Thank God I'm Forgiven! PTL! WORSHIP and invite God to come and inhabit your praise. He will!
Good Morning Redeemed Friend of God! He loves you so much (John 3:16)! He calls you by name and draws close as you draw close to Him. He is present and sent us presents (Jesus, Gifts, Abilities, His presence...)! Meditate on the below offerings for and rejoice as you enter this day with much and joy! Amen!
Sarah Young:
Connection:
Oh Christ, forgive my hardness of heart, and my stubborn grasp on my own concerns. Please help me to step into the plans and purposes of Your loving heart. May my prayer life be a stream that flows into Your river of love, pouring out upon my enemies, the lost, the poor, the orphaned, and the marginalized faceless people who drift across my path every day! Help me to focus upon them with Your eyes, motivated by love birthed from Your heart.
Praise God for the privilege of coming to him in worship and praise .
Give thanks with “shouts of joy and ” (Ps. 42:4) for God’s many benefits.
Confess your occasional lack of enthusiasm in devotion.
Commit yourself to “festive” times of personal worship.
Ask God to meet with you on those occasions.
Ask that the devotional experiences of your family and friends will be characterized by joy. Pray that the Spirit will enliven their walk with God.
Prayer Pointer
“Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.” —John Bunyan
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Good Morning Loved, Called By Name, and Sent Followers of Jesus! Amen and PTL! We know these things and should thank God for them but do they inform your prayers and activated faith? Do you abide in and share the Love? Can you hear God calling you by name and when not still know He is calling you by name to love on you and not punish, to forgive and help repent, to empower and activate your actions? Do you know where, or even that, He is sending you? Are you following Jesus and His ways? Dep stuff to contemplate with God and process with your teammates ! Lord, thank You for Your Love, calling and sending of my church, my team and me! Come! Fill us and send us! Unite us on mission and your purposes. lead us in the paths of righteousness, for Your name's sake. Walk with us and make your self real to us in those dark valleys and even times of great joy! May we always draw close to You and know and experience that You are God. Come! Fill us and lead us and use us and for Your glory alone. Thanks! Show us the way and move our feet. bring courage and love alive. May we live and love like You always. Thanks! Your Kingdom come and will be done in, through and around me and us. Yes and we worship You with all our hearts and moving feet and joyful obedience. Amen!
Here are our devos for to begin your quiet time and for reloading and being informed before you take that first step of faith . Then Go! Live and Love like Jesus. He's lovingly calling you to go with Him! PTL! The questions is, will you? Grab your teammates and go. I'm praying for you to know God's shalom as you do. Amen!
UR: Through It All
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. - John 1:3 (NIV)
When I was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer at 27 years old, I became aware of God’s constant presence in a whole new way. God was with me during my suffering as well as my healing process and eventual remission, which I still celebrate over 20 years later. God was working through the doctors, my friends, and the other people who helped me during this major life crisis.
I used to think God was only present in the good, “holy” moments I experienced. But I discovered that God is always with me, regardless of whether I perceive God’s presence. I learned to reframe my thinking about who God is and God’s nature. Instead of thinking of God as distant, merely watching me fail as a human, I began to see God as scripture describes — everywhere and in all things.
God is always with us, and nothing can change that fact. No matter what we do or what happens in our lives, God guides and loves us through it all.
's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being with us in sorrow and in joy. Help us to notice your presence and to trust that you are at work in our lives. Amen.
ODB:
Our Calling in Christ
Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord. Ezra 7:10
Ginnie Hislop received a standing ovation as she received her master’s degree in 2024. Why? It came eighty-four years after she’d completed her coursework! In 1941, she needed only to submit her thesis. But her then boyfriend, George, was suddenly called to serve during World War II. The two quickly married and headed to his army outpost—leaving Ginnie’s nearly realized degree behind. But after a lengthy pause, she was finally able to complete what she’d started.
Ezra was a student of Scripture—one who truly had an “advanced degree” in God’s law—who’d been waiting years to return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. “Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees” (Ezra 7:10). Zerubbabel and a group of Israelite exiles had been permitted to return from Babylon to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem decades earlier (2:1-2). And now Ezra, who had “the gracious hand of his God . . . on him” (7:9), was leading more exiles to Jerusalem. God would use him to reform and restore the proper worship of Him according to Scripture: “Ezra opened the book [of the Law]. All the people . . . bowed down and worshiped the Lord” (Nehemiah 8:5-6).
Ezra had to wait decades, but he completed his calling in God’s strength. In His power, let’s persist in finishing the work He has for us.
By Tom Felten
REFLECT & PRAY
What can you do to press on in your calling from God? How can you persist in His power and wisdom?
Dear God, please help me finish well what You’ve called me to do.
The book of Ezra records the two returns of Jewish exiles from Babylon. Zerubbabel, a descendant of David (Matthew 1:12), led the first return of fifty thousand in 538 bc (Ezra 1-6). Some eighty years later (458 bc), Ezra led another five thousand in the second return (chs. 7-10). Nehemiah, a contemporary of Ezra, led the third return in 444 bc. Ezra, a priest and a teacher well-versed in the law of Moses, faithfully taught the Scriptures to the people, leading them in two spiritual renewals (Ezra 9-10; Nehemiah 8-10). As God helped Ezra, He can help us persist in finishing the work He has for us.
Good Morning Team! Praying for you all and for God to grow us as united teammates--His Good News Delivery Company where we all are using our gifts to encourage each other and grow His Church. I have a busy day and need to git the road in a couple of minutes. Just wanted to remind you to pray for your teammates and for God to raise up small groups and teams in our fellowship. Acts reminds us that all the people met together and shared what they had and there were no needs. Is that us? What has God blessed you with to share? Time, Talent, Treasure? Try it! Check out the Upper Room and talk to God and find some teammates ! We are better together! May we keep striving at growing at being united in Christ and pursuing the things He has gathered and is sending us to do. Amen!
UR: Stronger Together
Live in harmony with one another . . . so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6 (NRSVUE)
There are two sawmills in my state that cut and form desert mesquite trees for furniture. This distinctive wood has a vivid and striking spectrum of color, shapes, and swirls, but the mesquite is so dense that saw blades dull after a few cuts. Despite being difficult to work with, mesquite has greater structural integrity than other hardwoods because of its tight grain pattern, which makes the wood less likely to warp, crack, or split.
Several years ago a Bible drive at our church brought similar “structural integrity” to the congregation. We collected Bibles and other Christian literature to send overseas to believers hungry for the word of God. Congregants of all ages became strongly motivated with this assignment, scouring their homes for any extra Bibles and Christian resources. The project brought people together.
Unity within the body of Christ is an important message in Paul’s letters. It’s not just a matter of diverse people getting along but also sharing goals to bring glory to God. Like the mesquite’s dramatic beauty, superior strength, and tightly woven pattern, churches thrive when we live in harmony, participating together in spreading the love of Christ.
's Prayer
Dear God, bless all who organize outreach ministries. Thank you for all who work together to share the good news of your love with others. Amen.
Good Morning Followers of Our Wise and Faithful God and Followers of His Way! Amen! Pronounce that over you and us. Our vocalized words carry weight, especially when lifted as a prayer! This salutation flows from our devotionals for (below).
God created you and me for His purposes for such a time as this. In Hs wisdom He leads us to something new all the time. We are moving from "glory to glory" by His grace. And by His grace we were one way and now another and now moving to a new and improved self in Christ. Amen! Pronounce it. Believe it! Choose it! Know peace! God is in the business of transforming us into His image and empowering and growing us to fulfill our created potential. PTL! So, what's that look like for you? How about for your teammates? How has God gifted you to encourage them and grow His Church? Pray into these things and ask Him to lead you to His Way. Faith is active and will produce results as we step into it and our call. So who are you following? God or your own desires or, heaven forbid, Satan and the world? It's time to die to self, take up cross and follow Jesus as you are with an eye on who God wants you to become and the things He has planned for you. We are reminded in Ecclesiastes what matters in this life, "Love God and enjoy life." When we love God well and live out His plans for us His way we will be able to rest in Him and enjoy life! Amen! It's stopping the striving and putting on Jesus' easy yoke as we walk with Him. Doing that, leads to true joy and peace. Amen! Try it. You'll like it, follower of the Way! I'm praying for you as you engage with these devos and become more than hearers, but doers of the Word, God's way. Amen! I was reminded at the beginning of my quiet time of the greatest commandment that should inform all of our lives and choices: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." What's that look like as you allow God to be God and lead you to His perfect plans? I can't wait to see!
I’m guessing many of you are like me and get aggravated when your computer is slow, or when fast food is less than fast. When I think I need an immediate deliverance from an unpleasant situation or circumstance, I quickly ask God for rescue and most often, I am left in the situation until it is resolved…and perhaps not the way I would have liked. I keep wanting to think that God is teaching me patience in those moments; however, I’m beginning to pay closer attention to what I already know – He wants me to change my expectations from wanting my answers to prayer to be according to my anticipated outcomes to using the mind of Christ He gave me: “‘For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16). The mind of Jesus was always perfectly submitted to the will of the Father…it awes me to think this same mind belongs to me…if I will use it!
Patience (or long-suffering) is a fruit that doesn’t seem to ripen on my tree sometimes. When I need help, I want God to hear me quickly and deal with my situation perfectly, which would, of course, be exactly the way I think He should deal with it. Sometimes God has other answers in mind that I am incapable of understanding when standing in the moment of “need.”
Dallas Willard said, “Wanting God to be God is very different from wanting God to help me.” If I could grasp this, my praying would be very different much of the time! In my heart I know that my prayers should always be in alignment with the will of God, and that I need to lay aside my own agenda in deference to His plans and purposes. But there are just times when I need help from God and so I ask! I wish I could say that I always ask with a pure heart, expecting God to be God and then get out of the way. Often, my whiney prayer is to get my needs met according to my own human expectations. What if God has a higher and better outcome through my suffering…or by letting me experience waiting or pain or disappointment? Am I able to step aside and watch from God’s perspective as my situation plays out in the heavenlies, or am I so impatient that I miss an important lesson, or even a blessing?
James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” The writer of Proverbs states, “All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but his motives are weighed by the Lord.” Ouch. When I want prayer to be about me…my need, my timing, my expectation, my way, my comfort, my desire, etc. instead of looking with anticipation for God to be all that He is in the midst of my situation, I’m asking with wrong motives. He holds my best interests in His heart. How can I ever think that my thoughts and ways are higher and better than what He intends? I wonder how often I actually screw up the perfect plans of God because I am impatient or ask selfishly.
ODB:
See What God Has Done
Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around [Saul]. He fell to the ground and heard a voice. Acts 9:3-4
Morse was the son of a Protestant minister and a struggling painter of landscapes. In the 1820s, he made a meager living as a limner—“an itinerant painter” of colonial America. But his was a life God led in another direction. Morse also had an interest in science. He learned about electromagnets, conceiving an idea that would change the world. In 1832, Samuel F. B. Morse conceived the idea of an electric telegraph and later went on to make the first working telegraph.
Probably the most dramatic biblical account of “career change” was that of Saul, who was “breathing out murderous threats” against believers in Christ (Acts 9:1). Jesus appeared to him in a great light (v. 3) saying that Saul was persecuting Him. Essentially, Saul was told to stop because he was under new orders now (v. 6). Saul did a U-turn in his life and assumed a new identity in Christ as the apostle who would eventually spread the gospel wherever he went.
Sometimes what we think is our future really isn’t. God leads us in another direction. Perhaps He needs to call us out of our sin. Or maybe it’s a change of ministry or vocation. When God redirects our lives, we do well to stop what we’re doing and follow our new orders. And as our new path opens before us, we might just echo the joy of the first dot-and-dash message of Morse’s telegraph: “What hath God wrought!”
By Kenneth Petersen
REFLECT & PRAY
How has God led your life in a different direction? What word has He given you to encourage others?
Dear God, please help me be open to Your leading as You guide my path and career in this current season.
The book of Acts contains three accounts of Saul’s conversion: 9:1-19; 22:3-16; and 26:9-18. Saul (later called Paul) made “murderous threats” (9:1) against those who “belonged to the Way” of Christ (v. 2). The second and third times we read of his conversion, Paul is giving testimony of how he turned to Christ. He admitted, “I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death” (22:4). The apostle would’ve continued in the way of opposition to Christ had not Jesus intervened (9:3-5) and led him in a different direction. At times, God will also lead us in a different direction for our good and His honor.
Tim Gustafson
UR: Divine Wisdom
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
Our church community was trying to decide on a project to address the increasing environmental pollution in our area. I placed the issue before the Lord in my daily prayers until one day, I felt the Lord asking me, “Why not consider the welfare of those who are already taking care of my creation?” With the Lord’s guidance, we all agreed to conduct a medical fair for the garbage collectors of the city, a forgotten community that renders an invaluable service to our society.
One of the biggest challenges we faced was finding the necessary funds. We approached prospective donors and asked volunteers for support. With the Lord’s help, donations flowed in, and doctors and opticians volunteered their time. The city council authorities extended their full cooperation. Mobile medical testing vehicles were available to conduct health screenings. We were even able to provide attendees with a meal and with safety gear to use while working.
This project enabled us to share the love of God and to care for those who labor to keep God’s creation clean. Tasks that are too big for us to accomplish on our own become possible through the grace and guidance of the Lord Jesus Christ.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, we praise and thank you for giving us the guidance and wisdom to execute the plans you have for us. Thank you for opportunities to bear witness to your love and care. Amen.
TWFYT
Connections:
Prayer Points
Praise God for his indescribable love.
Thank God for loving you so much that he would sacrifice his own son.
Confess ways you have not been generous with your love in response.
Commit to offering even your very body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God (Rom. 12:1).
Ask him to help you not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind (12:2).
Pray for believers being persecuted for righteousness. Ask God to help them remember the heavenly reward, enabling all to rejoice and be glad even in the face of insults and false accusations for the sake of Christ (Mt. 5:10-12).
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Everyday: Everyday: Pray for us to come alive in ’25. Pray we become a dynamic movement of God led by pastors and laity who have a burning passion for God and missionary zeal to reach the lost. Thank God for this! Ask Him to come lead us!
: Prepare your hearts to worship and come enter His courts with ! Pray that we worship in Spirit and Truth and that the Holy Spirit brings God’s Word alive so that we would be more than hearers but doers of His Word. Thank God for inhabiting our praise and leading us!
: Pray that we would become a people of prayer and a House of Prayer for the Nations. Pray for our pastors and church leaders to always seek and follow God. Ask God to bring dreams and vision to us for His plans and servants.
: Thank God for the Holy Spirit in us and for His spiritual gifts sent to bless others and grow His Church. Pray we would discover and grow in our giftedness. Thank God for the Fruit of the Spirit He is bringing alive. Come Holy Spirit!
: Thank God for our servants! Pray that our Bread Clothing, Brunch, and Mid-Week Ministries would bless and connect to our neighbors. Ask God to draw many. Pray for donut day the 10th and night restart the 17th.
: Pray for our missionaries. Ask for us to become His missionary Good News Delivery Company to our neighborhoods. Pray for provision and protection and good stewardship. Ask God what your part is and for help to do it.
: Thank God for all He and is doing to grow His Kingdom through us. Thank God for leading and using us all!
: Pray for new opportunities to connect to outsiders and for them to experience the love of Jesus in us and be drawn to Him. Pray for 30 new attendees this year. Thank God for the harvest!
Good Morning Co-Laborers! This is a day to honor laborers and for a day of rest, family, friends and fun. Enjoy!
God used Sarah to give us a great reminder to choose joy. Thanks Sarah for the reminders! We were also reminded to stop grumbling and lift and praises as we refocus. We are called to speak life and joy over things, people and situations as we refocus on God and choose joy. ODB (below) discuss joy as well. Check it out and choose joy as you rest in the Lord and recharge. It's a great day to reload, refocus and rest in the Lord and His ability to work all things together for good. Yes rejoice! Don't let the devil or your own choices steal your joy. be ready for the attacks by staying grounded in God and His Living Word. And don't forget Sarah's challenge. Start ! "No complaining for two weeks. Boycott grumbling for two weeks." Help us Lord! Come in habit our praises and redirect our minds and help us to choose joy always. Amen! May we know Your shalom! No regrets! Choose joy that flows form the trust that God will redeem, restore, revive and work all things together for good. Yes rejoice! Amen! And shalom!
ODB:
Wishing for Joy
We proclaim to you the eternal life, which . . . has appeared to us. . . . We write this to make our joy complete. 1 John 1:2, 4
In her blog post “Regrets of the Dying,” Bronnie Ware outlines regrets she heard as a nurse caring for the terminally ill. Among them were “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard” and “I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.” Perhaps most intriguing: “I wish that I had let myself be happier.”
“Facing our own inevitable death is a fabulous tool for joy-filled living,” Ware writes. That’s sound advice, but what is the source of such joy? Where do we find ultimate meaning?
As a young man, John the disciple held a distorted view of life’s purpose. He and his brother asked Jesus, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory” (Mark 10:37). Their request only sparked dissension among the disciples (v. 41).
Decades later John held a drastically different view—one of love and community in Jesus. John saw Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as foundational to everything. “We proclaim to you the eternal life,” he wrote (1 John 1:2). John told us about Jesus so that “you also may have fellowship with us” (v. 3). Then he added, “Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete” (vv. 3-4).
Life can bring regrets. Jesus invites us to exchange them for the complete joy only He can give.
By Tim Gustafson
REFLECT & PRAY
What regrets do you have? What’s keeping you from letting Jesus make your joy complete?
Heavenly Father, I regret ____________. Please step into this pain in my life. I need the joy that comes from being united with You.
John wrote this letter to refute false teachers who said that Jesus wasn’t the Messiah and wasn’t a real human person (1 John 2:22; 4:1-3). The apostle testified that he’d personally heard, seen, touched, and been in fellowship with Christ, thus affirming His humanity (1:1-3). John also declared Jesus’ deity by calling Him “the Word of life” (v. 1), “the eternal life” (v. 2), and the “Son” of God (v. 3).
The same theme is seen in John’s gospel, which he wrote so that we’d “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing [we’d] have life in his name” (John 20:31). Eternal life is the privilege and joy of knowing God and Christ (17:3; 1 John 2:25). Jesus promised that those who remained in Him would experience His joy to the fullest (John 15:11). He invites us to bring our struggles and regrets to Him and exchange them for His joy.
Come and worship! Rejoice in the Lord! This is the day He has made AND HE HAS MADE US FOR THIS DAY! WORSHIP!
Good Morning Worshipers! Hasn't God blessed us with some very beautiful days! PTL! He is the Lord of the Sabbath and the Sabbath was made for us according to Jesus. Abide. Rest. Revive. And enjoy this day! And come and worship live or on Zoom. God has a word for you and some great opportunities to be His hands and feet. Yes rejoice!
Check out our devos below. He is our Bread of Life! Allow Him to feed and sustain you. He loves you and reaches out for you even when you feel shame or that you are not worthy. None of us are worthy, yet He loves you and calls you by name to come abide and be restored and energized. Receive His love and help as you rest in Him and worship. He does have great plans custom made for custom you. Amen! Lean on Him and not your own understanding and choose joy . He is with you always. Amen! Come and worship!
UR: Bread of Life
[God] has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? - Micah 6:8 (NRSVUE)
I was sorting through papers and noticed a simple and delicious recipe for Irish soda bread that had been given to me by a friend. I decided to bake it for dinner. The recipe seemed easy enough: “Mix four cups of flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, a heaping teaspoon of salt, and two cups of buttermilk. Roll into a ball, place on a greased pie tin, and bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes.” I inhaled the heady aroma as the bread baked. A thick slice of warm, buttered bread was my reward for following the recipe.
If only life were as simple as following a recipe, I mused. Then I recalled ’s scripture verse that instructs us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. This basic recipe from God’s word says to fill the mixing bowl of our lives with honesty and integrity, spoon in a mixture of grace and mercy, and complete the process with an intimate but humble relationship with God. Bake the ingredients with love, and the result will be a life that is pleasing to God.
's Prayer
Dear Father, teach us to study your simple truths, to stir them into our hearts, and to share them with others. Amen.
ODB
Jesus Reaches for You
Jesus . . . reached out his hand and touched the man. Mark 1:41
Letty, a cleaner in an office building, was known for walking fast—really fast. In doing so, she could easily avoid people. Wounded by poverty and accustomed to condescension, she passed others with one hand reflexively covering part of her face. Her shame, in her words, over not being “like normal, beautiful, educated people,” was profoundly deep. When a woman at work extended her friendship, Letty began to heal.
A man with leprosy lived with a shame perhaps deeper than Letty’s. His disease rendered him revolting and ceremonially unclean by standards of the Mosaic law, separating him from mainstream society. The man’s wounds weren’t just physical; they were also lesions of the soul and spirit. With this woundedness, the leper approached Christ, begging, “If you are willing, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40). Heal me, he was saying, but also remove my shame.
Jesus responded not with repulsion but with compassion. “I am willing,” He said, “Be clean!” as He reached out and touched the man (v. 41). Just like the friendship extended to Letty by a coworker, Jesus’ gesture was one of understanding all that the man had suffered and of acceptance despite it all.
We may walk through life hiding what we feel separates us from “normal, beautiful, educated people.” May we allow Jesus to touch and redeem these things that cause us shame. May we know that as God's children, we’re accepted and loved.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
What makes you feel shame? How can you entrust this to Christ’s redeeming love?
After Jesus showed compassion and healed the man with leprosy, He gave him “a strong warning: ‘See that you don’t tell this to anyone’ ” (Mark 1:43-44). He gave similar warnings in Mark 1:34; 3:12 (these commands were to evil spirits); 5:43; 7:36; 8:30; and 9:9. Why wouldn’t Christ want people to know He was the Messiah? Because it wasn’t yet time for His identity to be fully revealed. Jesus was still establishing His authority over our enemy the devil with His miracles and teaching. Christ understood how seeing these miracles might cause people to jump to the wrong conclusion about His mission and purpose. Regardless, He never sought publicity. In Mark 1, because the man spread the news of his healing despite Jesus’ warning, He chose to remain “outside [the towns] in lonely places. Yet the people still came to Him from everywhere” (v. 45). We’re always drawn to this one who lovingly removes our shame as we believe in Him.
Good Morning Worshipers! Prepare your hearts for a day of worship as you follow Jesus. Pray for Sarah and her message . Ask God for some partners in ministry and get out and shine ! Amen!
No more than that …dwell, worship and go love. Amen! I’m enjoying a Sabbath day as well as I rest in the Lord and let Him dwell in and use me. Amen! Come Lord Jesus! Prepare and use me well and may I glorify You. Amen!
Thank God I'm Forgiven! Praise God for your forgiveness and His love, mercy and grace as you begin your quiet time . Yes rejoice and celebrate God inhabiting your praise too.
Good Morning Forgiven and Redeemed of the Lord! Rejoice!
Check out the Connection Blog below about this and worship as you meditate and pray on our God who saves. Dwell in God's presence as you worship, receive and prepare for the day ahead. Ask for help to live, love like Jesus and even forgive as you have been forgiven. Check out the Upper Room. They end with this statement that had me going very deep for a bit and questioning myself with "Does my life reflect this?", "My life is an example of God's loving grace and redemptive power." Is your life a reflection of the love and mercy you have been shown? Thank God I'm forgiven! Help me to be more like You and to repent of all sin. Help me to reflect and incarnate You, Jesus! Come! Help us to choose well and what is right and glorifies you. Thank You! Help us to find accountability partners and some co-laborers to work through these things with as we seek to follow Jesus together! Unite us in Your love and mission of love. Thank You! May many be drawn to You by our loving relationship with You and each other. Thank You! Come live and love through us. May we glorify You! Amen!
Connection Blog:
- Personal Encounter with Jesus
Scripture states that our chief enemy is Satan. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, we should recognize that behind our flesh and blood enemies ultimately Satan is at work.
The Apostle Paul probably understood this concept more fully than any of the disciples or other believers. At one time, he persecuted the followers of Jesus, even casting his vote to have many put to death while he watched in approval. A case could certainly be made that Paul considered all believers to be his enemies and vice versa. But when God got Paul’s attention on the road to Damascus, which ultimately led to his salvation through Jesus, he grasped for the first time, the mercy of the Lord. He understood that the followers of Jesus were not his enemies, as God gave him tremendous insight about his real enemy – Satan.
Paul went from being an enemy of God to a child of God through a personal encounter with Jesus. He described the difference, from personal experience, to the Philippian church: "For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:18-20a).
It is also important to remember that, like Paul, each of us was at one time an enemy of God: "Since we now have been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled shall we be saved through His life? Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation" (Romans 5:9-11). Because we have experienced the mercy of God, should we not also extend it to others?
Merciful God, my life is whole and new since I began a relationship with Jesus, even when there are disappointments and struggles. There are so many who believe You to be their enemy, when Satan is the one who is making their lives miserable and dysfunctional. Please use me to bring Your light and mercy into the lives of those around me who are in the midst of difficult circumstances.
I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. - Romans 7:18 (NIV)
After my six-year enlistment in the US Navy, I found it extremely difficult to transition back into civilian life. Before I knew it, I was addicted to various drugs and living on the streets of Baltimore. I was completely lost and spiritually dead. During those times of self-inflicted misery, I would break laws to gain access to drugs. I was incarcerated repeatedly. But with each new incarceration, I gravitated to the Holy Bible, and the readings gave me hope. But then I would be released and before long I was using drugs again.
It wasn’t until I read Romans that things started to become clear to me. I realized that no matter how hard I tried, without prayer, faith, and Jesus, the chances of my finally breaking the cycle of addiction were minimal. I didn’t attend church as a child, but I found the Bible at the darkest times of my life.
, I am once again a homeowner. I have taken college courses and am an author. I read my Bible and seek to grow spiritually. As a way of giving back, I help others who are suffering from addiction. My life is an example of God’s loving grace and redemptive powers.
's Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for coming to save us from sin. Help us to rely on your grace. Amen.
Good Morning Thoughtful Practitioners! I know I've see that somewhere but forget where. But doesn't that describe us? We are thoughtful. Now that word has several meanings. Thoughtful=pensive, contemplative, deep thinking. It can also mean showing kindness. Are you and our Body thoughtful? Yes! We spend time digesting and meditating deeply on God's Word. We process thoughtfully what He's saying and allow that processing to inform our prayers and actions. We are also kind and loving and thoughtful of how we treat and bless others. And those forms of thoughtfulness lead us to be practitioners who put into action what we have processed and thoughtfully planned as we stay connected to God and His plans. The Bible says He is mindful of us. He thinks about us all the time. Are we mindful of Him and practicing what we are learning? God just gave me this salutation and line of thinking. Thoughtfully process that with Him and allow the Holy Spirit help you practice what you are learning. Amen! That's how we learn to live and love more like Jesus and to follow His way(s). That's how we become His dynamic movement and begin to excel as His Good News Delivery Company. Amen! Come Lord! Teach and lead us !
The Upper Room talks about being unprepared. Check it out below. Are you trusting your own thinking and ways or Gods? Are you thoughtfully practicing what He is revealing, commanding, empowering and leading you to do. Try it ! And The Word for You reminds us to be thoughtful practitioners as we bless and encourage others and then are blessed back to be a blessing and blessed back again. What joy we find not leaning on our own understanding and instead thoughtfully encountering our living and active God and following Him to put into practice what He is teaching us. Amen! Thoughtfully consider who to bless and how and then go put those ideas into practice. How might God be using your time of thoughtfully engaging Him to prepare to go put His love into practice. Who might He be leading you to thoughtfully pray, prepare and practice with? He has some great plans for you to discover and thoughtfully process and put into practice!(and probably with some friends! Who are they?) PTL! and get to it! I'm thinking of you as I pray and listen to God. What's He saying to you? I'd love to hear! Have a blessed day blessing God and others! Amen!
UR: Unprepared
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. - Psalm 20:7 (KJV)
I recently applied for a job that required a written examination. I would have one hour to answer 60 questions. However, no information was given as to the kind of questions that would be on the exam. So I did some online research, and I borrowed a book from the library. When I started the exam, though, neither the online research nor the library book had given me the information I needed. I simply had to do the best I could in the time allotted.
Life is like that, isn’t it? We wish we could study for future tests and trials; but when we are plunged into some unexpected circumstance, we find there is little we could have done to prepare. No comprehensive guide exists on how to survive after a spouse’s infidelity or how to live joyfully when suffering from depression. There are few stages of life we will go into feeling completely prepared.
So what do we do? We trust God’s love and guidance. We strengthen ourselves by reading and following God’s word, by spending time in worship and prayer. And when unexpected exams of life come, we simply do the best we can. Above all, we trust that the One who has our best interests at heart will help us navigate every test that comes our way.
's Prayer
Dear God, help us to know without doubt that all things are in your hands, even in times of severe testing. Amen.
Good Morning Happy Ones! Are you happy? Are you able to choose joy in the hard times? We get to choose our attitudes. We are not manipulated robots and we are not left on our own when hard times come. Choose joy always is a command. And so choose joy and be happy. Enjoy life as you trust God to lead you and help you. Can you whistle while you work? Or while you rest? Start with whistling or singing, "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy..." where? Down in my heart. Sometimes we just need a heart adjustment or refocusing? Sometime we need God or others to lead us out of our funk and to redirect to Him and joy. Where's your focus ? I'm choosing joy and going out to enjoy this great day in the Lord! Maybe whistle could be changed to worship while you work...do, da, do! Chose joy! Worship. And enjoy this day. God made it just for you and us and He has a perfect plan for this day! Amen! Rejoice and be glad in this day and keep your focus upon our good, good Father!
Then share your joy with some others. Joy can be contagious. And often, we have to choose joy despite hardships and circumstances. But PTL because we get to choose our attitude . My focus is on God and I am able to choose joy because I trust Him and know that He is working all things together for good--even if I have to endure some things. So rejoice and choose well as you trust God and keep focused on Him.
So, besides me, who needs and attitude adjustment? Don't make God get your attention. Turn off the noise. Focus on Him and choose joy . Yes rejoice! Then share how God blessed you by this. Someone needs to hear about your trust and ability to choose joy always. pray for someone to encourage and share the goodness of God through your story of His faithfulness always. I'm praying for you!
Happy , Happy Ones! Joy comes in the morning and it's morning! Share your hope and joy ! Amen and shalom!
Connection:
- Quality of Life
There is much talk about the quality of life in various nations. The communists said that the West had a poor quality of life because of high crime, drug abuse, and the breakdown of the family. The West said that the quality of life in a communist country was poor because of the lack of consumer goods, religious and intellectual repressions, and alcohol abuse. But my experience has found miserable people in both communist and capitalist countries.
Quality of life is not derived from circumstances, cultures, or political ideologies. Quality of life is found in the kingdom of God. Romans 14:17 states, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Quality of life can be found in the inner man. God will not only provide us with daily bread for our basic human needs, but He will become the Bread of Life to our souls. The greatest need of our lives is God himself. He will feed us with manna from His kingdom— righteousness, peace, and joy.
Bread of Life, so often I judge the quality of my life by the quality of my possessions or the peace in my surroundings. You have provided me with everything I could ever want through my relationship with You! You are shaping my heart day by day as I learn how to enjoy simply being in Your Presence. May the circumstances of my life never interfere with the recognition that You will always provide for my needs, fill me with peace in times of struggle, and give me wisdom when I don’t know what to do. Thank You, Abba!
--Adapted from The Prayer Factor by Sammy Tippit.
Prayer Points
Praise God that he sweeps away your offenses like the morning mist (Isa. 44:22).
Give thanks that God is not unjust and will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you help others (Heb. 6:10).
Confess to him those secret things you do which you know are wrong but just haven’t been able to confess (Ps. 44:21).
Commit yourself to building others up with encouragement and ridding yourself of bitterness and anger, forgiving others as God in Christ forgives you (Eph. 4:29-32).
Ask God to help you be an imitator of him, living a life of love (Eph. 5:1).
Pray that God will give you his strength to “right some wrong” that you have committed against a family member or friend.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. - Philippians 2:13 (NRSVUE)
I found myself in a hospital bed, recovering from a stroke and thinking, If I can just get through this. Thankfully, I had no paralysis or changes in my speech, but I did lose some peripheral vision. After eight days, I was able to go home. But there were many changes. I was bumping into things and had to teach myself how to maneuver all over again. But I got through it.
When we experience challenges, often we immediately think, I just have to get through this. We always want the trial to end and a good, carefree life to resume. But as I reflect on the trials of my life, I notice that the toughest times are typically when I can focus on God the best. I think of life’s hardships as construction zones in which we can rely on God in greater ways than we ever have before. My stroke affected me physically, but it also helped me spiritually. I have learned to thank God in all circumstances.
God is always with us, and what a joy it is to experience God’s peace in the trials we face! We need not fear the construction zones of life because they are opportunities for our faith to grow firm in the One who created us.
's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for being at work in our lives. Help us to trust that it is for our good and your glory. Amen.
ODB:
Being a Blessing
Always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
During a heated game between two long-standing local high school soccer rivals, the Eagles and the Pioneers, the Eagles kicked the ball into the goal. The ball went into the net but exited the back of the net through a hole. The referee didn’t see the ball enter the goal, and seeing the ball outside the net ruled it was not a score. The Pioneers’ coach saw the goal and voluntarily confirmed the Eagles coach’s claim, even though he could have remained silent. The referee counted the goal. The Pioneers lost the game 3–2.
While it’s easy to speak up when it’s for our benefit, the Bible encourages believers in Jesus to “always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Going beyond our normal inclination to do good for our friends, the difficult aspect of this command is working to do good for even our rivals without benefiting from our actions or “expecting to get anything back” in return (Luke 6:35).
Doing good for a rival or competitor may mean speaking up for a coworker’s effort to complete a sale even if that means she might get the bigger bonus. Doing good might mean raking a neighbor’s leaves even if he’s unlikely to say thank you.
As we actively make an effort to do good toward others, we demonstrate that God’s love extends to everyone.
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
When have you helped the opposing team even when it meant a loss for you? How does this display God’s love?
Dear Jesus, please help me to strive to do good for others through the power of the Holy Spirit, even when it’s difficult.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In his final exhortation to the Thessalonian believers in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28), Paul isn’t just giving unrelated, random instructions but is still instructing believers “how to live in order to please God” (4:1). They’re to “encourage one another and build each other up” (5:11), admonish the troublemakers, comfort the disheartened, strengthen the weak, and be patient with everyone (v. 14). Believers are to be radically different from non-believers when responding to those who’ve wronged or hurt them. Instead of pursuing retribution, believers are to “always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (v. 15). The church is a forgiven community, and a forgiven person is a forgiving person. Elsewhere, Paul writes, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). Doing what’s good for each person and the community is pleasing to God.
Good Morning Sheep! Baaa. I just wanna be a sheep. Ba ba ba ba. Amen! A sheep in the care of the Good Shepherd as part of His flock. and doing the sheep things He has for me . Baaa. Amen!
Too often I am that wandering sheep He needs to leave the 99 for. I'm off doing my own thing, my own way and oblivious that I have wandered from Him and His care and leadership. Ever happen to you? Has the Good Shepherd ever come searching for you like He has for me. He restores my soul and leads back to His path for His name's sake. Amen. maybe that happens more often then we'd like to admit.
We can forget that the Lord is our Shepherd and He supplies all we need. He makes our cups to run over with living water that refreshes the soul. He leads us to lush green pasture for nourishment. He walks with us always, even through the darkest valleys. His goodness and mercy will follow us all our days and we will step into eternity with him someday. PTL and Amen!
Spend some time with our Shepherd praising and praying through the 23rd Psalm. He is our Good Shepherd and He knows what's best for us each day. be still and know and allow Him to shepherd you. I'm praying for you and all of us in His flock. Amen! and Peace!
Rita's Gathering for is cancelled. gathering is Sept. 17th with dinner in the fellowship hall at 6.
Note: We will be receiving new members at the end of Sept. If you are interested see pastor Don or Sarah.
See Sarah update below
Good Morning Persevering, Hopeful, Servants of the Lord! Amen! Ponder and pronounce that over you and our Body. We are persevering because of our hope and out of gratitude we serve with love. Yes indeed! And we continue to grow in trust as we follow Jesus and His Way and build treasures in heaven as we serve. Someday our faith will become sight and we will step into the role God has for us in eternity. Prepare now and build that treasure for future use as you trust, obey and serve the least of these. Check out Our Daily Bread below that speaks into this. The Upper Room addresses the serving part, our highest calling. It's serving the least of these and watching how God is at work and joining Him in blessing others, especially those in great need. at the Bread Ministry we have that opportunity and when we serve with clothing or pantry items. God is using us to be a blessing to many and he is being glorified and some are being drawn to Him as He loves through us. PTL! Please keep praying into these opportunities and for God to lead us to other ways to serve and connect to the least of these and those He wants to love through us. And as we do, we continue to build that treasure in heaven and prepare for eternity as we grow towards our fuller, activated and gifted potential in Christ. Amen! God has great plans for you and for us His gathered and sent Good News Delivery Co. What's the good news for one of your hurting neighbors and how might God want to love them through you ? Do it!
during our Zoom huddle we discussed the Chosen episode where Jesus talked to little James about why He has chosen to not heal James. I love the teaching found in this episode. How often have you cried out "Why God?" Or wondered why He chose to heal one person but not one you love? I think we all have felt this way at least once. And we know and will encounter many that lost faith because they never moved past their grief and hurt or chose not to walk through the dark valley focused on our Good Shepherd. How do we answer their questions and help them to refocus on our God who knows and cares and responds according to His perfect plans and timing. How do we even accept His "No" or "Not yet" and continue to focus on Him in trust and worship. There's part of it...build and use those gratitude lists for the times you are unable to praise. Start there even if you have to force yourself. Refocus through praise. In the episode Jesus respond to James that He could heal him and he would have a great story. And He said many have that story. But Jesus said that the Father trusts James with this malady, just like Paul and his thorn. How many people can God trust to endure and persevere and still love and represent Him. Are you one? It is helpful to prepare and determine ahead of time that you will always try to keep your focus on, trust and worship God no matter what. We know that someday we will be healed and that day may not be far off for many of us. So persevere and worship, trust and obey . Another way to refocus to to serve others as best you can with what you've been given. God doesn't waste anything we have to endure and will use us to help others through those same valleys. Paul and James remind us to rejoice always and keep serving. I'm always amazed how gratitude and serving others changes my attitude. Try it next time or maybe this time. God is for you and with you and He is working all things together for good, trust Him. He trusts you! And worship as you walk with Him . I'm praying for you and for God to lead you to one this week to bless. I'd love to hear how He responds your trusting, obedient, persevering hearts! May He bring you His shalom and help . And may you chose Him in trust and . Amen!
ODB:
A Beautiful Ending
I saw the Holy City . . . coming down out of heaven from God. Revelation 21:2
On a warm evening, I met up with friends in a downtown area. We were excited to eat at a restaurant that offered live jazz music outside, but when we arrived, the patio was full. Disappointed, we left and had to walk several blocks to find another place to eat.
On earth, disappointments come in all sizes, both big and small. Beloved pets pass away. Careers fizzle. Health problems occur. We lose relationships with loved ones. In our setbacks, we have God’s comfort, but our life stories don’t always contain the blissful endings we long for. Believers in Jesus, however, have the hope of a joyful eternity.
The book of Revelation records God giving John a breathtaking vision. John saw “the Holy City, the new Jerusalem” (21:2). “Prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (v. 2), it radiated God’s glory. God would inhabit the place along with all His people. In His city there would be no crime, no darkness, and no fear (vv. 25-27). Light, peace, and goodwill would abound.
On the night I met my friends for dinner, we ended up walking back past the first restaurant. White lights lit the sidewalk, and we stopped to listen to the music as we ate ice cream. I savored the moment, but we know that no earthly joy can compare with the ultimate ending believers will enjoy forever.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
REFLECT & PRAY
What are you most looking forward to in the next life? How does the promise of a joyful future encourage you?
Dear God, please help me see my pain in light of eternity, knowing You have a better future prepared for me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
God gave the apostle John a glimpse of “what must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1) when Jesus returns to rule the world as king and usher in eternity (vv. 1-3). Satan and the unbelieving, sinful world will be judged and punished for their evil and wickedness (chs. 4-20). John saw “a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1). Eight hundred years earlier, Isaiah had prophesied that God would create “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17; see 66:22). Scholars say both Isaiah and John are describing heaven or “paradise” (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7), “God’s dwelling place” where God will live with His people forever (Revelation 21:3). Jesus affectionately called heaven “my Father’s house” (John 14:2). “Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life” (Revelation 21:27) will be allowed to experience the fullness of joy in God’s home.
K.T. Sim
UR: Highest Calling
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Tucked away on a peaceful street, our church stands far from the places where the rich and powerful dwell. But we have a wonderful opportunity being close to those who suffer most — people without houses, with addictions, in prison, grieving. Every day, we encounter these children of God who are often overlooked. When we serve them, we serve Christ himself.
The noise of daily life can lead us to focus only on our own needs and comfort. But Jesus urges us to look beyond ourselves and our worries. He invites us to see where people most need hope and healing. He is waiting for us there — in the widow’s tears, in the father’s trembling hands, in the child’s hungry cry. Serving the poor and wounded is our highest calling as Christians; it is how we express Christ’s love.
Our church may not impress the world with our money or status. But we can offer something priceless: God’s presence through our simple acts of service. As we feed the hungry and visit the lonely, we shine Christ’s light. The world may not see it, but loving those whom Jesus named “the least of these” is the core of our calling.
's Prayer
Loving God, open our eyes to see you in the faces of those who are forgotten and hurting. Lead us each day to live out Christ’s love through simple acts of compassion. Amen.
Sarah update:
Hi warriors....
Hey.....so what are you thankful for? When was the last time that you told God what you were thankful for?
I heard a preacher share this in a sermon of his, and it got me thinking......he said, " What would it be like if you
woke up in the morning and the thing or things you have left are what you thanked God for ?"
I think so often we get busy and focused on a whole bunch of stuff in our lives, that we forget to pause for a second
right when something happens and say, "Hey Thanks Lord, for answering that prayer" or "thanks God for helping me
find my keys" or "Lord, thank you for (so and so) for sending me an encouraging text, or helping me carry the groceries
in" There is so much to be thankful for that God meets our needs and supplies in time.....let's make a more conscience
effort in saying THANK YOU!!!
God has been answering prayers, hearing our prayers and He is on the move!
Couple of folks that are in need our prayers:
Millidine Waterman is having knee pain. Her doctor appointment isn't for a couple of weeks. Please pray that there is a cancellation
that she is able to get in and see the Doc sooner. Also keep her in your prayers - praying for perseverance and safety when walking.
Caleb got his staples our on . Prayers for complete healing
Brian - Debbie S brother in law had his surgery . The Surgeon feels all went well. He will have a long period of healing.....please pray that he
heals well and no infection.
Continue to prayer for our students and teachers. Praying that God will lead them to friends that know Jesus and can encourage one another.
Continue to prayer for one another. We are starting to head into the cold and flu season. Prayers for good health throughout the season.
Prayers for some of our church family members facing Doctor, dentist, surgeries, cancer treatments, in the near future.
Just a reminder - Rita's ice gathering scheduled for , has been cancelled.
Praying you all have a great, thankful rest of your week!
Good Morning Faithful, Loving Worshipers! Amen! Prepare your hearts to worship in Spirit and Truth. And let all we think, say and do be an act of worship always! Amen! Help us Lord!
There is much I thought God wanted me to share . However I am running late for church and I think He just said, "Be still and know I got this"! Amen to that. So dig in yourself and connect to the God of the Sabbath. What's He saying to you and how might He want you to reveal your faithful, loving worship ? Rejoice. Receive. Pray. And follow. Amen! Remember faith drives out fear. Ask for more faith and remember you are gifted to serve according to your faith. God is everywhere. Look for Him and join Him as you go and as you are. He loves you. He calls you by name and invites you to His best as He works all things together for good. So, rejoice, Be still, seek and follow . Gal. 5:6 says, 'faith works by love." Amen. 1 Cor. 13, the love chapter kept coming up . Read it. pray through it and then read it out loud with your name substituted every time you see love (Donald is faithful. Donald is kind...) then live it! it is the better way--LOVE. God is Love and Love lives in you with plans to love through you! Amen. So how are you responding to that, Faithful, Loving, Worshiper? Go live and love like Jesus as you act of worship . Amen!
Connection Blog:
- Faithful in the Small Things
It is important to spend time being quiet before the Lord. If we are doing all of the talking, we won’t be able to hear Him speak. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10). I wonder how many instructions and promptings we miss because we don’t take the time to learn to distinguish the voice of the Shepherd! "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).
When you sense that you have a word from the Lord and it agrees with the Bible, act upon it. God is not going to give us more than we can handle, and He will likely start us out slowly. As you are faithful in the small things, He will trust you with bigger issues. Maybe He will impress upon your heart to write a note to someone, or to make an encouraging phone call. If you didn’t actually hear directly from the Lord, you are still doing something that is like the character of Jesus living within you.
Lord Jesus, sometimes I long to do the big splashy deeds that make You known widely. But then, You quietly remind me that the smallest touch, a quiet encouragement, or act of mercy is living out faithful obedience within Your kingdom! Help me to be a servant that doesn’t need to live my life to be seen by men. Give me a listening heart to obey even the smallest task You choose to give me.
Good Morning Co-Laborers! Amen! May it be so Lord! Co-laboring for Your glory as we step into our created purposes and Your gifts. bring the supernatural alive as you empower us through the gifts You have given. lead us to be Your vessels as You shape us for our created purposes. Thanks Lord! Come! Bring revival alive and may it begin in me and Your Church. Amen!
That could be enough to pray through and meditate upon. What's God saying to you ? What will you do about it? Who will you process with? Are you an upfront or alongside equipper and disciple maker? God made you a certain way for His purposes for such a time as this and He gifted you to grow into those purposes. Worship, pray, prepare and go live and love like Jesus . It's a beautiful day (and week ahead) to get out and share His love and enjoy life! Check out the I to We devo below. Think about what God has for you and pray into it. And think about and pray through the Upper Room. Pay attention! God is always at work and at work all around you and in you. how will you respond ? Ask Him to reveal Himself as you go and to lead you to join Him and for courage to do so. Amen! He does have great plans for you and is a great day to be a doer of His Word and to go with some others to incarnate Jesus and His way to the world around you. Try i and share what happens! I'm anxious to hear how God has been using you and the plans He is clarifying for you and us. And then just worship as you trust and obey! Amen! And shalom shalom! Perfect peace to you!
I to We
UR: Paying Attention
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses. - Proverbs 28:27 (NIV)
My husband and I pulled into a rest area to eat lunch on our way home from a trip. An older woman near the restrooms, holding a cardboard sign saying, “Please help. Need gas money.” She stared at the ground, shoulders slumped forward. People passed her on their way to the restrooms, but nobody even glanced at her. It was like she was invisible.
She was limping toward her car when I handed her some cash with a quick, “God bless you.” I started to turn away when she said, “Would you pray for me?” I stopped and looked into her eyes. “Please pray that I can find a job,” she said. I promised that I would and then impulsively added, “Would you like me to pray right now?” I had never done anything like that before, and I’m not sure what made me say it, but the woman nodded. I asked God to help her to find a job and the assistance she needed. It felt awkward, but afterward the woman smiled and thanked me. “I know God will take care of me,” she said. As I walked away, I marveled at her faith. Would I still trust God if I had to beg for money? I vowed to remember this encounter and pay attention to each person I meet.
's Prayer
Dear God, open our eyes to see those around us and to offer help as you lead us. Amen.
Good Morning Confident Doers! Hmmm...is that you? Pronounce it out loud over you and our church! Say it with me, "I am a confident doer in Christ! Amen!" Now believe it and receive it and be it! I'm praying for you and us!
As I meditated on our devotionals and pondered and prayed for what God wanted me to share , the prayer for the Holy Spirit to "help my unbelief" kept coming to mind and showing up. We believe but often lack the faith or expectation to see God move or to use us. "I believe. Help my unbelief" is a prayer I often lift. I think about how often Jesus said, O you of little faith." Ouch! Right? But I do believe Lord! Help me to pray and watch expectantly for You to move, lead, heal, deliver, save and all sorts of things I am praying expectantly to happen. Grant me a deeper confidence AND TRUST THAT ALLOWS YOU TO WORK IN POWER AND ANSWER MY/OUR PRAYERS. THANK YOU. AMEN. Check out the Connection Blog and Prayer Starters and bein there . Ask for the faith to do the same things and even greater than Jesus and for the expectation and trust that he will answer because He will according to His will and timing. AMEN!
I'm also praying you discover and learn how God wants to use your spiritual gifts according tp the faith He has given you for such a time as this. he does have great plans for you, hear and respond to your prayers, and continues to mold you towards your fuller potential in Christ. yes praise, rejoice, believe and follow well doer! Remember God may ask you to be the answer to your prayers as He sends you to be His hands and feet and to live and love like Jesus! Yes Lord Come! Send me! Use me well for Your glory! Grow my faith and trust. Show me how to do the greater things with faith and confidence in You and Your abilities in and through me. Thanks!! Amen!
Connections:
- Anyone Who Has Faith
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).
If you are one of the anyone-who-has-faith-in-me persons of whom Jesus spoke, then you need to be on the lookout for places where Christ wants and needs to work. Is there a child who needs to be spiritually formed, a friend who needs encouragement, or a neighbor who needs Christ? If you pray, Christ will work! Are there spiritual leaders who need to be uplifted, fellow believers who need empowerment, or a church that needs to be revived? If you pray, Christ will work! Do you know of an anxious person who needs peace, a lonely person who needs befriending, a stranger who needs to be invited in, or a hungry person who needs to be fed? If you intercede, Christ will work; He will work in you and through you. You will be doing the kinds of things that Christ did. You will be doing them in His power. You will be co-laboring with God. With this promise Christ is placing the powers of heaven at your disposal. What a huge and important responsibility! What an awesome privilege!
Gracious Holy Spirit, I repent of my selfishness that keeps me from exercising the gifts You have given to me for the sake of others. There are those who could use encouragement and uplifting…and others who are struggling and need to be helped through a difficult time. Yet, I keep a safe distance – at arm’s length, because I might get sucked in to more than I think I can handle. Some people and much of life are messy and complicated, yet Jesus would step into the midst of the mess and reach out His hand to heal. May the heart of Christ be evident in me as I listen for Your kingdom instructions. Help me to lean into the mess, unafraid to be the hands and feet of the One who extended His hand to me!
Praise God for his teaching on the tongue (Jas. 3:9).
Give thanks that he promises protection from the lash of the tongue (Job 5:21) and healing from the tongue of the wise (Prov. 12:18).
Confess those times your lips have spoken lies and your tongue muttered wicked things (Isa. 59:3).
Commit yourself to God, who gives you the words that will sustain the weary (Isa. 50:4).
Ask God to help you love not just with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (1 Jn. 3:18).
Pray that the testimony of your lips overflowing in praise and your tongue singing God’s Word will be evident to non-Christians and point them to Christ (Ps. 119:171-172).
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Lisa and Freddie McMillan own a unique restaurant in Brewton, Alabama. They offer a full hot meal to all who stand in line—at no charge. This couple has invested from their own savings to make a difference for senior citizens who often go without meals and rarely enjoy a restaurant experience. A donation box receives contributions. Lisa says, “Sometimes we find nothing there. Sometimes a thank-you note. Sometimes $1,000. Always, we have everything we need. Our goal is to feed the need, restore dignity, and develop community.”
Caring for the needy can seem a daunting task—unless we depend on God! The Gospels include records of Jesus feeding thousands by inviting His disciples to participate: “You give them something to eat” (Matthew 14:16). In the book of Acts, we learn that in the early church, believers “shared everything they had” and “there were no needy persons among them” (4:32, 34). Many of them sold property and gave the proceeds to the apostles, who “distributed to anyone who had need” (vv. 34-35). Understanding that their possessions ultimately belonged to God, they voluntarily invested in the lives of others from what they owned.
God provides. Sometimes by His own hand and sometimes through the hands of His people. He feeds our need so that we can feed the need of others.
By Elisa Morgan
REFLECT & PRAY
How has God provided for you? How can you join God in providing for those around you?
Dear God, I’m so grateful for Your abundant provision in my life! Please help me to give to others from what You’ve given to me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Twice Luke mentions the willingness of believers in Jesus to sell property and share possessions (Acts 2:41–47; 4:32–35). The Holy Spirit had come to Jerusalem as the city swelled with visitors for the Jewish feast of Pentecost. Overwhelmed by the apostles’ assurance that God was willing to forgive them, those who stepped forward to believe in Christ saw one another’s needs and felt one another’s pain. It was then, after again mentioning their mutual care, that Luke describes a husband and wife who tried to leave a false impression of generosity. Ananias and Sapphira were caught lying about the details of their gift, and suddenly both died (5:1–10). The generosity Luke emphasized was the result of those whose hearts had been changed by the Spirit of Jesus.
This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Yes Rejoice!
Good Morning Fixated Worshippers! Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus is from the Hebrews passage found in Our Daily Bread devotional for . This is all that I am sharing , yet it is overwhelming to contemplate and meditate upon. ODB is below. But I am going to share Hebrews 12:1-3 below too. Really read and ask God to bring it alive to you. What's He revealing, saying and leading to in response? What will you do about it? Who will you process with? I'm praying for you to fix your heart on Jesus , die to self, take up cross and follow Him to His good plans for you. And those should lead to more rejoicing and worship! Amen! As I meditated on the passage and devo, Proverbs 3:5-6 came to mind ( don't lean on your own thinking...)and the reminder for the Holy Spirit that God is Jireh...enough, provider and provision. Amen! What did you hear or feel?
Hebrew 12:1-3, 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
ODB
Eyes Fixed on Christ!
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2
Teaching his son to ride a bicycle, Andrew discovered, was frustrating. The five-year-old kept swerving to one side and falling. Realizing that this happened because his son kept looking to one side, Andrew had an idea. “See that pole?” he asked his son. “Just keep your eyes on it and pedal.” His son did just that, and this time he kept going and going!
The incident was a lesson for Andrew himself. Recounting what happened to his small group later, he concluded, "Whatever we fix our eyes on is where we’re headed." No wonder Hebrews 12:2 calls on us to keep “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Life’s responsibilities and routines can draw our attention away from our spiritual walk, as can sinful habits and obsessions that entangle us (v. 1). But if we keep our eyes on Jesus and ask Him to help us put Him first in our thoughts, decisions, and actions, He’ll guide us in everything we do and say, enabling us to stay close to Him in the race on earth. This can be challenging, but God desires to help us fulfill the roles He’s given us. He will give us strength to endure and overcome anything that opposes our walk so we won’t “grow weary and lose heart” (v. 3).
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s the first thing you think or do when you have to make a decision or respond to a situation? How can you let your words, actions, and thoughts be guided by Jesus?
Dear Jesus, please help me to keep my eyes fixed on You as I go about life. Please also teach me to turn to You first, for You’re all I need.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The writer of the book of Hebrews encourages his readers by pointing to a gallery of “faith-filled” believers in the Old Testament (see Hebrews 11) and refers to them collectively as “a great cloud of witnesses” (12:1). Verse 2, however, urges the readers to fix their gaze on the premier example of faith—Jesus. He’s described as “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” The term is pioneer (archēgos)—or author in some versions. One commentator defines it as a “chief leader—one that takes the lead in anything and thus affords an example.” Archēgos is used only four times in the New Testament: (Acts 3:15; 5:31 [Prince]; Hebrews 2:10; 12:2). The word translated “perfecter” (teleiōtēs) is used only in Hebrews 12:2. According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, Christ is the “one who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith.” By staying focused on Him, we have the perfect example to imitate.
Good Morning Gifted Intercessors and Servants--Doers of the Word! Do you pray and intercede for friends, family, your church and nation? That is being a doer by serving as an intercessing pray-er. In James that we have been studying we came across the teACHING ABOUT SHOWING OUR FAITH BY OUR ACTIONS. ACTIVE FAITH IS WHAT PEOPLE SEE. Prayer is foundational and essential for anything of value to transpire in the Kingdom and our lives. We are all called to pray, even fast and pray, but some of us are gifted to pray and intercede. We all have gifted and empowered roles in God's Good News Delivery co. Do you know your role? Do you know and use your gifts that are supernaturally given and empowered by the Holy Spirit? Let us determine to step into our anointing by beginning to really use our gifts for God's glory and for why they were given to us. I think of the question, "Is there anything God would ask you to do that you would say no?" Hope not, but we often resist and say no because God leads us out of our comfort zones. Ask for a cooperating spirit in you and take those first small steps of faith. God has custom plans and gifts for you to use and do. Let us reason together as well and keep praying in power and effectiveness. Check out the link to Harvest Kim's blog . And then the Connection blog about prayer. God is calling and speaking to the heart for some of us to become prayer warriors. Is that you? Let's talk about it and process that with some friends.
I'd love to do another spiritual gifts class for a few weeks this fall. You can find spiritual gifts tests on line and they usually explain the gifts that are revealed as yours. Try it and let's talk and pray about using them and growing in them. There are two kinds of gifts: equipping and supporting. You will have one or the other or a combination of both. Think about what you like to do, are good at doing, and what God has gifted you to do. They should compliment each other and be something you find enjoyable as you serve the church, encourage others and walk with them. Who are your praying, processing partners? Seek some and follow God's supernatural gifts to you best future in Christ. You are His masterpiece made and empowered for such a time as this! PTL! Put on your new, gifted nature more fully and go love and love like Jesus as you are created and gifted to do. And keep praying and praying for us to become a House of Prayer. Amen! Teach us Lord! Move us! Empower us! Send us with love, peace and joy! Amen! Be willing and remember, God is able to do immeasurably more than we can imagine both in and through our lives and our prayers. Receive and live and go! I'm raying for you to discover and step into your gifts and purposes more fully. What are you praying for in the Kingdom?
"And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father" (John 14:13).
Learn how to pray God’s heart. Praying just for the sake of making a religious noise, is not God’s intent for prayer. Praying to get something from God is also not God’s plan. Studying the Word and paying attention to the world around you is a key. See what God is busy doing and what He desires us to do as His people. As we pray those things that are close to His heart, He is pleased to answer! We know He wants us to love Him with all of our hearts, and to love others as we love ourselves. He wants us to pray for the lost and that His people will experience revival. We know that He wants unity in the body of Christ…and you and your family can probably add many others to this list.
Humbly expect and be willing for God to use you to be the answer to your prayers: If your heart never expects God to answer, there is literally no point in praying. James states, "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man [or woman, or child] should not think he will receive anything from the Lord…" (James 1:6-7). When you pray in the Name of Jesus, believing that He has heard and will answer, you will see Him do amazing things – sometimes in and through you! Always remember that the ultimate goal of answered prayer is to bring glory to the Lord: "And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father" (John 14:13).
Lord Jesus, prayer is sometimes a complete mystery to me, especially when You work through me to be the answer! I am awed by Your power that You so freely give to Your people. Give me a heart that is able to believe and not doubt…and help me to live in Your perfect presence, expecting You to move in, through and around my life continually.
Give praise to Jesus as the manna that has come down from heaven, the bread of life who nourishes the hungry with himself (Jn. 6:48-51).
Thank him for taking care of your spiritual as well as your physical needs.
Confess those times during the past week when you have failed to come to Jesus in prayer in order to receive all that you need.
Commit yourself to spending more time in his presence.
Ask Jesus to show you his power to take care of all the desires of your heart (Mt. 6:33).
Pray for generous giving to meet the desperate needs of those stricken with famine, earthquake, war, floods, or other disasters. Ask God to use such giving as a powerful witness to the gospel (2 Cor. 9:10-14).
Good Morning Disciples! Are you a learner? Then you are a disciple learning from a teacher and trying to do the things they do their way. There are disciples of good and evil masters or teachers (rabbis) We are students of THE Master, The Teacher, THE King of the Universe! And he is the bestest, goodest teacher there is! PTL! Do you remember what it was like when you heard, "Come follow me" from Jesus? Many, maybe most, of us were just as clueless as the 12. But we followed and learned and grew in understanding and prowess at doing some of the things He did, His way. But we all still have a journey ahead of us and will never become fully like Him and grown into our fullest potential until we join Him on that great day of the Lord!
we heard a great message from our EC District Field Rep, Rick Sergi. I took lots of notes and have been pondering his message . Think about all the storms of life you have or are going through. Raging seas crashing in your boat. And there is Jesus--asleep! Wake up! Help! Don't you care? He is always with us even when it doesn't feel like it. He does care! He is active even when we think He abandoned us. Wake up! Maybe you should shake yourself awake and from the pity party. He has allowed this storm for a reason and often one we only learn of as we exit the storm and maybe even years later. He has great plans for us that require deep faith, deep roots driven deeper by the gales of life. PTL and trust always.
Who is this man? Yes who is this God/man Jesus to you? How has He carried you, delivered you, transformed you, revived you? Who needs to hear about that? We noticed something we never thought much about...there were other boats following and around Jesus' boat in the storm. Wonder what they thought when the wind and the waves calmed? Do we even care about these others that are drowning in this storm of life? God is with us and for us always and always working all things together for good. We know that in our heads but do we believe it with all our hearts and stand firm in faith with eyes focused on Jesus ready to follow anywhere? Who is this man? He is many praise worthy things!!! Creator. Sustainer. Deliverer. Provider. Storm-Calmer. Protector. All-Wise and Knowing. Good Shepherd. And many many more things! And He is with us always and He does care! PTL! So, where is your focus ? On the storm or on our Savior! Another name for Jesus that is just as praiseworthy as the others is Storm-Allower or Storm Bringer! The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Praise be the Lord! You say it but do you praise in this storm? He cares and is with you in the boat. Trust and keep focused and worshiping!
Check out TWFYT's reminder to cast all anxiety on Him. Trust Him. And thank Him. He is working all things together for good for those who believe in Him. Do you believe that this man cares and is able and is working good? Receive His love and worship through the storms with eyes on Him. Determine beforehand to always keep your eyes on the Calmer-of Storms, our Deliverer, Helper and Friend! He knows your potential and is always wanting to move you closer to it. Often that requires the sinking deeper of roots from wind ravaged waves and storms. And remember, it helps to have some good friends to walk with you and help you stay focused and to pray for you. There are also people God has for you to share your story of faith that led to deliverance. He does not waste anything we go through! Amen! Who might He have for you to walk with and encourage ? Ask Him! And go live and love like Jesus! Amen!
Shalom shalom--perfect peace is available as you trust and follow . And check out the Connection Blog and the reminder to not forget about all those little boats around us that need to see our Lord and Savior at work in and through us faithful followers. Reach out in love and walk with someone towards Jesus and through the storm. I'd love to hear your stories about these things! Share them! I'm praying for you and praising God for your and our faithfulness and moving towards His very good plans!
Some years ago, I was in prayer when a burden for a teenager in the youth group came upon me. Let’s call the teen “Joe.” it was very nearly overwhelming and this burden would not relinquish its hold on my soul. After nearly an hour of prayer, it became clear that I needed to go and visit the teenager at his school immediately. I phoned my wife, who told me that she concurred with the action, and so I began to drive—about forty-five minutes from the church office. All the way, the burden of prayer grew more profound, until I was given a word for the young man. It was such a simple word that I questioned the whole trip. After all, it was something we heard every . I was to tell him that Jesus loved him!
I walked into the school and there was the very boy standing right by the entrance of the building by the office door. He saw me and very nearly fell over with surprise.
He said, “What are you doing here?”
I walked up to him and told him, “Joe, I need to tell you that you are profoundly loved of the Lord. He has commanded me to find you to tell you that Jesus loves you.”
He broke down and began to sob. Joe told me he couldn’t believe that I had just said that. Then he started to thank the Lord, right in the hallway.
What I didn’t know was his side of the story. Joe went on to tell me that he had been going through a horrible crisis of faith, rooted in the fact that he had suffered some terrible things. It was so very bad that he didn’t know if he believed in the love of God at all. And if God wasn’t love, he didn’t want Him. In fact, he rose that morning and from the depths of despair told God that he didn’t believe He loved him at all. Then he cried out from his soul, asking the Lord to send someone to tell him that He loved him, or he was going to take his life.
That was the moment my prayer burden for Joe began.
We saw the Lord’s glory. He heard his prayer. I heard His prompting and obeyed what I was given. The teenager understood that the Lord loved him and we discovered that we were one, not in all that we thought or said or did. Rather we were one in that we shared the presence and the power of the Lord profoundly. When we obey the promptings of the Lord that we are given, we taste a little bit of heaven here on earth and can say, “yours is the glory, forever!”
Lord of Glory, I wonder how many times You have prompted me to pray for someone, or instructed me to speak a word into someone’s life, and I have disobeyed You. My soul cringes at the thought of lost opportunities to impact others with Your love for the sake of Your glory! Thank You for using ordinary people like me to reach into the hearts of lost and hurting people, and help my heart to be open and prepared to respond with first-time obedience whenever You feel led to use me.
--Adapted from Power Praying by David Chotka.
Sarah update
Good evening, wow what a great day of worship and an awesome Word from the Lord, through Rick Sergi.
I wanted to share a few praises and some folks that are in need of our prayers
Praises:
Marylou is praising God for her great grandchildren healing after a week long of dealing with a virus. They were told it was a very
serious contagious virus among children. Another praise is that their three month old was protected and did not get sick! Yayay God!
Beth Kimbel (Neen's friend) is healing well after her surgery for breast cancer. She shared with Neen that she will only need to have
Radiation treatments. She also is a school teacher, who teaches in a Special Education class. She is really praying that she is able to
take her treatments and teach school. She is very grateful for all the prayers and encouragement that you have sent her way.
Harry Waterman is thanking God for his baptismal experience..... for it was 11 years ago that he was baptized. (, 2014)
Yay God for those that will help with our bread pick up. Jason is our regular person that picks up the bread, but he will be unable to
pick up this week, so Dean is willing to step in and help with pick up this week. Yay God!
Mike L didn't have a good night at the races. Yay God he was kept safe but his race car will need to have some work done to it.
Those in need of our prayers:
Richard Paul will be starting orientation () at Lehigh University. He will have orientation all week.
Prayers for him as he begins this new and exciting journey. Also, prayers for the Lord to provide financially for his college expenses.
Larry (his father) will be staying local until mid-September, to ensure that Richard is all settled in.
Caleb fell off a chair and hit his head on their curio cabinet. He needed to go to the ER to have his wound cleaned out and two staples
put in to help with the healing process. Prayers for Caleb, and family as they watch over him as he heals.
Lindsay - (Friend of Neen and Sarah) has been diagnosed with cancer. She will be undergoing chemotherapy and after they see the results
of those treatments, may be looking at a mastectomy. Lindsay is in her late 30's and has two children. Please keep Linsday and her family
in your prayers, through this journey.
Keith (husband of a friend of Sarah's) has a sever B12 deficiency. He is currently receiving B12 injections and hopefully this will help with
his memory and his work performance. He is a born again believer. Please pray for healing and for the family. His daughter starts her second
year of college .
Praying that you all have a great week! Looks like we may get a few rain showers, which the earth so desperately needs.
Also don't forget that we have a Harvest Table, at the back of the church. So if you have a good harvest from your garden and would like to
share some of the extras with us......bring it and place it on the back table.
Good Morning Ready to Worship Friends of God! Yes indeed! Amen! Prepare your hearts to worship as we gather shortly. That's it for . Come and worship! here's an oldy to help you focus on the reality of the salutation...you are a friend of God! PTL!
LISTEN ONLINE
