prayers are expressed from hearts that know You well. May our response to adversity or struggle always be to come to You before worrying or taking matters into our own hands. Teach us how to be men, women and children who continually engage You in prayer.
--Adapted from the article A New Call for Extraordinary Prayer by Dave Butts, co-author of Pray Like the King: Lessons from the Prayers of Israel’s Kings. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Prayer Points
Praise your covenant God for his abiding faithfulness (Deut. 7:9).
Give thanks that even “if we are faithless, he will remain faithful” (2 Tim. 2:13).
Confess any unfaithfulness you’ve allowed into your relationships with God and others.
Commit yourself to bearing the fruit of faithfulness through the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Ask God to help you be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Pray that God’s covenant love would extend through your generation and on to generations yet to come.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Note: This week we will still be using some time apart to be restored and move towards healing. So there will be NO . Zoom Huddle nor . Evening gathering. Thanks for your understanding as I take the slow and steady course of recovery.
NOTE: at 6 we will gather at Rita's for a fun hangout evening.
Good Morning Praying Friends of God! Amen! we spent time for corporate BIG Church and Kingdom things. We prayed for us individually and as God's Body with Jesus as the head to become who we are created (and gathered) to be. We prayed we would discover our purposes and step boldly into them and to allow God to use us as we are and with what we've been given and blessed with to do His will. We prayed for revival, protection, provision and for us to live and love like Jesus more and better as we move towards becoming His dynamic movement and a House of Prayer for the Nations. We prayed to come alive in '25 too. Prayer is our foundation and how we hear God and see Him at work. Prayer releases His power on earth and in and through us. Prayer prepares the harvest and directs our steps out the door. Prayer is essential to all we we do and how Jesus received instructions and power. Let us continue to seek and fellowship with Jesus and walk wit Him in His ways doing what we can with what we've been given...and just worship as you trust and obey and follow well.
Check out the Connection blog and UR below discussing prayer. What's God saying to you? How is He informing your prayers. Seek, knock and pursue Him in prayer and with 0pen hearts. release His power in prayer. Pray in urgency and reveal your shortfalls and willingness to repent and walk with Jesus more closely. he's calling you by name and has great plans just for you. Amen! Thanks Lord!
Father, teach us to pray! Use us as we pray and provide for guidance and protection as we go abou the ordinary of each day. May we behold your power at work through our prayers and send us with your healing love! Thanks! Amen!.
UR:
Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. - Luke 18:1 (NIV)
I have played golf for many years, but my skills needed improvement; so I decided to take a lesson. The professional who worked with me was very helpful and pointed out several things I could do to improve. I had previously tried many other methods, but they hadn’t worked. It turned out that seeking professional guidance was the right solution.
Whether it is a challenge with work, family, or friends, I often try to solve the issue on my own. Sometimes I am fortunate enough to figure things out. But many times it’s only after multiple options have failed that I finally pray about the situation and seek guidance from God. When I reflect on this pattern of behavior, it doesn’t make any sense. Prayer should be the steering wheel that guides our life, not the spare tire we pull out in emergencies.
When we face challenges in life, our first step should be to go to God in prayer. Our heavenly Father created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. God will not only provide the guidance we need but will give us peace as well.
's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, it is a great privilege to come to you in prayer. Help us to seek your guidance in all matters, big and small. Amen.
- Prayerful Submission
As we examine Jesus’ ministry, it becomes clear that His was not a ministry of self-will, but of prayerful discernment, a recognition that the Father was doing something, and then a willing obedience as Jesus entered His Father’s work. This applies not only to His words, but also to those instances in which He did the miraculous:
“One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing” (Luke 5:17).
Here the context makes more than clear that Jesus performed a miracle of healing. However, Luke went to great pains to record that in this instance, God’s power was present in some kind of tangible way. Those who were participating in the event—either those observing to “check Him out,” those receiving Jesus’ prayer and therefore being healed, those who were friends or relatives of those being healed, or those learning the ways of the Master by watching (as the disciples most certainly did)—had an unusual sense that “something was afoot,” that God’s power was present in a unique manner. The old Puritan writers used to call this “the manifest presence of God.”
While those times of “anointing” or “unction” are rich and profound, it has an implication. This means that there were times and seasons in which the power of the Lord was not present to perform healing—even in the ministry of our Lord and Savior.
Jesus didn’t heal automatically, or even when He had a whim to do so, based on a need of the moment. He did not have an “intrinsic” or “built-in” supply of power rooted in who He was as the Son of God. Rather, He obtained access to divine empowerment by the practice of prayerful submission.
Lord, as I consider the prayerful discernment of Jesus, my heart longs to enter into the work that You are doing all around me. When Your power is present, anything is possible. The disciples noticed this in the life of Jesus and asked Him to teach them how to tap into the source of His strength. You have given Your children access to miracle-working power as we abide in Your presence and submit to Your will. May I be an obedient disciple, yielding my heart to the instruction of Your Spirit so that each word, thought and action is surrendered to Your purposes.
Good Morning Praying and Praising Worshippers--Obedient Followers of Jireh--Our Supplier Who Is Enough! Amen! Long salutation of pronouncement and truth over us! Prepare your hearts to worship, praise and pray and ready your feet to follow Jesus. COME! Help! Amen!
Check out and meditate on the Connection blogs below. That should be enough to keep you busy for a time , prepare you and move you. Jesus is calling you by name right now and saying "Come as you are! I have plans for you and power and my will to release in prayer." Amen! Come Jesus! May we live and love more like You. Amen!
- Bringing Glory to the Father through the Son
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father” (John 14:13).
The goal of prayer is to get what we pray for, right? Wrong. The goal of Christian prayer is to glorify the Father through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 14:13). God is glorified through accomplishment of His will and advancement of His kingdom on earth (Mt. 5:16, 6:9-10; 1 Cor. 10:31), as well as by our obedience, spiritual growth and deepening relationship with Him (Jn. 15:8). Since we often ask for things outside of His will—because they will not advance His kingdom, develop our spiritual maturity or enrich our relationship with Him—unanswered prayer is a part of thenormal Christian life (2 Cor. 12:7-10). It’s not an indication that God isn’t listening to us. Nevertheless, most of us persist in thinking, There must besome way to get Him to give me what I ask.
More than a few are convinced that good works, offerings, vows, extreme discipline, praying at “holy” places, using blessing cloths, oil, icons, candles, persistence (repetition), and getting large numbers to intercede will incline God to listen to their prayers. Such ideas assume there are ways to get “spiritual leverage” and apply “power” or “authority” to facilitate receiving the answers we “want”. There is no evidence in Scripture this is the case.
Does God lack, or is He dependent on anything we might give, devote, vow or sacrifice to/for Him? The Bible says God doesn’t need anything we promise or give to Him (Job 35:7; Acts 17:25). Is there any way we can obligate Him? Scripture clearly says, “No.” His creatures can never obligate, manipulate or control their Creator. “’Who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?’ For from him and through him and to him are all things” (Rom. 11:34-36, ESV).
Amazing Creator, You don’t need anything I have to give, and yet, You have promised to give me everything I need! Your word is clear that all things are under Your control, and that my prayers should always glorify You. Help me to continually look for ways to bring pleasure to Your heart and to always be aware of Your holy presence. May my life be set upon the things that are upon Your heart, attentive to whatever You call me to be and to do in and for Your kingdom!
Praise the God of everlasting kindness (Isa. 54:8).
Thank him for exercising kindness, justice, and righteousness—and for delighting in them (Jer. 9:24).
Confess any unkind deed or word or thought that has hurt another person.
Commit yourself to bearing the fruit of kindness by the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Ask God to add kindness to your faith (2 Pet. 1:5-7).
Pray that your kind attitude will attract unsaved friends and coworkers to the Lord.
Ask God to create natural opportunities for you to share your faith.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Can't wait to see you all ! I am well on the way to full recovery! PTL! And thank you all for your prayers!
***Next week will still be an easing back week with some homebound visits but NO or huddles. Thanks for understanding! I should soon be up to full song and back at it!
Good Morning Filled wit Love Overflowing Servants! That could be one description of our Body! We love and we love well because God first loved us, fills us with love overflowing AND WANTS to love through us! Amen! Check out the flow through our Daily Bread and Upper Room devos below. Every season we are in is know by God and allowed for His purposes. He has plans for our whole life to go and love like Him. And he wants us just as we are and will use us as we are and grow us to what can be in Christ. PTL! How might God want to love through you ? Who will you partner with to do so?
I'm doing a wedding and as id often the case 1 Corinthians 13 will be shared. That's the love chapter of our Bibles. Love is patient. Love is kind...Look it up and meditate on it. Put your name in wherever it says love because Love lives in you and so wants to love through you. We are love and sent to love. Loved deeply and called to agape love deeply. We are the church that overflows love. May it continue to be one of hallmarks as God's servants. Amen! God knows our ability and how they fit into His plans. let us keep watching and joining Him in Love as we go and as we are! That's part of His easy yoke! Put it on and walk around and share the love. I'm praying for you!
ODB
Serving God Each Season
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6
After years of discipling Caleb by himself, Mark was dismayed to find out that a church leader had assigned another mentor to the young man. The leader remarked, “Finally, Caleb has a mentor.”
What did they think I was doing all these years? Mark wondered. Though he hadn’t expected any reward or recognition, he couldn’t help feeling hurt.
Years later, however, Caleb told Mark that he’d entered Caleb’s life just when he most needed spiritual guidance. On hearing these encouraging words, Mark came to this realization: God gives believers in Jesus specific gifts to serve Him differently—without comparing with others—and He oversees the timing.
In 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Paul stresses the value of members of the body of Christ, the church, having different gifts, roles, and assignments. And in chapter 3, he reminds us of the one who's the ultimate source of the results: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow” (v. 6).
Each of us may be given a unique season and opportunity to do God’s work. Unlike people, God doesn’t compare our work, for He loves us as individuals. May we keep our eyes and hearts focused on doing our best in the season that God has given us—relying completely on His strength and empowerment—and not worry about what others achieve in their own way and time.
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
What opportunities has God given you to use the gifts He’s provided for you? How can you best use these in this time and season?
Gift-giving God, please help me to focus on the work You’ve given me to do.
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul offers a way of seeing ministry that avoids two dangers: overemphasizing and aligning with individual leaders or, on the opposite side, not recognizing the value of the service of others. Paul describes the community of believers in Jesus as a field (vv. 6-9) and a building under construction (vv. 9-14). In both metaphors, leaders are merely humble laborers called by God to specific tasks (vv. 5-8). Only He gets the credit; only God “[makes] it grow” (v. 6).
Although the focus in 1 Corinthians 3 is on specific leaders with designated authority roles in the community rather than on individual believers, the language of “each” being rewarded (v. 8) anticipates chapter 12, where Paul explains that God gifts “each one” in Christ’s body through the Spirit (v. 7). Believers are called to respond to what God is doing in and around them—using their gifts to honor Him and bless others.
Monica La Rose
UR: Giving from the Heart
Jesus said, “All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” - Luke 21:4 (NIV)
I observed that some religious education classes at my church needed a guitarist. Without music, the children were less enthusiastic in praising the Lord. I was not gifted in music, but my heart longed to serve God. So I asked my brother who played guitar to teach me. Though I could not master the instrument, my presence as a guitarist helped the children to sing more joyfully to God; my heart was joyful as well.
What I experienced reminds me of the poor widow who found favor in God’s eyes though she offered only two small coins. Perhaps what we give is nothing in the eyes of people, but our willingness makes God glad. Then joy and peace shall fill our hearts. Our lives will be blessed as we put God above all matters.
We do not need to be perfect in order to serve God.
So whenever the Spirit moves us to share our talent or to give what we have for God’s work in the world, we can freely offer it to God. Our longing to please God is what is most important.
's Prayer
Dear God, we often doubt the value of what we have to give. Help us to realize that you pay attention to the sincerity of our hearts more than to the gifts themselves. Amen.
Hey! It's really ! It sure seems like ! Anyway is Thank God I'm Forgiven ! Worship with much praise and for all this means to you.
Good Morning Abiding, Resting, Listening and Receiving Friends of Jesus! (And friends of mine!) Jesus loves me! Sing it loud and clear for all to hear! Spread some Jesus and new Life in Christ cheer ! Amen! Reload. Refresh. Recharge. Receive. Then go live and love like Jesus! Be a sweet aroma to those who God is drawing and share with them why you are thankful for God's forgiveness and share stories of how that has changed your life. Celebrate who God is and all He has, is and will do!
Check out the thread of this through our devos below. Seek the Lord and live is ODB's message. As I read Amos 5 that it is based on, I couldn't help thinking about the USA and the charged political environment. There seems to be no middle road anymore. God says, "Seek Me and live." Start there! Turn off the noise and tune in to Him. Amos speaks of the evil afoot then that sure sounds like . Seek God and overcome the darkness! Seek God and live! Keep knocking! Keep coming to be forgiven and purified. TWFYT reminds us of the importance of trusting God enough to rest and abide in Him and allow Him to work all things together. He is able and wants to. Release His power in prayer and through your obedience! Amen! The UR reminds us God is always listening and wanting to respond and bless us as we go focused on Him and His Ways. Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. God is trustworthy and worthy of all praise, glory and honor. Amen! And the cool part...this King calls you friend and wants to hang with you. Choose to dwell in Him and to go live and love like Him too! Amen!
A family who’d lost touch with their son and brother Tyler received an urn that was said to contain his cremation ashes. Just twenty-two years old, he’d apparently died of a drug overdose. For years, Tyler had dealt with the effects of drug addiction and poor choices. But prior to the reported overdose, he’d been sober after spending time in a transitional housing facility and completing an addiction recovery program. Then authorities made a shocking discovery—Tyler was actually alive! They’d mistaken him for another young man who’d died of an overdose. Later, after being reunited with family and reflecting on the death of the other young man, Tyler said, “That could have been me.”
The Israelites once learned of their death—though they were very much alive. In a song of mourning, the prophet Amos sang these words to God’s rebellious people: “Fallen is Virgin Israel, never to rise again” (Amos 5:2). These words must have gotten their attention—they were dead?! But the prophet also spoke these comforting words from God Himself: “Seek me and live” and “Seek good . . . . Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you” (vv. 4, 14). Though Israel was dead in their sins against God, He invited them to turn to Him and find life.
As we deal with our sin, let’s confess it and bring it to the one who loves us and forgives us. God lovingly leads us from death to life (John 5:24).
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
How does going against God lead to death? What do you need to confess to Him?
Loving God, please help me turn from sin and find life in You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Amos was a prophet from Judah (Amos 7:12) whom God sent to warn Israel of His judgment for their sins. Amos lamented the death of the nation (5:1-3, 16-27) but offered a message of hope for those who repented and returned to God. Though punishment was certain, Amos urged the people to repent, to “hear” the words of God (v. 1), “seek the Lord and live” (v. 6), act justly (vv. 7-10), not oppress the poor (vv. 11-13), and do good and hate evil (vv. 14-15). He provides what we need to turn from sin and find true life in Christ.
K.T. Sim
TWFYT
UR: Always Listening
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
One evening I was sitting on the church steps with my pastor before a committee meeting. We were chatting when suddenly my pastor exclaimed, “Oh, I haven’t prayed !” This abrupt confession surprised me; I did not understand prayer that way. But my pastor’s frankness highlighted the significance of prayer and inspired me to communicate more frequently and informally with God.
Many years have passed since that experience. I have grown in my faith, and my journey continues. Now my conversations with God are frequent and serene. When I awake in the morning, I express my gratitude for a night’s rest and the new opportunities awaiting me. During my day, I give thanks for both rewarding and challenging encounters. As my day winds down, I can think of my blessings and rest peacefully. And throughout the day,
God is there awaiting our moments together.
As Christians, we are greatly blessed to worship a God who is eager to hear from and commune with us. We are encouraged to share our thoughts, admissions, supplications, desires, and praise! God awaits our prayers.
's Prayer
Thank you, ever-listening God, for being ready and eager to hear our thoughts and prayers. Amen.
Thank God I'm Forgiven! PTL! Lift many thanksgivings and praise for this and all it means to you to be in Christ in preparation to pray and follow .
Sarah Update:
Good evening everyone,
It has been a great day of ministry. Fantastic time at coffee conversation and donuts Bread Ministry was hopping and it was great to see God at work in conversation there.
I want to share a prayer request with you, we have learned that LaRue Schmidt has been placed on hospice care. She is in her home and resting and has nurses taking care of her and her family is surrounding her during this time. Pastor Don was there to visit her this evening. So we are asking for prayer for the family and for LaRue
Hope you all have a great , remember every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
Good Morning Thankful and Faithful Friends of Jesus! Worship! Praise and pray expectantly. God has some great things ahead and this weekend for you and us!
Personally it has been great to ease back into ministry! I feel so good that I have to be extra careful to guard my health. So expect a few more weeks of easing back. We will not be meeting Evenings until Sept. but will probably have a Rita's night or two this summer. Watch for details. I also want to thank our team of servants who are stepping up and in and filling voids as I recover! May God abundantly bless you all for your kindnesses, encouragements, prayers and help! I love you all and am so humbled and bless by you and how you are allowing God to use you!
Check out the Connection prayer blogs below and worship and pray expectantly and with to our miracle working God! His Kingdom will come and His will done. let us prayerfully watch where He is calling us by name to join Him! And do it! Amen!
- Approaching God in Prayer
“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).
How can we please God as we approach Him in prayer?
Be simple. Flattery is not effective with God. Our God is the one being who knows us inside and out and insincerity will not work. If you are overwhelmed with love of God or gratitude or a response of praise, by all means extol God. God loves the praises of God’s people. But, faith is not magic, so simplicity is always a good rule.
Be familial. God is our creator, the great Parent who loves us perfectly and has bought us back at a great price. We are precious to God who is our heavenly Father. We are adopted as heirs, so, if you are a believer in Jesus, you can call God your Father, too.
Be respectful. “Lord,” “Sovereign God,” “Almighty One,” terms as these are all appropriate, and addressing God as completer of an action, or the giver of a gift, as Hagar did, has a biblical precedent. So, we can call God our Healer, our Divine Physician, the One who loves us, the One who caretakes us—the list seems endless.
Be biblical. Generational blessing of God as the One who succors the faithful, or even the One who sustains our individual family—especially when we do it by reviewing God’s great actions in Scripture—is a powerful way to honor and invoke God. If you remember the specific place where God called you to salvation, you can even identify God as the God who visited you in that place and speaks to you in all places, while ruling us all from heaven.
In all things, being simple, but sincere, familial but respectful, biblical and personal, loving and grateful are keys when addressing God.
Abba Father, how grateful I am to have been grafted into Your family, and that You desire to have a relationship with me! I will never be able to fully comprehend all that You are, but I am thankful that You love me and bring purpose into my life. It amazes me that I can share my feelings, thoughts, questions, disappointments and joys with You, and that You have sent the Holy Spirit to be my teacher. In You I live and move and have my being! Thank You, Father!
Rejoice with the prophet Isaiah, who wrote, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness” (Isa. 61:10).
Thank God for producing such joy in your life.
Confess any lack of Christian joy.
Commit yourself to bearing the fruit of joy through the power of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
Ask God to fill you with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1 Pet. 1:8).
Pray for your own expression of joy in the Lord. Do unbelievers recognize it in you? Do they know the source of your joy?
Ask God to make your joy genuinely contagious.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Good Morning Abiding Encouragers! AMEN! May that be so of me and us Lord! And always abiding 24/7 and Your vessels of love, healing, joy, and encouragement! throughout each day! Amen!
during my time of Abiding in His presence and Word, God encouraged me and spoke to my heart through His Word and some of our devos for . Did you notice the thread through the devos? (Check them out below) Abide, reload and go love and encourage! We are given spiritual gifts to spur on, encourage, and build up His church. Turn off the noise and chaos and focus on to what really matters, God's still small voice speaking love and acceptance into your heart and preparing you to pray and follow each day. He knows you, loves you and is calling you by name to come abide and to follow out the doors . PTL!
God had me thinking about the Become Me in '23 Challenge. Remember that from two years ago? Many of us chose words to work on to help to move toward becoming who we are created to be in Christ. I have a list of your names and words that I pray through many days a week. Are you seeing progress with that? Has God led you to another word to focus on? Has God led you from who you are created to be and led you to the Become More in '24 Challenge where we were working on operating from our true created identity toward applying ourselves to our created purposes. Because of our faith in Christ the door has opened and we have been activated. And as we think of the Come Alive in '25 Challenge that is all about seeking, abiding, discovering and stepping into our purposes and the purposes for our gathered Body. Meditate on that some. Pray into it. Release God's will in and through us and partner with some others to go live and love more like Jesus. Who are you in Christ? He says to come as you are but that does not mean we get to stay as we are. He has custom made plans and purposes for you and our Body that come alive because they have been activated by our faith and led by our focus on what Jesus is doing and putting on Hs easy yoke as we walk with Him to His best and our fuller potential.
We are who we are and doing what we can with what we've been given and as we do we are coming alive in '25! PTL! We all have a part p play that is custom fitted to who we are and God's plans for us. As we discover and step into those we find great joy and peace and even rest for our weary souls! Amen! That all begins and is led as we purposefully abide in the Vine daily and watch for where He wants to produce fruit from us and allowing it. Thank God for these thing! Talk to Him about it , Then find some teammates to walk with towards it and for you to encourage and pray for as well. God really does have some great plans for you and us. let's continue to follow an enjoy this life in Christ and together! Amen!
Shalom shalom (perfect peace)
Abide in the Vine some as you meditate on these devos and listen with open hearts and follow with willing feet!
They were three adrenaline-fueled teenage boys, unleashed in the immense underground system connecting to Mammoth Cave. With them was their Uncle Frank, a veteran caver familiar with these parts. He knew the drop-offs and danger spots and continually called to the three, “Guys, this way!” Still, they ventured ever farther from him.
Dimming his headlamp, Uncle Frank decided to remain silent. Soon, the boys realized they’d lost their guide. Panic-stricken, they yelled his name. No response. Finally, they saw his headlamp flicker to life in the distance. Instant relief and peace! Now they were ready to follow their guide.
This true story makes an apt parable for how we can treat the gift of the Holy Spirit. Detours lure us away from the voice that calls us to follow the one who said, “Follow me” (Matthew 16:24). That voice is the Holy Spirit, who dwells inside each child of God (Acts 2:38-39).
God’s Spirit will never abandon us, but we can ignore Him. The apostle Paul warns, “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Instead, “Rejoice always, pray continually,” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (vv. 16-18). By doing so, we stay close to our guide, “the God of peace,” who can keep us “blameless” (v. 23). It’s not our work that does it. It’s His. As Paul reminds us, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (v. 24).
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
In what ways have you ignored the voice of the Holy Spirit? How might you follow Him more closely?
Father, please keep me close and attentive to You .
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In this series of exhortations, Paul first urges us to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). How are we to rejoice when our situation is dire? Paul wasn’t naive; he faced constant difficulties with more challenges than most of us will ever experience. He knew that continual prayer was key (v. 17). This doesn’t mean that we pray literally every moment, but rather that we pray through all our circumstances, for the Spirit will never abandon us. Prayer becomes as natural as breathing. Connected closely to these vital concepts is gratitude (v. 18). When our hearts are inclined toward thankfulness, joy naturally follows. This pattern foreshadows a similar theme the apostle emphasizes in his letter to the Philippians, written several years later: “Rejoice in the Lord always. . . . In every situation, by prayer and petition, with , present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:4-6). The inevitable result is the peace of God ruling in our hearts.
Zoom Huddle cancelled . (DUH! What day is it? I'm still trying to figure that out after my extended hospital vacation. Sorry Huddle mates, I went and scheduled some homebound communion visits for --ones that are hard to change and keep. So we will resume . Thanks for understanding!)
10-12 is donut day at Bread Ministry. Come hang out! Its always a great time and God will use you to bless someone and/or to be blessed!
Good Morning Balanced and Healthy in Christ Servants! Too often we think that we are choosing that and it's always easy to see when others are failing at choosing healthy rhythms. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you some areas in your life (and even our church life) that needs adjusting and the strength and courage to allow it! I engaged with the reminder of the triangle that represents the balanced life of Jesus--Up-In-Out. By nature and preference we tend towards one or two of these as our call and find pleasure in performing the duties under those. BUT we are called to balance and to a healthy walk with Jesus. Help us choose well Lord and work to bring the deficiencies into alignment. Thanks! May we worship well (UP), Love and serve each other well, and may we intentionally and purposefully love outsiders well and lead them to Christ and His ways. Amen!
The past few days, God has had me contemplating and seeking to move towards more balance and joy as I walk in healthy choices. Well, thinking about it! I have to choose to do something about it! I've been going a little extreme on eating decadently and living for my joy and pleasure since my discharge. And numbers don't lie! It's time to start to actually choose healthy rhythms, eating habits and walk with Christ. I can think about it all I want and know all about the benefits available but I still have to choose and actually work on them. Help me Lord! That is also something we all face as disciples of Jesus. How do we run our race healthy and balanced in mind, soul, body, spirit, health and finances??? Ask for God's heart, mind, spirit and for the desire to choose well and healthy daily and even minute by minute and the courage and boldness to actually try what He has revealed. Amen!
God has custom plans for custom made you and for our gathered fellowship. May we choose well and follow Him to the green pastures, still waters and His overwhelming love. Amen! Take some time abiding in the Vine through meditating on the devos below and the Bible verses pertaining to them. Jesus' easy yoke is awaiting our wanting to put it on and it's pretty cool that it is a custom fitted yoke for you in this season of your life. Release control to God, partner with some prayer and accountability partners and go live and love more and more like Jesus--starting right now! Worship with full abandon and devotion like Jesus (UP). Love on and serve each other with joy (IN) and then go live and love like Jesus (OUT) in a way that draws outsiders to HIM. Amen! Pray into that please!
So, what's God speaking into your heart right now and what will you do about that? Yes Lord, come and be our Vision and Sustainer...our Friend! We love you and long to be at a place we can pour ourselves out for God to lead and control. COME! Amen!
I'm praying for me and you and then us to embrace this and step into our custom easy yokes and seek and follow the Holy Spirit well and always and may we balance our parts like Jesus did. Amen! OK time to return to bed and hopefully sleep well for several more hours. Amen!
ODB:
Prayer of Desperation
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” John 11:23
In 2011, Karey Packard and her daughter were packing boxes for a move to a new home. Suddenly, Karey collapsed, and her heart stopped. Doctors revived Karey, but her condition worsened through the night. Her husband, Craig, was told to call family to say final goodbyes. They prayed what Craig called “a prayer of desperation.”
How often have we prayed a prayer of desperation in a crisis? Mary and Martha did. They sent a desperate message to Jesus: their brother Lazarus, “the one you love,” was gravely ill (John 11:3). When Christ finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Martha, in anguish, said to Jesus: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 21). She knew Christ could heal sick people but could not imagine His power to overcome death. Jesus, of course, raised Lazarus, a foreshadowing of His own resurrection weeks later.
Karey had officially flatlined, yet miraculously God brought her back to life. In the stories of both Karey and Lazarus, it’s easy to miss the point: God has purposes that we don’t know. He neither heals everyone nor brings all dead people back to life. But He gives us a transcending assurance: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (v. 25). As believers, whatever happens, we know we’ll be with Jesus. Maybe that makes our desperate prayers a little less desperate.
By Kenneth Petersen
REFLECT & PRAY
What desperate experiences have you had? How have you prayed through them?
Father God, please help me see the bigger picture of Your purposes.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The idea of a future resurrection (see John 11:23) was an ancient Jewish belief. Job was confident that after his death he would “see God” (Job 19:26-27). The prophets proclaimed that people would rise from the dead when the Messiah came (see Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2). Paul warned that “if there is no resurrection . . . , then not even Christ has been raised” and we “are still in [our] sins” (1 Corinthians 15:13, 17). Because Christ has “been raised from the dead” (v. 20), we can look beyond our desperate situation to the day when “the dead will be raised imperishable” (v. 52).
K.T. Sim
UR: Faithful and Just! (AMEN!!!)
The one the Lord doesn’t consider guilty — in whose spirit there is no dishonesty — that one is truly happy! - Psalm 32:2 (CEB)
I have played the piano for over 20 years in a variety of settings, and now I am blessed to be a church pianist and a piano teacher. Playing through a song without making any mistakes is a goal that even the most talented pianists can only hope to achieve. My years of learning and practicing have helped me to make fewer mistakes, and the ones I do make often go unnoticed by those listening. But I am aware of every wrong note I play. I have to be willing to forgive myself for them while pushing myself to try harder next time.
Similarly, God knows about the mistakes we make in our daily lives, including the sins that no one knows about. These mistakes can’t be undone, but they can always be confessed to God — who is “faithful and just to forgive” (1 Jn. 1:9). As someone who is guilty of worse things than playing the wrong notes, I feel grateful when I remember that God sees every wrong I commit but is still willing to forgive me. God always gives me another chance to do things better. This continual forgiveness is the attitude I wish to have and to inspire in others.
's Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for forgiving our sins and giving us a chance to live free from guilt. Help us to show forgiveness to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Good Morning Trusting in God friends and Followers of Jesus! He is our Rock, Way and enough--Jireh! Amen! What is God saying to your heart right now. How does He want you to respond? Do you have some partners? What will you do as God leads? How can we use our gifts and abilities to bless God, each other and others? Talk to God about that and process with some who are walking with God!
Below, attached find direction and emotional support through some of our devos for the day. Father, speak to our hearts, direct our steps and open our eyes to see and hearts to follow well. Thank You! Lord, be our master and leader. What thread am I sensing for this day and how well and know, I making time to be still so we receive and follow well to the time and God has prayer time together moving further? Thanks Lord for creating us and prespring us! Amen! Are you ready and willing to follow well ! we all mater and have our unique parts to play. He sees you and created you for "such a time. Since God enters our hearts with , let us worship and invite Him to inhabit our praise, to speak to our hearts and to direct our steps. Yes PTL! Come Jesus come!...Amen ...We are discovering more and seeing God come alive and so PTL with true hearts of worship and seek Him to come lead us, grow us and use us for His glory alone! Amen! I'm praying for you as I seek God for us. Relax, rejoice and choose well .
Sarah Young
I to We
Upper Room: A Note of Thanks
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. - John 6:11 (NIV)
My young friend had written me a thank-you note for having our neighbors over for coffee. None of the adult guests wrote, but this boy with dyslexia did. Some letters were backward, and one sentence ran on with no punctuation. He signed his name and then added the names of his two younger brothers.
I read the note with tears in my eyes. I knew how much this young man struggled with his learning disability. Yet he didn’t focus on that. He focused on expressing his gratitude.
In the Bible one boy offered his five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude. Jesus took what the boy had and, after giving thanks, multiplied it to feed five thousand people. (See Jn. 6:1-14.) That boy could have held back, telling himself that what he had was not enough; that people might laugh at him; that Jesus might reject his meager offering; that his mother might scold him for giving away his lunch; that he would go hungry.
I keep that thank-you note to remind me to give what I have to God, trusting that God’s power can make it enough.
's Prayer
Dear God, help us to remember to look to you in faith and give what we have, knowing you will multiply our gifts for the good of the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Good Morning Worshippers! May we enter His courts with and praise! May He inhabit our praises. Amen!
Listen to Me. Delight in God's Living Word. Believe (Our mission). We are Gods instruments. We are overcomers and faithful followers of Jesus! There are the first sentences of our devos . What a message to embrace and live well as we learn to live and love more like Jesus--dying to self as an act of worship and obedience and allow God to work in and through and to use us for His glory and purposes. Amen!.
I had a great day home . But I need to sleep and rest and chill at home . I' be praying for you and praising too! What brings you a thankful heart and joyful spirit? Do those things this week as you surrender and grow in Christ, He really does have some great plans and purposes that He is already weaving together, Yes rejoice as you die to self and follow Jesus into this week! Invite Him to use you as you are and to grow you into your fuller potential. Amen! Now for a nap and some abiding in Christ.
Shalom shalom!
Sarah Young
Chuck Swindoll
Joyce Meyer
UR: God's instrument
You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. - Matthew 5:14 (CEB)
The disturbing events in our world challenge us to reflect on our Christian calling and identity. We cannot deny the suffering and injustice around the world and in our own communities. War, gun violence, and other forms of attack are ever-present. People continue to risk their lives to escape harsh conditions in the places they call home. We cannot ignore tensions among family members and friends due to our competing priorities.
All these are reflections of our broken world. And w
ouldn’t our silence in the face of such pain be a betrayal of our calling to be God’s instruments of peace, justice, and healing? God has called us to let Christ’s light shine where darkness prevails, and that doesn’t necessarily mean that we must do something big. Our smallest acts of kindness can bring healing to a broken heart. Our honest prayers can be a source of strength for others. Our simplest acts of courage can bring justice to our communities. Let us discover the ways God is calling us to serve and intentionally strive to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to be your servants in the world. Help us to live according to Christ’s teachings. Amen.
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