Thank God I'm Forgiven! Thank God you are forgiven and thank God for teaching us to forgive as we have been forgiven--entirely! Meditate and praise through all the facets of that today!

Good Morning Forgiven Much, Redeemed, Gifted, Empowered, Sent Disciples of Jesus! Amen and thanks Lord! Focus on praising, praying and worshiping today as you put on more fully Christ's righteousness and step out in faith to live, love, teach, lead, and make connections that lead to people becoming disciples of Jesus. That is worship and that is becoming God's dynamic movement of people with a burning passion for God and missionary zeal to reach the lost. May that be us Lord! Come! Fill us! Inform our prayers. Direct our steps. And may we worship with full abandon today! You alone are worthy of that kind of worship and our obedience. Amen!

Last Sunday we worshiped with a symphony of prayer. Prayer is critical and hard work. We are all called to pray and for some in this season of life, prayer is your role in God's Good News Delivery Company--a critical piece of the puzzle of St. Matts dynamic movement of God. Thank you for praying and enduring the hard Kingdom work that is so vital today! Check out the Connections blog all about this. What's God saying to you? How does He want to inform your prayers. Who is He leading you to pray with? Or to go with? DO IT!!!

As you hang out in God's loving presence, prayerfully engage with our other devotionals as well. God is speaking love over you and into your heart. He is calling you by name and leading you to His plans for you today. What are they? Ask Him with open hands and willing feet. Seek a partner or three to pray and to go love like Jesus with. Step into your role as His servant today. He has great plans just for you and some very good and lasting fruit for our Body as we partner together, step into our giftedness and allow Him to empower and send us into our missions for the day. Go live and love and pray more like Jesus and watch for those He is drawing and leading to your mind to pray for and engage with. And keep praying for new opportunities and connection points into our neighborhoods. He has at least 30 He is preparing to join with us in some expression of worship or another. Thank Him for all He has done, is doing and will do as He leads us forward in our journey towards Christlikeness and our created potential in Christ. We are coming alive in '25 but we need all of us to do our parts and to spur each other on for such a time as this! So rejoice. Don His easy yoke and walk with Jesus today towards your future and hope with joy and a big smile because we were made for today and we get to live out His will just as we are! Amen!

Connections blogs:

March 28 - Kingdom Praying Is Hard Work Kingdom praying is the most crucial work we can do. Kingdom praying is work! It demands our time, our energy, our intentional attention, our focus, our self-discipline. We must recommit ourselves to it every day. Prayer is work, but prayer works. More accurately, God works in response to the work of prayer, in response to the prayers of His people. God’s Word, as well as history and our own experiences, teach us that the most powerful work we can do is to be obedient and faithful in the work of prayer. Employing kingdom prayer as strategy involves all that concerns the heart of our Lord. We can be sure these include:   The lost. Beginning with lost family members in our own homes, moving to those in our neighborhood, and reaching out in concentric circles around the world. Every day we encounter personally those who do not know and love our Lord. Does it enter your mind and heart to pray for them to come to Him?   Missionaries. Those serving in our own country and those assigned around the world. The main purpose of kingdom praying for missionaries is to release God’s power and divine energy in their lives, families, and ministries as they seek to bring others into the kingdom. Missionaries desperately need and desire our united, specific praying.   Believers around the world. While we have traditionally emphasized prayer for missionaries, we have more recently emphasized our responsibility to pray for the growth, development, courage, and boldness of fellow believers in other nations. World evangelization will not take place unless and until local Christ followers take responsibility for evangelizing their own people group and/or nation and discover their role in sharing the gospel even beyond their own borders.   Leaders of our nation and officials around the world. The Scriptures clearly mandate intercession for our own leaders and for government officials in other lands, for officials’ decisions can either impede or enhance the spread of the gospel. We must pray increasingly for the leaders of the world, asking God to use for good even those influences that are intended for evil. We can pray strategically when we pray for leaders to do that which will enhance the gospel, knowingly or unknowingly.   More laborers, here and around the world. Jesus specifically directed prayer for laborers as part of a disciple’s responsibility. Pray that those whom God is calling will not only hear but also respond.   Mission strategists. Missions leaders request prayer for God to give them vision and wisdom as they make crucial decisions impacting many lives and lands. Pray they will discern and know God’s heart and plans for reaching the lost. Intercede for leaders of all missions agencies and prayer movements.   Worldwide revival and spiritual awakening. A sweeping, incredible movement of prayer has preceded every spiritual awakening throughout history. One of our greatest prayer burdens is to pray that people will pray.   Bible translators. Another key strategy in fulfilling God’s heart’s desire is producing the Scriptures in the heart language of the people. Bible translation agencies are working together with a goal of publishing portions of the Bible in every language spoken by more than 250,000 people. With Scriptures another essential strategy in discipling believers and planting churches, pray earnestly for this essential missions ministry.   Christian radio and television broadcasts. The goal of Christian broadcast agencies is to give opportunity to every person on earth to hear the gospel in a language they can understand. Pray for the agencies pursuing this goal, and ask God to supply the translators they need. Pray for those who even now are hearing the gospel by radio and television.   Persecuted Christ followers. Believers living in various parts of the world today suffer persecution, even to the power of death, because of their faith. Family and former friends often ostracize them. Pray for Christian sisters and brothers around the world who daily face not just the threat but the reality of persecution.   When we pray, we link hands with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, a powerful threefold linkage. The role of the Holy Spirit is well known: “We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us” (Rom. 8:26, NIV). We are to pray and have confidence that the Holy Spirit will interpret our heart’s cry. “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph. 6:18, NIV)—meaning pray in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.   Missionary Ed Pinkston, representing a lifetime of missionary work in West Africa wrote: “When we get to heaven and are able to read God’s history book, I believe we will see that the people really responsible for many of the miracles are the unseen, unsung believers who lift to the Father their intercessions on behalf of His people and His work.”   Prayer is the ultimate strategy for releasing God’s power into our lives, our families, our churches, our world. Prayer is God’s strategy for the kingdom.   --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.  Prayer Points Express your praise to God as the compassionate Father (Ps. 103:13). Thank him for desiring only good things for his children, including you (Lk. 11:11-13). Confess those times when you have not wanted what God wanted for you or others. Commit yourself to seeking first God’s desire—his kingdom and his righteousness (Mt. 6:33). Ask God to “fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9). Pray that your own heart may be set on fire with God’s passion to bring all people into his family. 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: Past and Present

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. - 1 John 2:17 (NIV)

“You’ll never guess what I’ve found,” my husband said. “These are local newspapers from when I was young.” He had been helping his mother clear out her house for renovating. The newspapers, which my late father-in-law had kept, were from the 1980s and 1990s. Each one included a photograph of my husband as a boy — on a team, on a trip, or from a key event that had happened in the town’s history.

Reading the newspapers transported us back to the past. The articles showed how the cost of living had changed. Even the printing and layout were antiquated compared to today’s standards. But more than anything, they reminded me that each moment is precious. Our dreams and desires — even our worries — slip by so quickly. The old anxieties we had about school, exams, and growing up are no longer relevant. What still matters is the relationship we have with our loving God.

This experience reminded me to value each day and to be thankful for the years we have been given. We can make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others by spending time with God, cherishing those around us, and doing kind deeds — no matter how small.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us to remember how precious our time is and to appreciate it. Show us how to reach out to those in need. Amen.

Sarah Young:

ODB:

TWFYT:

Sarah update below (Pray for her as she prepares to bring God's Word tomorrow and pray for many to attend our brunch and experience God's love and care and be drawn to Him.)

Good Morning Renewed and Restored, Standing on the Word, Students of Jesus and His Way! Amen! Thinking about God's Word today, the thought about life verses came to mind. What verses have you memorized and are ones that lead your steps of faith? What verses have you wielded against Satan? What verses do you pray back to God as reminders of His promises? As we abide in His Word we are reminded of His promises, encouraged, covered, informed, and more able to overcome the attacks on our faith. We come to know, understand and embrace truth. We are able o compare teachings we hear against His truths and discern if a teacher is worth listening to. His Word cuts to the bone and marrow and purifies us as we allow it to cut away the unneeded things and even sin that so easily entangles. Jesus is the Living Word and all of the Bible points to Him and His good ways and so we are able to better be a follower of THE Way and understand more clearly our mission. Open, embrace, meditate on, receive and stand firm in and on His Living Word today!

Some of my life verses are included in our devotional readings for today: Proverbs 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:10, and Deuteronomy 31:6 are a few. fear not! be strong and courageous. Don't lean on your own understanding but acknowledge God in all your ways and allow Him to direct your steps. I am God's masterpiece, made new and gifted to do what I am created to do for such a time as this. AMEN! Right? Sink your roots deep into God and His Word today as you engage with our devos for today and then pray into the Connections blogs. What's God saying to you? What will you do about it, doer of His Word? Who are your partners? Yes be strong and courageous for such a time as this and stand firm on God's Word as you shed your thinking, agenda and misconceptions for His Truth and Way. he created you for such a time as this in love to go love? How has He revealed to approach that today? I'm praying for clarity, want to and partners for you to go live and love more like Jesus with. Shalom!

Sarah Young

ODB: 

UR: Praying With

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Philippians 4:6 (NRSVUE)

As a hospital administrator, I often pray with patients to offer them comfort and peace. Recently, I encountered an elderly man who is a very familiar face in our community. He was a successful businessman. Before I left his room, I asked if I could pray for him. He smiled, so I proceeded to pray. At the conclusion of my prayer, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, “No one has ever prayed for me before.” How can this be? I thought to myself. Surely someone along his life’s journey had prayed for him from a distance. When we pray to God we often name specific people, but how often do we go to those persons and pray with them? How much more powerful it would have been if someone had stopped for a moment and prayed with this man!

As Christians, we are to be the hands and feet as well as the eyes and ears of Christ. Each of us in our daily prayers can continue to pray for people — and pray with them as well.

Today's Prayer

Loving God, be with us today as we encourage one another by praying together for your will to be done in our lives. Amen.

TWFYT

Connections Blogs

March 29 - From the Inside Out Father, Jesus said that I am to love You with all of my heart, with all of my mind, with all of my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself—that this is more important than anything else that I do.   Forgive me, Lord, for I know that I have kept parts of my heart hidden and distant from You. I have been slothful in my thinking, lazy, and undisciplined and have not loved You with all of my mind. I’m so very aware of my weakness and confess that I am not sure that I know what loving You with all of my strength even looks like. Father, You know that I rarely love others as much as I love myself. Forgive me, Lord.   Have mercy on me and change me O God! May my life be marked by deep heart-belief and mouth confession that Jesus is Lord. Keep me, I pray, from self-imposed, outward moral reformation that leads to joyless, disempowered living. Instead, may I be continually spiritually transformed, conformed to the character of Jesus, that the reflection of His glory may be seen in me and others will be drawn to Him. Change me from the inside out, I pray.   May I truly believe in my heart what I confess with my mouth, so that my faith will not shrivel within me when faced with the difficulties of life, or be hypocritical and harsh as I live in front of those who have yet to call on Your name.   O how I long for my heart and mind to align under Your Lordship. I am weary Lord of unbelief and double-mindedness! Save me from myself, I pray. I confess with my mouth, Lord Jesus, that You alone are Lord to the glory of God the Father. Now may it be true in my heart as well and lived out this day through my life. In the mighty name of Him who alone can accomplish these things. Amen.   Mark 12:33; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:15; Deuteronomy 30:14; Matthew 5:16; Mark 9:24; Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 2:11   --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 Praise God as the Creator who makes all things new (Rev. 21:5). Give thanks for his power to bring even the most deadened souls to life in Jesus— including your own (Eph. 2:1-5). Confess those times when you have lost faith in God’s power to renew and restore. Commit yourself to renewing your mind every day in prayer and in reading God’s Word. Ask God to teach you what it means that you are now God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (2:10). Pray that those prayer warriors who intercede daily for politicians and governments around the world will never lose faith in God’s power to renew and restore. 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

Sarah Update

Good evening, warriors,

Two urgent prayer needs:

Darlene Skinner is currently in the ER sue to retaining fluids, approximately 12 pounds. Praying for the medical team to be able to drain the fluid and help her to feel better. 

Dean Marks is asking for prayer for a customer of his, Susan - she has two blockages however, they will not operate due to blood clots moving around.

Please keep these and our other prayer needs in your prayers. (NOTE: Jay Stoudt has been sent home from the hospital. Thanks for praying!)

Remember, Sunday is our Sunday brunch and it’s sure looking like a great meal! Who are tpu inviting to come?

Have a great Saturday!!

Blessings and peace,

Sarah

It's Brunch day! Join us after worship! All welcome! Thanks to Lori and team for all the prep and good food awaiting!

Pray for Sarah as she brings the Word today and for Gail Reinsmith who will share some about her missionary service to NYC. And pray for the kids as they prepare to share the armor of God with us.

Good Morning Acts 2:42 Worshippers! Get your hearts ready to worship, praise, pray, abide and eat and fellowship as God's gathered Body! He is worthy of all praise. glory, honor and obedience and He has great plans for you and us to discover and step into with faith and determination. Amen! He is with us always! And He is working all things together for the good of those who believe. Amen! And we get to gather, worship, fellowship, pray and eat! How cool!

Check out and pray through the Connections blog as you prepare for the day ahead. And then engage with our devos for the day. God is speaking. What's He whispering to you? Worship! Trust! Obey! And find some teammates to process, plan and go with! He is enough and He is with you! He is our Good Shepherd who calls us by name and leads us forward to green fields, still waters and good fruit! PTL! and Amen!

Connections:

ODB:

UR: My Source

Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. - Matthew 6:34 (NIV)

I was feeling lost and alone, struggling with my faith and feeling unsure of my purpose. I had been going through a time of distress, dealing with financial complications and strained relationships. One night, overwhelmed and desperate for guidance, I opened the Bible and came across Matthew 6:25-34.

Reading that passage, I realized that I had been focusing too much on my problems and not enough on my faith. I had been worrying about things that were beyond my control and had lost sight of the fact that God was with me and would provide me with better possibilities. I took the passage to heart and started to focus on my relationship with God, praying and meditating on God’s word. Over time, I felt more peace and contentment, and I began to see a way through my difficulties.

The Bible can provide relief and direction during trying times, and concentrating on our faith can help us find peace and determination. So let us prioritize our relationship with God every day, believing in God’s provision and guidance. No matter our circumstances, we can make time for prayer and reflection and focus on God’s word as a source of well-being and relief.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, thank you for providing for us during times of crisis. We trust in your goodness and love to guide us through any challenge. Amen.

TWFYT;

Sarah Young

Good Morning Abiding, Trusting, Obedient, Followers of Jesus! Amen! Trust and obey for there's no other way. That's how the hymn goes. How about for your life choices? We had a great week of ministry so far. How has God been speaking to you--leading you? How have you been responding? Be still and know! Seek, listen, receive and follow are commands we know and want to obey but sometimes the chaos of life, the drudgery of the day and maybe even lack of faith or fear drown out God's whispers to you or zap your motivation to go love. Or maybe, we just loose focus and motivation to follow as we seem to be stumbling against some closed door or wandering down some rabbit trail and give up.

Stop! Release the junk and distractions and even fear and confusion to God. Exhale and give Him whatever has you sidetracked from His best. Refocus. Sing some praises. Allow Him to renew your thinking and encourage you and even put a bounce back into your step. He does have some great things for you for such a time as this! Rejoice! He is whispering His loving directions and encouragement to you. Can you hear it and feel it in your bones? Seek first His Kingdom and righteousness and He will add to you all you need to complete all the big and small things He has for you as you move toward your call to become more like Jesus today. Remember, we define discipleship as the process of becoming who Jesus would be if He were you. How's that look for today and what will you do about it? His command is "Fear not!" and "Follow me!" Amen!

God awoke me very early this morning to speak to my soul and spirit and to direct my steps for today, which includes helping me write this blog as a love letter and reminder to you and me and our gathered fellowship of His truths, calls and commission. He opened up some extra devotionals (below and ordered as He has led--engage with them and God!) and informed my prayers, thinking, writing, and plans for today to go live and love more like Jesus and to invite some people to join me on the quest to know God more and become more of the person He created me/us to be. He has custom made plans for all who will come, with open hands, surrendered their hearts, being still, listening, receiving and stepping out in faith today and every day! Is that you? Who are your partners or someone God wants you to invite along on the great adventure of life in Christ?

Spend some time with God today--all day! Receive, watch, listen and join Him along the way! He really does have some cool things to discover and to encourage you today! Yes, rejoice, seek and follow well! I've already prayed for you and for today to be a special encounter with our Lord, Savior, Guide and Encourager and for you to discover who He has for you to invite in and join with. He really loves you and you do matter. And remember, His plans usually are just little things along the way like smiling and saying hi to someone or holding a door or offering some encouragement or prayer. And sometimes it's something bigger. But usually it's just those little steps of faith and obedience that add up for you and your journey to Christlikeness. So, love God and others, follow Him today and enjoy this life He created you to live. Amen! Fear not for He is with you always and always working all things together for good! PTL! and Amen! Smile! God really loves you and is with you right now!

Sarah Young

I to We

Max Lucado

Chuck Swindoll

Joyce Meyer

UR: Fully Equipped

David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. - 1 Samuel 17:39 (NIV)

I am a teacher and a sports coach, and my wife had our first child a few days before the start of the school year. Taking care of a newborn — who seemed to be nocturnal — while also trying to teach and coach left me beyond overwhelmed. As a new father, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome. It’s hard to be a good father, husband, teacher, and coach. It’s been exhausting.

At the end of every sports practice, we do a prayer spotlight. One day my players spotlighted me, thanking me and assuring me that my work wasn’t going unnoticed. My students reminded me of my purpose and why I do what I do.

Today’s scripture reading reminds me that God is our strength and that we can trust that God has equipped us for the purpose God has called us to. Each of us has been given unique attributes, strengths, and gifts from God. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has given us what we need, and we can trust God to see us through.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, help us to trust you and to use the unique gifts and talents that you have equipped us with to glorify you. Amen.

TWFYT

ODB

Connections Blog:

March 27 - Launch Out into the Deep When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)   This command was given to Simon Peter. It took place by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus was pressed by the crowd, so to create a situation in which they could all see and hear Him, He got into Simon’s boat, asking him to put out a little from the land. Then He sat down and talked to the people from the boat.   When he was through speaking, he said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Simon hesitated for a moment before he obeyed this command. Maybe he thought he knew more about fishing than did this strange man. Fishing was his business. “Master,” he answered, “we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets” (v. 5).   Maybe the teaching Simon had just heard made him feel he should do what Jesus commanded. So they pushed out into the deep, and when they let down their nets, they had such a huge catch of fish that the nets began to break. They beckoned to their partners in another boat to come and help them. Verse 10 in this same account says that James and John were their partners, and came over to help. They filled both boats until they were about to sink. Peter and all who were with him were astonished at the size of the catch they had taken. The account says they forsook all and followed Jesus. They had let Jesus use their boat, and He rewarded them. But this was more than a thank you for the use of the boat; it also contributed to their life support so they could now give their lives to Jesus. When Simon Peter saw this, he was so convinced that this man Jesus was extraordinary that he fell down before Him and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man” (v. 8)!   While this command was given to a specific person in a certain situation and is not to all people for all times, it has been quoted many times to illustrate a truth that is often the theme of missionary conferences. There is much to be learned from the story of this command. First, Jesus is interested in our temporal needs. He is willing to give practical help. Second, it will be rewarding for us to do what Jesus suggests even if we have tried before and failed—even if it seems unreasonable to try one more time.   There were other instances when Jesus showed an uncanny knowledge of fish. Remember when He sent Peter to find a coin in the mouth of a fish so they could pay their taxes? (See Matthew 17:26–27.) After His resurrection, Jesus again stood by this same sea and told His disciples to let their nets down on the right side of the boat, and when they did they received a huge catch (John 21:4–7). Although Jesus became a man, He was obviously still God and was all knowing. He would have been a great friend to take on a fishing trip!   Billy Graham had an experience like Peter’s experience. He was coming to Los Angeles to conduct an evangelistic crusade in 1950. He had been through many evangelistic meetings before with varying degrees of success. As he and his friend and associate Grady Wilson were driving through the desert, Billy asked Grady to drive to the side of the road. There, for some period of time, Billy prayed. Jesus seemed to be saying to him, “Launch out into the deep.” He could have argued that he had tried before and nothing special had happened. But in obedience, they went to Los Angeles, hired a big tent, and erected it in a major downtown district. The meeting went many weeks longer than planned, and God gave Billy such a large catch that the nets almost broke.   William Carey, the pioneer of the modern missionary movement, said, “Attempt great things for God and expect great things from God.” Many leaders of great missionary advances have followed that advice.   The promise of this command is a large reward. The warning is that if we fail to obey Jesus, maybe because of past failures, we will miss the great reward.   Lord Jesus, help me to stay alert for Your voice so I can obey when You tell me to launch out. I pray I will not miss the blessing You have for me by failing to obey. Give me the courage to launch into deep water when You are the One calling me there. Thank You for taking care of all my needs as I walk in obedience to Your Word.    --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 Shaped by the Potter, Gifted, Sent Ones in Christ. Amen. That is us! YOU! I am late. Overslept today. Off I go. But before I do check out the devos below. We just finished up our gifts class for now. Pray we step into and use them well. Pray all of us are fertile soil where roots sink deep and much good fruit grows. Pray for our God and father to send us and use us well as we seek new connection points that may lead people to Him. He knows you, loves you, is calling you by name. He made you and gifted you for such a time as this. You matter and we are His team that needs each other to go make disciples and spur each other on to live and love more like Jesus! Amen! GO! Love!

UR: God never Fails

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

I started journaling 23 years ago on my fiftieth birthday. Each year, I fill a journal with my thoughts and feelings about daily life. It helps me de-stress and keep track of major events in my life.

On my birthday, I add a gratitude list to that year’s journal. After completing the list, I go back to the first journal and read every journal I have. The pages contain discussions of what I’ve experienced, God’s presence, gratitude, praise reports, and prayer requests. I am always astounded to see so many prayers answered, and I feel God’s faithfulness, love, and mercy anew.

Reading the journals also makes me feel better about aging. I focus on what I can still do instead of the discomfort and changes in ability that have come with aging. I see where I have helped others and tried to be God’s hands and feet. This always lifts my spirits because it reflects 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” My journals remind me of all the good God has done in my life, the blessings God has helped me provide for others, and God’s presence with me always.

Today's Prayer

Gracious God, help us to see and feel your presence and to show your grace and love to everyone we meet. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

ODB:

Connections

March 26 - Determining a Need Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. —Psalm 103:1-5   When visiting my home last week, my nephew said, “I’m really hungry!” Without too much thought, I knew that he had noticed the empty candy jar in the living room. He wanted some chocolate—his and my favorite.   I wonder how he would have responded if I had offered to get him some broccoli? That wouldn’t have fed his “hunger.” A hamburger probably wouldn’t have done the trick either. Neither would a hot dog. My nephew was looking for chocolate! His need wasn’t really an empty stomach. His parents feed him regularly. No, his need was related to his “sweet tooth”—something I can strongly identify with.   When sharing about Jesus and his gospel message with your neighbor, it’s very important for you to be sensitive to your neighbor’s individual, specific need. If I had given my nephew some broccoli or a hamburger, I would have missed his real need. Jesus comes very intimately, very sensitively into each of our lives. He meets us exactly where we are. He’s available to meet each individual need.   As you continue developing a relationship with your neighbor, start asking yourself this question: “What area, what concern, what question in my new friend’s life is most in need of the presence of Jesus?” You don’t have to go far to find a possible answer to that question. Answer it for yourself. You have more in common with your neighbor (even your unsaved neighbor) than you might care to admit. Your neighbor most likely has some financial concerns. Don’t you? Your neighbor may not be feeling appreciated at work. Have you ever felt that way? One neighbor may be concerned about her youngest child. Another may be concerned about his oldest. Maybe you know what that’s like.   Or perhaps your neighbors had a major scare last week when their doctor told them the results of a physical exam. Or maybe your neighbor lost her mother to cancer last fall. You know these things could happen to you, if they haven’t already. Your neighbor’s needs are similar in many ways to your own. This week, ask the Spirit to help you be sensitive to what those needs are. Look for opportunities to help your neighbor in specific ways.   Prayer Starters for Praying Psalm 103:1-5 • Praise God and thank him for all his benefits in your life. • Celebrate God’s creativity, thanking him for the way in which he takes into account our unique personalities as he reveals himself to us. • Thank God that he loves all of us enough to meet us right where we are. • Ask God to help you understand your neighbor’s unique personality. Invite God to open your mind to the specific way in which your neighbor would be most open to hearing or seeing or experiencing the things of God.   --Adapted from Be Jesus in Your Neighborhood (Developing a Prayer, Care, Share Lifestyle in 30 Days) by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.

Good Morning One in the Spirit and One in the Lord Co-Laborers! Amen! Jesus prayed for us to be one as He and he Father are One and that has, is and will be true today for those in Christ and called to His Body, even specific Bodies like ours at St. Matts. Unity in Christ is a critical element for today's Church! Well it has always been and always will be too. We are One--right? We have one Spirit, one mission, one God and we are called to oneness. Praying together, serving together, worshiping together, encouraging and spurring each other on to good deeds God has for us is all part of that. We are to love as we have been loved. Oneness often requires dying to self and refocusing away from ourselves to God and others. We are growing at that for sure, but we always need to be vigilant to stay united in Christ and mission. We need each other! We need others with differing gifts and abilities to achieve all that God has gathered and is sending us to do. We need to be one. Keep praying into that and for us to stay focused on Jesus and our mission together! Amen! 

And keep praying expectantly with thanksgiving for all God is and plans to do in and through us. United in Christ, prayer, worship and service. United in love! Check out the devos below as you spend some time meditating and praying into these things. God loves you, is calling you in love by name for the things He has prepared for you today. prepare your hearts and seek out your partners. Then go live and love like Jesus and God will work out the rest! Amen!

Sarah Young:

ODB:

UR: Two Words

When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. - Matthew 6:7 (NIV)

It’s been over 50 years, but I still remember my sixth-grade Sunday school class like it was yesterday. That’s because it changed how I experienced church and how I prayed. After spending years in basement classrooms, I moved to the sixth-grade classroom, which was up in the steeple of the church. And the class was taught by a man — the first male teacher I had ever had.

His lesson on prayer has stayed with me all my life. He recounted a time when he was driving on an icy, country road and his car spun out of control and careened toward a tree. He told us that he prayed a two-word prayer: “Not now!” Though he didn’t have time to embellish his prayer with formalities, God heard his prayer.

In 1 Kings 18, the prophets of Baal thought they would be heard because of their many words. When God’s prophet Elijah prayed, his prayer was only a couple of sentences long, yet God heard him and answered his prayer. We don’t need to concoct long, fancy prayers in order to pray. From the first syllables we utter, God listens to us.

Today's Prayer

Whether our prayers are long or short, you, O Lord, hear the cries of our heart. We thank you for your constant presence with us. As Jesus taught us, we pray, “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.

Harvest Connection prayers

March 25 - An Attitude of Prayer It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them beside the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you” . . . And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.   Then Jehoshaphat . . . said, “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? ‘If disaster comes upon us—sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save.’”   Now all Judah . . . stood before the Lord. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah. . . . “Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. . . . You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you.” And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.  2 Chronicles 20:1–4, 6–7, 9, 13–15, 17–18   D. L. Moody said, “We ought to see the face of God every morning before we see the face of man.” In this section of Scripture, we find Jehoshaphat and all Judah under attack from the world, the people of Moab and Ammon. Jehoshaphat was outnumbered and all looked hopeless. He was afraid.   Faith does not keep us from fear, but enables us to seek God in spite of our fears. To seek God simply means we pursue God. He is preeminent. That means He is not merely a priority, but everything is around Him. When we seek God, we desire more than anything the “face” of God, His presence. We desire intimacy with Him more than anything else. Our lifestyle is that of pursuing, learning about, and communing with God. It takes time, energy, even resources to seek God.   Our attitude determines if we receive God’s Word or not. According to James 1:21, we are to have an attitude of meekness to receive the implanted (engrafted) Word of God. All of this is a result of our having a hunger for the approval of God more than the approval of humans.   Jehoshaphat put aside everything in order to seek God. This was not a spur of the moment decision. We see in 2 Chronicles 19:3, he had removed the wooden images and prepared his heart to seek God. He did this before the invading army showed up to battle against him.   American evangelist R. A. Torrey, who was a contemporary of D. L. Moody, said: “The reason many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came. . . . Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory.” Jehoshaphat succeeded in battle because he had already positioned himself to seek God. Likewise, we must remove from our hearts and lives anything that is offensive to God and distracts us from Him. Then we can fully seek God on our knees.   --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 God for seeking and saving the lost. Give thanks that Jesus is “the good shepherd [who] lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn. 10:11). Confess those instances and ways in which you ignore the voice of your Shepherd. Commit yourself to learning to be content whatever the circumstances (Phil. 4:11). Ask God to give you the fullness of life which comes with following the Savior. Pray for those who serve in law enforcement, that the stress of their jobs will not be too much for them to bear. Ask God to give them special strength to do their jobs well. 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

Sarah Prayer update below

This Week:

Tue 

10-11 Zoom Huddle. All welcome!

6-7:30 Wrap up of Spiritual gifts dinner study

Wed

10-12 Bread Ministry

6-7:30 Dinner Huddle. All welcome

Sun. Brunch after worship 11:30

Please continue to pray into these, for God to use us, raise up harvest workers form the harvest, and for new connection points into our neighborhoods

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Good Morning Praying Friends!

Thank you for your participation with our circle up prayer time yesterday! I felt God moving and informing and leading us in prayer. I am praying expectantly and with thanksgiving for all He has planned in response and for all we have released in the heavenlies and on earth as we cried out for His Kingdom to come and will to be done and to use us. AMEN! I will be working on a new April prayer calendar this week. Please use them as we agree together in prayer and release God's power and answers as one in Christ from our knees. I expect God is leading us to do something like this at least once a quarter and for Him to raise up some prayer teams, especially with those He is raising up who are called to pray for such a time as this. That can be done over the phone and/or emails too. Where two or three are gathered, He is present. PTL!

Check out the Connections blog and prayer and prayer starters for today. The Martin Luther quote is one that has come to life for me over the past several decades, beginning my day in His presence and prayer and preparing for the busyness of the day ahead. “I have so much to do [today] that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” —Martin Luther AMEN! Try it! and it doesn't have to be three hours. It may grow to that but the key is stilling self, abiding in Christ in prayer and receiving strength and directions for the day. He has always redeemed whatever time I spend in His presence in prayer each day and has allowed what He planed for me to be completed as I pray, trust and follow Him--even praying without ceasing through the day ahead. AMEN!

I will include our devotionals for the day below for you to use as a springboard into His presence. We are called and commissioned to go make disciples. That is launched, empowered and comes to life as we abide and pray. Cast all your fear on God for He cares for you. Trust Him and offer yourself for Him to use today. he does have great plans for you that will glorify His holy name!

A question were posed to me from my I to We devo that I am asking you to prayerfully contemplate: "What could it mean to abide in Christ together to see prayer as both an personal and shared activity?" Talk to God about that and your part in corporate prayer flowing from your prayer time. The author reminds us, "Sheep do really well hanging out together with the Shepherd rather than as lone rangers." So ask God to reveal the partners He wants you to join as you hang with our Shepherd together and in prayer! We took a step towards that yesterday. may God continue to unite us in prayer and on mission! he does have great plans for you, for your teammates and for us as His Body! Amen! Seek first His Kingdom...

Connections:

March 24 - Come Out of the Shadows Father, I’m so grateful that through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin and death! Thank You, Jesus, for willingly becoming my sin-offering; that my sins have been forgiven and forgotten; and that You have given me Your righteousness is beyond my ability to understand, but I am so very thankful!   And now Lord, knowing that I am Yours and that the Holy Spirit lives in me, may my mind be set on what the Spirit desires. I ask in Jesus’ name that You break all residual strongholds of my sinful nature, that my mind be controlled by Your Spirit and produce life and peace in me.   I choose this day to put to death the misdeeds of my body that I might truly live! Thank You for the Spirit of sonship, that I am Yours and call You “Father” is more than I can comprehend! Empower me to live as Your child. (Pause and consider that you are a child of God!)   How I thank You, Lord Jesus, that while I was still captive and imprisoned by my sin, You came and proclaimed freedom! Forgive me for the ways that I live as if Your sacrifice for my sin is not enough. Truly my sin is great, but Your grace is greater still, and You have given me Your robe and ring and have invited me to feast at Your table! Forgive me Father, for the ways that I think, speak, or live that are as if I am a slave in Your house, instead of Your child! Forgive me for living in the shadows.   Empower me, this day, by Your Spirit that is at work in me, to live boldly in the freedom that You have provided for me, in Christ. Transform my living and fill me with Your joy! Thank You that where the Spirit is, there is freedom. Words are inadequate to express my thanks, Lord Jesus, for destroying the curse of sin and setting me free!   Thank You for this glorious freedom! Strengthen me to come out of the shadows of my living, and walk in Your great light. In Jesus’ name. Amen.   Romans 8:2-17; Galatians 5:1; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18; Luke 15:11-31; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 8:21   --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 Praise God because he is the encourager and comforter of his people. Give thanks that God loved you and by his grace gave you eternal encouragement and good hope (2 Thess. 2:16). Ask forgiveness for all those times when fear and anxiety replace the courage that God gives. Commit yourself to seeking God’s encouragement to face every obstacle in your life. Ask God to encourage your heart and strengthen you in every good deed and word (2:17). Ask God to lead your church to care about welcoming newcomers and including them in the life of the church. Pray that no one be neglected in this important ministry.    Prayer Pointer “I have so much to do [today] that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” —Martin Luther 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

ODB:

UR:  Good Intentions

I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. - Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSVUE)

We have dense scrub at the edges of our property, and feral cats pose a danger to the many native animals and birds that reside here. So we set out humane traps to catch and remove the cats. However, we often find a native animal — perhaps an echidna or a currawong — caught in the trap and awaiting release.

One morning, a trap had caught a powerful Rosenberg’s goanna. As I approached the trap to release the lizard, he opened his jaws wide. Thrashing about in the cage, he hissed and glared at me. He was terrified of me, and every effort I made to release him made him more hostile. After I finally managed to open the trap, I left him alone to find his way out in his own time.

How often do we similarly fail to understand that God’s only intention is to help us? We may fear God’s tender and loving approach and struggle against it because we don’t realize that all God wants is to love us and set us free. As the prophet Jeremiah reminds us, God’s intention is not to harm but to prosper us; to release us from our captivity and from all fear.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, loving God, for your unwavering love for us at all times. Help us to entrust ourselves fully to your love and to remember that your only intention is to bless us. Amen.
Sarah Young

TWFYT:

Sarah Update:

Good evening, family,

Praying you all have had a good weekend..... we will be praying for those of you that will be heading into

work tomorrow; praying for those of you that will be working around  your home and praying for each of you to 

stay healthy and safe throughout this week, until we meet together again, next Sunday.

   Hey next Sunday is our brunch following worship in our Fellowship Hall.   Who will you invite to come?

Here are those in need of your prayers:

Continue to keep those that are going through Chemo/Radiation/doctor appointments: Diane Huber, Houston 

Lichtenwalner, Sandy (Darlene Geiger's sister), Mike Laisce's dad, Matt Stauffer

Bread Ministry is being blessed with other volunteers to assist with this outreach. On Tuesday, Gail will be 

training a new volunteer the 'ropes'. Linda does participate in the ministry, and she has been attending our 

Wednesday evening gatherings. Pray for Gail as she shares Jesus' love and pray for Linda as she becomes

more involved with St Matt's church family.

Marylou has asked for prayer for her son, Brian and his wife Michelle.  Life has its challenges, and they are

currently dealing with some difficult situations in their lives.  Pray for God's redeeming love to surround them;

that God will put some strong Christians into their lives to help and support them through this difficult time.

Pray for Marylou, as she continues to pray for her son and family.     May we not Stop Praying!

Prayers for Lori and team as they prep for our monthly brunch this coming Sunday, and for those that will be

attending.

Pastor Mike Laisce requested prayer for a good and safe racing season. This coming Saturday is practice day

for the drivers. Mike enjoys working on his car with his Dad, and he is asking for prayer that his dad will feel 

well enough to attend the races and help Mike out in the pits. 

Also keep Pastor Don in your prayers as he serves there at the Race Track, sharing God's love and words of

compassion and hope.

Praising God that Winnie Iobst, and Sandy Ritter were healthy and feeling well enough to join us for 

in house worship!

Just a reminder of what God used today, to prayer us through.....

Don't forget, all welcome to attend our Wednesday evening family gatherings. Starts at 6:00 with a meal.....

Have a great week everyone!

  Blessings,

   Sarah

Hi all. No Internet so no blog today. Prepare your hearts to worship. Be ready to share some praises for how you have seen God at work recently. He's always at work! Are you seeing and joining?

We're off to visit our son's house. They invited us and we love to go to them and grands. That's just how it is as we invite God to come! So come! Speak to our hearts, inhabit our praise and lead us today! Amen! Shalom!

Good Morning Praying Friends! Get your worship on and join us for a powerful time of worship, praise, study and praying this morning at 10!

God has really been speaking to me and us about becoming a House of Prayer for the Nations and about becoming prayer warriors. Some of us have assignments in His Good News Delivery Co. as pray-ers and intercessors. However, we are all called to pray. Jesus' disciples asked Him to tach them to pray and He gave the model we can follow that we call the Lord's Prayer. Pray without ceasing is a command for all of us. Today we will learn more about prayer and the practice of it. Check out the blogs and devos below, prayerfully. God is teaching us to pray and wanting to answer our prayers! The prayers of a righteous person (anyone clothed in Christ and His righteousness/us!) are powerful and effective! Amen! May we be a people of prayer and of power because we pray! Amen! See you soon! Start to prepare as you prayerfully engage with God through this song: Looks Like Somebody Prayed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-0QXi7cLwI

Connections Blogs:

I to We Devo:

ODB

My Prayer Starters book:

Let's get that worship on! Thank God I'm Forgiven! Praise and thanksgiving should overflow from that truth!

Sarah Update below. Spring Sarah, really?--bah humbug! Thank God we are washed white as snow and may get some snow this week! However, new life of spring is cool! (Just wish that started around Aug and fall started in Sept!) BUT GOD! I can praise no matter the weather and through the storms of life!

Good Morning Praying, Praising Friends! Yes get your praise on and prepare to worship and pray with thanksgiving! Just one devo today. Well two days of my I to We devo. Check 'em out as we confess our sins, receive forgiveness and lift much thanksgiving! We are very loved and always forgiven! Get your hearts right and PTL!

I to WE Day 2 and 3 on Acts Praying: (they tie to TGIF!) Confession and Thanksgiving!

Sarah Update: Happy Spring!

Hi Church family,

I love the season of Spring - New life appears before your eyes.....

Flowers are pushing their way among the fallen leaves; the deer are reappearing with their fawns; the birds are calling for their mates; the grass is showing a beautiful green, in color; farmers are beginning to turn over their fields in preparation for planting and bears are waking up from a long winter's nap - and they are hungry......as Neen and I can attest to from the bear that visited our bird feeder the other evening and had fun mutilating the feeder. 

I think the air smells fresher - New Life.....

When we receive or renew our relationship with Jesus - it's like a "spiritual Spring" taking place in our heart.  While on our Jesus Journey, there are times in our lives when the "old" creeps in, causing us to become distracted from the Words and Voice of Jesus.

When our Father sees this happening, in our lives, He may say to us..... "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps 46:10)

God is encouraging each of us to find STILLNESS ~ and be reminded of who God is and what a relationship with Him is like...... "Taste and See that the Lord is Good" (Ps 34:8) ~ God is also encouraging us to remember and personally experience and recognize again, God's goodness through our faith and our trust in Him.

So as we begin to leaf blow or rake those fallen leaves, to reveal daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and crocus ~ and we get so excited to see the new growth ~  May we also take a spiritual Rake to our Jesus Journey, removing the "old" and allowing new growth blossom by reviewing our relationship with our Father!

** ** ** **

Hope you all have a great rest of your week and weekend.......looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday at 10:00am

worship!!

Blessings,