Good Morning Sold Out, Learning to Live and Love Like Jesus, Praying Co-Laborers! Amen! May that be us Lord and teach us to pray like Jesus and as we are created and gifted for such a time as this! Thanks! Amen!

We've had some awesome days of ministry already as we have gathered several days as parts of God's Body to eat, fellowship, study, pray, encourage each other and learn what it means to become the people and church we are created and gathered to be. PTL! I am stoked! Three verses are primary for who we are in Christ and for how we are building our church and learning to do more of what we are created and gifted to do: Col. 3:11, "In this life Christ is all that matters and He lives in me..." Eph. 2:10, "You are God's masterpiece, made new in Christ, to do the things He had planned for you from long ago." and Acts 2:42, All the believers gathered together, studied the apostles teachings, fellowshipped, ate together and prayed. And God added to their numbers daily those who were being saved." AMEN!!! We are learning to be and do more like Jesus and as we are custom created, gifted, gathered and sent to do. PTL! We are becoming a dynamic movement of God! Amen! Keep praying earnestly into and following the Holy Spirit to your parts in His Good News Delivery Co. and over these verses as you meditate on them and seek God for His plans for you and us.

Since we are building our lives on our potential to become more like Jesus and doing what He created and gifted us to do, it behooves us to study and compare our lives to His. The Jesus shaped life is evidenced in a balanced triangle with equal parts of UP (his relationship with the Father)-IN (His relationships with the disciples and the gathered followers) and OUT (his relationships with reaching out to the lost, needy and seeking). How balanced is your and our triangle? Start with what Jesus did--get away from the noise and chaos, stilled Himself, sought God in prayer and followed Him from there to the day's assignments. Then spend some time processing and praying with your teammates before launching out into the world to share the Good News and make disciples. Love God wholeheartedly, love others and make disciples of Jesus and enjoy this life in Christ! That's always our marching orders. And as we do that as we are created and gifted, we don that easy yoke of Jesus and get inspired and affirmed as we truly enjoy this life in Christ doing what we are created to do as we are. Try it! You'll love it! Seek first the Kingdom of God and all things you need will be provided each day!

I've been earnestly praying into Sunday's worship service and what I think I am hearing God say to do. I spent some extra time with Him this morning processing before I work on the final draft. He wants to answer our prayers and teach us to pray. He wants to release His power from heaven to earth and even in the spiritual realms as we pray. We know that the prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective (we are considered righteous because we are in Christ and have put on His righteousness and thus our prayers--all kinds of prayers--are powerful and effective. AMEN!). So pray earnestly! Keep knocking! God's plans and the works of our church and each of us are empowered and released as we pray. Our steps are informed for each day as we pray. And God has called us to become a House of Prayer for the Nations. Sunday we will learn more about prayer and get to experience and practice some Kingdom praying. Prepare your hearts!

You have to start with the connections blogs for today! We discussed some of this last night. Those of you that were there, check it out! What's God saying about the things we discussed like praying, preparing and standing firm on the Word and in Christ always. Our Tuesday Zoom Huddle has been studying and praying through the Lord's Prayer the last few weeks and several of our devotionals have been teaching about it. Pray the Lord's prayer with fresh hearts and minds, not from rote. Maybe use a different Bible translation? We should always be praying earnestly for His Kingdom to come and will to be done. That actually ties to Mike's dangerous prayers as we die to self, take up cross daily and prepare to follow Jesus. Then check out how God is speaking to us through some other devotionals today. Keep seeking! Keep knocking and keep praying and practicing prayer that is powerful, effective and will change the atmosphere around us and lead us to our parts for revival. God is on the move! And He will partner with us as we pray and step out in faith watching for how He is responding. And then pray some more and keep following. Yes PRAY--early and often--without ceasing! God is listening and will answer according to His perfect plans and timing! Amen! What's He revealing to you today? What will you do about it? I'm praying for you! Be still and know and then go and follow Jesus as He shapes your life and teaches you to pray and prepares you to go live and love like Him! Amen!

Connections Blogs:

March 20 - Seeking Him Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:12–14)   It takes practice to become good at anything, and we must practice pursuing God’s presence, seeking Him every day until pursuing Him becomes the norm for our lives. Seeking God is a key in revival times.   It would do us all good to pause and examine our lives, seeing what we really spend our time seeking after. J. Vernon McGee said, “What is your ambition in life today? Is it to get rich? Is it to make a name for yourself? Is it even to do some wonderful thing for God?   Listen to me, beloved. The highest desire that can possess any human heart is a longing to see God.” Many people seek the wrong things and then want to add God to the end of their list. People seek comfort and convenience, but not Christ. They seek pleasure and pastimes, but not a personal relationship with Christ. Most people look for a church that has the right appeal: good music and children’s and youth programs. They seek the church with all the answers to their problems or needs.   For many, they confuse this with seeking God; this is not the same thing. Many have been led to believe they can seek God at their own convenience, but you cannot. Many a professing believer has been hurt, or gotten angry with the church or God, and left. Others have remained in the church but are filled with bitterness. They refuse to examine their lives in light of the Word of God, nor do they yield to the Word of God. Instead of turning to God, they have turned away.   After weeks, months, or even years of not seeking God, a crisis comes, an emergency, and then they expect a dead faith to work in their time of need. It does not happen.   We are commanded in Scripture (Jeremiah 29:12–14) to seek Him diligently and with urgency.   When we seek God, we are volunteering ourselves for judgment. We have reached a point in our lives where we are willing to be honest with the Word of God and how we live. It means we humble ourselves before God and also the one whom God uses to bring the message of the Word of God to us. Then, we adjust our lives to God’s standards.   Search me and know me, O Lord! Help me to seek Christ with all of my heart. May I denounce the idols that keep me from Your Presence. Help me to examine my life in light of the Word, and to yield to the power of Your Word. I sense the urgency of this hour, Father. Increase my faith, fill me with the humility of Jesus and allow me to lay my life beside Your purposes.   --Adapted from Praying with Fire: Seeking His Presence through the Revival Passages of Scripture by Mark Partin. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise the Lord, who is your strength, your rock, your fortress and your deliverer (Ps. 18:1-2). Give thanks that “the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength” (1 Cor. 1:25). Confess your desire to rely upon your own strength. Commit yourself to doing everything through him who gives you strength (Phil. 4:13). Ask God to cause you to serve him with the strength that he provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 4:11). Ask God to remove habits which destroy and limit relationships among your family and friends, and to replace these with habits which are life-giving and Spirit-led. 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

I to WE devos:

The Upper Room: be still

[The Lord] says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

In August 2021, I began a months-long healing journey following spinal surgery. I had to stop working and to alter many activities in order to heal properly. My heart was in a hurry to recover so that I could get back to my regular life, but my body was clearly letting me know that this would take time. Part of my physical therapy included walking in my neighborhood, which became spiritual therapy as well.

During one of my daily walks, I noticed a flock of egrets standing serenely in the marsh grass, preening. I stopped to watch and be still with them. Suddenly, without taking a step, one of the birds gracefully bent his neck toward the water and picked up a passing fish. Then I noticed another egret walking briskly through the marsh, his long neck oddly bent with one eye toward the water. He seemed to be frantically searching for a fish.

The contrast between the two egrets was stark, and I felt God speaking to me, telling me to be still and trust that the healing I needed would come in good time. I should not be like that frantic egret. During the following months I have found God to be faithful, and I have done my best to be still and receive.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, help us to be still and wait on you. Even when we do not understand the journey, we trust that you will provide what we need for our good and for your glory. Amen.

TWFYT:

Good Morning Friends! See Sarah Prayer update below.

I overslept this morning and went right into my pastor's zoom huddle, which just ended. I have to hit the road to purchase food and start cooking for tonight before Bread Min. at 10. Don't forget to pray for and join our dinner huddle tonight at 6. This is almost becoming like a church plant within our church as about half of the attendees are not members but are seekers of fellowship, food and the Word. They are finding Jesus and His love among us! PTL!

Today (everyday) God is singing over you. He is speaking love to you. He is wanting to lead you and grow you more like Jesus. Turn off the noise for a bit. Abide in His loving presence and listen. Then go and watch for what He has for you to join in with Him today. he does have some great custom made plans for you that He has created, gifted and empowered you to accomplish. PTL! Seek and follow well today. Also, seek some friends to journey with! I am so excited to see God on the move among us and for many of you ad you process who and Whose you are and the plans He has for you and then are more committed to seek and follow! Praying for you all! May the God who is the Way, Truth and Life, be that and more to and through you today! Then let's process that soon.  Shalom!

Sarah update:

Good afternoon, everyone!

 Today, the sun is sooo warm. I was out on the deck for a bit, absorbing my Vitamin D.  Hope some of you have been 

able to get outside for a bit.

Todd (Lisa Wenner) - he has gone into A Fib a couple times, the last time being Sunday. Please continue to pray for Todd and his family as they are going through this challenging time.

Chris Muik - had two surgeries this past week. He is going ok but in alot of pain. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. He may be going to a rehab facility soon.   Also keep his wife Yvonne in your prayers through this difficult time.

Randy Schmidt spent a few days in the hospital. He is currently at home recouping from his leg edema and swelling

Goldie, the 97 year old neighbor of the Waterman's was taken to the hospital early Sunday morning.  Haven't received an

update - continue to keep her in your prayers for healing.

Darlene Geiger is asking for continued prayers for her sister Sandy, who is currently stable.  She is also praising God for healing from hers and Jim's colds.

Marylou shared that she spoke with Rachel who attends bread ministry. Rachel is very thankful for St Matt's, as she comes to get bread - very one is so nice and loving.  Rachel requested prayer for her 15 year old daughter, Lorelei. She was in a bad accident  and is experiencing physical and mental health issues. Lorelei is having difficulty adjusting to her current health issues. Please keep Rachel and Lorelei in our prayers of encouragement and healing.

Dean requested that we pray for rain.  More rain would help to cut down on the brush fires and replenish the creeks

Continue to pray for one another, and for our homebound members.  Also keep our first responders in our prayers - for their safety and wisdom when handling situations.

Don't forget our Wednesday night family meal and gathering. Starting at 6:00. Everyone is welcome!

Hope you all have a great rest of your week.

   Blessings,

   Sarah

Good Morning House of Prayer! God has been leading me, to not only speak to us about prayer, but to actually practice praying together. Mike got a Word from God to preach on dangerous prayers and the thought to ask God to use, send, and break you. God has put on our hearts the importance of becoming a House of Prayer for the Nations and to the motivation to begin that earnestly over the next few months. God has led me from childhood to be a pray-er and has allowed me over the years to learn to pray and to see the results of the powerful and effectiveness of praying in Jesus' name. PTL! Many of you can attest to that as well. God hears and answers the earnest prayers of His righteous ones. (That's those in Christ who pray according to Hs character and will) Everything and anything of importance begins with, is empowered through and flourishes by prayer. For many of us, our calling for this season of life is to be a prayer warrior. However, we are all called to pray. We have looked at the example of Jesus and the importance of prayer in His life. We have witnessed the disciples begging Jesus to teach them how to pray and His willingness to do so. So, let's start there today! Jesus, teach us to pray! Thanks! Amen!

Did you pray that earnestly with a heart desiring to learn how to pray and pray more effectively? If not, go back, humble yourself before Almighty God, and ask Him to give you a heart to pray and to open your heart and mind to learn how He wants to teach you to pray and ask Him again to do so. He has great plans for you and us that are discovered, released, and empowered as we pray. And sometimes, we are to be the answers to our prayers or the prayers of others.

Last week our Tuesday Zoom huddle began looking at prayer and the how to of it. (This week we begin study how to read our Bibles and use His Word in prayer) Even the most devout and effective pray-er can learn to pray better and according to God's will more often. This week we had planned to continue to learn about prayer and the how to. Big God thing today for me! I have been praying for a long time for God to teach us to pray, stir those who are called to pray for such a time as this to be revealed and rise up and for our church to become a House of Prayer for the Nations because Jesus said that is what His Church should be. Today, I prayerfully began my quiet time journaling my prayers for the day. Then I spent some time with God prayerfully in His Word and through our devotionals for today. As I wrapped that up and prepared to allow God to write this blog and asked Him to lead me this week and for Sunday's message, I encountered the Harvest prayer Connections and Tuesday blogs (see below and click link and engage with God as He teaches us about prayer and some how to's of it)

Exhale all the junk that has you bound up and breathe in a fresh breath of the Spirit, Turn off the noise and focus on God. Ask Him earnestly to teach you to pray and to inform your prayers for today. Repent of any sin that may be hindering Him from hearing or responding to your prayers and commit to doing what He reveals as you pray. He has great plans for you--even to teach you how to be a powerful and effective pray-er! And remember, we are all unique and we will not all pray in the same ways, nor does God always have the same prayer focus for each of us for each day. But, He has called us to pray and promised that as we pray in His name, He will hear and answer according to His perfect will and timing. PTL! Amen! Start with the Connections blog then click the link below that and spend some time with God learning to pray! We will continue this focus for a season as God leads. What's He teaching you about prayer? How can you join with one or two others to pray? Ask Him as you still yourself. He will speak to you and inform your prayers and steps for today. Amen! And know this: I am earnestly praying for you to step into your created, custom made prayer role in His Good News Delivery Company and for you to pray powerful prayers in the name of Jesus. Amen! May we soon have some great stories about the good fruit being produced through our prayers and lots of praise and thanksgiving to lift from them! Amen!

Connections:

March 18 - Prayer – the Direct Link What does kingdom praying entail? Kingdom praying includes that dimension of intercession that reaches beyond our immediate surroundings. Praying about personal, local matters often happens more naturally and more consistently for most of us. My problems, my work, my family, my needs, and the concerns of those close to me—these tend to come more spontaneously to my heart and mind. Of course, personal, local praying is valid. In fact, it is essential. God longs for us to bring our personal burdens to Him.   Yet kingdom praying is a level of praying that reaches beyond us. Kingdom praying, then, seeks to discern what God wants to happen in His kingdom, and prays for that to take place. In kingdom praying, we seek to attune our hearts to His heart’s desire and pray for its fulfillment.   What is God’s heart’s desire? He expresses it throughout the Scripture: “that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations” (Ps. 67:2). God wants all people saved! Peter expressed it very plainly that our Lord is “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9, NIV). Our Lord’s heart’s desire is for all people to love and worship Him and become a part of His kingdom. Thus, His desire, according to His Word, must become the mission of every follower of Christ, the mission of every church.   The staggering fact before us is that at least two-thirds of the world’s population do not know and love God’s Son. What can God’s people do? Throw up our hands? As a matter of fact, yes, like Moses did—in intercession.   Hear again the psalmist quoting God: “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance” (Ps. 2:8, NIV). In one of the most astounding statements in the Bible, God makes a connection between our asking and the nations being saved. He declares a direct link between the prayers of His people and the accomplishment of His heart’s desire. He reveals that kingdom praying is a priority strategy in making Christ known and loved.   Sovereign Lord, today I am asking for the nations! This is a huge request, but one I know is upon Your heart and is completely in Your perfect will, for it is clearly stated in Scripture. If Your desire is for the nations to bow before You, this is now my desire also. Keep my mind and heart fixed upon Your kingdom purposes as I pray…don’t allow me to continually be tempted to default to the little prayers of my own kingdom! Thank You for the privilege of prayer…and that You allow me to ask You for things of eternal significance! I praise You that I am able to change the world one prayer at a time!   --Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer (An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry) edited by Dan Crawford; (Chapter 73: Kingdom Praying by Minette Drumwright Pratt). This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Harvest links: look at and spend time with God in prayer through both blogs today, ask for forgiveness, offer it and pray for our church as you engage with these.

https://mail.yahoo.com/n/list/folders=1&listFilter=ALL_INBOX/messages/242184?.src=ym&reason=myc 

Our Daily Bread (some of us are gifted to pray. We are all called to pray) Raise your hands like Moses in praise and prayer today!

Upper Room: Excited to Serve (are you excited to serve God--even as a prayer warrior?)

It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. - Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

As I planned the upcoming meeting of our Christian fellowship group, I gave one friend the job of welcoming people as they arrived. Following our meeting, I received a message from her: “Sister,” she said, “can I take on this ministry again next week? I loved doing it.”

Welcoming people is a simple ministry, but my friend was excited to do it. I could see in her heart that she would do whatever she could to be the hands of God.

That same desire was in the apostle Paul’s heart, even in prison. The letters he wrote while in prison have blessed generations of people.

The desire to serve God grows out of the belief that “it is God who works in [us] to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” If we can embrace the same excitement and desire to serve God as my friend did in our fellowship group, we will be doing fruitful labor for God. God entrusts to us many opportunities for service. Following my friend’s example, whatever work I can do for God, I will be excited to do!

Today's Prayer

Dear God, continue to show us that our lives are filled with opportunities to reveal your love and purpose to your people. May we serve joyfully. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

I to We: (Don't forget to rest and abide and recharge! Prayer is hard work!)

Good Morning House of Pray for the Nations and Disciple making Disciples of Jesus! These are tow things that God keeps bringing to the forefront as I seek Him for his will and plans for us. Please pray for us to become a House of Prayer for the Nation and disciple makers. And ask what your part is and plan to do that with some friends. I have to leave for an early doc appointment so not much tome to share. But man we heard a great message about prayer yesterday from god through Mike. Pray to be used, to be sent, to be broken. Powerful, dangerous prayers for sure! We will expand on those this week and think about how Jesus taught His disciples to pray and then commissioned them to go do what He did. That includes praying and connection with others that leads to a relation with God and growing as His disciples. That is His plan and mission for us! Keep seeking, knocking, humbling and offering self to him. he created you for such a time as this and has custom plans for you.

Spend some time with these devos and blogs, God and some prayer partners. What's he saying? what will you do about that? Teach us to pray Lord, Help us to die to self, take up cross today and follow Jesus to go make disciples in His ways. Thanks. use me! Send me! break me! Expand Your kingdom. Thanks! Amen!

I to We:

Sarah Young:

Connection:

March 17 - Making Disciples Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18–20)   This is the Great Commission, Jesus’ last command to His disciples. Most Bible teachers feel that because He issued this command last, He meant it to have great importance for the church. Devout followers of Christ down through the ages have served tirelessly, often in the face of fierce opposition, to take the gospel message and make disciples in all nations, to all people groups.   While I was executive director of Evangelical Friends Mission, I was aware that the places where it is easy to take the gospel message had all been reached and now there remained places and cultures where Satan has had hundreds of years to put down his roots, and he does not give up that ground easily. We were also constantly monitoring our progress toward the fulfillment of this Great Commission, and I read and heard reports on the estimated number of people groups that still did not have a Christian witness among them. Because of the drive to fulfill this command, there is a strong emphasis on reaching the unreached—going to new people groups.   Part of the motivation to reach all peoples comes from Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” This commission is given in different forms in all four Gospels. In connection with the giving of this command in Luke 24:49, NKJV, Jesus gave another command, which I’ve chosen to include here, rather than to list it separately: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”   In Acts 1:8, He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Then the NKJV version says, “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” If we hope to be successful missionaries, then we must receive the Holy Spirit in all His fullness. I’m convinced that the most successful Christian ministers have a strong emphasis on missions. C. W. Perry, the beloved pastor of one of the largest Friends churches, used to say, “The church God blesses gets outside itself.” God honors a ministry that seeks diligently to fulfill this command. The wonderful promise in connection with this command is Jesus’ promise to be with us always, even to the end of the age. All of us want His presence with us.   I wonder if we can really have that if we are not in some way involved in the mission of seeking to take the gospel to all nations. As an act of obedience to the second part of this command, I have given almost a lifetime to writing this book. (I started it while I was young, but I laid it aside for years when I was extra busy.) I saw that Jesus commanded us to teach others to observe all things He had commanded, but as far as I knew there was no book, outside of the Bible, that taught all the things He commanded.   Lord Jesus, I want to follow You wherever You lead. You are so clear with Your command to go into all nations, making disciples, baptizing, and teaching. Please give me an increased passion for world missions. Show me how to pray daily for Your heart concerning the world. If there is any way that I am to be involved beyond my prayers and my giving, please show me. I want to move in Your authority to see You receive increased glory around the world.    --Adapted from Encountering Jesus: Praying the Commands of Christ into Your Life by Norval Hadley. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Praise the Lord, who made and cares for heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them (Ps. 146:1-6). Give thanks for his personal care for you. Confess instances of putting ultimate trust “in mortal men, who cannot save” (146:3). Commit yourself to putting your hope in the Lord your God. Ask God to help you hand your cares to him through daily prayer. Pray that God will continually prompt his people to join him in caring for those oppressed or otherwise in need (146:7-10). Ask God to grant corporate and individual wisdom, persistence, and love in seeking to extend his kingdom. 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

Wagner's update below

This Week:

Worship today at 10 with Children's Church. (Pray for Mike as he brings the Word today. (Pastor Don and Karen are taking a sabbath rest few days))

Tues: 10 am Zoom Huddle; 6 PM Spiritual Gifts class

Wed: 10-12 Brea ministry; 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle (all welcome. Pray into this as we have been connecting to more neighbors and bread people. Thank God for His provision and answered prayers!)

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Good Morning Praising, Praying, Studying Worshipers! May God draw you close as you praise, pray and study His Word. May He speak to your hearts today and through Mike and as you abide in His presence! May we worship in Spirit and Truth and enter His courts with thanksgiving and prepared hearts. Amen!

This is a day of sabbath for Karen and me. It's a day to turn off the noise, dwell in God's loving presence, receive His shalom and a day to recharge, refresh and prepare for what He has in store for us. It's a day to enjoy too! God made the Sabbath for us and we are wise to choose to take some days of sabbath rest and worship and fun! I had an amazing time with the Lord this morning and want to share the devotionals I used and how God knitted them together to share with you. He is speaking love over you all the time. Be still and know; reload and go! Amen! That's our plan!

So what's He saying to you today and what will you do about it? Begin with some time in His presence, some worship, some receiving and reloading and follow Him into the week ahead refreshed and ready. Turn off the noise and focus on what really matters--Christ and allowing Him to love through you and enjoying all the blessings of this life God has given you. Shalom shalom! Perfect peace to you all! Rejoice, worship and enjoy this day! May God reload you as He will water our gardens today and fill our aquafers and may we sink our roots deep in Him! Amen!

Upper Room: New Strength

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. - Psalm 18:32 (NIV)

It was a terrible night. Something had triggered the memory of hurts from long ago. I couldn’t fall asleep as I replayed these crushing experiences in my mind. Since I couldn’t sleep, I read

Matthew 26:36-46 which describes Jesus’ agonizing prayers in the garden of Gethsemane.

Strangely, I was comforted that Jesus’ closest friends — Peter, James, and John — couldn’t support him because they fell asleep. This prompted me to go back to bed, and thankfully I slept another few hours.

But when I woke up at 6 a.m., I could hardly stand. My wife and I had to leave soon for church since I was in the choir. I worried that in this wobbly state I wouldn’t be able to sing. Then I remembered a verse from a psalm I had read a few days before: “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.” In the midst of troubles, God gave David strength. A sense of calm came over me and I felt a new vigor, trusting that what God had done for David, God would do for me.

Today's Prayer

Merciful God, when we feel completely drained, thank you for giving us strength. Amen.

I to We Devotional

Our Daily Bread

Sarah Young

Wagner's update:

Greetings Friends, God is Moving - In the hearts of our dorm boys “Do I just know about Jesus, or do I know Jesus?” “How do I know if I really am a Christian?” “What does it mean to follow Jesus?” These are just a few of the questions that the boys have asked this term. They are really seeking to understand what it truly means to know and follow Jesus. It is very exciting that the boys are initiating these conversations and asking these questions. We’re so thankful that one of them made the decision to ask Jesus into his heart! PRAY that God will continue His work in the hearts of each of our nine dorm boys and that we will be sensitive to what He is doing and the questions our boys are asking. We were recently reminded in our dorm devotions that Jesus was just 12 years old when He stayed behind in Jerusalem after Passover. His parents returned to the city frantically searching for Him and found Him teaching in the temple. He was just 12 years old! The same age as many of our dorm boys.   God is Moving - In the hearts throughout Africa Muslims throughout the world are observing Ramadan this month. Each day Muslims will fast from dawn to dusk, even being careful to not swallow their own spit. They are hoping that this will be a time that they can earn credit with God and come closer to him. They are spiritually searching and are more open to spiritual conversations. PRAY that Muslims throughout the world will meet Jesus during this time of searching. Here is a great prayer resource (30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World 2025) to pray for the Muslim world this month.   Africa is full of unrest right now. Unrest is really not a strong enough word --- in eastern Congo there is essentially a war going on that has displaced so many people, even the UN Peacekeepers. Rape, murder, and child slavery are a daily part of life in this region. Seventy Christians were gathered together in a church and beheaded. God’s intervention is so needed in the hearts and lives of people in central Africa today. PRAY!   Moving Ahead! A little over two weeks until the end of this school term! Our boys are ready to *MOVE* home and spend significant time with their families. Next week, we will be leading a group of juniors and seniors on an African Field Studies trip to South Africa. The students have been learning about the history of South Africa and the many challenges that are facing South Africa today. We will have some great opportunities to meet with people who are ministering in the Cape Town area. Our student group is very diverse, and we believe this will be an eye-opening experience for them. PRAY for safe travels, good health, and that the hearts of each student will be open to what God wants to teach them during this trip.   After the term ends, we’re excited for the opportunity to make a quick trip stateside to visit our grandson (and his parents), spend a few days with Micah and Lynnsi, and attend the wedding of one of our RVA sons. PRAY for safe travels, good health, and a wonderful time reconnecting with family & friends. Finally, looking ahead to next year, there are still some needs to be filled at RVA. The one that hits closest to home is a math teacher for 1st term (September to November) to fill in for a teacher on home assignment. Spanish, French, Art, Wood Tech, Computer Science, Band and elementary school teachers are also needed. We have a need for dorm parents: high school boys, high school girls and junior high boys. Finally, we are seeking a child safety officer, a therapist/school-based counselor, registered nurses and a pediatric doctor. Perhaps YOU could fill one of these roles, serving families throughout Africa. Please PRAY that God would move in the hearts of people who have a strong desire to be part of the ministry of Rift Valley Academy and are able to serve in one of these important roles. We appreciate your faithful prayers, Brian & Missy

Good Morning Friends of God! God loves you, delights in you, just as you are, and sings over you! Delight in Him this morning. Dwell in His love and soak it in to sustain you and direct you. Live and love like Jesus!

Pray through the Connections blog below. Then meditate on the devos below that as you dwell and delight in the Lord this morning. Worship and receive His love, heart and wisdom to go do what he has planned for, you. Pray for revival for His people, His Church and this nation and our leaders. Father! We delight in You! Thank You for Your love song over us! Fill us to overflowing with Your Love, wisdom and the want to to go live and love like Jesus today. Revive us and this nation. may You Kingdom come and will be done as we hallow Your Holy Name. Amen!

Yesterday our guest dog climbed up my leg begging for love. May we do the same with our loving Abba as we seek to dwell in His love!

Connection Blogs:

March 15 - Father, Send Revival! Lord, change my heart; give me a surrendered heart, a hungry heart to know You. Show me excuses I make for not serving You and not being faithful to Your church. Show me the idols I have allowed and hidden in my heart. By faith, let me remove them. Father, teach me to seek You and obey Your Word.   Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and Your protection and provision. Let me not be overwhelmed by the great numbers that oppose me. You are my God.  Just as You did with Asa, let opposition drive me to seek You. Father, You are my refuge. Teach me to trust and rest in You as I cry out to You and obey You.   Lord, I praise You for Your Word and ask You to continue speaking to me. When Your Word comes to me through a human agent, let me receive it.  I praise You. Let Your Spirit move on me. Teach me to abide in You always.   Show me anything You have told me in the past that I have failed to do. Lord, narrow the focus of my life, so that I magnify You. Give me courage to deal with idols and high places that I have tolerated but never removed. Let me restore Your altar in my life. I want to live in covenant with You. Teach me to seek You deliberately with all my heart and soul. Show me any area where my heart is divided. I want to obey You. I want to glorify You. Let my soul long after You. Father, send revival among Your people. In Jesus’ name, amen.   --Adapted from Praying with Fire: Seeking His Presence through the Revival Passages of Scripture by Mark Partin. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Read Psalm 139 and praise the all-knowing one who perfectly knows you in every action, thought, and word (139:1, 4). Thank God for the comforting knowledge that he is with you wherever you go (139:5-6). Confess any attempt to flee his all-knowing presence (139:7-12). Commit yourself to learning more about these wonderful human bodies he has made (139:13-16). Ask him to give you a love for knowing his thoughts (139:17-18), an informed hatred for those he hates (139:19-22), and an “open-book” relationship with him (139:23-24). Pray that your nation will repent of willful ignorance of God’s thoughts and ways. Ask that the beauty and purpose of human life be accepted and promoted (139:12-16). 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

UR: A Lesson in Serving

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:40 (NRSVUE)

After a rough day at work, I stopped at the store. I got what I needed and chose the shortest check-out line. The man in front of me had a basket of groceries. I knew that he must have used food stamps to cover part of the cost because he told the cashier he should only have to pay for his can of soda. The cashier scrolled through the list, taking what seemed like forever. I just wanted to check out and go home.

Finally the cashier found that his food stamps could not be used to pay for his strawberries. The man asked her to check again. At this point, I thought, How much longer will this take? Then the man behind me said, “Give him his strawberries. I’ll cover it all.” The man with the food stamps told him, “Thank you. I just became homeless last night.”

I was ashamed of myself for my selfish thoughts and lack of action. Why had I not been like the man behind me and offered to cover this man’s purchase? This experience reminded me that we are to have compassion and humility, always moving to serve others as Christ commands. God will always provide us opportunities to serve. We need only to turn our thoughts from ourselves to the person in front of us.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, show us opportunities to serve you and those you place before us with compassion, humility, and a giving heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ODB:

UR:

Sarah Update below

Good Morning Faithful Traveling with Jesus and Each Other Friends of God! Oh yes! PTL! What an awesome God we serve and what an amazing flock of friends and fellow travelers he has gathered us with! PTL! Rejoice! Keep seeking, gathering, worshiping, processing and working at living and loving more like Jesus! He sure is amazing and truly loves us and is loving through us as well! PTL! Start with some praise this morning and keep praying into your day and what God has for you with much expectation and thanksgiving. Thanks Lord! Come! Fill us! Encourage us! Lead us! Love through us today! Amen!

God sure has been kind to me this week and has been encouraging me, affirming me and our ministries, and even given my joy in some storms. Don't you just love our mighty God? WORSHIP FLOWS FORM THIS WEEK FOR ME! Spend some time with open Bibles and devos and worship, receive and prepare for this day and god's great plans for you! He has blessed us with several expressions of church and opportunities to serve and worship. He has gathered an bunch of sold out, gifted servants as part of our Body. we are learning to allow God to grow us, mold us and love through us more and more and he is blessing us abundantly! Rejoice! And keep praying! I can assure you that God is leading us to revival and refreshing as we abide, trust and obey. he has given us great joy as we don his easy yoke and allow Him to shape us for all He created us to do. We are growing more and more into His image! Keep turning off the noise, stay focused on Him and allow Him o lead you today. he really does have some great things in store! Watch for them and join Him! I'm praying for you! Shalom and Joy!

Sarah Update:

Good evening, church family,

Haven't the last couple of days been great.  Loved those temperatures in the high 60's/early 70's yesterday!!

Here are a few new prayer requests and a reminder from Sunday's worship service, of the prayer requests that were shared.

Lisa Wenner - asked for prayer for Todd Becker - he had a reaction to a new medication and remains in the hospital.

But is feeling better.  Tomorrow/today, (depending when you are reading this) Todd will be having an aneurysm removal surgery. Please pray that all goes well.

Chris Muik - will be having his second surgery on Friday!  Prayers for all to go well and for healing.  Chris and Yvonne are very grateful for you and all your prayers and support.

Josie C asking for prayer for her dear friend, Dottie, who has had surgery and while in the hospital caught pneumonia. She is currently in rehab and doing better, but really hopes to be going home soon to her own home.

Darlene Geiger's sister, Sandy is not tolerating her radiation treatments well.  Prayers for perseverance and strength.

Mary Rehm's sister, Pat is dealing with heal issues.....prayers for healing and strengthening

Marshall Rehm's friend, Bob - has been diagnosed with cancer.  He was given 6 months to live. Please keep

him and his family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Dean Marks is asking for prayer for his friend, Larry. We have been praying for him, as he has cancer. His treatments are working and showing signs of improvement.

Larry and Enol Paul and the family say hi to all!! They are doing good. 

Sarah and Neen are asking for prayer for a young woman who is going through some difficult health issues currently. 

   She may be receiving some difficult news from her physician, please keep her and her family in your prayers. Her name is Abey.

Today was another day of great ministry at St Matthew's......many attended our Bread Ministry - Coffee. Donuts, Conversation day. (See Pictures on our Facebook page)    And tonight (Wednesday night) another great evening of gathering around the table with a good meal and study.  30+ in attendance !  

Praising God for what He is doing with the help of our church family!

That is all I have for now.....keep looking for and being open to God's lead in how you can help Him accomplish His

Mission all around you!

Choose JOY,

  Sarah

Thank God I'm Forgiven Friday! Keep building those gratitude lists!

Good Morning Forgiven, Thankful, Children of God! What a joy those three titles bring to us as we step into and operate from our true identity in Christ! I wrote a blog earlier and accidently deleted it right before hitting the send button. Fridays are typically my day off since I work Sundays. I was frustrated and decided to take a nap. Naps are lovely and mine are filled with prayer and praise often. They refocus and refresh. We try to follow the example of Jesus who napped, prayed and reloaded from the Father before moving into His daily routine refreshed and informed. May we do that also and operate more fully from our true identity, not for others expectations but for our Fathers and just as we are in Christ. Amen! 

I'm not going to recount my whole blog. I never can when this happens because I invite God to write it as I move from my quiet time with Him. What I remember is the encouragement from something I read, maybe a devo that included the Eph. 2:10 passage I often use to remind us of our true identities and purposes. We are God's Masterpieces made new in Christ t do all He planned for us from long ago. PTL and Amen! It sure encourages me when others speak into what God has been leading me to say and do! So start today with centering your spirit and mind by praising and praying through the song linked below. Then ask God to open his Word to you and meditate on Eph. 2:1-10. What's He saying to you? Who needs to hear that? Who might you process that with or invite along today? Then pray through the Connections blog and worship before you step into this day. You are unique and you matter. Ask God to lead you to your custom purposes today and this weekend. I'm praying for you and now heading to my day off refreshed and ready. Shalom! (I found the Eph. passage in ODB and added that too--God is speaking! Be still and know. Then prepare and go!)

Amazing Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwjTT2bqKk0 

Eph. 2:1-10 Made Alive with Christ

2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.

4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

ODB:

Connections Blog:

March 14 - O Lord, You Are My Strength Before you begin, sit quietly before the Lord. Ask to be given a “willing spirit”—willing to repent, to change, to listen, to obey.   Father, thank You for the promise of Your Word that those who hope in You will renew their strength. You alone are the source of all strength, for You are the ruler of all things and in Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to me. Strengthen me to stand firm, to stand for righteousness, to stand for Your kingdom! Like Daniel, may my life be characterized by integrity and “above-reproach conduct.” Even in the midst of injustice, may I be one who turns to You in worship and thanksgiving. May I always run toward You and not grow weary.   Empower me, I pray, to walk and not faint. Help me to not fear or be dismayed, regardless of the situations that I am in, or the condition of the world around me—for You are God and You hold all things together. Hold me together, I pray! Strengthen me and help me—uphold me with Your righteous right hand and with power through Your Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart in all of His fullness—in all His fullness! Have mercy on me, Father and help me to lean on You and find my strength in You alone for my spirit is willing but my flesh is so weak and I confess to You, Lord: the weakness of my faith and flesh . . . O Lord, have mercy!   The undisciplined use of my mind . . . Renew and strengthen my mind by Your Word! The sin that I yet hold on to . . . Wash me and cleanse me. The timid ways in which I still live . . . I turn from a spirit of fear and trust in Your name!   Increase my faith. Destroy doubt and unbelief in my heart and mind and empower me to live boldly. May the sphere of influence in which You’ve planted me resonate with the praise of Your name and the imprint of Jesus be left on all that I touch. For Your name and Your renown are the desire of my heart. In Jesus’ powerful name I pray. Amen.   Isaiah 40:31; 1 Chronicles 29:12; Isaiah 41:10; Daniel 6; Isaiah 40:31; Isaiah 41:10; Colossians 1:17; Ephesians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Matthew 26:41; Romans 12:29; Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 12:2; Isaiah 26:8   --Adapted from Pray the Word: 31 Prayers that Touch the Heart of God by Tiece L. King. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount. Prayer Points Read Psalm 24 and praise God as the King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle, the Lord almighty! Give thanks for God’s power poured into your life and ministries. Confess any attempts to live and minister by your power instead of the power of the Spirit. Commit yourself to being a channel of his powerful love. Ask God to give you clean hands, a pure heart, integrity of soul and honest speech (24:4), so his power can flow through you unhindered. Pray that God will bring a powerful revival to your nation. Ask him to bring his almighty, King-of-glory presence into your neighborhood through your own example and words. 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

Happy Donut Day! Join us 10-12 at the Bread Ministry today, eat some donuts and hang out and fellowship and maybe even pray with those God is sending our way. All are welcome!

Tonight 6-7:30 is dinner huddle and a Tim Tebow teaching. All are welcome! Bring a friend.

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Good Morning Spirit-filled, Spirit-led, Gifted Followers of Christ! Amen! What an awesome night last evening as wee gathered to discuss and learn about our gifts and how they are custom tailored for who we are created to be in Christ. God does have some great things for all of us to discover and step into and He has gifted us for success as we learn who we are in Christ and how to do those custom made things He has for us. PTL!

Yesterday's Zoom Huddle discussed God's Word, our Bibles, and how to use them to pray, seek God and apply His teachings to our lives. We are more than hearers and are becoming doers of His Word. Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. It sure was an active day of study and God encounters! Thanks Lord!

The Upper Room and Our Daily Bread (below) speak into some aspects of allowing God to use us to be His hands and feet and to do our parts in His Good News Delivery Co. Prayerfully engage with God through them and His Word. Ask Him to speak to your heart and guide your feet as you open His Word and abide in his love before entering this day fired up and ready for all He has for you. he does have some great things for you! rejoice! Seek and follow well today! I'm praying for you! Shalom! May we love as we have been loved! Amen. Really pray through and meditate on the connection blog at the end. It is our mandate! Live and love as Jesus loved us and like Him! Go! make disciples and do so with some friends! Amen

UR: Holy Tears (Have you ever sowed in tearful prayers? God hears your heart and collects your tears!)

Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people. - Colossians 3:23 (CEB)

Due to our lead pastor’s absence one Sunday, the associate pastor asked several lay members to help with various roles during the worship service. I was asked to lead the congregational prayer time. Prayer is such an intimate and often emotional experience for me that I sometimes have difficulty holding back tears during prayer. Even so, I agreed.

At the appointed time, I stepped boldly to the podium, feeling confident I could keep my composure. I had uttered only a few words of humble praise, however, when my voice trembled and my chin quivered. Sure enough, tears escaped from my closed eyelids, and the tears flowed harder the more I prayed. Somehow I managed to finish with the Lord’s Prayer and make it back to my pew, but I felt remorseful and embarrassed by my public display.

Then I remembered that God doesn’t demand a performance from me. God wants me to serve with my whole heart.

Emotions are real and God-given, and tears can be a kind of holy water. Our Creator made me with a tender heart. It doesn’t matter what others think or say about my prayerful tears. Perhaps that day wasn’t my shining moment, but it was God’s.

Today's Prayer

Almighty God, we are thankful that we have constant access to you through the power of prayer. Amen.

ODB:

Harvest Connection blog:

March 12 - By This All Men May Know A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34–35)   This passage, along with the Great Commission, was part of Jesus’ parting instructions to His followers. It was the essence of what He came to teach. It is similar to the second part of the greatest commandment—that we love our neighbor as ourselves. God is love, and His disciples are to be so known for their love for one another that this has been called the badge of Christians. People living outside the church see that love and they are drawn to Jesus. They want to get in on it. When we love, we let our light so shine before men that they see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:18).   Do you want to know how we are to love one another? Like Jesus loves us. Paul wrote, “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). And in Colossians 3:12–14, he wrote, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” There can be no greater love. I think the phrase “bear with one another” is important. When someone hurts us or offends, we are not to try to get even. We are to bear it in love. That’s what Christ would do. And we are to forgive, as Christ has forgiven us.   There is a fellowship in the church that is like no other. We love to be together, for when we are together, Christ is in our midst. The fellowship is a precious experience, especially when we pray together, for Christ always lives to make intercession for us (see Hebrews 7:25). I feel He is right there among us praying with us and loving us. That fellowship, love, and acceptance is the promise that comes from following this command.   One of the members of our Four Flats Quartet (which became Barbershop Harmony Champions of the Pacific Northwest), became a student at our Christian college right out of World War II, not because he wanted to be a Christian, but because he wanted to be with a girl who was attending there. For a long time he resisted the Christian gospel. When we sang in churches and an altar call was given, he said his knuckles got white because he was hanging on so tightly to the seat in front of him. One day, during spiritual emphasis week, I gave him a list of all the reasons I thought he should give his heart to Christ and asked him to turn the paper over and list the reasons he should not accept Christ. He fumbled with the paper for a while, then he said, “I guess there aren’t any.”   That night he practically dove to the altar and gave his heart to Jesus and later became an effective preacher of the gospel. I believe that was a situation where we virtually loved him to Christ. He couldn’t resist the love he saw in the believers on campus.   Lord, this command to love one another has to be so close to Your heart since it so closely reflects Your own nature and practice. Help me to love as You love. Pour Your love into my heart through Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me when I make excuses for not loving someone. Break through hard hearts that have resisted Your love, even as they have proclaimed Your name. Lord, please make the congregation I am a part of to become known as Your followers because of the depth of the love we have for one another.  --Adapted from Encountering Jesus: Praying the Commands of Christ into Your Life by Norval Hadley. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Good Morning Very Loved, Walking By Faith, Co-Laborers! What a joy to learn, grow and serve with you all! God is at work, using us, and leading us to His new things! PTL! Seek Him about that and your purposes and roles. Maybe process that with a friend or Sarah or me. God has some great custom made things for you to discover and grow into! And that works best in teams! Please pray for those of us starting spiritual gifts trainings tonight. God is leading us deeper and will unite us in His plans and purposes as we learn how to grow into the people we are created and gifted to be.

Pray for our Donut Day and Bread ministry tomorrow and our Wed evening dinner huddle and today's Zoom huddle. Any and all are welcome to any of our gatherings. Bring a friend!

Check out my devos below. God was sure speaking to me. I'm praying He does to you as well. He really loves you! Sometimes He stretches you to grow you and test your faith. He is always doing some new things and He has some ahead for you and us. May we continue to abide in His love, seek his wisdom and direction and earnestly pursue His best for us and for those He is sending our way. May we live and love more and more like Jesus and learn to walk in his ways better! Amen! He really does love you beyond measure! ALWAYS! How might you show your love to Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength today?

ODB:

UR: Love Never Fails

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. - 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)

One day I was feeling lonely and discouraged. I was struggling with unemployment and felt as if no one cared about me. I decided to go for a walk to clear my mind, and I noticed a beautiful flower by the side of the road. It was bright yellow with delicate petals and looked like a ray of sunshine amid the gray day. I felt a surge of joy and gratitude as I admired it. God had sent me this sign, reminding me of God’s love and presence. God had not forgotten or abandoned me.

I thought of 1 Corinthians 13, which describes God’s love. It is patient and kind. It does not remember the bad things we do. It never fails. This reminder comforted and encouraged me. I decided to trust God more and share God’s love with others.

I picked the flower and gave it to a passing stranger. She smiled and thanked me. I felt a connection with her and with God. God loves us with an everlasting love that never fails.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, thank you for your unfailing love. Help us to recognize the signs of your love that surround us each day and to share them with others. Amen.

Sarah Young:

Chuck Swindoll

Joyce Meyer