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Friday, February 21 2025
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! What are you thankful about? Tell God and share with some others!
Today is a unique day in my history. Feb. 21, 1998 my father passed. He had told my mom he was praying for me to turn from my addictions and come back to God. Dec 29th (his birthday) 2001 that happened. Then on Feb. 21st 2002 God answered a life long prayer to lead me to a good Christian woman to marry. I was "struck by lightning" when I shared with one of my candy truck customer, Karen, that I was saved and she said so am I. Now she didn't feel the lightning. Another man was the furthest thing from her mind that day--the day her divorce became final--but God had other plans that eventually resulted in our marriage.. PTL! I am blessed beyond measure! People sometimes ask how I got a woman like like and my reply is always God! It sure wasn't me! So today, I have many things to be thankful about: the assurance that because my dad believed and was baptized that he is in heaven, answered prayers, my salvation, and God's gifts to me including Karen. My prayer is that I would continue to learn to agape her better and die to self to bless her and others always. I am truly thankful for all the facets of my salvation and the answered prayers. God is always good and always at work. PTL! Who needs to hear your story?
Good Morning Forgiven Much, Thankful, Followers of Jesus! Meditate on all the facets of that today and rejoice with much thanksgiving!
I hope this email comes out ok. My computer is getting whackier and changed all my emails. I can't highlight or change fonts etc anymore.
Check out our devos below. God was speaking to me today and drawing me close. may He speak to you as well! Pray for us as we complete this week at home and for Sarah as she brings the Word Sunday. And pray for each other. God has custom made plans for you and us for such a time as this! Rejoice!
Well, you're on your own. This dumb new email won't let me copy and past my devos either. Giess I need to work on that today! The thread was that God loves, you always, has great plans for you and wants to enlarge our territory. I remember a few years ago when Sarah shared how she was praying into that. God is hearing and answering as we both have been praying for that. PTL! Pray He continues to do so and grow us and all who will come into the people we are created to be and doing more and more of what we are created to do. God is with us, for us and has great plans for you and us! PTL! let us continue to pursue Him and His plans and allow Him to mold, shape and prepare us for the days ahead--and all for His glory! Amen!
Friday, February 21 2025
Don' t forget about taking your spiritual gift inventory and emailing to me. As people do so we will decided when and how to meet to discuss and learn how to apply.
Here's the link: Spiritual Gifts | FREE Spiritual Gifts Survey | Assessment, Analysis, Test
Good Morning Praying Friends! Check out the connection blog on the importance of corporate prayer. Praying churches are growing churches! We are seeking to become a House of Prayer for the Nations and that is birthed from prayer. All we do is birthed, guided and empowered through prayer. May we be a praying church. Talk to me if you would like some help in learning to pray or praying out loud or even joining a church prayer team that will be starting soon.
I'll just put my devos below for you to process with God and some others. God loves you and wants you to dwell in His love, love Him and go love others. He even wants you to love yourself. That comes alive as you abide in His love and flows from quality time with Him. The Word He sends today is, "Tell them I love them and want them to abide in my love, fill up with love and go love as they have been loved." Meditate on that as you abide in His love today. I'm praying for you. He sure is refreshing me and filling me to overflowing with His love! Amen! May it be so for you and your partners in prayer. Amen! Be filled with His Love, joy and peace as you go live and love more like Jesus! Amen!
Connection Prayer:
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February 19 - Faith Grows as We Pray Together
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Praying together increases the faith of a congregation to believe God for the miraculous. In Matthew 17 and Mark 9 there is the story of the father who brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples. They could not cast it out. The boy was taken to Jesus, who spoke a word and the demon left. Later the disciples come to Jesus and they were baffled. Why? Because they knew how to cast out demons. (The story takes place after they had been sent two-by-two into villages casting out demons and healing the sick.) They asked Jesus why they couldn’t do it. Jesus said two things: “because you have so little faith” (Mt. 17:20), and “this kind can come out only by prayer” (Mk. 9:29).
I wonder if the disciples attacked this demon issue cavalierly or routinely. They knew the words to say, the steps to take. But nothing worked because they were not prayed up enough. Their faith was not there as a result. There is a clear connection between prayer and faith (beyond the fact that we are supposed to pray in faith).
I believe the most significant thing that is lost in a church that does not have corporate prayer is faith. The main reason most churches are stagnant and do not see God at work in miraculous ways in their midst? Most churches and individuals do not know what it is to pray in faith anymore. But faith grows as we pray together.
Father, forgive my lack of faith! Release me from the stronghold of my own unwillingness to pray with others. Increase my faith to see You work in the midst of Your people…and even through my own life. Help me to see my faith grow as I stretch myself to willingly pray with other like-minded believers.
--Adapted from the article The Benefits of Praying Together by Jonathan Graf. Check out this powerful resource also written by Jon Graf: Praying Like Paul: Learning to Pray the Kingdom for those You Love, available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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ODB:
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As a child, when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Ben would say, “I want to be like Dave.” Ben’s older brother was athletic, sociable, and an honor student. Ben, on the other hand, says, “I was clumsy in sports, timid, and struggled with a learning disability. I’d always wanted a close relationship with Dave, but he didn’t. He called me ‘the boring one.’ ”
Ben spent much of his life pursuing his older brother’s love in vain. It was only when Ben became a follower of Jesus that he learned to rest in the love of his Savior instead.
Leah, the first wife of Jacob, spent much of her life pursuing her husband’s love (Genesis 29:32-35). Jacob, however, remained devoted to Rachel. But God saw Leah’s plight and made up for the rejection in her life. He blessed her by allowing her to be a mother, a great honor in her culture at that time (v. 31). Leah, unseen and unheard by her husband, was lovingly seen and heard by God (vv. 32-33). She gave birth to a daughter and six sons (35:23), one of whom was Judah, a forefather of Jesus Himself. She said at his birth, “This time I will praise the Lord” (29:35). Leah lived a long life in Canaan and was buried in a place of honor—with Jacob’s family (49:29-32).
When we experience rejection, let’s find comfort in Leah’s story. We can rest in the love of God, who makes up for what we lack.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
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How can you rest in God’s love when you’re rejected? How might you entrust your pain to Him?
Dear God, thank You that Your love heals me in all the places where I’ve been rejected.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Genesis 29:31–30:24 and 35:16-26 tell of the births of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose name means “deceiver.” His name was later changed by God to Israel, which means, he “struggled with God” (32:28). Jacob’s life was characterized by favoritism (29:18, 30), spousal neglect, jealousy, and rivalry (29:31–30:1). That God would name His chosen nation after Jacob and use his twelve sons to become the ancestral heads of the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel points to His covenantal love and unmerited grace (see Romans 9:10-18). Equally noteworthy in Leah’s sad story is that two crucial institutions of the nation of Israel—the Aaronic-Levitical priesthood (Numbers 18:1-7) and the kingship (Genesis 49:10)—come from her third and fourth sons, Levi and Judah (29:34-35). These two sons were from a marriage in which she was unwanted and unloved. Yet God honored Leah and graciously looked after her (vv. 31-35; 30:17-21).
K.T. Sim |
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TWFYT:
UR: Joyful Service
Since you know these things, you will be happy if you do them. - John 13:17 (CEB)
On the first morning of our cruise, my wife and I were eating breakfast in the cafe. We overheard a conversation between a busboy and the people seated at a nearby table. It soon became apparent from their dialogue that the man clearing the table was not a busboy but the ship’s captain! Despite his important position on the ship, he occasionally waits on tables, allowing him to engage with all the passengers on the voyage.
In today’s familiar passage from the Gospel of John, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet to teach an important lesson: if he, our Lord, is willing to serve others, we need to be willing to do the same. He said, “I have given you an example.” He then added that happiness comes from following his example. Jesus’ teaching contradicts society’s norm by telling us that happiness comes from serving others, not from others serving us. There is a special joy that accompanies serving others in a spirit of humility. It is not enough simply to agree with Christ’s teaching; we must also follow his example.
Today's Prayer
Loving Lord, help us to follow the way of life you lived on earth. Show us whom we can serve today, and give us the humility to do so. Amen.
Friday, February 21 2025
I will offer several opportunities over four weeks to gather in person and/or on Zoom to help you understand and grow in your gifts. Sessions will be about an hour. Plan to attend all four weeks.
Tuesdays 6PM in person with dinner in Fellowship Hall March 11,18, 24, April 1 (Maybe on Zoom too?)
Wednesday Noon with lunch in person after Bread Min. and on Zoom March 12, 19, 24, April 2
Possible Wed, Evenings with dinner huddle (in person only) Same Wed. dates. Depends if group wants to pursue this. We will discuss next Wed.
***Please let me know of your interest and availability!***
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Good Morning Fellow Journeyers! Yes I am on a spiritual retreat (of sorts). God has rearranged our plans but I am finally able to get away, abide and listen and receive from God--well for the first time this morning and man has it been good! I've been busy, very busy the past few weeks, feeling pressured to do more, and definitely under attack by Satan. Some of the problem has been not stilling myself, abiding and reloading for the day or not taking time to put on that armor in prayer before stepping into the battle zone of each day. Some of the stress comes from doing things that are not mine to do and that robs some of you from your call and using your gifts This retreat is to rectify some of that and to reload for the journey through Easter. I had to start at the cross this morning and crucify some things as I die to self and abide in Christ's love and wisdom. We all need to reload after pouring ourselves out and prepare to go do it again. It's best to do that daily but also to take some seasons to recharge as well. Jesus took naps and got up early to pray and fellowship with the Father before stepping into the day God had ordained. God rested on the 7th day. That's why we need to sabbath as well. He made the sabbath for us. Are you taking time to abide and rest in Christ? Are you spending time daily in refreshing prayer and fellowship with the Father? Start there--daily. Die to self, take up cross daily is a command to be prepared to follow Jesus well. AMEN! I was sitting with my dogs praying this morning and God reminded me of His unconditional love for me, just like the dogs show. They are always happy to see me and hang out. But they can also feel neglected and sad when I get too busy to notice them or spend time with them. It's the same with God. he loves when we can't wait to run to Him and hang out and he notices when we get too busy for Him too. I pray that my tail is always wagging to come to God and hang out! Sometimes, that means making time. But man is it worth it!
I could share all my devos from this morning with you because God sure used them to speak to my heart and refresh me for today. He wanted me to share this with you. It is critical for all of us to be still, abide, reload and then go as we follow Jesus to the plans for each day. Sometimes even a nap during the day is needed as well! We tend to take on more than is intended for us and allow the tyranny of the urgent and our busyness to rob us of God's best and of peace and joy. I was headed there and would have crashed and burned had I not scheduled this week for me. I know many of you can relate. I have learned from experience that if I don't catch myself in time and take time, God will give me the necessity to rest in a hospital bed or sickbed. I don't want to go there again! I was sick over the weekend and am recovering today as I still myself and abide. Yes God is good and I am learning. Are you? I want to bless Him and choose His best and hang with Him all day. (That's putting on Jesus' easy yoke and walking at His pace to what he has for me)
As I ended my deep quiet time today God led me to Dave Butts blog (below) Please spend some time with that! THINK ABOUT OUR CHURCH. We were on the track of decline like most churches. But God heard our prayers and witnessed our earnest hearts to change that crash course. Something rare is happening as we were able to let Him steer the rudder and turn the ship around. God is growing our fellowship and prospering our ministries as we pray, listen, trust Him, make His plans and allow Him to grow us into the people we are created to be and doing what we are created for more earnestly. PTL! And thank you all for allowing God to use you and us! May we continue to seek and follow well. He does have some great things ahead for us to discover and grow into! I feel it in my bones! Do you? We are learning to live and love like Jesus and it shows! we are becoming His dynamic movement and He has plans for us to come alive in '25! PTL!
With all of that, Satan notices and hates it. He attacks and tries to derail God's work through disrupting our unity, love and commitment. I think about Dave's blog and discussing Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. We need to put on that armor and be ready always for attack as we rebuild the church. We need each other--all of us--to do our parts and to uphold, cover, pray for and encourage each other. Say it with me...Satan BE GONE! Turn off the noise. Pray on that armor. Focus on God and may we continue to seek His Kingdom above all else and choose His healthy ways as we steward well all His blessings--mind, body, soul, spirit, gifts, time, talent and finances. May we be about our Father's business of growing His Kingdom, making disciples and helping each other! May we truly live and love more like Jesus and keep abiding and following well. Amen! I'm excited! I'm praying for you and those yet to come. Join me in that.
Join me! Let's start with those spiritual gifts tests and classes. I also have a great study that I'm willing to do with those of you God is drawing. It's a 30 days of drawing close, learning to pray and to offer yourself more fully to God. Talk to me! What's God saying to you? He said to me to abide and prepare to roll! He does have great things ahead! And He has plans for us to build His House of Prayer for the Nations and disciple making hub as we continue to seek, follow and work together. We are His Body and we need each other! Let us continue the journey together!
Sarah Young
Joyce Meyer
Chuck Swindoll
Upper Room: I AM
God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” - Exodus 3:14 (NIV)
One day I decided to change the background images on my desktop. While I explored the possibilities, I found a series of photographs, each featuring a path winding through woods, climbing high mountain passes, or twisting through dunes toward the seashore. Each photograph seemed to explore a facet of creation — each a beautiful moment captured in time. Like Moses in front of the burning bush in Exodus 3, I stopped and marveled at each scene.
Too often on our life journeys, we become preoccupied by negative past experiences or anxious visions of the future and don’t appreciate the beauty of the present. In doing so, we miss much. God is not simply I was or I will be but I AM.
There is more richness around us than we realize. Perhaps we will catch the song of a blackbird, the glow of a fiery sunset, the movements of a caterpillar, or the aroma of fresh bread. And as we do, we may also glimpse something of God: creativity, majesty, goodness, even humor. God knows our struggles but has a plan for us and promises to be with us. Even now, God may be calling us toward new challenges and a chance to make a difference.
Today's Prayer
Father God, give us eyes to see the wonders around us and the courage to respond when you reveal yourself. Amen.
Our Daily Bread (Read the Ephesians passages! God is speaking!)
A ride-sharing customer shared that he had endured a driver eating the world’s smelliest fruit, another driver who was bickering with a girlfriend, and one who tried to get him to invest money in a Ponzi scheme. In each case, instead of a poor rating, he gave the drivers five stars. He explained, “They all seemed like nice people. I didn’t want them to be kicked off the app over my bad rating.” He gave false reviews—keeping the truth from the drivers . . . and others.
For different reasons, we might withhold the truth from others. But the apostle Paul encouraged the Ephesian believers to lovingly speak the truth to one another as new creatures in Christ. This required cultivating habits of “righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24)—living lives that were set apart for Him and that reflected His ways. They were to replace lying with telling one another the truth because lies divide and disrupt, while truth unites us as believers. He wrote, “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (v. 25).
Jesus empowers us with the courage to resist lying and giving one another “fake ratings”—things that can disrupt our unity with other believers. Living a life of love, as He guides us, will lead to our sharing “kind and compassionate” expressions of truth (v. 32).
By Marvin Williams
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When are you tempted to withhold the truth from other believers? Why is it vital to share what’s honest and true?
Dear God, please help me to be authentic in my relationships out of love for You and others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Ephesians 4:17-32, Paul contrasts the deceptive ways of ”the devil” (v. 27) with the truth of God’s ways. The “Gentiles” (who don’t believe in God) are lost in “the futility of their thinking” (v. 17) and “darkened in their understanding” (v. 18). Paul notes how this “ignorance” is “due to the hardening of their hearts” (v. 18). This reflects their conscious choice to reject God’s truth. In contrast, we’ve been “taught . . . the truth that is in Jesus” (v. 21) so that we will “put off [our] old self” and “its deceitful desires” (v. 22). We’re to live in God’s truth.
Tim Gustafson |
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Shalom shalom! God loves you and so do I!
Friday, February 21 2025
We are a go for in person worship in the sanctuary and on zoom today at 10! Thanks Tim Derr for having everything cleared and ready! See you soon!
Good Morning Worshipers! May we prepare our hearts to worship in spirit and truth today! Please choose well and err on the side of safety if you have concerns about driving. It's still icy at my house but melting and warming.
Check out Our Daily Bread's reminder that the Golden Rule still applies as we learn to die to self and love like Jesus and bless others! May we be know for our love! And take love everywhere we go! Living and loving like Jesus! Always!
ODB:
A Finnish soldier in the three-month Winter War with Russia (1939-1940) lay wounded on the battlefield. A Russian soldier walked his way, pointing his rifle. The Finn was certain he’d met his end. However, the Russian handed him a medic kit, then kept moving. Remarkably, the Finn later found himself in a similar situation, only the roles were reversed—a Russian soldier lay wounded and helpless on the battlefield. The Finn handed him medical supplies and walked on.
Jesus gave us a central, guiding principle for our lives: “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). Can you imagine how different our world would be if believers kept this one simple principle? Can we calculate how much oppression would end if we collectively obeyed Jesus’ wisdom? If only, as He guides us, we would give others the same compassion and mercy we’d hope to receive ourselves. As we “give good gifts” to others, we reflect the heart of our “Father in heaven [who gives] good gifts to those” He loves (v. 11).
It’s vital that we see others as not merely enemies or strangers or people with whom we compete for resources or opportunities. Instead, we should see their need for mercy and kindness just as we need it. And as we do, our posture and perspective will change. Then, as God provides, we can freely offer them the love He’s freely offered to us.
By Winn Collier
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Why is it vital to treat others the way you’d like to be treated? How can Jesus help you?
Dear God, please help me reflect Your mercy and love in how I treat others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) wasn’t His first public address. Matthew 4:13-17 tells us that His teaching ministry had already begun: “Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum . . . . From that time on Jesus began to preach.” The Sermon on the Mount, however, was His first recorded public message. He shares what life in His kingdom looks like—in sharp contrast to the kingdoms of this world. The Beatitudes (5:3-10) show that His kingdom values people and things differently than the surrounding cultures. It describes how we’re to impact the world around us and relates to issues of the heart (as opposed to the letter) of the law. It even calls His kingdom citizens to love their enemies. Life in His kingdom is characterized by care for the poor, prayer that rests in God’s good will, and a trust in the Father that precludes the need for worry. A very different kind of kingdom indeed!
Bill Crowder |
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Friday, February 21 2025
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Clothing Closet shortened hours today due to coming snow. Open 10-12 today.
Sunday worship 10am in the sanctuary and on Zoom. Thant's the plan as of now. However, if we find the walks and parking too icy in the morning, for safety reasons, we will cancel in person and move to Zoom only. Determination will be made around 8am Sunday. Watch for One Call, email and info on WFMZ. As always, please choose what you are most comfortable with. We always want to err on the side of safety. We thank God for our capabilities to worship via Zoom as His Body! We encourage you to choose what makes you comfortable and keeps you safe. Follow His peace!
Sarah update below
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Good Morning Friends of Jesus and my Friends too! Shalom shalom=perfect peace...mind, body, spirit and circumstances. May God overwhelm you with His perfect peace today!
I slept in this morning and am taking some personal time today. Just wanted to update you with happenings for today and tomorrow. Prepare for tomorrow with reading and meditation on Acts 8. What's God saying to you? How may He be wanting to lead our church out the doors? Who are your partners to go live and love like Jesus? We are custom made and gifted for such a time as this! May God lead you to His plans for you. Those plans will find you right in the middle of His perfect peace because you will know you are in that sweet spot of following well to His perfect plans. Pray into that! See you all tomorrow! Shalom shalom!
We will begin in March learning our spiritual gifts and how they apply to you, our Body and fruit production. Gifts are given to help us repent and walk more fully in our new nature and with Christ. They are given to be used to bless others and grow His Church and are evidenced in good fruit we produce. If you are interested in participating talk to pastor Don or Sarah. We have not yet set up meeting times but expect to have several opportunities to discover and grow into your gifting.
Sarah Update:
Good afternoon, everyone........
What an exciting day.....we will share more about that on Sunday. We are keeping an eye on the weather and for the weekend, especially Saturday night into Sunday and what it will be like when we all wake up. We will keep you posted. We may need to wait until Sunday morning to determine if the parking lots and walkways are safe for walking. We will send out a OneCall, it will be on WFMZ Closing/Delays, if we do determine we should do zoom. Stay tuned.
I have a couple of prayer requests to share:
Melissa Sullivan is requesting prayer for her cousin's daughter, Serena. She has some serious health issues.
Also Chris, Serena's partner is having a bone marrow transplant on the 28th of February. Will enter the hospital on the 21st to prep for the transplant.
And she is asking for prayer for her stepsons, and their living arrangements.
Yvonne and Chris Muik - there are some health issues that need to be resolved. Prayers for God's peace to surround and help them both preserve and keep their faith strong.
Lisa Wenner's brother and his wife are celebrating the birth of their grandson, Cayde. Both mom and baby are doing well. Please keep this new family in your prayers as they adjust to having Cayde in their lives.
Joan Fenstermaker is asking for prayer for her health. She appreciates your prayers of encouragement and support.
Remember to keep those on our Homebound list in your prayers. During the winter months it's difficult for many of them, as they are unable to get outside or take rides with families. If you have time, why not send them a card or perhaps give them a call and chat for a few minutes.
Blessings to all of you......
Sarah
Also tomorrow, the Clothing Closet will have abbreviated hours due to the weather.....10-12:00pm.
Friday, February 21 2025
Good Morning Drawing Close to God, Powerful Praying Servants! Amen! Check out the Connection blogs below and pray through them. Pray for our Vision team meeting tonight that we would seek, hear and plan God's plans. Check out TWFYT below that as it speaks into the new things God is doing and our discerning and following well. Praying for you all! Have a blessed day abiding in Christ and following His lead. Shalom shalom--perfect peace to you!
Connection blogs:
February 13 - Tools in the Hands of a Mighty God
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“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us. God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him” (Psalm 67).
Every year almost 700,000 international students flock to college campuses in the United States. They are far away from home, many for the first time, navigating a strange culture and attempting to take classes in a language different from the one that is most natural to them. Many of these students want to impact their nations in a significant way, but most are not Christians. These students are a huge untapped resource for the cause of Christ, but about 70% of them will never see the inside of a Christian home unless we reach out to them. The reality of this situation is staggering when we consider that these potential kingdom workers already know the language, customs and layout of their own countries. Through hospitality and acts of love, our families and churches can become the hands and feet of Christ to them, bringing many into the Kingdom of Light! Then, by training them to reach their own nations for Jesus Christ, these young men and women can become incredible tools in the hands of a mighty God.
Gracious Lord, please give me a heart for the nations, for I long to see all the ends of the earth fear Your Name! Help me to see the big picture of how reaching out to one young student can change the world for Jesus! Let me be one of many in my church to seek to build relationships with young men and women from all over the world so that they might have an opportunity to see the living Christ in our homes! Teach me to stretch beyond what is comfortable to learn from and minister to these young students, so that they will see Jesus in me and know that I care about them.
--Adapted from Revolution on Our Knees: 30 Days of Prayer for Neighbors and Nations by Dave and Kim Butts. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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Praying through the President’s First 31 Days
Day 25
Pray that the Office of the President will exemplify honesty, integrity, and transparency.
O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; he swears to his own hurt and does not change; he does not put out his money at interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken (Psalm 15:1-5).
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- Praise God, the changer of times and seasons (Dan. 2:21), who is in control of all of history.
- Give thanks for this new day.
- Confess any misuse or waste of time.
- Commit yourself to taking hold of today’s opportunities and to enjoying the special pleasures God provides during this season.
- Ask him to guide you to make wise and efficient use of your time.
- Pray that your church leaders will be protected from overloaded schedules. Ask God to give them wisdom as they lead the church and care for their other concerns.
Prayer Pointer
“When we say to people, ‘I will pray for you,’ we make a very important commitment. The sad thing is that this remark often remains nothing but a well-meant expression of concern.” —Henri Nouwen
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
TWFYT:
ODB: It ties to the Connection blog! May God bless you eith shalom/peace today
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“Sometimes I just feel so . . . invisible.” The word hung in the air as Joanie talked to her friend. Her husband had left for another woman, leaving Joanie with young children still at home. “I gave him my best years,” she confided. “And now I don’t know if anyone would really see me or take the time to actually know me.”
“I’m so sorry,” her friend responded. “My dad walked out when I was six, and it was hard for us, especially Mom. But she said this thing when she tucked me in at night that I never forgot: ‘God never closes His eyes.’ When I was older, she explained she was trying to teach me that God loved me and watched over me always, even while I slept.”
The Bible presents words God gave Moses to share with His people during a challenging time, when they were wandering in Sinai’s desert: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). The blessing was to be spoken by the priests over the people.
Even in life’s wildernesses—those places where we wonder if anyone sees us or truly understands—God is faithful. God’s favor—His shining face and enduring love—is always turned toward those who love Him, even when we can’t feel Him because of our pain. No one is invisible to God.
By James Banks
REFLECT & PRAY
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How does it comfort you to know that God truly sees you? Who can you share that comfort with today?
Thank You, Father, for seeing me, knowing me, and loving me. Please help me to turn my face to You always!
Hear more from James Banks on how God sees our needs and hears our prayers.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In showering the people with His favor, God instructed the high priest to bestow on them the blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26. “The Lord make his face shine on you” (v. 25) is rendered “the Lord smile on you” in the New Living Translation. God smiling and turning “his face toward you” (v. 26) expresses the idea that the people have God’s special attention and approval. This benediction, pronounced by many pastors at the end of church services today, affirms that God provides for and protects His people, assuring us of His presence, pardon, and peace. The Hebrew concept of peace (shalom) is all-embracing and includes the concepts of completeness, security, health, wealth, tranquility, contentment, friendship, and peace with God and humanity.
K.T. Sim |
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Friday, February 21 2025
Good Morning Loves!
Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday and Valentine's Day wrapped up in one word--LOVE! God is Love. he loves you and works in love in and trough and around you and us. PTL!
A lovely read and meditation awaits as we encounter the "LOVE" chapter of the Bible. (This passage came up in two of my devos today)\
Spend some time here today and build those gratitude lists and then choose to go love like Jesus. He has great plans for you today that will flow out of your gratitude and time with Him in His Word
Thankful for LOVE
L= Love that is eternal, unfailing, forgiving, God's character, that comes alive in and through me
O= Overcoming Love in me
V=Victorious Love
E=Everything flows from Love!
1 Corinthians 13
13 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[c]
All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
ODB:
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At Meredith’s wedding, her mother read a beautiful Scripture from 1 Corinthians. Often called “the love chapter” of the Bible, the thirteenth chapter sounded perfect for the occasion. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud” (v. 4). Listening, I wondered if modern brides and grooms knew what prompted the apostle’s stirring words. Paul wasn’t writing a love poem. The apostle penned a plea to a divided church in an effort to heal its raging divisions.
Simply put, the church at Corinth “was a mess,” says scholar Douglas A. Campbell. Seething problems included incest, prostitution, and rivalry among leaders. Lawsuits between members weren’t uncommon. Worship was often chaotic—with those speaking in tongues competing to be heard first, and others prophesying to look impressive (see 1 Corinthians 14).
Underlying this chaos, says Campbell, was “a basic failure in relating to one another in love.” To show the more excellent way, Paul preached love because “love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away” (13:8).
Paul’s loving reminders can certainly encourage a wedding party. May they also inspire all of us to live out love and kindness too.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
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How do you show kindness and love in your relationships? How do you show love in the body of Christ?
Your love never fails, loving God, so please guide me in relating to all with the excellence of love.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In 1 Corinthians 13, the well-known chapter of love so often recited at weddings, Paul defines love not as an emotion but as an action (vv. 4-8). These verses call to mind the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, also written by Paul. We can’t love as the apostle calls us to love without a relationship with Jesus and the work of the Spirit in our lives. This is the process of sanctification, whereby we grow to become more like God. Paul compares it to becoming an adult and leaving our childish ways behind (1 Corinthians 13:11-12). Just as we need to do today, the Corinthian church needed to learn to love as Christ called them to love and to use their gifts to serve others (see ch. 12). Spiritual gifts are temporary (13:8-12) and will disappear (v. 10), but “faith, hope and love” will remain and “the greatest of these is love” (v. 13).
Alyson Kieda |
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Friday, February 21 2025
Bread Ministry Donut Day is on from 10-12.
Dinner Huddle Cancelled for tonight. And off next week.
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Good Morning Friends! Check out the devos for today. Spend some time with Daddy. What's He saying to you?
Join us for Donut Day of able. We will try to have snow removed by start time. Shalom!
Off to clear some snow and loving it!
UR: My Dream Job
In all your ways acknowledge [the Lord], and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:6 (NRSVUE)
A family member once asked me to describe my dream job. I was a sixth-grade teacher at the time, but my honest answer was “to become a mother.” I now have that job, but there are moments when it doesn’t feel like the dream. When family members are tired and cranky, when loads of laundry pile up and multiple errands must be run, it becomes easy to lose sight of the blessings.
During these times, I must acknowledge God’s presence in my life, refocus, and remind myself how truly blessed I am — doing just what my heart desired. It is a privilege to take care of those I love day by day.
Therefore, when our sink is filled with dishes and laundry baskets are full, I am thankful for food to eat and clothes to wear. When my house needs a thorough cleaning, I am grateful for the lives that move within it each day. As I clean up after pets or pull weeds in the garden, I become aware of the beauty of God’s creation. When I am completely exhausted, what a blessing it is to end a long day by snuggling my sweet son as he falls asleep and talking with my husband in the quiet of the evening! In the midst of life’s busyness and day-to-day tasks, let’s remember God’s many gifts to us.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, when we feel worn down, help us to be grateful and to see each task we do as a gift from you. Amen.
ODB:
Many years ago, my husband decided to take a trip to Africa with a group of people from his church. At the last minute, the group was prevented from going on its journey. Everyone was disappointed, but the money they’d collected for airfare, lodging, and food was donated to the people they’d tried to visit. The people used it to construct a building that would shelter victims of abuse.
Recently, at a prayer breakfast, my husband met someone who lived in the village he’d almost traveled to so many years ago. This person was a teacher who said he walked by the building every day. He confirmed that God had used it to provide for the most vulnerable people in the area.
Our plans and desires don’t always match what God has in mind. For His “thoughts are not [our] thoughts, neither are [our] ways [His] ways” (Isaiah 55:8). God’s ways aren’t just different from ours; His ways are “higher” and better because what He does is consistent with who He is (v. 9). This truth gives us hope when our efforts to serve Him don’t turn out the way we’d planned.
It might be years before we’re able to look back and trace God’s influence through certain situations. For now, though, as we continue to reach out to the world in His name, we can remember that God is always powerfully at work (v. 11).
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
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When have you felt disappointed with an experience? How might God use this to teach you something about Himself?
Dear God, You’re the all-knowing one. When I don’t understand what’s happening, please help me to trust You.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Isaiah is the first of the five books referred to as the Major Prophets, so named because of their length, not their importance. The other Major Prophets are Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Isaiah is the sixth longest book of the Bible, and two other prophetical books—Jeremiah and Ezekiel—are even longer. Isaiah contains many prophecies related to divine judgment and many others about the coming Messiah. J. A. Martin in The Bible Knowledge Commentary points out: “Isaiah had a lofty view of God. The Lord is seen as the Initiator of events in history. He is apart from and greater than His Creation; yet He is involved in the affairs of that Creation. Whether in his dealings with sin or his promise of redemption, Isaiah portrays God’s greatness as above all that he has created.”
Discover more from the book of Isaiah.
Bill Crowder |
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TWFYT:
Friday, February 21 2025
Check out our devos below that flow through this truth. The early church grew and prospered through prayer and perseverance. May that be us as well. What's God whispering to you? How does He want to use your testing, trials and stretching to grow you and His Kingdom? What will you do about that?
Good Morning House of Prayer for the Nations. May we strive to become just that. May we develop prayer times with and for each other, our community, nation and for revival. That is a passion God has instilled in me. And prayer is critical for us to hear, release, follow and for God to move in and through us. Check out the blogs below on prayer. Join me in praying through them.
Harvest Prayer: 10 ways to pray for your pastor: Ten Ways to Pray for Pastors to become Catalysts for Prayer
Connection Prayer
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February 11 - A Life of Prayer – Together
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Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. (5:13-16, NAB)
Sharing of one’s concerns could be seen as complaining, attention-getting, or pleas for sympathy. To come to church was a time to show oneself off at one’s best. In public worship some of the expectation was to look good, as if everything was all right even when it was not.
In this context, the notion of the church as a community was not fostered in my own spiritual life. “We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear, and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear” was not as normative as “Before our Father’s throne, we pour our ardent prayer; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.” Dominant was the sharing of personal concerns with God possible through the work of Christ, private prayer; much less fostered was the notion of sharing concerns with the community and having the community also pray on behalf of the person (praying together). Of course, when someone was in the hospital, the prayer of the community was formally offered. But in my day-to-day life, most everything of a deep personal nature was between me and God.
At times, prayer and praise is an individual response. At other times, it is a response within the community. Mutual confession of sins and prayer for one another is considered to be a vehicle God in Christ uses for healing. God’s Word, the voice of the Church, and our prayers belong together. So we must now speak of common prayer. Bonhoeffer states: “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they may ask, it will be done for them of Me in heaven” (Mt. 18:19). There is no part of common devotions that raises such serious difficulties and trouble as does common prayer, for here we must ourselves begin to speak. We have heard God’s Word, and we have been permitted to join in the hymn of the Church; but now we are to pray to God as a fellowship, and this prayer must really be our word, our prayer for this day, for our work, for our fellowship, for the particular needs and sins that oppress us in common, and for the persons who are committed to our care.”
Father, You desire to hear my voice lifted up before Your throne, and You also desire to hear Your people praying together in community. May we, Your Church, discover the loveliness of the fellowship of corporate prayer as we set aside our discomfort and uncertainty. Help us to emulate the Church in the book of Acts, who gathered together constantly and continually to seek Your face. Forgive our pride and strengthen our resolve to lift our sins, needs and intercessions before You as the Body of Christ.
--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 46, Praying Together Vs. Private Prayer by Bruce M. Hartung). This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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Praying through the President’s First 31 Days
Day 23
Pray that our president would exemplify a spirit of meekness as he addresses crucial issues daily.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
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- Praise God that he is completely trustworthy and that he has never failed anyone (Jn. 14:1-23).
- Thank God that Jesus Christ is preparing a place for you at this very moment.
- Confess any reluctance to trust God in everything.
- Commit yourself to living with your heart as Christ’s home.
- Ask the Lord to do great things through you in the power of the ascended Lord.
- Ask that our society will respect the value of human life at every stage of life. Pray especially for people who today are making decisions about the life of another.
Prayer Pointer
“Trouble and perplexity drive me to prayer and prayer drives away perplexity and trouble.” —Philippe Melanchthon
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
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TWFYT:
ODB:
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For years, Evan struggled with an addiction that kept him from drawing close to God. How can I be worthy of His love? he wondered. So, while he kept going to church, he felt that there was an unbridgeable chasm that kept him separated from God.
Yet, whenever Evan prayed earnestly for something, God seemed to answer him. God also sent people to encourage and comfort him in difficult times. After some years, Evan realized God was constantly pursuing him and showing that He’d always loved and cared for him, and that’s when he began to trust in God’s forgiveness and love. “Now, I know that I’m forgiven and can let God draw me close to Him, even though I’m still struggling with my addiction,” he said.
Ezekiel 34:11-16 tells us of a God who pursued His people. “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them,” He said, vowing to rescue them and provide for them abundantly (v. 11). This was after their human leaders had abandoned them, and they themselves disobeyed their true Shepherd (vv. 1-6). Whether we’re helpless victims of circumstances or struggling with the consequences of our own sin, God pursues us in love. In His mercy and grace, He draws us back to Him. If you’ve forgotten God, turn back to Him. Then, as He leads, continue to walk with Him each day.
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
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How has God shown you that He cares for you and loves you? How can you let Him draw you closer to Him?
Dear God, thank You for always loving me despite my struggles and doubts. Please teach me to trust in Your love anew.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Ezekiel was both a priest and a prophet, prophesying from 593 to 571 bc. He was among the ten thousand captives brought out of Judea to Babylon in 597 bc, which included officers, soldiers, skilled workers, artisans, and eighteen-year-old King Jehoiachin and his family (2 Kings 24:10-15; 2 Chronicles 36:9). In Babylon, Ezekiel had his first vision at age thirty by the Kebar River (Ezekiel 1:1-3). He prophesied to a people who desperately needed to hear from God. The book’s main themes include the holiness of God and the sin of the people (36:22-23), which included judgment on those who turn away from God and mercy and hope for those who repent and trust in Him. During Ezekiel’s captivity (586 bc ), Babylon besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and burned down the city, carrying away the remnant of the people. The captivity lasted seventy years (2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36:21).
Alyson Kieda |
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UR: Constant Motion
The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. - John 3:8 (NIV)
As I sit on the patio, the breeze brushes against my face, and I can feel the wind and hear it as it swirls through the trees. I have learned to see and enjoy God in everything. Like a gentle breeze, God’s presence is all around. God fills the space around us and is in constant motion — always working, always breathing life into us.
Scripture tells us in 1 Kings 19 that Elijah was disturbed and confused after a spiritual battle that sapped his strength. As he stood at the mouth of the cave where he had taken refuge, God spoke in a gentle whisper to him that gave Elijah new strength and direction that his life needed. No matter what life brings, we can be certain that God is in constant motion, filling the space around us, as the impulse of the Holy Spirit inspires and guides us.
Today's Prayer
Spirit of the living God, teach us to recognize signs of your presence all around us. Even when we do not know the direction your Holy Spirit is taking, inspire us to believe and follow where you lead. Amen.
Friday, February 21 2025
See Sarah Update below!
Tue Zoom Huddle is canceled the next two weeks.
Wed Bread and DONUT Day is on from 10-12. Watch to see if we can meet for dinner huddle at 6. Looks like a snow storm again. Next Wed we are off for my spiritual retreat.
Thursday 6:30 Vision Team Zoom (If God is giving you a dream or vision for our Body share it with sarah or me so we can pray into it and seek God's direction)
Sat is Clothing Closet from 10-1
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Good Morning Abiding and Loving Servants! How cool is it that God knows you, loves you, calls you by name, redeems you and invites you to come and rest in His love and walk with Him through His plans for you each day! That just leads me to deep worship! How about you? And as I abide, God informs and orders my steps each day. Yes PTL!
On this national sleep in Monday or after the Super Bowl tired Monday, it's a great time to be still and know, to abide and reload for the day and week. Jesus' yoke is easy. Put it on and walk with Him. He knows the pace you need for today and will refresh, strengthen and use you just as you are! Amen! He will help us soar like on eagles wings and He will help us overcome the enemy like the Eagle's defense last night. We are His team and victory is ours if we stay united and on His game plan with Christ as our leader and coach. Amen!
Check out these devos below. Start with Sarah Young's reminder to trust and abide and allow God to instruct and lead. That flows into the Upper Room's reminder that we can choose to live a life of Christ's purpose for us as we flow from our abiding in Him time. Our Daily Bread reminds us how easy it is to fish for people just as we are and are created and gifted to do for such a time as this. Amen! The Word for You Today reminds us that we are God's gathered servants--His Body and that we are gathered and gifted to unity in Christ serving and growing His church. We've been studying the early church of Acts and seeking to become more like them--unified and going to make disciples. May that be us as God's Body! We are filled with love, unity, His Spirit, gifts and gathered and sent for His perfect plans.(Pronounce that pout loud over us!) Seek first his Kingdom and allow Him to lead us to His perfect plans and revival. Amen! Praying for you and us and for God to come and overflow through our love and unity and to teach us to fish well in Christ! Celebrate God, His love and using you and us and the Eagles today and go live and love more like Jesus today! Even love on those Chiefs fans too. They need some comforting love today for sure!
Sarah Young:
UR: Living with Purpose
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
As someone who has been happily retired for the past 10 years, I am occasionally asked for advice by friends who are approaching retirement. If I had to boil it down to one main point, my advice would be, “Live with purpose.”
The life of the apostle Paul gives us a wonderful example. After encountering the resurrected Christ on the Damascus Road, Paul spent the remainder of his life proclaiming the good news of the gospel everywhere he traveled. Despite being beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned, Paul kept his focus on preaching Christ. He summed up his purpose by writing, “To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
Retirement usually provides more free time, so it’s important to reflect on our priorities and then use the extra time wisely. But that guidance isn’t just for retirement; our goal should be to live with purpose no matter how old we are or in what stage of life we find ourselves. As followers of Jesus, our purpose should be focused on living for him. Again, Paul sums it up well: “[Christ] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Cor. 5:15).
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, guide us so that we keep our focus on living for you — through witness, service, and worship. May we bring glory to your name by living as courageous Christ-followers. Amen.ODB:
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Patty spent the afternoon on the banks of a local river, using her fishing pole to cast bait into the water. Having only recently moved to the area, she wasn’t hoping to catch fish; she was angling for some new friends. Her line wasn’t baited with worms or any other traditional lure. Instead, she used her heavy-duty sturgeon rod to extend packets of cookies to people who were floating down the river in rafts on a hot summer day. She used this creative way to meet her new neighbors, who all seemed to enjoy the sweet treat!
Patty went “fishing for friends” in a much more literal way than Jesus intended when He invited Peter and Andrew to walk with Him through life. The two brothers were hardworking fishermen, casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee. Jesus interrupted their labors with a call to follow Him, saying He would send them out to “fish for people” instead of fish (Matthew 4:19). He made the same invitation to two other fishermen, James and John, shortly thereafter. They all left their nets and boats immediately to journey with Jesus.
Like the fishermen who became His first disciples, Christ invites us to follow Him and focus our attention on eternal matters: the spiritual lives of those with whom we interact. We can offer those around us what really satisfies—the enduring hope of life with Jesus (John 4:13-14).
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
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Who first shared with you about Jesus? How might you offer others the hope He provides?
Dear Jesus, please help me to become a fisher of people so that others will know You better.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Christ’s calling of His disciples to follow Him was strategic. He started His public ministry when He “was about thirty years old” (Luke 3:23) and many scholars believe He ministered for approximately three years before He was crucified. During this time, He called and taught His disciples. In addition to His invitation to two sets of brothers from Galilee to join Him—Simon Peter and Andrew; James and John (Matthew 4:18-22)—He called Matthew (Levi), a tax collector: “Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. ‘Follow me,’ Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them” (Luke 5:27-29). Matthew’s example of friends reaching friends is worth emulating today.
Arthur Jackson |
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TWFYT
Connections
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February 10 - The Church Goes Glocal
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He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near (Ephesians 2:17).
Some Christians get so excited about global missions that they forget all about their neighbors at home. Other Christians are so focused on their neighbors that they don’t think they have anything to give for the cause of world missions. The issue, in God’s eyes is not one or the other, but Global and local evangelism. Some use the term “glocal” to describe this unified (and Biblical) approach.
Jesus certainly viewed His ministry in this way. Though His first focus was on the Jewish people, he called them to fulfill their Abrahamic role of being a blessing to all nations by going to all peoples with the Gospel. In this way, the Gospel would tear down the barriers between Jew and Gentile and make one new man in Christ.
Paul described it to the Church at Ephesus by saying that Jesus preached peace to those who were far away…the Gentiles, and He also preached peace to those who were near…the Jews. The peace of Christ brings peace between ethnic groups and nations, and brings those groups in peace to God.
Our calling from God is to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor.5:18), bringing the peace of Christ to those who are near us as well as to those who are far from us. Our prayer life should reflect this dual emphasis. We should be praying for neighbors as well as nations.
Gracious Father, Your love for all mankind is astonishing. Though You certainly deal with nations and people groups in different ways, Your love always shines through. I’m grateful for Your love in my own life. Help me to demonstrate this love in what I do and say, and especially in how I pray. May my prayers reflect Your love for those who are in my neighborhood, as well as for those who are on the other side of the planet.
--Adapted from Revolution on Our Knees: 30 Days of Prayer for Neighbors and Nations by Dave and Kim Butts. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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Praying through the President’s First 31 Days
Day 22
Pray that the president will respect the place of Judeo-Christian values in our society.
Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people (Proverbs 14:34).
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- Praise God that Jesus Christ is coming again to bring all things to perfection.
- Thank the Lord that you can anticipate dwelling with him in a new heaven and earth.
- Confess any attitudes or actions which are hindering the coming kingdom.
- Commit yourself to watching and praying, being ready for the coming of Christ.
- Ask that you may live in a way pleasing to God, so that he might say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21).
- Ask God to make his people generous in giving their time and gifts for the benefit of others. Ask that the love of Christ will be evident in the care Christians give to each other.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
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Sarah Update:
Good afternoon, everyone......
Hope you all are able to be at home, safe and warm. We had some sun for a bit, but not much melting is going on at the moment.
Thank you to Tim D for pre-prepping the church sidewalks. He was over this morning, and while working on walks, one of the church neighbors came out to work with Tim. (Great connection with one of our church neighbors)
We had 44 people on Zoom today for our worship service. Thank you. Pastor Don and Debbie for helping to make the service run smoothly. And thank you to each of you that joined us for worship. If you need help with Zoom, please ask for help. The easiest way that I find is if you have a smart phone, download the free Zoom app. Once in the app and you choose to join meeting, you enter the meeting number - 373 710 5001.
Here are a few folks that are in need of our prayers and encouragement through our prayers:
Darlene Geiger has asked for prayer for her sister, Sandy - she has stage 3 lung cancer. She will receive daily radiation and low dose of chemo 1 time per week
Darlene Geiger's husband, Jim's cousin's long time girlfriend, Sherry Ann is in Stage 4 lung cancer and it has also gone into her liver and back. Prayers for Peace and wisdom.
Lisa Wenner reports that her co-worker's son 1 year old Oliver is doing better. His fever is gone. He still has a little cough, but he is eating well again. Thanks for praying for Oliver
Josie is asking for prayer for her daughter Lauren, who is job searching. Pray that the Lord will lead Lauren to the job that He has in store for her.
Winnie Iobst is home from the hospital. He is recuperating and doing better.
Danny R and family and Kathy and Michael C are on a cruise, however there is some strong weather happening out in the seas. Prayers for safe travels for them and safe return.
Continue to keep the Williams family in your prayers as they continue to celebrate and miss 'Nana'
Pray for Pastor Don and family - he learned that his Aunt passed away this past week. He will be doing her funeral on Tuesday.
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Please take note:
This coming TUESDAY - NO ZOOM HUDDLE
Wednesday - Bread ministry as usual, and we are keeping an eye on the weather, to see if it will be safe to have the
Evening Meal and Huddle. We will make sure the word gets out if it's canceled.
Next TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY - TUESDAY ZOOM HUDDLE IS CANCELLED AND WEDNESDAY EVENING MEAL AND HUDDLE ALSO CANCELLED. Pastor Don will be on a spiritual retreat next week.
I believe that's all I have for now.....hope you have a great rest of your day! Stay warm and safe!
Blessings,
Sarah
Friday, February 21 2025
This is the day the Lord has made! Rejoice, be glad in it and enjoy zoom church from home!
ZOOM ONLY Worship today at 10! See you then! PJ's accepted attire!
We are iced in! Be safe and enjoy the day! May we soar like eagles! And may they soar too!
Shalom!
PS: No Tuesday Zoom Huddle as I will be attending to my aunt's funeral.
Friday, February 21 2025
It's TGIF Friday!!! Thank God I'm Forgiven!
Good Morning Forgiven Much and Thankful Children of God! Spend some time worshiping and praising today. We do have so much to be thankful about! PTL! Yes, rejoice! Keep building those gratitude lists! Get creative for our God is a creative God! The Connection blog is below to pray through and start your praise and prayer time. God gave me this creative idea for building my gratitude list! Have a worshipful day!
I am thankful for my S-A-L-V-A-T-I-O-N!!!
S-Savior and Shepherd Jesus! He is my Savior and Good Shepherd
A-Alive in Christ...I have been made new and am truly alive in Christ!
L-Love of God...He loves me so much that He sent His Son for me!
V-Victory in Jesus! I have it! PTL!
A-Atoned...His death has paid the price for my sin--I am cleansed and forgiven!
T-Triumphant...I am because He is!
I-Innocent--that's how God sees me in Christ! PTL! I have been washed white as snow!
O-Overcomer...I am more than an overcomer because he lives in me!
N-Nothing...can separate me from God's love because of my faith in Christ and all he has done!
What love and blessings we know in Christ! Thanks Lord! Who needs to hear about your changed and thankful life? Share the love today!
Connection Blogs:
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February 7 - Will You Go to the Upper Room?
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Revival is not subtle – it is simple. Revival truth is the plainest truth in Scripture. All backsliding is from plain Scripture, not from all the prophetic mysteries we do not understand. Let us not complicate the message of revival!
The devil has decimated and all but devastated the prayer life of Christians and of their homes and of their churches. Many churches still don’t have prayer meetings. And where they do, they usually are the weakest, most anemic of all the many meetings.
But the Lord is changing this. Thank the Lord for the many new movements of prayer. We are on our way back to the Upper Room, back to the real, normal pattern of the Spirit-filled life for every Christian and for every church.
The Upper Room is God’s own master plan to bring revival. That plan has not changed; it is still God’s plan today. Will you go to the Upper Room?
Father, the prophet Zechariah spoke of a spirit of grace and supplication that will be poured out on Israel. Make Your Church jealous to see this powerful spirit of prayer in our midst, in our day! Revive Your people for the glory of Your Name, and so that all nations will bow before the Lord Jesus Christ! Forgive us for our half-hearted attempts at corporate prayer and fill us with a deep desire to seek Your face and to dwell in Your Presence. Wake up Your Church and set us on fire as we gather together in the upper room once again!
--Adapted from The Upper Room: God’s Revival Model by Armin Gesswein. His book With One Accord is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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Praying through the President’s First 31 Days
Day 19
Pray that our president would enact policies and encourage legislation that protects the traditional family, empowers parents, and upholds a biblical standard of righteousness.
If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).
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- Praise the heavenly Father, who has become your Father through Jesus Christ.
- Give thanks that in Jesus Christ you have been given a heavenly citizenship.
- Confess those habits which draw you from his love.
- Commit yourself to finding all that you desire in the Lord.
- Ask to be delivered from the power of the evil one.
- Pray that family members and friends will reflect the lordship of Christ in their daily schedules, and that relationships will not be neglected.
Prayer Pointer
“The right way to pray, then, is any way that allows us to communicate with God. For prayer is not a ritual; it is the soul’s inherent response to a relationship with a loving Father.” —Colleen Townsend Evans
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
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Friday, February 21 2025
Updates:
Today is Doris Hausman's viewing and service at 10 and 11. Pray for safety in travels, for her memory to be honored and for peace and strength for the family.
Yvonne Muik had oral surgery yesterday and came home to find husband Chris needing to go to the ER for his foot. Pray for healing and for God's peace.
Visited Winnie Iobst yesterday in Lehigh. He is recovering from heart issues and hopes to be home by the weekend once more fluid is drained. Pray for healing and wisdom for staff.
Be advised! We anticipate being Zoom only on Sunday due to snow and ice storm coming. We will make the final decision by Sat. at noon. Watch for updates and one call notices. We always want to err on the side of safety! Read ahead as we will cover Acts 6, 7 and beginning of 8. What's God saying to you? How does He organize His Church? What's your part?
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Good Morning Resting in the Lord, Trusting and Joyful, Friends of God! Amen! Right? If God is for us, who can be against us? Well, the church answer is no one of significance for Jesus has overcome the world. BUT...well, you know, sometimes we allow ourselves to get tangled up in doubt, fear, chaos and drama and Satan loves to pounce on any opening in our armor. BUT GOD!!! He is with us always, for us always, and always working all thigs together for our good and according to His perfect plans. Sometimes those storms are to test our faith and sometimes used to stretch and grow us towards our fuller potential in Christ. And sometimes they are just a product of the fallen world we live in. The question is can you always choose to trust God and choose joy? Can you surrender yourself to Him and His refining fires? Do you know and believe the truth that He will redeem whatever interferes with his best. Be still and know that He who created you is calling you by name. he has redeemed you and will redeem situations. he is at work always working all things together for the good of those who believe and are called by His name! PTL! and Amen!
So, as a friend of God, you are able to choose trust and even joy in the storms because of who He is and who you are in Christ. Eph. 2:10 reminds us that we are His masterpieces, made new in Christ and that He does have great plans for us since before we were born that will come to life as we turn off the noise, die to self and allow Him to lead and redeem. Amen! Meditate on that today. Romans 12:12 came up in one of my devotionals today (they are below for you to meditate on during this ice storm day) it says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." Get out those gratitude lists and refocus to God in praise and prayer, choose joy always and be patient in whatever you are facing because God is with you and for you! Amen! Maybe find a partner or two to travel this journey with and to uphold each other and spur each other on. Partners really do help! Who are yours?
Last night we had almost 30 join us for dinner huddle. Some come just to eat but all experience the love and fellowship we are known for as we gather around the dinner table. Plan to join us soon! Last night we were reminded that Jesus called demon possessed Mary of Magdalena by name and reminded her that He not only created her, but He knew her and her circumstance and came to deliver her from evil. He redeemed her. He is calling you by name and wants to bless, deliver and redeem whatever you are facing. Will you trust Him and open your heart? Mary said in the Chosen when asked what happened, "I was one way and now I am another and what happened in between was Him." He is wanting to lead us from one way to his better way. Will you allow that and receive Him and His healing, delivering, redeeming love? I did and I keep growing from one way to a better way because of Him in my life! PTL! try it! He is calling you by name...God led Elijah out of his depressive funk by whispering to Him and revealing his next assignment which was to go bless others. Serving and blessing others helps us to redirect our thoughts from ourselves to blessing God and others and leads to continuing to build those gratitude lists. Who needs to hear some good news today? Reach out and touch someone and you will bless God and yourself in the process. He is calling you by name, has redeemed you and has perfect plans for you for such a time as this! Amen! And rejoice!
UR: In the Storm
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. - Mark 4:37 (NIV)
I sat alone at the kitchen table with an empty box of tissues. I’d been a Christian for years, but in that moment my heart doubted what my head knew. If God loves me, why had this happened?
As I pondered my tempest, I remembered another storm — a ferocious one, two thousand years ago on the Sea of Galilee. I realized that this story isn’t just about a storm but also a journey of trust. The disciples followed Jesus, but the storm still came. They shouted at Jesus, asking him the same question I often do: “Lord, don’t you care?”
Storms may cause us to question God’s care for us. We pray for healing, protection, and restoration — for the storm to pass. It’s not wrong to pray for that. But we must learn to value God’s presence in our trials more than we value respite from them.
Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Sometimes he doesn’t calm our storms, but he guides us through them. When doubts arise, we can remember that Jesus is with us in the storm.
Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to trust you, especially during trials. Help us to remember you are always with us, no matter what we face. Amen.
ODB:
When we built our home, it stood on little more than a muddy, empty lot at the end of a gravel road. We needed grass, trees, and shrubs to match the surrounding Oregon foothills. As I got out my lawn tools and set to work, I thought of the first garden waiting for humans: “No shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, . . . and there was no one to work the ground” (Genesis 2:5).
The creation account in Genesis 1 repeats God’s assessment of creation: it “was good” or “very good” (vv. 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). However, it wasn’t complete. Adam and Eve needed to cultivate the ground—to exercise stewardship of God’s creation (v. 28). They weren’t meant to live in an unchanging paradise but one that needed care and development.
Since the beginning, God has been inviting humans to partner with Him in His creation. He did it in the garden of Eden, and He does it with “the new creation” He makes of us when we put our faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Upon salvation, we’re not made perfect. As the apostle Paul says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2). God works in us as we pursue a life pleasing to Him, “conformed to the image of his Son” (8:29).
Whether it’s caring for the earth or caring for our new life in Christ, God has given us a gift we need to cultivate.
By Matt Lucas
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What work do you enjoy most? What might God be calling you to cultivate in your community?
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Genesis 2, we’re given a description of the garden of Eden, where God placed the first humans so they could care for what He created (vv. 8, 15). The garden was delightful—God caused trees to provide fruit (v. 9) and rivers to water the ground (v. 10). He asked our first parents to care for it, but this request came with a commandment (vv. 15-17). This is a picture of how God continues to interact with humanity. He brings blessing but also gives us instructions in how to live. We’re given the choice to obey Him or not. We honor Him when we choose obedience as the Spirit helps us.
Matt Lucas |
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Chuck Swindoll
Sarah Young:
Joyce Meyer
TWFYT
Friday, February 21 2025
***Zoom Only Church Tomorrow*** Spread the word! With the impending snow, ice and below freezing temps up to worship time, we have opted for Zoom only worship tomorrow at 10. Thank you for understanding our wanting to always err on the side of safety and for spreading the news!
No matter what the weather on Wed. we will have donut day at the Bread Ministry 10-12. Keep watch for possible cancelation of Wed. evening dinner huddle due to predicted snow and ice.
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Good Morning Custom Made, Gifted, and Sent Salt and Light for Such A Time As This! Oh yeah baby. That's you, me and us as God's gathered and sent servants. We are His customized Good News Delivery Company that brings salt and light to the Lehigh Valley and especially Emmaus area. Amen! And we all get to do our part to allow God to expand His Kingdom and Love, just as we are, for such a time as this! Salt to season the area. Light to the darkness around us. And Love to shower over all who are being drawn and will come to God through you and us. Amen! Spend some time today asking God how to us you as you come with humble and available hearts and willing and moving feet and hands. We are created to be His vessels for today, as we are, where we are. What's your part? Who are your partners? He is manifesting His presence in you as you abide in Him and will overflow all He is through you, if you allow it. You are loved and He is calling you by name and sending you to love today! Amen! You matter! Thanks for being a part of His team that gathers as St. Matthews Fellowship of sent servants and worshipers!
Tomorrow we will discuss Acts 6 and highlight 7 and begin 8. Read ahead prayerfully. What's God saying to you? We will have space to discuss and process that during our Zoom gathering. What can we learn and apply to our church from the early church?
One thing we can be sure of...God has gathered, equipped and is sending us to make disciples for such a time as this. We are His Good News Delivery Co. And He has great plans for you and us to discover and carry out. We are His salt and light. Check out the flow through our devotionals below and the connection blog. What's God saying to you? He is calling you by name and speaking to your heart. He loves you beyond measure and has perfect plans just for you. So, rejoice, worship, trust and obey!
TWFYT
Chuck Swindoll
ODB
Ms. Charlene, my friend Dwayne’s mother, is ninety-four years old, under five feet tall, and weighs less than a hundred pounds. Yet this doesn’t stop her from doing what she can to care for her son, whose physical health prevents him from caring for himself. Visits to their two-story home often find her on the second floor, where she resides. Slowly, she descends sixteen stairs to the first floor to greet her guests, just as she does to assist in caring for the son whom she loves.
Ms. Charlene’s selfless determination convicts, challenges, and inspires me as she prioritizes her son’s well-being over her own. She models what Paul encourages in Philippians 2: “In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (vv. 3-4).
Caring for those with health challenges or other needs can be costly. The demands of life can be all-consuming, and even those closest to us can be shortchanged if we’re not intentional about taking our eyes off ourselves. But humbly caring is what believers in Jesus are called to do (see vv. 1-4). When we give of ourselves, we follow the example of Jesus and help others in the process. The apostle reminds us: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (v. 5).
By Arthur Jackson
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Who inspires you to be more caring and selfless? What obstacles might you have to navigate to meet others’ needs?
Dear Jesus, please help me to be more intentional in giving myself for the good of others.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Paul’s call to imitate Jesus’ example of self-giving love (Philippians 2:5-8) begins with a call to unity: “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (v. 2). This kind of deep unity isn’t accomplished by a lack of differences but a willingness to surrender “selfish ambition” and “vain conceit” (v. 3) in order to see and serve others with a heart like His. When believers in Christ live out what He modeled—the humility and willingness to surrender for the well-being of others—unity is possible.
Monica La Rose |
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Joyce Meyer
Sarah Young
Connections Blogs:
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February 8 - The Life of God within Us
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For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
God is not only the God of yesterday, but He is also the God of today. He is willing to manifest Himself to this generation or any future generation that will seek Him. Reading about His great deeds of past years is thrilling, but we must not forget that history is being made today. There is no difference between Luther, Wesley, Whitefield, Moody, or you and me. We were all formed from dust, and we shall return to dust. It is the life of God within us that gives us hope. His life not only gives us hope personally but also gives us hope for today. Christ can make a difference in this generation.
A few factors, however, are unique to this generation. For instance, we have the threat of terrorism mixed with nuclear weapons. Economic and environmental problems are mounting around the world. Entire nations are experiencing the results of their greed, financial gambles, and indebtedness. The ozone layer grows thinner. Famine threatens parts of the world. The fear of a deadly global pandemic stalks politicians and medical experts alike.
Yet the church seems to be asleep. A hopeless world cries for some sign of light in the midst of darkness and desperation. This should be a time when the church is shining her brightest. The world needs to see the glory of God in the hearts of the people of God.
A few signs of hope exist in this generation. The Christian church is having phenomenal growth in certain areas of the world. Revival of historic proportion exists among certain groups of people today. These great movements of the Holy Spirit stand as a witness that God has not forgotten us. He is still on His throne and ready to manifest His glory upon those who will seek Him.
Awesome Father, during these uncertain times, it is so vital that Your people wake up from their slumber and cry out to You! May we shine as beacons of light to our culture, and may we be diligent to raise up the generations after us to seek Your face! Flood the nations with Your holiness and pour out Your Spirit in the midst of Your people! Revive our hearts and set us on fire with Your glory for the sake of Your Name.
--Adapted from The Prayer Factor by Sammy Tippit. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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Praying through the President’s First 31 Days
Day 20
Pray that the president would maintain the U.S. support of Israel and wisely handle the issues of the Middle East.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5).
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- Praise the God who cares even for the birds (Mt. 6:25-34).
- Give thanks that you can depend upon him completely to meet every need.
- Confess anything in your life which is rooted in pride and self-reliance.
- Commit yourself to not worrying about your life or about tomorrow.
- Ask the Father to help you to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness . . .” (Mt. 6:33).
- Ask that unsaved persons around you will realize the folly of building their lives on foundations of sand. Pray that they will build on the rock, Jesus Christ.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com
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Friday, February 21 2025
Good Morning Servants of the Lord. Faithful Followers of Jesus! Is that you? I pray all the time that that would define my walk with Jesus. Surrendered, faithful, servant, walking in His ways. Amen! But what do you do when you grow weary? How do you overcome the drama a leader faces and find peace? Honestly, say what you want about any president, I'd like to have the backbone they have that allows all the junk being tossed at them to run off like water from a ducks back feathers! I allow Satan to take me too deep into my own thinking sometimes and allow Him to derail me from God's best. When that happens, I know in my heart of hearts that I need to strap on the armor and abide in Him and His protecting love, yet too often I let myself be sucked into that dark hole of depression or let the drama and noise lead me away from God's best. Can you relate? I know many of you can. I am praying His peace, like a river flowing over us. I'm praying we can turn off the noise and focus on Truth and the Way--Jesus. He brings life if we die to self and turn off the noise and allow it. Some days it takes all the strength you can muster just to get out of bed, right? BUT GOD! He is there and upholding you in His strong right hand and will strengthen and carry you if you allow. He is our Deliverer and our Strength! Get up, worship and don that armor. Sharpen that sword as you open and dwell in His Living Word. prepare for the day ahead. Watch for what God is doing and remind Satan that he's defeated and has no power over you! "Satan be gone!" Rise and shine! God's got great plans for you today! Rejoice!
Check out the flow through our devos for today. Turn off the noise. Fix your attention on Jesus and load up and follow well. I'm praying for you! Let His Light shine! Think about the importance of Proverbs 3:5-6! Stop leaning on your own understanding. Focus on God and allow Him to direct your steps and lift your attitude.
ODB:
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June’s eyes were fixed on the gray car beside her. She had to change lanes to exit the highway, but each time she tried to overtake the vehicle, the other driver seemed to speed up too. Finally, she managed to cut in front. Smug in her moment of triumph, June looked in the rearview mirror and smirked. At the same time, she noticed her destination exit passing her by.
With a rueful smile, she recounted: “I was so fixated on overtaking that I missed my exit.”
Such a slip can also happen in our desire to walk in God’s ways. When the religious leaders persecuted Jesus for not keeping the Jewish law (John 5:16), He warned that they’d become so fixated on studying and enforcing the law that they were missing the person the law pointed to: “These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life” (vv. 39-40).
In trying to be right before God, the religious leaders focused on following the Jewish law and making sure everyone else did too. Likewise, in our zeal for God, we may keep up with good things—church attendance, Bible study, charity work—and even get others to join us. But we can become so focused on them that we miss the person we’re doing them for—Jesus.
In all we do, let’s ask God to help us fix our eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:2). He alone is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
By Jasmine Goh
REFLECT & PRAY
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What are you focused on today? What does it mean for you to fix your eyes on Jesus?
Dear God, thank You for giving me life through Christ. Please help me to keep Him at the center of all I do.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In John 5:39-40, Jesus acknowledges the importance of studying the Scriptures yet asserts that they ultimately point to Him. Both the Old and New Testaments declare Scripture’s impact. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul encourages Timothy to continue in the Scriptures, and he notes that “all Scripture is God-breathed” and trains and equips us for personal growth in holiness and to serve others (vv. 16-17). Before installing Joshua as the new Israelite leader, God urged him to “meditate on [the Law] day and night” so that he’d be “prosperous and successful” in leading the Israelites into Canaan (Joshua 1:8). In Psalm 19, David declares that the words of God refresh the soul, make wise the simple, and give joy to the heart and light to the eyes. By them we’re warned and find great reward (vv. 7-11). Through keeping and treasuring Scripture, God makes our way clear (Psalm 119:1-3, 105; Proverbs 2:1-5).
Alyson Kieda |
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UR: An Example to Follow
Love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:39 (NIV)
As I drove toward the entrance to the industrial park where I work, there was heavy traffic on both sides of the street. I saw a woman in another car who wanted to make a U-turn, but no one on my side of the road was allowing her to turn. At the risk of frustrating the drivers behind me, I decided to let her make the turn and signaled for her to go ahead.
I watched her make the turn, feeling good about my kind action and expecting she would wave to express her thanks, but she didn’t. My first thought was, What an ungrateful person! Then I paused to think more about what happened: Why did I let the woman make the turn? What was my motive for that nice gesture toward a stranger? Sadly, I had to admit that I had not acted out of generosity but rather to feel, if only briefly, the satisfaction of believing that I am a good person who did something good for someone. And I was waiting for acknowledgment in return.
How easy it is to love when others reciprocate. But it is quite another matter when love or kindness is not reciprocated. Jesus is our ultimate example of selfless love — he gave his life for us. Today’s scripture from Luke is a reminder and invitation to follow Jesus’ example without waiting for anything in return.
Today's Prayer
Continue to inspire and prompt us, O Lord, to follow your example and live out your commandment to love one another, not because of anything we might receive in return but simply because you loved us first. Amen.Sarah Young:
I'm watching you!
Friday, February 21 2025
Good Morning Children of Peace and Peace Bringers! Amen! Yesterday we discussed here and the kids worked on the shoes of peace and how we are called to bring peace and Good News alive to others.f We are to seek peace, dwell in peace, follow peace and bring peace. Do we? Do you bring peace pr chaos? Are you able to turn off the noise and receive peace. We are promised peace beyond understanding and that peace bringers are blessed and will know peace. Let's pursue peace and being peace bringers. Pray into that and use the prayer starters below. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Seek Him and abide in His love and peace today!
Been hearing great stories form Children's Church yesterday as the kids worked on the shoes of peace. PTL for lots of kids and pray for more to be sent our way! After worship I was sitting and playing around with Annabelle and Catalina. Cat asked for some more understanding about the shoes of peace. I explained how she is a peace bringer as she tries to be the big sister and cousin and how she is able to sometimes calm down the others. She agreed that was her. When I asked her about Anna being a peace bringer, she looked at me funny. I asked is Anna a chaos bringer? She laughingly said yes. So, I explained that God wants us to bring peace and how He loves to bring His peace to the chaos.
So are you a peace bringer or a chaos stirrer? Do you follow peace? Dwell in Peace. Strive to bring God's peace to the chaos? Turn off the noise Dwell in peace and ask for His help to bring it. God knows how much the world needs some peace today! Be blessed for bringing peace! Start with sitting at the Prince of Peace's feet and dwelling in His peace then go be like Him today. I'm praying for you!
Prayer Starter
- Give glory to God as the Lord of peace.
- Thank Jesus that he himself is our peace, breaking down the barriers and the dividing walls of hostility (Eph. 2:14).
- Confess any areas where you are not at peace with another believer or group of Christians.
- Commit yourself to making every effort to live in peace with all people (Heb. 12:14).
- Ask God to help you bear with others and forgive whatever grievance you have against them, forgiving them as the Lord forgave you (Col. 3:13).
- Pray that the church may “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3), realizing that as members of one body we are called to peace.
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Friday, February 21 2025
Good Morning Worshipers! Get your worship on! It's time for us to get our hearts ready as we get to gather, worship, study and pray together! PTL! Worship and adore our King of kings and Lord of lords--Christ the King!
Today we collect for Everlasting Life Ministries.
Today our Children's Church kids continue their journey through building the armor of God with the shoes of peace. Do you walk in and bring peace? You can!
Today we will study through parts of Acts 4 and 5 as the church began to gather, form and come to learn what God expected as he led them.
The Bible talks about feet sometimes. I always think of Moses being told to take off his sandals because he walked on holy ground of God's presence. Sometimes I envision everywhere I step as holy ground because God is with me. Often, though, I fail to take off the sandals of self and do little to glorify God or honor Him or His presence. And that leads to a lack of peace in my life. Can you relate? As we trust, obey and seek to honor God each step of faith at a time, we bless Him and probably some others too. We bring God glory as we step out in faith and go to bring Him, His love, and hope and help alive. The Bible says, blessed are the feet that bring Good News. Do you have blessed feet? Do you bring peace wherever you go? That should be a question we process with God and few others. Do you have a blind spot where you stir the pot instead of bringing peace? Jesus said blessed are the peace makers for they will know peace. Want to know peace? Bring it to others? Trust God and walk with Him. Be His Good News and joy bringer! Amen! Ask God if you are a peace or strife bringer and for help to bring peace and repent of stirring to chaos instead of peace. Put on those shoes of peace and be blessed as you bring peace and the Good News to others. Amen!
Today we begin a few weeks (at least, maybe more) of walking through the book of Acts (of the Apostles). We will sort of just highlight and blitz through some of the history of the early church and the sent apostles as God's Church began, formed, and was sent to the world. What might we learn as we seek to be His Good News Bringers and Kingdom builders? We are sent to do so and custom made and gifted to do it well with the help of the Holy Spirit. We are gathered to learn, pray, encourage and go live and love and make disciples like Jesus. What's your part in His Good News delivery Co? Start by putting on those shoes of peace, praying for yourself, others and our church to go and bring peace, joy, love and the Good News alive together as one!
Prepare your hearts to worship, listen and follow well. God has great plans for you and us that include following peace and bringing it. Shalom shalom is a greeting often used by the early church. It means perfect peace and is used as a greeting and sending prayer. May God's perfect peace, a peace beyond understanding, guard your hearts and minds today and this week as we follow Jesus and seek to live and love more like Him! Peace is what He promises to leave with us. Step into it and bring it alive! Amen!
Friday, February 21 2025
Updates:
Today is Doris Hausman's viewing and service at 10 and 11. Pray for safety in travels, for her memory to be honored and for peace and strength for the family.
Yvonne Muik had oral surgery yesterday and came home to find husband Chris needing to go to the ER for his foot. Pray for healing and for God's peace.
Visited Winnie Iobst yesterday in Lehigh. He is recovering from heart issues and hopes to be home by the weekend once more fluid is drained. Pray for healing and wisdom for staff.
Be advised! We anticipate being Zoom only on Sunday due to snow and ice storm coming. We will make the final decision by Sat. at noon. Watch for updates and one call notices. We always want to err on the side of safety! Read ahead as we will cover Acts 6, 7 and beginning of 8. What's God saying to you? How does He organize His Church? What's your part?
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Good Morning Resting in the Lord, Trusting and Joyful, Friends of God! Amen! Right? If God is for us, who can be against us? Well, the church answer is no one of significance for Jesus has overcome the world. BUT...well, you know, sometimes we allow ourselves to get tangled up in doubt, fear, chaos and drama and Satan loves to pounce on any opening in our armor. BUT GOD!!! He is with us always, for us always, and always working all thigs together for our good and according to His perfect plans. Sometimes those storms are to test our faith and sometimes used to stretch and grow us towards our fuller potential in Christ. And sometimes they are just a product of the fallen world we live in. The question is can you always choose to trust God and choose joy? Can you surrender yourself to Him and His refining fires? Do you know and believe the truth that He will redeem whatever interferes with his best. Be still and know that He who created you is calling you by name. he has redeemed you and will redeem situations. he is at work always working all things together for the good of those who believe and are called by His name! PTL! and Amen!
So, as a friend of God, you are able to choose trust and even joy in the storms because of who He is and who you are in Christ. Eph. 2:10 reminds us that we are His masterpieces, made new in Christ and that He does have great plans for us since before we were born that will come to life as we turn off the noise, die to self and allow Him to lead and redeem. Amen! Meditate on that today. Romans 12:12 came up in one of my devotionals today (they are below for you to meditate on during this ice storm day) it says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." Get out those gratitude lists and refocus to God in praise and prayer, choose joy always and be patient in whatever you are facing because God is with you and for you! Amen! Maybe find a partner or two to travel this journey with and to uphold each other and spur each other on. Partners really do help! Who are yours?
Last night we had almost 30 join us for dinner huddle. Some come just to eat but all experience the love and fellowship we are known for as we gather around the dinner table. Plan to join us soon! Last night we were reminded that Jesus called demon possessed Mary of Magdalena by name and reminded her that He not only created her, but He knew her and her circumstance and came to deliver her from evil. He redeemed her. He is calling you by name and wants to bless, deliver and redeem whatever you are facing. Will you trust Him and open your heart? Mary said in the Chosen when asked what happened, "I was one way and now I am another and what happened in between was Him." He is wanting to lead us from one way to his better way. Will you allow that and receive Him and His healing, delivering, redeeming love? I did and I keep growing from one way to a better way because of Him in my life! PTL! try it! He is calling you by name...God led Elijah out of his depressive funk by whispering to Him and revealing his next assignment which was to go bless others. Serving and blessing others helps us to redirect our thoughts from ourselves to blessing God and others and leads to continuing to build those gratitude lists. Who needs to hear some good news today? Reach out and touch someone and you will bless God and yourself in the process. He is calling you by name, has redeemed you and has perfect plans for you for such a time as this! Amen! And rejoice!
UR: In the Storm
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. - Mark 4:37 (NIV)
I sat alone at the kitchen table with an empty box of tissues. I’d been a Christian for years, but in that moment my heart doubted what my head knew. If God loves me, why had this happened?
As I pondered my tempest, I remembered another storm — a ferocious one, two thousand years ago on the Sea of Galilee. I realized that this story isn’t just about a storm but also a journey of trust. The disciples followed Jesus, but the storm still came. They shouted at Jesus, asking him the same question I often do: “Lord, don’t you care?”
Storms may cause us to question God’s care for us. We pray for healing, protection, and restoration — for the storm to pass. It’s not wrong to pray for that. But we must learn to value God’s presence in our trials more than we value respite from them.
Jesus calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Sometimes he doesn’t calm our storms, but he guides us through them. When doubts arise, we can remember that Jesus is with us in the storm.
Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to trust you, especially during trials. Help us to remember you are always with us, no matter what we face. Amen.
ODB:
When we built our home, it stood on little more than a muddy, empty lot at the end of a gravel road. We needed grass, trees, and shrubs to match the surrounding Oregon foothills. As I got out my lawn tools and set to work, I thought of the first garden waiting for humans: “No shrub had yet appeared on the earth and no plant had yet sprung up, . . . and there was no one to work the ground” (Genesis 2:5).
The creation account in Genesis 1 repeats God’s assessment of creation: it “was good” or “very good” (vv. 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31). However, it wasn’t complete. Adam and Eve needed to cultivate the ground—to exercise stewardship of God’s creation (v. 28). They weren’t meant to live in an unchanging paradise but one that needed care and development.
Since the beginning, God has been inviting humans to partner with Him in His creation. He did it in the garden of Eden, and He does it with “the new creation” He makes of us when we put our faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Upon salvation, we’re not made perfect. As the apostle Paul says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world” (Romans 12:2). God works in us as we pursue a life pleasing to Him, “conformed to the image of his Son” (8:29).
Whether it’s caring for the earth or caring for our new life in Christ, God has given us a gift we need to cultivate.
By Matt Lucas
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What work do you enjoy most? What might God be calling you to cultivate in your community?
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Genesis 2, we’re given a description of the garden of Eden, where God placed the first humans so they could care for what He created (vv. 8, 15). The garden was delightful—God caused trees to provide fruit (v. 9) and rivers to water the ground (v. 10). He asked our first parents to care for it, but this request came with a commandment (vv. 15-17). This is a picture of how God continues to interact with humanity. He brings blessing but also gives us instructions in how to live. We’re given the choice to obey Him or not. We honor Him when we choose obedience as the Spirit helps us.
Matt Lucas |
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Chuck Swindoll
Sarah Young:
Joyce Meyer
TWFYT
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