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Saturday, September 30 2023
Joe Toy News at bottom. Collecting for Everlasting Life tomorrow and celebrating the Lord's Supper at 10 with Children's Church.
Sad news to share this morning, Ron Williams passed away last evening. Please keep Sally and family in your prayers. God promises to comfort those who mourn and to bring His peace and strength. Pray for me as I minister to the family today. Thurs, I visited Sally's mom, Doris Hausman (103 years old). We had a great conversation about her love for Jesus and how God is still using her to be a blessing as best she can in her situation (mostly spends time sleeping.). She sleeps cuddling a Jesus rag doll. I reminded her that soon, Jesus will be cuddling her like that. She said, "I'm ready. He is near." Now Ron is has stepped into Jesus' loving arms of welcome. And so as we mourn we can also find joy knowing we will be reunited some day soon.
Good Morning Praying Comforters! God is a God of comfort. He knows our struggles and hurts and draws near. He loves and comforts through us as well too. He is Shalom! Below is my Charles Stanley devotion for today reminding us that God does encourage us and wants to encourage and love through us. Ask Him to use you today, daily, to be His hands of comfort and peace.
TWFYT reminds us to do what God says to do? What's He saying to you right now? Don't be afraid. Be bold and courageous and follow well in faith. Step by step we walk with Jesus to our fuller potential and His plans for us. Trust, obey, listen and follow well. Earlier this year some of us gave words to work on to help us grow more fully into the people we were created to be. As I was praying through those words today and for the names attached to them, I was wondering how people are doing with that and how I might be able to help them. Words like faith, hope, boldness, courage were some of the words. We get those and get to choose how we grow in Christ when we ask for His help and wisdom. Proclaim your faith, courage, boldness and value in Christ and step out one step at a time with Jesus as we learn to live and love like Him better and bring His promises alive as we do. You are God's masterpiece and He has very good plans for you today.
ODB reminds us about all the obscure, least likely people God uses. We don't need to be superstars and high profile Christians. We just need to be ourselves. Come as you are and allow God to use you. He specializes in using the obscure, least likely people that have sold out hearts for Him to accomplish great things. We may not know it now, but someday we will be greeted in heaven by the people we impacted. Check out the UR reminder that God does miracles and uses us to comfort and encourage. We often have to just let go, trust God and He will use us as we allow Him to direct our steps. Die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus well is really learning to live and (agape) love like Jesus. What's He wanting to do through you today? Trust and obey! He does have some great things instore! Come as you are!
I'm praying for you to draw near to Gid, hear His still small voice, understand what's next for you and to follow Him well today and always. He really loves you and learning to love like Jesus is really all about just being who you are and allowing God to use what you have to be a blessing. We are very blessed, highly favored and very loved creations sent to love. May it be so Lord! have Your way with us and use us well. Thanks! Amen!
Charles Stanley:
TWFYT: (The Word for You Today)
ODB: (Our Daily Bread)
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Hollywood gives us larger-than-life spies who are dashing drivers of flashy Aston-Martins and other luxury sports cars. But Jonna Mendez, a former CIA chief, paints an opposite picture of the real thing. An agent must be “the little gray man,” she says, someone nondescript, not flashy. “You want them to be forgettable.” The best agents are those least likely to appear like agents.
When two of Israel’s spies slipped into Jericho, it was Rahab who hid them from the king’s soldiers (Joshua 2:4). She was seemingly the least likely person for God to employ as an espionage agent, for she had three strikes against her: she was a Canaanite, a woman, and a prostitute. Yet Rahab had started to believe in the God of the Israelites: “Your God is God in heaven” (v. 11). She hid God’s spies under flax on the roof, assisting in their daring escape. God rewarded her faith: “Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family” (6:25).
Sometimes we might feel we’re the least likely to be used by God. Perhaps we have physical limitations, don’t feel “flashy” enough to lead, or have a tarnished past. But history is filled with “nondescript” believers redeemed by God, people like Rahab who were given a special mission for His kingdom. Be assured: He has divine purposes for even the least likely of us.
By Kenneth Petersen
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In what ways do you feel “in the background”? What do you think might be the mission God has for you?
Dear God, please help me be ready for Your calling, for the mission You might have for me.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute who’d put her faith in Yahweh even before she met the two Israelite spies (Joshua 2:9–10). The New Testament commends her for her faith in God (Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). Rahab wasn’t only delivered from death (Joshua 6:17, 22–23) but was raised to a position of honor. She married Salmon, an Israelite, and was blessed to be an ancestor of King David as well as the Messiah (Ruth 4:21–22; Matthew 1:5). Rahab was one of four non-Israelites (also Tamar, probably a Canaanite; Ruth, a Moabite; Uriah’s wife [Bathsheba], probably a Hittite) and one of five women listed in Jesus’ genealogy (Matthew 1:1–17).
K. T. Sim |
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UR: (Upper Room)
Finding A Miracle
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NRSVUE)
When my husband was hospitalized for kidney stones, I was hoping for a miracle. I hoped the stones could be dissolved without major surgery by his drinking a lot of water or coconut water. But the stones were already very large and would not dissolve.
During that time at the hospital, God led me to comfort a patient in the next room who had burns all over his body. Nobody came to visit him because he was a migrant in our city and all of his family lived in another city. Together, we chatted, laughed, sang, and prayed. And as I comforted him, I was also being comforted by God.
Today’s reading from 2 Corinthians reminds me of the comfort that God gives. I often feel God’s comfort when I comfort others. During that time at the hospital, I hoped there would be a miracle for my husband, but he did not experience one. Rather, when I chose to comfort the patient next door, I found a different kind of miracle from God.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for comforting us in all circumstances so that we may offer comfort to others. Amen.
Joe Toy (one of our supported missionaries)
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September 2023
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us:”
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite quotes when out preaching at an event is, “If you come to Raleigh, you will hear about Jesus.” I am blessed to work with a great group of men who are serious in proclaiming Jesus in the harvest fields of The Triangle, which is the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. A few weeks back, we had a group of eight men at a street festival at North Carolina State University called the Packapalooza. We were able to pass out hundreds of tracts and converse with many people. One young woman engaged in conversation with Peter Firth and committed her life to Christ, which brought much joy to Peter’s heart as he said, “It’s been a long time since I have seen someone get saved.”
Peter and I have preached at a number of Friday Night on White St. events in Wake Forest this past summer and conversed with a number of folks and passed out many gospel tracts. This event draws out a lot of teenagers who do not have much church background. It does provide some great gospel opportunities to teach Biblical truth to them. As usual, our “Are you going to Heaven? Free Test” sign draws out a lot of curiosity in them to approach us. |
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The late summer brings us to another college football season at NC State games. The first game of the season had us sitting in the SUV waiting for a thunderstorm to let up. As it finally let up, we began to walk to the stadium in the midst of some serious thunder and lightning. It had me wondering if I had made the right decision. The storm pushed away and gave Paul Infranco and I two-and-a-half hours of outreach time. As we finished up and headed back, the rain began again as we reached the car. PTL. The games provide an opportunity to get the gospel to thousands of football fans on game day.
Our second game of the season was a beautiful warm afternoon. We were blessed to give out thousands of tracts and have a few conversations. I was approached by a group of young women who asked me if I was homophobic. I asked them if they meant was I afraid of homosexuals? Their reply was, “Yes.” I proceeded to tell them that the Bible tells me to love people. This brought a big smile to their faces and opened up an opportunity to share Christ.
One young man who was tagging along stayed awhile to hear a clear gospel presentation and thanked me as he left. It is amazing how the Lord works. I have learned through the years that if we are faithful out there, the opportunities come.
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One of the things we look forward to through the summer is getting back on the college campuses, where the Lord gives us many opportunities to share Christ. I was telling our small group at church that it is also a way to reach the world as there are many international students on campus.
Both UNC and NCS had some sobering events early this semester as a grad student
shot and killed a professor at UNC and a student committed suicide on Labor Day at NCS. We saw a lot of somber faces on campus after these tragedies and a greater willingness to receive gospel literature. Already, we have seen two professions of faith on these campuses.
Recently, we had a young man named Eli preach with us at UNC. He is a student, who believes that the Lord has called him to preach to his fellow students. His passion and compassion is touching as pleads with tears for them to come to Christ. It is an honor to support him.
The Moore Square Bus Station is another one of our keys spots of ministry. The Lord has built up a good team of men who are committed to reach the needy who struggle with homelessness and drugs. We are developing a lot of good relationships with folks who trust us now. It is not uncommon for about ten or more Bibles to go out each day that we are there. Also, we are blessed with some folks who are donating water, reading glasses and Blessing bags, which helps to provide for some basic needs. Keep us in prayer. The Lord is at work. God Bless!
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Don 
Friday, September 29 2023
TGIF! Thank God I'm Forgiven! We do have so much to be thankful for everyday! Begin this day with some praise!
Good Morning Called, Faithful, Giving Servants of the Most High God! The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God of St. Matthew's; and the God of you! He is our Savior, Shepherd, and Lord! PTL! Worship, adore, and submit yourself to Him today. Give Him your heart, your love, your hands and feet, your best, and all that He has given you. Allow Him to shepherd you and to be the Lord of this day and weekend. He has custom made you for your purposes for today and everyday. He is calling you by name and wanting to hang out and love through you. Be still and know that He is God and He is with you and has given you His authority and power to go transform the world you walk through each day. PTL! And when we fail or sin, we know that we will be forgiven as we repent and get back on track. Everyday we are called by Jesus to die to self, take up our cross and follow Him. As we think about the sacrifice He made for us, can we do any less? Confess, repent, and believe the Good news today! Then just worship! And willingly give back to Him from the abundance of blessings He has bestowed upon you! Offer a sacrifice of praise!
here's a song to meditate on as you sit at His feet...I'm Forgiven! (PTL!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avJ4lDnZWRU. Yes PTL and may your day be filled with joy as we walk from your cross and follow Jesus!
Below you will find the Upper Room, Our Daily Bread devos and a copy of my Charles Stanley devo for today. Yesterday as I was visiting some of our homebound, God impressed on me that I should walk in and pronounce His love, acceptance, blessings over them and then remind them of their daily purposes just as they are. Jesus is looking at you too and saying, "I love you! I know you! I made you for something special today. Come! Let me lead you to my best! Let me love you and love through you today!" Do you sense His loving presence right now. He is sitting with you and listening to you and trying to align your heart beat to His. Be still and know. Be open and receive. Be filled with His love overflowing! He came just for you, His masterpiece. He is making you new in Christ. And He has some great things planned for you, even today! Rejoice! Worship. Love God and others and enjoy this day! You are known, called, forgiven and very loved. Jesus can be, not only your Savior, but your Lord and Shepherd. Surrender and give Him all of you and follow well!
God's been speaking to me a lot lately through the 23rd Psalm. One, many of us have memorized. Sit and mediate on this and receive Your Shepherds love and heart to walk through this day! Shalom!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypzobDJT7f8
Charles Stanley Devotional:
Upper Room: Comfort In Scriptures
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. - Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
Years ago, I wore a shirt with the inscription “I depend on Jesus.” But it was not until after I was diagnosed with cancer that I began to understand how important depending on Jesus is. Shortly after being diagnosed, I started a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, followed by surgery. After the cancer was removed, my condition went from life-threatening to lifestyle-changing. The surgery and treatments caused side effects which I have to live with every day.
I have come to realize just how important memorizing scripture can be. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, for example, Paul refers to a thorn in his flesh, but he adds that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. We will have troubled times, but Matthew 28:20 assures us that Jesus will be with us to the end of the age. The Bible contains thousands of God’s promises and God is faithful to them all (see Ps. 145:13). What a comforting thought! We serve a mighty God. Now I live each day confident that nothing can separate me from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ (see Rom. 8:38).
TODAY'S PRAYER
Thank you, loving God, for staying with us when life gets tough and for your promise of an everlasting life. Amen.ODB:
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On our last day in Wisconsin, my friend brought her four-year-old daughter Kinslee to say goodbye. “I don’t want you to move,” said Kinslee. I hugged her and gave her a canvas, hand-painted fan from my collection. “When you miss me, use this fan and remember that I love you.” Kinslee asked if she could have a different fan—a paper one from my bag. “That one’s broken,” I said. “I want you to have my best fan.” I didn’t regret giving Kinslee my favorite fan. Seeing her happy made me happier. Later, Kinslee told her mother she was sad because I kept the broken fan. They sent me a brand-new, fancy purple fan. After giving generously to me, Kinslee felt happy again. So did I.
In a world that promotes self-gratification and self-preservation, we can be tempted to hoard instead of living with giving hearts. However, the Bible says that a person who “gives freely . . . gains even more” (Proverbs 11:24). Our culture defines prosperity as having more and more and more, but the Bible says that “a generous person will prosper” and “whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (v. 25).
God’s unlimited and unconditional love and generosity continually recharge us. We can each have a giver’s heart and create unending giving cycles because we know God—the Giver of all good things—never gets tired of providing abundantly.
By Xochitl Dixon
REFLECT & PRAY
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How has the generosity of others helped you get closer to Jesus? How can you put someone else’s needs above your own this week?
Dear God, help me give as generously as You’ve given to me.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Proverbs 10–22 are a collection of individual wisdom sayings compiled by Solomon. In Proverbs 10–15, most of the proverbs appear in contrastive form, in which a wise choice is advised and then compared to the negative result of foolish behavior. It can be difficult to identify a specific thread in any given section of these proverbs, but in the second half of chapter 11, the theme of wealth and its appropriate use is clearly in view. In verse 15, we’re warned against using our wealth as collateral for a stranger and are reminded that caution in making commitments is wise. In verse 16, wealth is contrasted with honor, and wealth is seen as vastly inferior. Verse 18 warns against “deceptive wages” and instead extols “righteousness.” And in verse 24, a generous heart brings “even more” to the giver, while stinginess will lead to “poverty.”
Gain wisdom from the Bible on how to handle finances.
Tim Gustafson |
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Thursday, September 28 2023
Mark your calendars: Sun Oct 1st 10 am, Worldwide Communion worship.
Wed Oct. 4th Dinner gathering of Family Ministries (all ages) and The Chosen Huddle from 6-8pm.
Sun Oct 8th, worship at 10. And 2-4pm will be season of prayer for our denomination, district, churches to become a dynamic movement of God and for personal needs. (Our bishop has called us all to a season of prayer)
Wed Oct 11th 10-12 Donuts and discussions during our Bread ministry then 6-8pm Family Ministries/Chosen Huddles dinner and discussions.
All are welcome to any of our activities.
Good Morning Being Transformed Followers of Jesus. One of the popular sayings in The Chosen is, "I was one way, but, now I am another!" Amen! Last night at our Chosen/Family Ministries dinner and huddles (plan to join us next Wed. at 6-8 and bring some friends) we discussed this. Every day we journey to become more like Christ and towards fulfilling our custom made purposes in Him. As long as we are breathing the air of this world, God want to pour out His love on us and grow us towards our created potential as He prepares us for the days when we will be breathing the air of heaven. In our journey to Christlikeness and towards becoming more fully who we were created to be, we will have days of advance and days of backsliding. But as we look back and assess how we are doing in our walk with Jesus, Lord willing, we will see that we were one way and now we are another. PTL! God loves you and created you just as you are to accomplish your custom made purposes each day and along the way. He is with you, has gifted you and enables you to continue to grow to the greater things He has for you. Allow Him to do more than you could ever imagine--His will. What a gift we receive when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior! Yes we were one way and now another and next year we can be another better way in Christ. That's being a disciple of Jesus. Who are you taking along in your journey? Ask God to show you who to invite.
Many around us are struggling and depressed, even believers, because they have not found or understood their created purposes. Do you know yours? Seek God and the counsel of some believers as you process together who you are in Christ and what Hiss plans are for you. They are good! Last evening Family Ministries discussed John 10 where Jesus teaches that He is our Good Shepherd and that His sheep (us) hear His voice and follow Him. Are you hearing Jesus speaking to your heart today saying, "I love you! I have great plans for you today! Follow Me!"? You can as you open His Word and sit as His feet with open ears and prayerful heart. Ask Him to speak to you and for ears to hear and heart and mind to understand. But understanding and knowledge is just the beginning. Ask for feet to follow and hands to serve as you walk with Him through each day. That's all He asks. Be you and do what He has for you to do. Live and love like Jesus as you are and as you go. And ask God who He wants you to travel with. He sent His disciples two by two and continues today to send us with partners. Ask God to help you find someone, even this week, to help find their purpose in Christ and to learn to walk with Him into His greater things for them. (Make disciples!)
Today I begin homebound visitations. I have observed two kinds of people: those with hope and purpose and those without. You can figure out which have joy and which are miserable and depressed. As long as we live here, each day God has some purposes for you--plans for you. Good plans! No matter what you are going through, your age, physical health, and abilities, You are here for a purpose. Choose to seek, trust, obey and follow well each day and you will be filled with joy as you enjoy the abundant life God promised you. We are blessed to be a blessing and get blessed back as we bless. What joy! Maybe God is pinching you to encourage some friends who are isolated and struggling to find purpose and joy? Maybe your purpose for today is to break out of your slump and go love like Jesus? Great joy and abundant life await as you move from being one way to another!
We are reading through John 6 this week and will be discussing it Sunday. When we completed our study of Ecclesiastes a few weeks ago we were reminded that life is meaning less with out God. But we know Him and are being made new in Christ and our lives have meaning. Solomon concludes with our purpose: Love God and enjoy life. Amen! Be you and love well today! That leads to the abundant life we are promised. In John 6:27 Jesus commands us to, "Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man came to give you." This is not a ""works" kind of thing trying to earn our way to salvation. He's saying stop striving so hard and worrying about your needs in this world that He promises to provide. He's calling us to focus on Him and growling into our fuller potential in Him as we invest into our future heavenly purposes. In verse 29 He says, "This is the only work God wants from you, believe in the One He sent." We believe! We have assurance of our future address. And we have purposes each day as we prepare for the day when we will be a whole new way, just like Jesus and with Him for eternity.
So what hungers are you seeking to fulfill today? Col 3:11 reminds us that in this life Christ is all that matters and He lives in you. PTL! Feed your spiritual hunger and seek first His kingdom and all other things will be added. He provides! Trust Him! Seek Him and follow well as you go love like Him today! Drink deep of the Living Water--the pause the refreshes. Love God. Be you and enjoy this day! Before you know it, you will be another way too! Amen! And Shalom!
Wednesday, September 27 2023
Today's church happenings: 10-12 Bread Ministry at Fellowship Hall doors. 6PM Dinner for all who will come (pizza party!) followed by the Chosen series and Family Ministries lesson and crafts for the kids.
We continue to read through the Gospel of John. This week chapter 6 (a few verses daily) and answer 3 questions: What's going on here? What's God saying to me? What specific and measurable things will I do about it? Sunday we will be discuss your thoughts and questions and answers to John 6:22-71. Come prepared for some hard teaching from Jesus as we prepare to receive the Lord's Supper. Sun is World-wide communion Sunday. We celebrate at 10. (Note: our doors are locked at 10:10 for the safety of all) Bring a friend! Children's Church is available as well.
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Good Morning Seen, Know, Loved, Created for His Purpose Children of God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth and Us! You are known, loved, have meaning and purpose! PTL! Dwell in His loving presence this morning! Rejoice for you are fearfully and wonderfully made--God's masterpiece, made new in Christ and enabled to accomplish all the greater things God has for you! (Eph. 2:10). Rejoice! You may feel like God is distant or doesn't see you. You may feel useless or overwhelmed, but God knows, cares and is standing there with open arms of love and help for your journey. Be still. Draw near and know that He is God! Check out ODB below and answer their questions: "What does it mean that Jesus knows your name? How might you similarly encourage others?" Keep working at living and loving like Jesus!
The UR (below) also speaks into overloading your schedule and not honoring God's healthy rhythms. Working from rest and walking yoked to Jesus at His pace and doing the things He has for you should not be wearying or a heavy burden that drags you down. Be still and know.
I was pinched today by TWFYT (below). It really ties to the above. We are known and God wants to know us. We grow in relationship with Him and learn to hear His voice and become familiar with His ways as we mediate on Scripture. It is best to turn off the noise, be still and listen to hear. Ask for understanding and an open heart and mind as we engage with God through His Word and begin to sink our roots deep in Him. We recharge for the day as we draw in Living Water from the Living Word of God. And as we do what He reveals and desires we will prosper. He has good plans for you, custom made. We need to work on the processing with others and making God's plans balanced with the things we need to do to survive and thrive in this world. We have responsibilities in God's Kingdom and in our earthly lives that need good balance. Being still and spending time with God each day is like taking your vitamins with OJ and we step into the day prepared with deep roots for whatever may come our way. We are also becoming more familiar with His voice and better able to respond to His directing.
In the beginning of John 6 studies we find Jesus feeding the 5000. He will take care of your physical needs too. He walks on the water. he's always walking towards you in your storms and able to calm your rough seas. And He pronounces that He is the Bread from Heaven--our manna. Taste and see that the Lord is good and with you and for you. Then go forth ready to live and love like Jesus today! I just prayed for you to see, hear, and know how much you are loved and to understand and do your purposes well today. Have a great day! Shalom! See you tonight!
ODB: (Our Daily Bread)
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Natalia went to a different nation with the promise of receiving an education. But soon the father in her new home began physically and sexually abusing her. He forced her to care for his home and children without pay. He refused to let her go outside or use the phone. She had become his slave.
Hagar was Abram and Sarai’s Egyptian slave. Neither one used her name. They called her “my slave” or “your slave” (Genesis 16:2, 5–6). They merely wanted to use her so they could have an heir.
How different is God! The angel of the Lord makes His first appearance in Scripture when He speaks to a pregnant Hagar in the desert. The angel is either God’s messenger or God Himself. Hagar believes He’s God, for she says, “I have now seen the One who sees me” (v. 13). If the angel is God, He could possibly be the Son—the One who reveals God to us—making an early, preincarnate appearance. He says her name, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” (v. 8).
God saw Natalia and brought caring people into her life who rescued her. She’s now studying to become a nurse. God saw Hagar and called her by name. And God sees you. You may be overlooked or worse, abused. Jesus calls you by name. Run to Him.
By Mike Wittmer
REFLECT & PRAY
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What does it mean to you that Jesus knows your name? How might you similarly encourage others?
Thank You, Jesus, for knowing my name. I rest in Your love for me.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Biblical names are significant because they give meaning to the events that accompany the naming. In Genesis 16, two names tell us more about who God is. In the naming of Hagar’s son, Ishmael (v. 11), God revealed Himself as the God who hears our prayers, for Ishmael means “God hears.” In response, Hagar named God “You are the God who sees me” (v. 13) or El-Roi. The Lexham English Bible translates it as: “She called the name of Yahweh who spoke to her, ‘You are El-Roi,’ for she said, ‘Here I have seen after he who sees me.’ ” Yahweh is the all-hearing and all-seeing God.
K. T. Sim |
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UR: (The Upper Room)
More than we can chew
[The Lord says], “Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
The dog came out from under the deck with a piece of naan bread in her mouth. She obviously had a buried stash of food. On occasion, she’s been known to swipe food scraps. No matter how large the scraps are, she is determined not to let them fall from her mouth or let them be taken from her; so she tries to eat large pieces of food in one mouthful.
This morning I heard the phrase, “You’ve bitten off more than you can chew” and thought of the dog. At times we commit to responsibilities and deadlines without measuring the impact they will have on our lives. We may then find ourselves with over-filled mouths, wondering how we’re going to chew it all.
When we’re under pressure and feeling burdened, simply being still is often the hardest thing to do. It can feel counter-intuitive when we have so much on our plate. But in stillness, we remember God. We can then cast our cares on God and ask for wisdom and direction.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving Father, give us peace to be still before you even when we have bitten off more than we can chew. Give us the wisdom to deal with whatever is before us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
TWFYT (The Word for You Today)
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Tuesday, September 26 2023
Good Morning Pray-ers, Intercessors, Watchman, Warriors, Workers and Worshipers! Prayer is so basic, essential, required and needed. Everything of value from God is birthed through our prayers. In our Good News Delivery Co. Prayer is the foundation, power source, and goes before us as we listen, receive, process and follow God. Prayer births our fruit. Keep praying! It's something we all can and should do! We need you!
Below are a couple of prayer guides you can use to start your prayers and to pray for our church, district and denomination and for our nation. Cry out to God for revival and guidance! Check out the ODB as well.
Today we gather on Zoom at 10 to pray, study, listen and release more prayers. All are welcome! https://us06web.zoom.us/s/3737105001?pwd=U0xuWEtlcXNIRW9pL2U2VWI1SjVSdz09#success
And please mark your calendars and plan to attend some or all of the time next Sunday Oct 8th as we pray for our denomination, district, and church to become a dynamic movement of God and for personal needs as well. Pray for this day to be one where we encounter God and release His will and power. This event is open to anyone. The sanctuary and elevator doors will be open from 2-4.
I'm praying for you right now to draw close to God, dwell in His loving presence to listen and then release what He wants you to pray. Here a gathering of songs to use during your prayer, praise and worship today: 30 minutes MORNING DEVOTION worship songs with lyrics
ODB:
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When a baby cries, it’s a signal that the child is tired or hungry, right? Well, according to doctors at Brown University, subtle differences in a newborn’s cries can also provide important clues for other problems. Doctors have devised a computer program that measures cry factors like pitch, volume, and how clear the cry sound is to determine if something’s wrong with the baby’s central nervous system.
Isaiah prophesied that God would hear the distinct cries of His people, determine their hearts’ condition, and respond with grace. Judah, rather than consulting God, had ignored His prophet and sought help in an alliance with Egypt (Isaiah 30:1–7). God told them that if they chose to continue in their rebellion, He’d bring about their defeat and humiliation. However, He also longed “to be gracious to [them]; . . . to show [them] compassion” (v. 18). Rescue would come, but only through their cries of repentance and faith. If God’s people did cry out to Him, He would forgive their sins and renew their spiritual strength and vitality (vv. 8–26).
The same holds true for believers in Jesus today. When our distinct cries of repentance and trust reach the ears of our heavenly Father, He hears them, forgives us, and renews our joy and hope in Him.
By Marvin Williams
REFLECT & PRAY
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Why are you tempted to rebel against God and seek help apart from Him? How does repentance before Him lead to reconciliation and life?
Dear God, please forgive me for seeking safety, security, and protection apart from You. Please restore my love for You.
For further study, read Feeling the Weight of Sin.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Isaiah 30:19–26 describes a future when God’s people will be guided once more by sound teaching (vv. 20–22) and when the land will produce “rich and plentiful” food (v. 23). Causes for God’s people weeping will be “no more” (v. 19). They will live and flourish in Jerusalem once again (v. 19).
The promise that God will remove any reason for tears is echoed elsewhere in Isaiah (25:8; 61:3). This promised future was fulfilled in part by His people returning from exile. But these promises will find full fulfillment when Christ returns (Revelation 7:17).
Monica La Rose |
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Monthly family prayer starters:
https://www.harvestprayer.com/31-prayers-of-praise-for-the-family/
Oct. ONE Cry:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6039a2aaa0caae5783b8b88b/t/64650280eaac0951d41ddf65/1684341376565/October+2023.pdf
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