Good Morning Empowered Joy-Bringing Missionaries! Joy-joy joy! I've got the joy and so do you! PTL! Who needs some joy ? Go encourage and bless. God has some easy yoke stuff custom made for you . We all have a role in His Good News Delivery Company that is custom made just for each of us, just as we are and just where we are placed. PTL for His easy yoke and for preparing a way for us to produce good fruit and to be affirmed and encouraged to continue. Who might you need to partner with and encourage ? How might someone encourage you? Ask for help! What great story do you have to share of God's faithfulness? How might you pray for someone or release God's power into some situation? Ask. Receive. Go! Check out the two devos below that tie to this thought process . Open your Bibles and study the Fruit of the Spirit or spiritual gifts you have. Pray on the armor. Seek, knock, find, hear and follow well !
I was thinking of one more thing. Something we often forget. We have to purge or pour out to make room for the new things of God. Exhale the junk and inhale a fresh breathe of the Spirit. Receive the pruning, abide and prepare to grow and produce better fruit. We have to get rid of the waste to make room for fresh food in our bodies. It's part of life and as so is also part of the healthy spiritual life. Karen's mom's apartment along with several neighbors has been backing up with sewage. It smells and has made it clear that there needs to be some reconstruction. The issues were building but now it has become apparent that they need to leave so they can dig out the old and put in the new and better. (Pray for them as they may be displaced for several months). What old smelly thing do you know is lying in wait if you don't address it. Will you wait like her housing authority until the mess overflows or will you seek help and pruning and new life now? Who do you know that has some stinky stuff lying underneath the surface? How might you help them purge and make room for the fresh new life and living water? Pray into that and go and live and love and refresh and help like Jesus. The new has come (or is coming) and the old is gone (or leaving). We were one way and now another because of the influence of Jesus on our lives. Who needs to hear about that? Go tell! We are called to be a sweet aroma to some. We will also be a stanch to those held in Satan's grip and enthralled by the darkness and sinful choices. Leave them in God's hands and focus on the ones crawling towards the light and refresh and bring some Living Water! I'm praying for you! Shalom shalom joy choosing friends!
Good Morning Favored Child of God, Sent in His Name Servant! Amen! You are very loved and favored and sent as His representative to shepherd and help many. Amen! I have to fly to a prayer meeting with two pastors. Check out the devos below about this! We are sheep and shepherd and we are God's favored children because of our faith and action. Let us draw close, receive and go live and love as he desires. Let us be His hands and feet . And let us worship with all of our lives! Amen!
UR: A Precious Gift
When the angel came to her, he said, “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!” - Luke 1:28 (CEB)
A few years ago, I was struggling with postpartum depression. I felt as though my life had veered off course; my ambitions stalled in the wake of motherhood, and I felt isolated.
Reflecting on that period, I recalled Luke 1:28, which sparked a profound shift within me and started my healing journey. Here was an angel sent by God, assuring Mary of divine favor as she faced the prospect of becoming an unwed mother. I realized that despite my circumstances, God was beside me, blessing me with the precious gift of motherhood.
I began to meditate on these words from Luke 1:28 regularly, reminding myself that God had deemed me favored and destined for blessings. The angel’s message from God was not only to Mary but also to you and me: “Rejoice, favored one! The Lord is with you!”
Whatever challenges we face, God’s favor surrounds us. Let us remain aware of and rejoice in God’s presence and steadfast promises.
's Prayer
Loving God, thank you for your promises to us in scripture. Help us find solace in knowing that we are favored, loved, and blessed beyond measure. Amen.
Thank God I'm Forgiven! And Thank God It's . (Vacation is about to begin! PTL Pray for us next week. Its supposed to rain all week in Maine) What are you thankful about ? We are thankful that God knows, cares, is with us and will lead us to a week of fun and refreshing! I'm thankful for Sarah covering for us! I'm thankful for Adam filling in and our new church plant relationship. I'm thankful for all of you! May God richly bless you all!
Wagner's news at bottom
Larry Paul update. Please keep them all in prayer!
Hello all,
We heard from Enol's family, the crops were severely damaged by the typhoon that passed over the village.
Enol's brother and sister were each only able to harvest about 1/3 of their normal harvest. Hopefully the national and provincial governments are able to provide additional rice to help them until their harvest next year.
We'll do our best to keep you updated on how this all works out.
Blessings,
Larry & Enol
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Good Morning Rejoicing, Provided For, Trusting Children of God! We are redeemed! PTL! We can choose joy and trust always! PTL! God promises to provide for all our needs and does! PTL. God is faithful and trustworthy always. PTL! We are His children who are very loved and cared for. PTL! He hears and answers prayers! PTL! What can you add to this list! PTL! Shift your focus to God and step into this day refreshed, ready and worshipful. Amen! I've only got a few day before we leave and there will be no blogs next week. (PTL!) haha! I have to get to yet another doc appointment. BUT I am getting much better. PTL! Check out this calendar Scripture entry for and Sarah Young's devo that this blog flowed from. God knows, cares and is with you always. Rejoice! I'm praying His shalom over you all! Peace!
Wagner's News:
Greetings Friends,
Our midterm break begins as we finish out our 6th week of school! PRAY that all students and staff would have a restful and fun few days.
When our students return from midterm, we’ll begin our annual Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW) – five days of focused worship and teaching from God’s Word. This year’s theme, From Conformity to Transformation, comes from Romans 12:1-2.
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Nigel and Jessie Paul, our speakers for this year, are the founders and directors of a ministry called MoveIn Global, which encourages and supports Christians who prayerfully and intentionally move into unreached, urban poor neighborhoods around the globe (https://movein.global). There are 81 teams of approximately 400 “MoveIn’ers” in 53 cities, 14 countries worldwide, who know about 20,000 people by name in the communities where they live.
YOUR PRAYERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!! PRAY for powerful times of worship led by a team from Nairobi Chapel. PRAY for freedom from guilt, fear, distraction, and discouragement. PRAY for a deeper understanding of God’s love through teaching from His Word. PRAY for renewed and transformed hearts and minds. PRAY for the Holy Spirit to be at work on our campus.
It's Donut Day! 10-12 and Chosen Dinner evening 6-8. All welcome to either or both! Come and see!
Good Morning Seed and Water Bringers, Fertilizer, Harvesters! We can be one or all of these. God has a plan for you, me, your team and our church! PTL! Let us seek and follow well . Check out the flow trough Our Daily Bread, Upper Room and Connection blog. Read and meditate on Eph.4:1-6.11-16. Live a life worthy of your call. Remember ePH 2:10? yOU ARE gOD'S MASTERPIECE, MADE NEW IN cHRIST, TO DO ALL hE CREATED YOU TO DO! sTEP OUT IN FAITH WITH YOUR ACTIVATED GIFTS TO ENCOURAGE AND BUILD hIS CHURCH. aMEN! I have to fly! But think about these things and what Gid has for you . What will you do?
In 2017 I asked God what's next? In 2019 I asked Him to lead us to People of peace (new connection points). In '24 I begged Him to raise up harvest workers and thanked Him for the harvest. I asked Him to help us fulfill our mission. These prayers progressed from my daily prayer guide. Some of the one for is at the bottom of the Connection blog. The other devos flow to and through and remind me that Gid is still at work and bringing us alive and to the harvest and the harvest to us. I am reminded we all have a part and we all have some teammates to pray, process and go with. What's God saying to you about all of this? How does He want to use you ? Will you join Him? I'm praying for you! Shalom shalom. Go in love and perfect peace! Deny yourself. Take up your cross daily. And follow Jesus well . Amen!
ODB
Jesus’ Work
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Ephesians 4:1
In 1997, Iowa State University named its football stadium after the school’s first black athlete: Jack Trice. Tragically, Trice had never even played in Ames, Iowa—he died from internal injuries sustained during a play in his second college game, played in Minneapolis, Minnesota on , 1923.
Trice wrote a note to himself the night before the game, bearing witness to his determination:
“The honor of my race, family, and self are at stake. Everyone is expecting me to do big things. I will! My whole body and soul are to be thrown recklessly about on the field . Every time the ball is snapped, I will be trying to do more than my part.” Trice profoundly understood that what he did flowed from the honor and dignity of who he was, infusing his character with courage.
The apostle Paul says something similar in his letter to the Ephesians, challenging believers to let who they were in Christ influence every decision: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Paul challenges us to embrace a way of living shaped by Jesus’ work for us, in us, and through us, which yields humility, gentleness, patience, unity, love, and peace (vv. 2-3) as we use our God-given gifts to serve one another (vv. 15-16).
By Adam Holz
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s the connection between our beliefs and actions? What gifts has God given you to serve others?
Dear Father, thank You for inviting me into a life filled with meaning and significance. Please help me to love and serve others with the gifts You’ve given.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
God’s love poured out through the creation of a new community made up of believing Jews and gentiles—something Paul calls “the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4)—is the foundation for the apostle’s encouragement to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (4:1). Jews and gentiles—two groups long estranged from each other—were called to devote themselves to cultivating the unity created through Christ’s Spirit (v. 3). They needed to serve one another “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” (v. 2 esv). , we’re also called to love and serve others with the gifts we’ve been given.
Monica La Rose
UR: The Miracle of a Seed
Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” - John 12:24 (NIV)
When traveling in northern Mexico, I have noticed that during late summer and early fall it is common to see large strings of chili peppers, known as “ristras,” hanging from buildings and fences to dry. Ristras are an old tradition used to preserve the bright red chilies until they are needed. Some homes in the desert southwest of the United States now use these colorful chili ristras as front porch decorations.
One spring day, a very old ristra hanging over my porch began to dry up and fall apart. Small, paper-thin chili seeds were scattered everywhere. Most of these seeds blew away in the wind or fell to the rocks and gravel below, but a few seeds fell into my garden. With good soil and regular water, it did not take long for these old, dry seeds to sprout new chili plants. Seeds that appeared to be dead quickly came to life in fertile soil. Those plants grew and produced many chili peppers along with countless more seeds. What a miracle!
Like seeds in fertile ground, it takes only a few faithful believers sharing God’s word to reach people who are receptive to Jesus’ message of love. And when we provide continuing encouragement, we can nurture new communities of faith.
's Prayer
Faithful God, give us the courage to share your good news with others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Connection
- God’s Redemptive Plan
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:17-20).
Over the years God has laid nations on my heart, both personally and in the heart of churches I have pastored. There has always been a cost involved in asking God for these nations. When He has granted them to us, we have had to be willing to become involved with them and obediently follow through with God regarding His plans for them. Asking God for the nations has also had an effect upon our children as they too have acquired a heart for the nations: one serving in Norway, one in Germany and two others making their way into the nations of Africa. Although this has been “costly,” it has brought much joy with Jesus (Jn. 15:9-16). Jesus said the reason He told them all this was so His joy would be in His disciples and their joy would be full. This has been preeminently true in our family; even as I write, two of my sons and my wife and I are ministering in Africa. Our involvement with God in the redemption of the world is vital.
Again, it must be as God has eternally purposed it. God loved the world and sent His Son into the world. But we are reminded that “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19). God was working in and through His Son to redeem the world. Gethsemane’s, “not My will, but Yours be done” (Lk. 22:42) was preeminently the Father’s moment of victory. All the Father had purposed and accomplished over the centuries now rested in His Son’s total obedience. The Father, in Christ, now completed His work to redeem the world. This is still true . The salvation of the world now rests on us, His children. It rests on our total denial of self, then picking up of our cross, and our obedience in following our Lord. This is why Jesus prayed for His disciples, and not the world. As goes His disciples, so goes the redemption of the world. We pray more effectively for the world by praying not for the world, but for God’s people.
Lord of the Harvest, please give me a deep desire for the salvation of the nations, and the courage to act despite what it may cost me and my family. Help me to press into Your compassion for the world by interceding fervently for workers to go into Your ripe harvest fields, understanding that one of them could be me, or someone in my own family! May I be ready to sacrifice with a heart of joy in order to participate in your redemption of the world!
Thank him for using ordinary people to prompt effectiveness in the Christian movement.
Confess those occasions when you knew God was calling you to take a stand . . . and you didn’t.
Commit yourself to depending on God’s power with renewed faith to act on those opportunities which shape the church of (Col. 4:5-6).
Ask, “Lord, what can I do to bring about positive change in your church?”
Pray that your worship together reflects a celebration of who God is. Pray for the empowerment of all God’s children to use their gifts and talents in service of the sovereign Lord.
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 Fruit Producing Branches of the Vine! Amen! May it be so Lord! May we all produce the fruit we are created to produce and do the things we are created to do. Thank You for fearfully and wonderfully creating us for such a time as this. Thank You for placing us where You desire us to thrive and produce good fruit. Come! Fill us with Living Water overflowing. You are capable of doing all you desire and You prepare a way for us. Help us to stay connected and focused on You and Your plans and help us to follow well. Thanks! Amen!
This all flows from some of our devotionals for (below). What have you heard and what will you do about it? God is speaking His love and acceptance over you right now. Can you hear it? Listen and receive! , three Bible passages sunk deep into my abiding spirit: Isaiah 43:1-2, Proverbs 3:5-6 and Eph. 2:10. read and meditate on these as well as you abide in our Vine and receive His life-giving nutrition. The go prepared to do the things God has created you for and just for you. Start with living and loving like Jesus. He is the Way, the Vine and our Good Shepherd. Go! And bring His love and peace alive.
Is. 43:1-2 reminds us to fear not and that God has redeemed us and will protect us. he is calling us by name. Prov. 3 reminds us to get out of our own heads and foolish thinking and acknowledge God in all we do and He will direct our steps. Eph 2:10 is on of our foundational verses for St, Matts. We shared it again..."You are God's masterpiece, made new in Christ (and gifted and activated when you come to His new life) to do all He created you to do. You are covered, carried, guided and created for such a time as this and the Father is calling you by name to come and follow. Put on your armor and Jesus' easy yoke, step out the door in faith and go love well. I'm praying for you and would love to hear your stories of how God molded, prunned and used you . Shalom shalom!
UR: Capable
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” - John 15:5 (NIV)
My first sentence as a child was, “I do it myself.” From the earliest years of my life, being fiercely independent has been part of my identity. It is a trait that is continually reinforced by our individualistic culture. I believed any problem could be solved with willpower and a self-help book. Over time, I have come to see that my aversion to asking for help and my tendency to strive to do things on my own stems from a lie. It’s a lie that says people and maybe even Jesus will think less of me if I ask for help, a lie that says that if I am not capable on my own, I am a failure.
God’s word in scripture, however, has shown me that we are not created to rely only on ourselves. Jesus said that he is the vine and we are the branches; that if a branch is not attached to the vine, it shrivels up and dies. When we strive to do everything on our own, we often fall short and end up frustrated and exhausted. Jesus invites us to keep company with him so that we can find the rest we need to live freely (see Matt. 11:28-30). When we stay close to Jesus, his strength lightens our burdens and enables us to flourish.
's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, help us to remain close to you so that we may be filled with your love and joy. Amen.
TWFYT:
Sarah Young:
ODB:
What God Will Do
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
During the Blitz on London on , 1940, a bomb destroyed a warehouse near St. Paul’s Cathedral. When Biddy Chambers received the news that all 40,000 copies of Oswald Chambers’ books stored there were lost—which she had compiled and edited but not insured—she set down her teacup and remarked to her daughter, “Well, God has used the books for His glory, but now that is over. We’ll wait and see what God will do now.”
Perhaps Biddy was remembering what her late husband, Oswald, had written at the start of the First World War. He noted how Jesus had spoken to His disciples about “the inevitability of peril” so that when horrible things happened, they would “not be scared” because He was with them.
Jesus told His friends, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He wanted them to remain strong in their faith in His Father so they could withstand the trials and challenges they would endure.
Biddy’s quiet confidence in God carried her through, and eventually the books were reprinted and became classics for generations. We too can find encouragement and hope in Jesus’ promises that He has overcome the world. We know that He won’t leave us (14:18) and will give us peace (v. 27), no matter what we face.
By Amy Boucher Pye
REFLECT & PRAY
How do you respond to Biddy’s reaction when she heard the devastating news of the books burning? How could you follow her example of trusting God?
Loving Jesus, please help me to “overcome the world” in my daily life as I share Your love with others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As we face uncertainty in this world (as was the case with the disciples in John 16), receiving words of comfort can be like a two-sided coin. One side is stamped with the words, “Take heart!” (v. 33) or “Fear not!” We can take this command seriously and trust God in the face of all kinds of fears. Then we see the other side of the comfort coin: “I [Jesus] have overcome the world” (v. 33). The words of Christ, prophetic and anticipatory at the time they were spoken, have even greater meaning on this side of the cross and resurrection. Jesus was indeed victorious! He conquered death, and because He did, “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). No matter what we face, because of our faith in Christ, God will be with us and will give us peace.
Good Morning Humble Servants of the Lord! Are you either or both? Or are you like the Pharisees (white washed tombs) and those in the world and walking in darkness--prideful self-servers? I was trained to be proud by a proud father and expected to prosper from others as I lived to please self. That's all wrong! Jesus, the King of the Universe and Creator of all, humbled himself and stepped into man skin and even died on the cross for others. He washed His disciples feet and commanded they do likewise. Whose feet have you washed lately?
Karen and I along with Sarah and Mike were blessed to be recognized and prayed over during Pastor's Appreciation Month. This is a humbling, hard month for many pastors who are not appreciated nor recognized. Thank you all for your love and appreciation and thanks Kathy and Mike for spearheading this. You have no idea how blessed that makes us feel. Thank you all for being a pleasure to serve with. I'm always questioning if I am doing right by God and you. I'm always worried if I will have a job next year, especially with our budget deficits. It's one of the thorns in my flesh. Being affirmed and esteemed means a lot to me! But it can also lead to pride and self focus. I just want to be like Jesus and do the things He created me to do. Part of that is to be a servant leader. We are called to humble ourselves before God and allow Him to have His way with us and to lead us to His plans for us. He is always working all things together for those who love Him. Growing in trust and obedience and reliance on Him and not my prideful self is always the goal. It takes dying to self, taking up cross and following Him daily. Please pray for me to do that well, to lead well and to be a servant leader like Jesus as I am. And to be moldable and to trust Him always.
When I think about all of this, I think of the Pharisees and religious elite of Jesus' day. Man His anger against them showed as they failed to humble themselves and honor God, as they failed to accept that the Messiah was not going to be as they expected. They thought the Messiah would come and bless them for being so selfish, self-serving and prideful. Jesus, the Messiah, was not like them and He let them know it! His chosen leaders were all about themselves and didn't want to die to self nor follow Jesus. May that never be me nor us! Help us Lord to humble self, take up cross daily and follow Jesus into this day, into everyday. May we humble ourselves and follow His example always. Thank You for Sarah and Mike and all our leaders! Bless them and draw them close. Give us all teachable and moldable spirits. May we always seek You and listen and follow well. Lead us to you best and perfect plans and help us to steward well all Your blessings as we follow You and learn to lead as You desire and as You created and gifted us to do. Help us to live, love, teach, lead and make disciples like Jesus. Thanks! Thank You for gathering, gifting and sending us into the harvest. Help us all to do our parts as we shine Your light and incarnate Jesus and His ways. Your Kingdom come and will be done and may it come alive in, through and around me/us daily. Thanks! We love you Lord! Bring revival and bring the Jesus way alive. Amen!
One of my devotional verses was Ezekiel 34:1-6 where God tells Ezekiel to prophesy against the Shepherds and leaders and says what sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. May that never be me/us Lord! And another passage is Phil. 2:1-11 which teaches about Jesus' humbleness and our call to have the same attitude as Jesus and to be united in Him and His love as we work together in His Kingdom. May that be us Lord! Lead us to our parts that we get to do in Your Good news delivery Co. And bring revival and new life alive. Amen!
Phil. 2: 1-11 is from ODB below. What's God saying to you?
Have the Attitude of Christ
2 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
ODB:
Making Room for Others
In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4
At electric vehicle charging stations across the United States, some drivers overstay their time at “fast-chargers,” which are designed to help drivers quickly charge their cars and get back on the road. To resolve this unkind behavior, one of the largest charging networks has implemented strict time limits at some of its busiest stations. When a vehicle’s battery charge reaches eighty-five percent, the driver must make room for the next car in need of a charge.
The apostle Paul encouraged believers in Jesus to humbly “value others above [themselves]” (Philippians 2:3). He addressed an issue that was grating the Philippian church—self-centeredness. The people desired recognition and distinction, not from pure motives but from “selfish ambition” (v. 3). Paul urged the believers to have the mind of Christ and to look “to the interests of the others” (v. 4). This didn’t mean that they should forget their own needs in an unhealthy way, but that they would care for others’ needs as those who “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (v. 5). The apostle encouraged the Philippians to empty themselves of pride and to humbly make room for others. The ultimate motivation for making room? Love.
As we seek to imitate Christ’s example each day (vv. 6-11), He can help us make room for others by viewing them with His loving eyes.
By Marvin Williams
REFLECT & PRAY
How can you place others’ needs above your own? What does it mean to see others through God’s eyes?
Dear God, please help me empty myself and make room for others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s teaching in Philippians 2:1-11 describes the core values that believers in Jesus are to exhibit. Christ exemplified these principles by becoming a man, living as a servant, and surrendering to death by crucifixion (vv. 7-8). Jesus’ example and teaching in John 13 amplify the need for believers to serve others. Hours before His crucifixion, John describes Christ having “a towel around his waist” (v. 4). Jesus ignored His status as their leader and washed the dusty feet of all present: “After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (v. 5). His actions were complemented with these words: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (v. 14). Christ calls us to imitate His example of love and humility and serve others.
It's time to worship!!! Let us enter His courts with and praise! Prepare your hearts for worship and he celebration of the Lord's Supper.
Good Morning Believing Friends! we will discuss what we really know and believe. Are you believing well or being deceived. Many are deceived in this word--even churches and denominations. PTL! The EC denomination and our churches stand on biblical truth and know the one true God and follow His commands and the Jesus way. Amen! Pray w always stand on and for the truth and bring it alive to many. Pray for the deceived to have open ears and hearts. Pray for revival nd salvation. Jesus is coming back. We know and believe that. Who do you know that needs to know that and believe? Pray for wisdom and courage to share your love for God and His love for others.
Here's something we know and believe: May we understand, embrace and live this truth! Ask to die to self and to have the same attitude as Jesus. Humble yourself before God and man. And remember that some day, maybe sooner than later, every knee will bow and every tongue will proclaim that Jesus is Lord. Pray into this and ask to see with his eyes, hear with His ears, have his heart and mind and compassion and then for help to go live and love like Jesus . he has great plans for you! Choose them!
Phil. 2:5-11
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father
Connection prayer starters for :
Lord Jesus, as You and the Father are One, make Your Church one body functioning in the beauty of the unity that You share, so that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the world will believe in You and be radically changed!
Prayer Points
Praise God, who “so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16).
Thank God for those who led you to Christ.
Confess that you are sometimes afraid to introduce others to Christ.
Commit yourself to building friendships with people who do not know Jesus.
Ask God to help you identify a friend who might be open to conversion.
Ponder in prayer what it will be like when “all the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD” (Ps. 22:27). Pray for the coming of that day.
Good Morning Created and Indwelt By God Teammates! Amen and thanks Lord! This salutation flows for the devotionals below. Check them out! You are custom made with love and filled with God's love and Spirit who longs yo love through you and use you and your teammates to change the world. Our world is ripe for change and revival. Are you? Are you ready to be a world changer? You can be! Gather your teammates, seek God and His custom made plans for custom made you. he has gathered us with like-minded servants. He is sending us into the harvest field and we all get to fulfill our parts as His Good News Delivery Company. Praise and pray into that . What's God saying to you and what will you do about that? You were made and are being sent for such a time as this. And the good news is we get to fulfill our purposes and help others too! PTL!
Our devotionals and Bible readings remind us that we are custom made and God loves us so much that He wants to and will hang with us all the time. He's our indwelling helper and friend. PTL! And He has works for us to do. Out of gratitude we want to do them and do them well. Doing what you are created to do as you are created and gifted is God's easy yoke for you. Die to self. Focus on God. Put on that yoke and walk with Jesus to His plans for . And you know a team of oxen work better to do the hard [lowing and work. The Upper Room reminds us of staying connected to and work with our teammates. Doing these things brings much good fruit as we build treasure in heaven and bless God and many others! Amen! So what do you get to do ? I'm praying for you and your team! Shalom shalom!
Sarah Young
Word for from our Bibles:
Upper Room: Keeping in Touch
Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:25 (CEB)
When I attended the 50-year reunion for my high school class, it was fun to reconnect with classmates I had not seen in decades. I chatted with two friends whom I had known since grade school. We promised to keep in touch after the reunion with monthly calls, weekly emails, and exchanging cards. This continued for a while, but gradually contact became less frequent. Although we continue to exchange cards, our weekly and monthly communication has diminished.
This can also happen to our connection with God.
Hebrews 10 admonishes believers to continue to worship and pray. Some members of the community to whom the letter was written had fallen out of touch. They had gotten out of the habit of regular meetings.
We can keep in touch with the Lord by gathering with other believers for regular Bible reading and study and to encourage one another. In a busy world, we don’t have to fall out of touch with our faith.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, forgive us when we do not prioritize our connection with you and with other believers. Help us to keep our focus on you and encourage one another in faith. Amen.
Good Morning Suple, Molded Friends! Amen! May we remain supple in God's hands as He molds and shapes us and prepares us for His perfect plans. May we remain willing and available. Amen! I have a doc appt and have to fly. Check out the devos below about allowing God to stretch us and move us out of comfort zones. he wants us to rely on Him. We need Him and he is with us always, even as we take that next big step of faith with Him out of our comfort zones. Let's pray into this and to be a partner with some encouragers and prayer warriors. Amen
One other side note: As a result of Charlie Kirk's assassination, revival is rising and many are looking for a church or people that know Jesus for some help understanding. Is that you? Keep your eyes open and feet ready to move with Jesus. We are going to be pulling people from the flames of hell and leading some to new life in Christ. Keep praying for revival and to be used. PTL for almost 40 at church . Join us next week!
I to We
UR
The Lord said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
As a Christian, I’ve always been intimidated by the concept of sharing out loud the word of God. My introverted personality made me uncomfortable at the thought.
However, while browsing for clothing in a store, a woman approached me and asked if I would help her decide on an outfit. She was going back to church and wanted to dress for the occasion. She seemed thankful for my help.
Her story was not unique. She had stepped away from her faith for a time, and now she feared being judged by church members. She was concerned that God was angry with her. I felt a connection with her. I seized the opportunity and shared a favorite scripture — 2 Corinthians 12:9. I also reminded her that Jesus paid the price for us all. Hearing two voices saying amen behind us, we turned to see two women listening intently to our conversation. I realized that amid the busyness around us we had just shared a spiritual moment. Both of us had taken a positive step in deepening our faith and trusting more in God. And we received no judgment, only loving support.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, give us the courage to share your word when the opportunity presents itself so that we can grow in our faith and bring hope to others. Amen.
ODB
Remaining Teachable in God
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still. Proverbs 9:9
After Kat learned she was pregnant, she dropped out of high school to care for her daughter. Fifteen years later, Kat was a working mother of three who dreamed of becoming a licensed beautician. With humility and tenacity, she became a student again in a free GED support program. It was humbling to go back to school after so long. “This program changed my life!” Kat said. “My teacher was amazing and offered so much encouragement.”
Remaining teachable may be one of the most difficult things we can do. The Bible speaks of having a teachable heart that’s open to God’s wisdom. The poetry of Proverbs paints a picture of two women calling out to passersby—Wisdom and Folly (Proverbs 9:1-6; 13-18). Those who listen to Wisdom receive correction with grace. They “add to their learning” and become even wiser (v. 9). They habitually “walk in the way of insight” (v. 6) and seat themselves at Wisdom’s table for instruction. Their obedience leads to a full life (v. 11). In contrast, those who listen to Folly hate being corrected or criticized. They insult anyone who tries to instruct them (vv. 7-8). Humility comes from fearing God—acknowledging that He’s “the Holy One” and we are not (v. 10). It’s not easy to stay teachable, but it also brings freedom to admit we don’t know it all and we still need help. Wisdom calls to us. How will we respond?
By Karen Pimpo
REFLECT & PRAY
What’s your default reaction to criticism? How could a humble response lead to growth and victory?
Receiving instruction doesn’t always come naturally to me, wise Father, but I trust Your ways.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses,” Moses told Israel shortly before his death. Then he exhorted them: “Choose life . . . . love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). Proverbs reinforces this prudent counsel to forsake deadly ways and choose life. Chapter 9 is the last of three chapters that contrast folly and wisdom by personifying these concepts as female characters. In chapter 7, a father urges his son, “Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister’ ” (v. 4) but warns against the adulterous woman: “Do not let your heart turn to her ways” (v. 25). Chapters 7, 8, and 9 all conclude with warnings about the deadly end awaiting those who neglect wisdom (7:26-27; 8:35-36; 9:18). Instead, “Leave your simple ways and you will live” (9:6). By cultivating a teachable heart, fools grow wiser and draw closer to God.
Good Morning Praying Neighbor! Gotta fly but check out the devos below and pray for the harvest and ask what your part is and who your partners are. Then ask God to reveal those He is drawing for revival--neighbors. Then go live and love like Jesus and water, fertilize and maybe even harvest. God has plans and partners and even neighbors for you! Go! Love God, self and neighbor and love to bring Good News and Go's love alive. Amen
Upper Room: Walking with Neighbors
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself. - Luke 10:27 (NRSVUE)
When I retired, I moved to the mountains and lived only a few miles from the Appalachian Trail. Each year, thousands set out to hike the entire trail — a months-long journey of nearly 2,200 miles. Hikers must carry everything they need to survive — for days at a time. Many hikers end up tired, sore, and short on water and food, despite their best planning.
Encountering these “thru-hikers” on my day hikes, I was amazed at how they looked out for each other and shared their meager resources. A few ounces of water, a little food, a bandage, an aspirin, or a ride into town could make a huge difference. Strangers formed community. The other hikers became their new “neighbors.”
As Christians, we are called to serve others and take care of our neighbors in need. On the trails I regularly visited, people benefited from small kindnesses. I always brought extra food, supplies, and a well-stocked first-aid kit on hikes. I was enriched by my interactions with hikers; we shared stories, laughed, hugged, and prayed together. What opportunities do we have to serve others? Let us be observant and open-minded, pray about it, and see what surfaces.
's Prayer
O God, our Savior, thank you for the beauty of your world. We thank you for opportunities to meet new friends and neighbors. Amen.
Connection Blogs
- Preparing God’s Highway
“Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them” (Psalm 126:5-6).
God promises a bountiful harvest to those who sow with tears. Indeed their reaping will be with shouts of joy (Ps. 126:5-6). The agricultural picture of a ripe crop ready for harvest is far removed from the day to day experience of most urban Christians. To have a harvest there must be plowing, seed sowing and cultivation. Each worker who prepares the soil, plants seed, cultivates or harvests contributes by fulfilling his task. No task is insignificant (1 Cor. 3:6-9).
Faith is required to see the harvest before the first blade sprouts from the soil. In the parable of the sower, Jesus likens the good seed to the word of God sown into hearts (Mt. 13:19; Lk. 8:11). There are real obstacles to the healthy maturity of a sprouting seed. An adequate water supply is critical for an abundant harvest.
Wesley Deuwel said, “Prayer is God’s ordained means to prepare God’s highway through spiritually dry and arid places, and prayer is God’s ordained way to bring the refreshing water of God’s Spirit to barren lives. The more you pray, the more the water of the Spirit flows. The more you pray the more the seed sown is watered. The prayer you pray has the potential to turn any heart or desert into a garden of the Lord.”
Father, increase my faith ! The kind of faith that believes in the significance of each small act within the harvest…the preparation of the soil, the seed planting, watering…and waiting as You bring forth the fruit of such labor. May I be willing to take my place in the harvest…whichever role within it Your Spirit leads me into. May my heart be continually willing to intercede so that the hearts of the lost might be brought into Your kingdom!
--Adapted from Chapter 75 of Giving Ourselves to Prayer (Prayer for the Harvest) by Paula Hemphill. This resource is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount on the book.
Prayer Points
Shout Hallelujah! to the Lord God Almighty.
Praise God for his power and glory.
Thank him for salvation (Rev. 19:1).
Confess how rarely in recent days you have meditated on God’s wisdom and strength.
Commit yourself to thinking more about what you can do for God, rather than what God can do for you.
Ask for a renewed sense of awe about God’s character, for a greater hunger to know him.
Pray for family members or friends who hold God at arm’s length. Plead for personal peace and joy in Christ, so they will want what you have. Prayer Pointer “Prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance, but taking hold of God’s willingness.” —Phillips Brooks
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 Disciple Makers! We are gathered by God to be part of His Good News Delivery Company. Amen! And we all have a part to play. We are created, saved, made new, and gifted to be a special part and there are people only you can reach. Pray into that and talk to some friends as you process and take a step of faith into your part. God's grace is with you and the Holy Spirit will guide you and give you the words as needed. Go! Make disciples is not a suggestion. Acts 1:8 was in a devoand is truth and a command. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Learning to rely on the Spirit takes practice and discipline. But He comes bringing power to overcome any obstacles , real or perceived, so that you can fulfill this command as you are and for such a time as this. How can you be part of His Good News Delivery Co. to the ends of the earth? Maybe as a prayer warrior and intercessor? Maybe as a funder? Maybe by going and sharing wherever you go.? And maybe the ends of the earth begin outside your front or back door? Go! Check out this link to pray for the unreached of the world and pray or follow the Holy Spirit lead. (unreachedoftheday.org) Copy and past the link into your browser and get some great prayer helps for the day.
Also check out our other devos forfor reminders about your salvation story and our call to go be the salt and light the world needs. God custom made you for what you will face. trust the Holy Spirit and go! Amen! I'm praying for you!
ODB:
A Leap of Faith
It is by grace you have been saved, through faith. Ephesians 2:8
A French sailor, along with his cat, was sailing from Dutch Harbor—located on an island south of Alaska—to San Diego, California, when his yacht was capsized by a huge wave. The vessel righted itself, but the mariner lost his rudder and rigging to the violent swells. He reported his dire situation to the Coast Guard, saying he was stranded, had no control, and his boat was “pretty much dead in the water.” Eventually the Coast Guard contacted an oil drilling ship nearby, and they came to the sailor’s rescue. However, he still had to make a literal leap of faith—with his cat tucked under his jacket—from his boat to the rescue vessel.
In Ephesians 2, Paul described the sinful and hopeless condition of humanity—dead in the water spiritually and separated from God (v. 1). Moreover, we were disobedient to all that He desires (v. 2) and depraved—unable to do anything to merit salvation (v. 3). But “by grace,” Jesus made it possible for us to be “saved, through faith,” and this salvation is a “gift of God” (v. 8).
We were all stranded in the raging seas of sin and death, but praise God that we have a Savior who made it possible for us to leap into His saving arms by faith. Christ alone can rescue us and carry us to safety.
By Marvin Williams
REFLECT & PRAY
What is the means of the rescue Jesus has made possible? How are faith in Him and the salvation He’s made possible linked?
Dear Jesus, Your mercy and grace led me to—by faith—leap into Your saving arms.
Our need of Christ’s rescue is undeniable, given Paul’s clear teaching in Ephesians 2. Apart from Jesus we “were dead” (v. 1), and the dead can do absolutely nothing on their own behalf. How grateful we should be that God, out “of his great love for us” and His rich mercy (v. 4) has given us life through Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf. In addition to giving us life, He’s given us a place “in the heavenly realms” (v. 6). All this was done to express God’s “kindness to us” (v. 7). Apart from Jesus (vv. 8-9), we’d be both lost and helpless, but He came and took our place. He’s rescued and brought to safety those who’ve believed in Him!
Bill Crowder
UR: Seasoned with Salt
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. - Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
I made a chocolate cake and served it for teatime, but nobody looked happy. Then I tasted it, and it was bland. My husband took one bite and declared, “You forgot the salt!” The recipe called for a quarter-teaspoon of salt, which I had omitted. Even in sweet dishes, a tiny amount of salt makes all the difference.
In a similar way, it is important to correctly season our conversations so that we can make a difference. Each conversation requires a unique approach. It is important to be gracious and encouraging as we share our thoughts and what we know with others. In Acts 17, Paul gives us a beautiful example to follow. Even though he was distressed to see all the idols in Athens, he complimented the Greek people on being very religious (see vv. 16-22). They had numerous temples dedicated to their many gods. They even had an altar to an unknown god. Paul then declared that Jesus was the God unknown to the Greeks, and he spoke about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
The “salt” in Paul’s words made his speech palatable, and many people wanted to hear what he was talking about. When we season what we say and do with kindness and generosity, we can help others to know Jesus.
's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, guide our words and actions so that they may bring others closer to you. Amen.
Good Morning Armored-Up, Standing Firm in Christ, Co-Laboring, Good News Bringers! Yes please Lord! Put on that armor in prayer . Stand firm in Christ and on God's Word always. Partner up and go share the Good News of God's great love and our salvation. Then help people to do the same. That is our mission and that blesses God. Sarah reminded us that the battle belongs to the Lord. There is so much noise and misinformation filling the airways and social media and even neighborhood conversations . Turn off the noise. Tune into truth as you open God's Word and focus on His peace beyond understanding. Then trust and obey. Be in the world but not of it. Be informed enough to be responsive to neighbors with God given answers but don't allow the world to overwhelm and incapacitate you. We can pray for victims and survivors of the church shooting and Charlie Kirk martyrdom but what else can we do but release our anxiety to God and receive His peace as we trust that He is working ALL things together for good and that He has a plan for you, me, us and His Church to be the salt and light . So, gear up, load up, trust, choose joy and stand firm. Then keep sharing the Good News. So many need to hear it and there is an openness right now for those with soft, seeking hearts. Stop focusing on the darkness and deceived that belong to Satan. Release them to God and move on to those He is drawing. What's the Good News for your neighbor and searching friends and family? Share it! Live and love like Jesus! Let the Holy Spirit use and guide you. God is with you always and He is working all things together for good and His purposes. He has some teammates for you too to help with all this. Who are your teammates? Look for them. Reach out to some. Unite in Christ and pray each other through as you walk with Jesus to some great fruit. I'm praying for you and us and for God's Kingdom to come and will to be done in, through and around us , this week, always! Amen
Check out these devos that led to this blog . God is with you always. He loves you and is calling you by name. He has great plans custom made for you and teammates to go with and to cover each other. Where He guides, He provides. Gear up! Load up! Unite. Then go in love with the best news anyone could ever know and accept--Jesus is Lord and He died for you and now wants a relationship with you. He loves you and is calling you by name and He overcame death and the grave for you! Come and see and know His forgiveness! Amen!
Sarah Young:
Upper Room: God Walks with Us
The Lord is close to everyone who calls out to him, to all who call out to him sincerely. - Psalm 145:18 (CEB)
As I get older, it seems I am needing to have more medical procedures. Frequency, however, does not diminish my anxiety about the procedures. What does help is remembering to pray first — and not just silent, under-my-breath prayers. Right before a procedure gets started, I ask the doctor or dentist if they mind if I say a short prayer. I then ask God to bless those in the room, to guide the doctor’s hands, and to bring me good results with speedy healing.
So far, no one has objected. As a matter of fact, occasionally I will see the doctor’s face become calmer as we all take a minute to stop and talk to God — a short respite in their otherwise hectic day. These moments of prayer help me remember not to focus on what is about to happen to me but rather to focus on God walking through it with me.
's Prayer
Dear God, please help us remember to come to you with our needs, both large and small. We know that you are there for us whenever we need you. Walk with us, as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.
I to We
Sarah Update
Hi everyone.......
What a great day in our Father's house......worship, great time of Fellowship and delicious food!!
Here are the praises and prayer needs that were shared :
Danny and Liz Reinsmith are celebrating their 50th Wedding anniversary! Congratulations!!!
Lisa Wenner is praising God that her nephew and his wife's twin are doing well. Please pray that she is able to keep the
babies in her womb for another several weeks! The babies are growing well!!
Lisa Wenner is praising God that her other nephew whose fiancé was being treated for cancer is doing well. Her tumors are disappearing.
She is on her third round of Chemo
Nancy Wertman (Kay Paul's daughter) is praising God for mom's hearing aid was FOUND!!!! Yay God!!!
Bev Resh was praising God for her daughter and grand-daughter that brought her to church and they were able to stay for the brunch.
Harry Waterman is thankful that he is gaining more energy and is more aware of the blessings that he takes for granted. He is also thankful for
his wife who took good care of him
Prayer needs:
Neen's friend Beth will be starting her radiation treatments on . Please keep her in your prayers and for healing and strengthening
Winnie Iobst is asking for prayer for his neighbor who has been diagnosed with cancer. Pray for the family and the doctors as they decide on the
best treatment plan.
Ron Boyer - friend of Harry Waterman - Has had heart and kidney issues, blood clots, and treatment for large tumors. Pray for the Doctor's to have wisdom
and direction and for encouragement for the family.
Bob, a friend of Sarah's will be having extensive shoulder surgery () Pray for all to go well and for a quick healing process.
Prayers for safe travels for Debbie Siegfried and family, they are looking forward to a family time get-a-away. Also keep Challa their dog in your prayers
as they have a new puppy sitter caring for her.
** ** **'
Huge thank you to Lori and all those that assisted with cooking and clean up at the brunch !! It was a great time of fellowship!! And of course the good food
was awesome!!! Thanks everyone!!!!
Well everyone......praying for a great week! Remember to "suit up" and put on the WHOLE armor of God before you begin your day!
is the day the Lord has made and we get to be the Acts 2:42 Church --REJOICE and enter His courts with ! (Worship at 10 with new member installation. Followed by Brunch at 11:30. Who ya bringin' along?)
Good Morning Very Loved Acts 2:42 Church! Amen! What's Acts 2:42? Our goal and it comes alive as we study, fellowship, pray and eat together and God adds to our numbers with new members . PTL! For God so loved the world, and loved each of us, that He sent His Son so that whoever believes will not perish but have eternal life. Amen! That's the Good News we get to live and share. We are made new in Christ. We love because He first loved us. We go, as sent, to make disciples. And God is with us every step of the way. PTL! So much to worship for and that leads to worship through our obedience--we get to, want to live and love like Jesus! AMEN!
Do you believe God loves and cares for you? Have you experienced it? How might God use your growing experiences to bless others and expand His Kingdom? He is Love and He is compassionate. He wants all to come and draws those who will through people like us who love like Him well. Pray for us to do this better and for God to add to our numbers, sure, but also to grow His Kingdom in us and through us. May He come alive in us as we go live and love like Him. And may many be saved from this dark world and find great places and people of worship to learn from. Check out our devos and blogs below and come with a heart of worship, get filled up, and go in love! Amen. Keep studying, praying, gathering, fellowshipping and going to love like Jesus together. Please Lord! Amen. Thank God for the harvest and pray for harvest workers and ask how He wants to use you to bring the Good News alive this week and incarnate Jesus and His ways.
Upper Room: Like A Child
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. - 1 John 5:14 (NIV)
Nine-year-old Emmie raised her hand with a prayer concern during our church service. First, she requested prayer for the people experiencing war in Ukraine. And then she asked for prayer to be able to make a sound when she blew into her flute. Apparently, she had just begun to take flute lessons, and only silence had prevailed!
What a lovely example of prayer. With her first request, Emmie was thinking about others, asking for the working of God’s peaceful presence in conflict. Her second request was personal — the longing of a young musician’s heart. It was very important to Emmie but maybe not to anyone else. Yet God desires for us to bring all our concerns to God.
God cares for the whole world and for us personally with the same amount of love, mercy, and compassion.
's Prayer
Dear Lord, may we confidently bring our concerns to you, trusting that you care about each one. Amen.
Sarah Young
The Word for You
Connection:
- Revolutionary Love
One of the reasons for the lack of effectiveness in our prayer lives might be a broken relationship. Many view prayer as an escape from everyday life. They view prayer as mystical and of no practical value. They see no correlation between prayer and interpersonal relationships. However, Peter told husbands to live with their wives “with understanding, giving honor to the wife . . . and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Pet. 3:7).
True prayer draws our attention to the nature and character of God. We become like Him as we recognize His attributes. When we emerge from the inner chamber of prayer we will love with a revolutionary love—the love of the Father. Our capacity to love will be broadened and deepened. Consequently, prayer and interpersonal relationships are interwoven. Prayer affects our relationships, and our relationships affect our ability to pray. Many times I have needed to ask my wife and my children to forgive me. I could not be in harmony with God when I was out of tune with my family.
A heart that is finely tuned to the heart strings of God will produce a symphony of music that builds loving relationships. When those relationships are broken, the music may still be able to play, but not with the same kind of beauty. Broken relationships hinder our intimacy with God.
Loving Father, draw me into the inner chamber of prayer so that I might learn to love others as You love them. Help me to see people with the eyes of the Holy Spirit, and give me the humility to repair damaged relationships. I don’t want anything to come between us in the intimacy of the inner chamber of prayer. Show me if there is anyone I have offended or spoken harshly to, especially in my own family, and help me to restore what I have broken. For Your glory I ask this, Lord.
Thank him for including you among Abraham’s spiritual descendants, for calling you to shine like a star in the firmament of glory (Gen. 22:17).
Confess that sometimes your witness is dim.
Commit yourself to connecting with and praying for other Christians who want to shine for God.
Ask where you should begin.
Plead with God on behalf of children in your family and those around you. Pray that they will see the spiritual consequences of daily choices—and choose God.
Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayerleader.com. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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