Worship tomorrow at 10 (Live and on Zoom) Followed by Brunch with trick or treat and games for kids at 11:15. All welcome! Bring some friends!
We finish up reading John 12 in preparation for tomorrow and begin John 13 for next week. What is going on in these passages? What is God saying to you? What is some measurable way you will respond? Who are you working on these things with?
Good Morning Good Morning Chosen Builders on the Cornerstone! The Bible says we will be called rebuilders of walls and cities. We are rebuilding our lives, church, and communities by building on and with the Cornerstone, Jesus! He is the cornerstone we build on and the keystone or cap stone that holds all things together. Many stumble over Him and reject Him but to those who accept and build on Him is life and life eternal. He is more precious than gold! Check out ODB below and read and meditate on 1 Peter 2:4-10. We are His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy people, God's special possession sent as His light to proclaim His praises! Amen! So be it Lord! Many will miss or reject Him. Our mission is to find and help those who will come and want to build or rebuild on Him. We are His chosen builders--His Good News Delivery Co. Who needs to hear that Good News today or some help in starting to build. Ask God about that and to send you. Ask Him who to bring along tomorrow or for you to mingle and connect to someone new. Pray for Sarah as she brings the Word and for Lori and me in the kitchen. Pray for a great day of worship, fellowship, feasting, fun and connecting to some. Some will come. May we not miss those God assigned to us! Check out the UR and the reminder that God may be calling you to step out and step into His plans for you, maybe even tomorrow. He's always up to something and He has good plans for you and some great fruit ahead as we trust and obey!
May God bless you with a day of rest, fun and preparation! May you hear His voice, understand and process with some others and then go love like Jesus. May you be His builder today and always as you walk with Jesus. Amen!
(Note: Randy Baily that we have been praying for has transitioned to heaven. Pray for his wife Donna and family and for me as I minister to this big family and prepare for services next week. Thanks)
Our Daily Bread:
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Have you ever looked through low-priced items at a yard sale and dreamed that you might find something of incredible value? It happened in Connecticut when a floral Chinese antique bowl purchased for just $35 at a yard sale was sold at a 2021 auction for more than $700,000. The piece turned out to be a rare, historically significant artifact from the fifteenth century. It’s a stunning reminder that what some people consider of little worth can actually have great value.
Writing to believers scattered throughout the known world, Peter explained that their faith in Jesus was belief in the One who’d been rejected by the wider culture. Despised by most of the religious Jewish leaders and crucified by the Roman government, Christ was deemed worthless by many because He didn’t fulfill their expectations and desires. But though others had dismissed Jesus’ worth, He was “chosen by God and precious to him” (1 Peter 2:4). His value for us is infinitely more precious than silver or gold (1:18–19). And we have the assurance that whoever chooses to trust Jesus will never be ashamed of their choice (2:6).
When others reject Jesus as worthless, let’s take another look. God’s Spirit can help us see the priceless gift of Christ, who offers to all people the invaluable invitation to become part of the family of God (v. 10).
By Lisa M. Samra
REFLECT & PRAY
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Why do people miss the true value of Jesus? How might you share the blessings of trusting Him?
Dear Jesus, thank You for living a life of obedience so that I could become part of the family of God.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Traditionally, a cornerstone was the first stone placed at the bottom corner of a building. All other stones were laid in reference to it. Old Testament prophecy points to Christ as “a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16). Yet, He’s the “stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall” (8:14). The psalmist wrote, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22). Jesus quotes from this psalm to reference how His own people would reject Him as Messiah (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17) and to point to Him as the most important part of the church. He’s “the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). In 1 Peter 2:4–10, the apostle quotes all three Old Testament verses to emphasize our choice: either reject Him or choose Him as Savior.
Alyson Kieda |
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Upper Room: Stepping Out
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. - Psalm 143:10 (NIV)
For a long time, I had wanted a change and to create a better future for myself. I was contemplating moving to another country. I knew I was not alone; Christ was with me. My fervent prayer was for God to guide me.
During a Sunday worship service, I found the guidance I needed while thinking about the story where Jesus walks on water. I could easily visualize myself remaining in the boat, blessed to simply gaze upon the Lord’s majesty. But it would be something altogether different to experience the glory of God, to walk on water with my eyes focused on Jesus, not on the roiling waters. What a blessing it is to hold fast to Jesus, to trust fully in his power!
It has been over a year since I left behind the life I used to know. Today I am in another country with new friends and new experiences. The gospel message continues to fill me with strength to follow the path God sets before me. As I step out in faith, I know God will not abandon me.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we need your guidance, grace, and love. Strengthen our resolve to keep our eyes on you as we journey in faith. Amen.
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