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Friday, May 16 2025
Today: 10-12 Bread Ministry; 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle Pizza Party (end of season gathering)
Sat. Clothing Closet 10-1
Sun Worship at 10 (Collect for Everlasting Life Ministry) NOTE: There is a Spring Offering envelope in your giving envelope boxes. This will be used to help offset the cost of an organist that you voted for. So far we have collected about $1000 of the $10,000. needed)
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Good Morning Cheerfully Trusting Ministers of the Lord! Amen! let's choose that as we step into God's new things and plans for us today! Rejoice! Praise! Trust! And allow God to love through you! What joy and peace we can know as we get to choose and do these things! We are made for such a time as this! Let's start choosing to live it! May we always be known for a love, joy, unity, and hope that attracts many to Jesus! Keep praying for God to draw and more and use us. Keep praying for dreams and visions and ideas for how to connect to new people and connect them to God. Keep praying for revival and for us to be God's vessels for that. Keep praying for us to let go of the old traditions that are not reaching and ministering to new people and trust God to lead us to His new things that are relevant to the lost and new believers as ways to connect to God better. He has a plan that includes pruning, abiding and stretching and transforming us to be His ministers of reconciliation and new life. Ask Him what he desires of you and us and to lead you to your part. Ask Him what He may be wanting you and us to crucify as we die to self and allow Jesus to lead us to His new things and easy yoke. You are loved! Coming as you are does not mean you get to stay as you are! Meditate on that today. What is God's desire for you and us to allow, even invite Him to, mold us, shape us and transform us for such a time as this. He loves to answer those kind of prayers and to change us and our ways to His image and ways. Seek first the Kingdom, Let go of the rest. Trust God and choose joy as you follow Him today. And build those gratitude lists because there is so much praise and worthiness of God to focus upon. rejoice and know His peace. Amen!
I'm very late. Gotta fly! Below are the devos that tie to the above. What's Gid saying to you? How might He want to transform you or what you are doing so that you are ready and willing to go live and love like Jesus and make disciples. How might he want to transform us and what we do? Ask! And Praise! We get to choose these! PTL! And as we do we come to know Him better and become and do more of who we are created to be and gathered and gifted to do. yes PTL! Shalom! "Behold! I AM doing a new thing! Can you sense it?" (That's God speaking through Isaiah. What's He saying to you? What do you need to let go of? What new thing does He have for you and us? Choose joy, trust and to follow Him!
I to We
ODB
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The stray cat mewed pitifully, stopping me in my tracks. I had just walked past a pile of food that someone had carelessly discarded on the ground. Wow, God's provided a meal for this hungry cat, I thought. The food was hidden behind a nearby pillar, so I tried to lure the emaciated cat to it. It moved toward me trustingly—then stopped and refused to follow me further. I wanted to ask, Why don’t you trust my directions? There’s a whole meal waiting for you!
Then it struck me: Don’t I act similarly in my relationship with God? How often have I responded to His directions thinking, I do trust You, God, but I don’t think Your instructions are reliable—not realizing that His divine provision might be waiting right around the corner.
God’s paths are trustworthy, for He loves us and has our best interests at heart. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you,” He tells us (Psalm 32:8). Yet He doesn’t treat us like animals that need to be controlled (v. 9). He desires for us to follow Him willingly and promises His everlasting presence as we do so: “The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him” (v. 10). All we need to do is just keep following Him, knowing that He’ll be with us every step of the way.
By Leslie Koh
REFLECT & PRAY
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What fears or concerns keep you from trusting God completely? What is He guiding you to do at this time?
Dear Father, please teach me to trust You completely, for I know You love me and desire nothing but the best for me.
For further study, read A Prayer for Wondering if God Is There.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
A penitential psalm is a personal lament where the author confesses sin, expresses sorrow in repentance, and entrusts himself to God’s mercy and forgiveness. David wrote five of the seven penitential psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 143). Scholars also attribute the remaining two—Psalms 102 and 130—to him, though the author isn’t identified. For about a year after his adultery with Bathsheba, David refused to repent until the prophet Nathan confronted him (2 Samuel 11-12). The superscription to Psalm 51 indicates it was written when “Nathan came to [David].” Many scholars believe this was also the background of Psalm 32. David speaks of the crushing burden of guilt in his denial of sin (32:3-4) and the joy of receiving God’s forgiveness when he confessed and repented (vv. 1-2, 5). He contrasts the blessedness of repentance (vv. 1-2) with the anguish of living with unconfessed sin (vv. 3-4). Repentance reveals our desire to willingly follow God and experience His purifying presence (1 John 1:9).
K.T. Sim |
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UR: A Cheerful heart
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. - Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
I began noticing a distinct link between the condition of my heart and mind and the condition of my physical body. When I was stressed, I got headaches. When I was frustrated, my neck and shoulders ached. When I was worried, my heart pounded in my chest, leading to sleepless nights. Not only were negative emotions harming my spirit, but they were functioning as a potent poison to my physical being.
Reading Proverbs 17:22, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones,” I began thinking of ways to have a more cheerful heart. Would a more cheerful heart positively impact my physical body? I asked myself.
I began spending time with God each morning, listing things for which I was grateful. On the drive to work, instead of formulating a to-do list for the office, I listened to praise and worship music. In moments of frustration when it seemed everything was going wrong, I deliberately focused on just one thing going right.
Over time as I embraced these simple new habits, I began to enjoy a more peaceful, grateful, and joyful heart. And with that cheerful heart — like the good medicine it is — I felt stronger, healthier, and more energized.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us to possess more gratitude in our hearts, exuding thankfulness and joy in all situations. Amen.
TWFYT
Friday, May 16 2025
Good Morning Hope-Filled, Hopeful and Faithful Co-Laborers in Christ! Choose faith, joy, hope and following Jesus today. They are a great way to begin and travel through everyday! And since today is the day the Lord has made and he has made us for this day, let us rejoice and choose to follow well. Keep building that treasure in heaven! I'm praying for and believing in God and you! he does have some great plans for you and us and nothing is impossible for our mighty God! Amen!
So if you're one of those that looks to see when I send these, I never slept and came down to my office at midnight. I figured if I couldn't sleep, I might as well spend some time with God and write this so that I might be able to sleep in until 7 or 8. I should be done with this by 3, Lord willing! I so value my abiding time with God and it does refresh as he speaks to my soul and prepares me for the day, prayed up and ready to follow. I pray for you to know that joy as well! He's always speaking love over you and and wanting to hang out. try it the next time you can't sleep!
I'm so early with this that the devos for today haven't posted yet on line, so I'll need to take pictures and share that way. But they are good ones, especially Our Daily bread as they ask are you hopeless or hopeful? Well? They talk about hoping in God's faithfulness. When He promises something, it must happen. They speak of Caleb and Joshua coming back from their spy mission with ten others. they were the only two that trusted God and said, let's go take the land. because of their hope and trust they were able to enter the promised land while the rest of their generation died in the dessert. Caleb was 80 and took the mountain promised his clan and Joshua was probably close to that age as he led the survivors to take the Promised Land. Do you trust and believe in God like that? It reminds me of David taking down Goliath. he was the only one who believed and trusted God and acted on that faith. And he was victorious! great examples for the youngest and oldest of us! Choose hope, faith, trust and act on God's promises and leadings. The Word for You Today reminds us to not be murmurers like the Israelites that perished in the dessert because they didn't believe or trust God to follow through. And the Upper Room reminds us to no loose heart and to allow God to renew us day by day. he made us. gave us the opportunity to be made new. And because we chose Jesus we are made new and able to do what he created us to do. We are created =with potential and a promise for God's help to reach it. Choose it! Choose faith, hope, trust and joy and know God's peace and love overflowing. Amen!
Guess He did have a Word for me and maybe some of you today! Listen as you abide. Receive from Him and step out in faith to a day filled with promise! And rejoice for God is with you always working all things together for good. Promise!
Opps! I left my phone upstairs and turned off. You'll need to open your own Bibles and devotionals today to se what God is saying through this blog. just know he loves you and is speaking and does have great plans for you to discover and step into in faith and hope. then you will experience His peace beyond understanding and celebrate with much joy as you glorify Him! Amen! Oh yeah and don't forget He has some helpers for you too and wants you to be one as well. So, be bold and courageous faithful friends of Jesus! We are God's team! Amen!
And shalom and good night!
Friday, May 16 2025
This week:
Tues Zoom Huddle 10 AM (Last one until June)
Wed:
Bread Ministry 10-12
Dinner Huddle 6-7:30 Pizza Party end of season party. (Last gathering until June except Rita's Night at 6 Wed May 28th)
Sat. Clothing Closet 10-1
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Sarah Update below (Thanks for a great message Sarah!)
Good Afternoon Team!  Well it feels like afternoon as God heard prayers and allowed me awesome sleep for over ten hours last night and I slept in until 7:30--WOW! Feels like dinner time now! May God hear and answer your prayers! He is able and He leads us beside the still waters and green pastures and brings rest to our weary striving souls. PTL! Be still and know! Abide, recharge then go! He has great plans just for you today! (EVERYDAY!) Check out the connection blog below using our key verse of Eph. 2:10. What's God saying to you today? You are God's masterpiece, made new in Christ so that you can do what you are created to do! PTL! Who are your teammates? Talk to God and them and receive His plans and make yours to go live and love like Jesus and do your part in His Good News Delivery Company! We all have a part and are gathered to team up and produce some great and lasting fruit! Amen!
God was sure speaking to my soul this morning and affirming me and filling me with ideas and things to share here that He has been highlighting for us for awhile now. Come...let us reason together and with God. What's He saying to you and how does He want to use you for your purposes? Who might you team up with? How might He want you to pray and release His will and power? DO IT!
The I to WE devo really hits home with what God has called us to be and do! Love God!! Love others! Go make disciples--baptizing, teaching, modeling, partnering, incarnating Christ and His love as we go. You are made for your part in this. How earnest are you? I see a flock on mission and we are seeing fruit and more is budding and we are growing as we abide in the Vine, allow pruning and go grow fruit. PTL! Be then do. Abide, reload, then go. You are created, gifted, pruned, empowered and sent, as you are, for such a time as this! Rejoice! GO! Yesterday Sarah shared a great message about waiting and praying and discerning. That message flows through today and will flow into next weeks message. Sit at Jesus' feet and discern what His plan is for you and partner up and Go follow Him! You will find joy, rest for your soul and some great fruit ahead! Step into your anointing and know His peace and a joy beyond understanding! I'm praying for you! Some of the below devos flow through this thread as well. Abide. Listen. Receive and die to self as you prepare to follow and produce. That's God's will for you and why He has gathered us! PTL! I can't wait to see what He has in store for the rest of the year and beyond in answer to our prayers and our disciple making. Abundant, good and lasting fruit for sure and probably some things we can't even envision yet that will come to life as we simply trust, obey and live and love more like Jesus! COME Jesus! Your will be done! Amen!
Connections
April 28 - Praise: A Response to the Greatness and Goodness of God
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“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
The greatest discovery that a person can make is found in a knowledge of why he was created. In the same way, the greatest tragedy in life is for one to live without knowing why he was created. Value and worth are directly related to purpose. A car that does not transport is worth little because it does not do that for which it was created. A pen that does not write is useless because it does not accomplish its purpose. A person that does not fulfill what he was created for is the most miserable of all people.
Loving Creator, You have had a plan and a purpose for me since before I was born, and I am grateful that you have not left me to fend for myself. Keep my feet on Your path alone so that I will fulfill my destiny that is planted in Your heart. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom and discernment, and help me to listen carefully to Your voice moment by moment.
--Adapted from The Prayer Factor: Adventures with a God who Hears and Answers by Sammy Tippit. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise God for the fullness of life he brings, from blessings of old age to a community filled with playing boys and girls (Zech. 8:4-5).
- Give thanks for your own physical and spiritual life.
- Confess any ways in which you regularly waste moments of your life.
- Commit yourself to diligent self-control.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to produce this part of his fruit (Gal. 5:23) in you.
- Pray for someone you know who is going through especially difficult times without the comfort of God. Ask God to use you in drawing that person to himself.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com |
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I to We
TWFYT
UR: Living By Faith
Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” - Matthew 5:11 (NIV)
As the daughter of an evangelist, my life was one of constant moving. I attended four different elementary schools, and at one school I was even called “the transfer student.” Many days when I was walking home, boys would spit on me as they rode their bicycles past me and call out “Christian fool” as they rode away.
One day on my way home, a woman rushed out of a factory holding a broom and yelled at the boys. I recognized her as a woman who always enthusiastically sang hymns in church. She chased after the boys and ordered them to stop this behavior. From that day, the boys stopped spitting on me.
As a child I believed in Jesus. But when such things happened I complained to God, wishing I had been raised in a different home. I am now about the same age as the woman who chased the boys, and I am walking the same road as my mother and father — living by faith. I now realize that I came to know Christ due to the very fact that I was the child of a minister. And I am grateful to God.
Today's Prayer
Loving God, bless the people who are the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus. Strengthen our faith in times when it feels hard to follow you. 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.
Sarah Update:
Hi prayer warriors.....
What a nice day at worship followed by a great brunch and fellowship. Check out some pictures of the day on our Website and Facebook
page. Thank you to all that helped to make our brunch and day of worship nice!
I have some of the request for prayer to share with you......
Several praises: Chris Muik was praising God that he made it into worship today!! He is very grateful for all the prayers from his church
family.
Kris Eichman - her son had his thyroid surgery. He is recovering slowly but doing well. He is currently for the results from
the biopsy. Continued prayers for good results.
Brooke, Mike Laisce's daughter - thankful for the prayers, and she was awarded the 30 course credits, This is great news for Brooke and
her family.
Prayer requests:
Dean Mark's son, Brett has been dealing with some back pain. Prayers for relief and healing.
Pastor Don asked for prayer for his father-in-law, Russ. He is currently in the hospital, receiving blood transfusions. Prayers for his medical team and wisdom to find out what is going on and what treatment would be best.
Kay Behl has asked for prayer for her Sister in law, Nancy Henniger is in the hospital with COVID. Prayers for healing and recovery.
Continued prayers for Joan Fenstermaker's immediate family
Thank You's:
We received thank you cards from Gail Reinsmith, Joe Toy, and Missy and Brian Wagner - they are all saying how grateful they are
for the financial and prayer support they have received for the past many years.
May we continue to prayer for all our missionaries as they are out in the 'mission field' sharing the Good News with those God puts in their pathway of life.
That's all I have for now. Continue to keep our outreaches, as they meet this week: Bread Ministry and Clothing Closet in your prayers as they give and show HOPE and God's LOVE to those that enter our church.
Praying for you'all as you journey through this coming week!
If you have a prayer request or concern that you would like the warriors to pray for, please let Pastor Don or Sarah know
and we will get the word out.
Let's all go and Live and continue to Learn about Jesus!!
Blessings,
Sarah
Saturday, April 26 2025
***Don't forget brunch after worship tomorrow at 11:30. Bring some friends to worship or brunch! God knows and always provides enough. he is Jireh after all--enough! Our Sufficiency!
Rejoice! The Lord Reigns and His Love rains over us like a spring rain, watering the garden of our souls and preparing our soil for good fruit to come! Amen! Yes rejoice! Dwell in His Love and draw near and sink those roots deep into Love and the Living Word and draw out all the nourishment you need!
Good Morning Loving Because We have Been Loved, Very Loved Children of the Most High God! Amen!
Hey, these blogs have been coming later because I am unable to really sleep until around 3am and then I sleep in and still spend my extended quiet times with the Lord when able or maybe have to rush a little to get out the door for the days events. I was thinking this morning of how, as we age, we are able to, maybe forced to hold more loosely to our agendas and allow our all-knowing God to lead us to His plans for the day. How could we teach the younger generations the importance of holding loosely as we seek to invite God to be the Lord of our days and aligned with our seasons of life. There is a season for everything. Sometimes we need help to remember what season we are in and sometimes help to move past this season. Who are your teammates? Who are you allowing to lovingly help you or are your reaching out to in love? God has someone for each of us for whatever season we are in. And no matter the season He has sent us to live and love like Him. Meditate on that some today. How might He want to love through you today and what may you need to let go of or take on to do so well? Who might you need to talk to, pray with and partner with today?
Below are a few devos to use in your time today. I've always said and even taught that a life lived well in Christ is one living out the Greatest Commandments and Great Commission for such a time as this. That's Loving God and others as you love yourself and going to make disciples and teaching others to walk in the way of Christ. It all begins with love, flows from and through love to go love. How's that going? Who are you praying for? How does God want to stretch you as you step out in faith and go love with boldness and courage from Christ? Who are your teammates and accountability partners? Answering those questions and determining to go live and love like Jesus more earnestly, as you are, is part of Coming Alive in '25. These are the things that grow us towards our created and made new potential and to become a dynamic movement of God. We are very loved and sent to love as we live more like Jesus. Keep praying into that. Ask for dreams, visions, and ideas and for a heart to love well and the courage to do so. You are made for such a time as this and God's not finished with you yet! So rejoice, surrender, seek and follow well. I'm praying for you and God is cheering you on! How can you fail with all that help! And remember, as we step into these things we find true joy and peace and great fruit buds and grows! Amen! Yes it's all about love allowed to grow and lead us to go love well. That is Jesus' easy yoke! Be you and let Him have His way in and through you. Amen and Shalom!
I to We
ODB
Action—Not Distraction
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you. Joshua 1:7
READ Joshua 1:1-9
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A school bus driver passed out at the wheel, and his large vehicle loaded with sixty students was careening out of control. Seventh grader Dillon Reeves burst from his seat, rushed to the front of the bus, and slowly stepped on the brake in the nick of time. While most students were busy texting or playing games on their phones, Dillon—who didn’t have a phone—had his head up and reacted. He knew to depress the brake slowly as he’d seen the driver do many times. Remaining alert and not distracted helped him save the lives of all aboard, including the driver who later revived.
Joshua had to step up courageously after his leader, Moses, was no longer “in the driver’s seat”—leading the people of Israel. God said to him, “Moses my servant is dead. Now . . . get ready” (Joshua 1:2). What’s more, He instructed, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to . . . not turn from [the Book of the Law] to the right or to the left” (v. 7). God was telling Joshua not to get distracted and to keep his focus, and to keep his eyes on the instructions He’d given—meditating on them “day and night” (v. 8).
We can be distracted by screens and other things that cause us to take our eyes off God and the wisdom found in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Instead, as we remain alert “by keeping our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2 nlt), we can spring into action when God calls.
By Tom Felten
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Why is it vital to keep your eyes on Christ? How can you be ready for His call today?
Dear Jesus, please help me to avoid distractions as I follow You.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Joshua first appeared as the military commander who “overcame the Amalekite army with the sword” (Exodus 17:13), and he was one of the twelve spies Moses sent to survey the promised land (Numbers 13:1-16). His name was changed from Hoshea, meaning “salvation,” to Joshua, meaning “Yah [Yahweh] saves” (vv. 8, 16). In Acts 7:45 and Hebrews 4:8, the Greek equivalent for Joshua is Iēsous or Jesus (Matthew 1:21). Joshua succeeded Moses as national leader when he was already an octogenarian (Joshua 14:10). He died at age 110, some 25 years after he entered the promised land. His epitaph reads, “The servant of the Lord” (24:29)—a servant who clearly kept his eyes on God.
K.T. Sim |
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UR: Divine Detour
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. - Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
My cousin Christine had always desired to study peace-building, but after high school she studied social development instead. Years later, she decided to study peacebuilding at a university in Nairobi. But when she visited the university’s website to apply, she saw a job opening for an assistant registrar. She applied and got the job.
Though it seemed like a detour to her career, Christine joined the university as an employee and helped others become peace ambassadors. Three years later, the university gave her a scholarship for her master’s degree in peace-building, and now she has graduated. She intends to work for an organization that enhances peace in Africa. Christine’s journey shows that sometimes unexpected paths can ultimately lead to our fulfilling our desires and being a blessing to others.
Sometimes our initial plans may not unfold exactly as we envision them. But God can use unexpected opportunities and circumstances to lead us toward our true desires and purpose. Christine’s story is a reminder to me that God’s plans may not always align exactly with our own. But God is always working behind the scenes to guide us toward what is best for us.
Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us to trust in you even when life seems uncertain. Help us to use unexpected opportunities for your glory. Amen.
Saturday, April 26 2025
YES! Thank God I'm Forgiven, made new and walking with Jesus because of God's love, grace and mercy! AMEN! Yes rejoice! What are you thankful about today? Start there and allow God to inhabit your praise and overflow to the day ahead.
Today we say good bye to a faithful servant of God and St. Matts, Joan Fenstermaker. She has stepped into Jesus' arms and is following Him to what's next. Are you ready for that? You can be! Joan was! And now her faith has become sight! PTL! (Visitation 10:30, service 11:30 at Trexler Funeral Home)
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Good Morning Saved By Faith Children of God! Amen! Just pause and reflect and praise through all the nuances of God's grace and love and salvation that he has allowed you to be part of.
I've gotta fly but wanted to share a few devos for you to meditate upon today. First of all there were several I'm not sharing about anger, not sinning in our anger, forgiveness, grace and mercy we can offer. Talk to God about that and ask your accountability partners for help with any of that that is troubling you today. Jesus commands us to love as He has loved us and forgive as we've been forgiven. He was angry but did not sin in His anger. Ask for help with that too. It can be hard to do these, BUT GOD is with you always and wants to help you. Seek forst His Kingdom and righteousness and He will give you all you need to do these and much more! Amen!
The UR reminds that God is speaking and we can become familiar with His voice and respond well as he leads. And ODB leads us from there to take some steps of faith. God is speaking, with you and wanting to help you live and love like Jesus. PTL and step into that today and know His peace beyond understanding! Amen! Ask Him if there is someone that needs your help with this today and how to respond or if you need help, ask for courage to reach out to someone. God loves you, is speaking and wants to redeem, restore and help you to the best life in Christ and great fruit. Take those steps of faith as you lift thanksgiving and praise. I'm praising God for you for His loving presence with us all and His still small voice that leads us to his best! What's he saying and what will you do about it?
UR: God's familiar Voice
Listen and come to me; listen, and you will live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. - Isaiah 55:3 (CEB)
There it was — the sound I waited for each day. “Red,” a male cardinal, had come for his morning visit. For the past several years, he has stopped by most days for a drink of water and a bath. Like good neighbors do, I became familiar with Red’s daily habits, bird calls, and songs — I knew his voice. I’m surprised how the sound of his soft, sweet call cuts through television, music, traffic, and the chatter both in and outside my head. My slightly impaired hearing never misses a trill — Red and I are on the same frequency. His visits are precious to me.
I’m learning that hearing God’s voice is a bit like hearing Red’s call. When I listen through the ears of my heart, as I would for the voice of a loved one, God’s voice breaks through the clutter of the world to bring truth, clarity, and grace. Scripture reminds me that I can know God’s voice, though I must listen for it and allow it to become familiar.
Listening is active, focused, and thoughtful hearing. We must allow ourselves to be available and receptive.
We find a fulfilling life when we actively listen for God’s voice in our everyday world.
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for your word that reminds us to listen for your voice. Help us to set aside time daily to treasure your presence. Amen.
ODB
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Four of us hiked through the beautiful Watkins Glen Gorge in New York. At times we stood together in awe as we gazed in wonder at waterfalls and two-hundred-foot cliffs. Other times, we had to stop to catch our breath and rest our hurting legs as we climbed wet rocks and endless steps. When we neared the top, a hiker heading back down said, “You’ve got only 10 steps to go of your 832.” Maybe it was best we hadn’t known how difficult the journey would be because we might have stayed back and missed the beauty of it all.
The journey of life has difficult steps too. Jesus and Paul warned believers about trouble and persecution (John 16:33; 2 Timothy 3:12), and this requires some perspective. James said, “Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). Why pure joy instead of pure agony? God knows and we “know that the testing of [our] faith produces perseverance” (v. 3). But to what end? So that we may be “mature and complete, not lacking anything” (v. 4).
If we’ll stop and look, despite the pain, we may see the beautiful strength of character God is producing in us and those around us. And we’ll learn to appreciate the truth that one day we’ll “receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (v. 12). Let’s keep climbing together.
By Anne Cetas
REFLECT & PRAY
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What troubles are you facing? You might not see it yet, but which character traits could God want to grow in you?
Thank You, God, that You understand everything going on in my life and have good plans for me.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Poverty and the mistreatment of the poor by the wealthy and powerful might be part of what James has in mind by “trials” and “testing of your faith” (James 1:2-3). In verses 9-12, he encourages “believers in humble circumstances . . . to take pride in their high position,” suggesting God is with the poor, while emphasizing “the rich will fade away” (v. 11). James warned against showing favoritism to wealthy persons: “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith . . . ?” (2:5). “Is it not the rich who are exploiting you?” (v. 6). As we grow in Christ, He’ll help us avoid favoritism.
Monica La Rose |
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Connections:
April 25 - Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving
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“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4).
Prayer is always personal even when offered in public. It is an expression of relationship between persons. Jesus’ intimate conversation with the Father often spilled over into His public life and ministry. When our lives are filled with prayer this will happen to us as well.
Praise—“I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes” (Mt. 11:25). In the middle of a sermon Jesus’ hidden dialogue with the Father is revealed when He can no longer contain the praise that is in His heart over the gracious work of the Father. True praise erupts when we have eyes to see and ears to hear the activity and voice of our Father. The personal forms of prayer lead to this public expression of passion.
Thanksgiving—“Father, I thank You that You have heard Me” (Jn. 11:41). It would be unfathomable to picture Jesus, the only Son of God, as anything but overflowing with gratitude to the Father He is so intimate with. In addition to thankfulness at meals (Jn. 6:11; Mt. 26;26), more significant was Jesus grateful responsiveness to the Father’s work and listening ear. The raising of Lazarus was in response to Jesus’ petition and even before the request was fulfilled Jesus’ gratitude was expressed, knowing that He had been heard.
Passion in prayer gives the settled assurance that we have been heard without having to see the answer enacted. It is an example of the mature faith of believing without seeing, of living by faith not by sight.
Father, my heart is filled with gratitude for Your goodness in my life! Your praise is always on my lips for You have blessed me beyond anything I could ever think or imagine! May I never miss an opportunity to lift up Your name as I walk by faith and not by sight.
--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 23, Jesus as a Role Model of Personal Passion in Prayer by Howard Baker). This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise God for his great mercy.
- Thank God for forgiving you and bringing you back after failure and rebellion (Zech. 8:7-8).
- Confess times of presuming on his patience and mercy.
- Commit yourself to consistent obedience from a heart of gratitude for God’s forgiveness.
- Ask him to forgive your debts as you have forgiven your debtors, and to lead you not into temptation but to deliver you from evil.
- Pray that the unsaved in your network of relationships will be won to the Prince of Peace by seeing fallen Christians restored. Ask God to show them his healing through the mending of your own life.
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com |
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Saturday, April 26 2025
Good Morning Praying Friends! The prayer of a righteous person (those in Christ--Y-O-U!) are powerful and effective! Amen! We need your prayer! I need your prayers! God works through your prayers! The Holy Spirit will inform your prayers. Teach us to pray Lord! hear our prayers. Direct our prayers and lead us to become a house of prayer for the nations! Amen!
As seems typical lately, I endured a mostly sleepless night until around 2 and then overslept and missed my pastor's huddle this morning. Now after a semi-rushed quiet time, I find myself running behind my agenda. BUT GOD! He knows, cares, has a plan and will redeem. he is hearing and answering my/your/our prayers. Please cover me in you prayers for protection from the enemy. He may be in this sleeplessness as a way to get me sick and worn out before my vacation. It has happened in the past. Pray that Karen and I would be able to sleep and rest and stay healthy. Thanks.
I've got to get rolling to bread and prep for tonight's dinner huddle. A few devos tied together today and spoke to my heart and may inform you, your prayers and choices today as well. Check them out below as you abide, pray, prepare and walk with Jesus today. He loves you and has great plans for you today. Rejoice! Abide and follow well. I'm praying for you! keep your eyes on Jesus with a heart to surrender and follow Him. Remember that in this life, Christ is all that matters and he lives in you. How might He be molding you or wanting to redeem something for His glory! be still and know. Pray, prepare and go! he is with you always and working all things together for good. Trust Him and choose joy as you die to self, take up cross and follow today. Amen!
Keep praying for revival, connections to at least 30 new people and that we become a disciple making hub for the Lehigh Valley. Pray we don Jesus easy yoke as we die to self and crucify our wants and agendas and allow His to lead us to His new and better things! Ask God what your part is and for courage and wisdom to step into it. That's my prayer for today and for me and us to abide, rest and recharge before going to make disciples. Amen
Sarah Young
UR: My Easter Miracle
There is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, enslaved and free, but Christ is all and in all! - Colossians 3:11 (NRSVUE)
In 1971 I was 19 years old, wandering the country and trying to figure out life. One day I had hitchhiked and found myself at a rest stop along a lonely stretch of desert highway between Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix, Arizona.
I had moved out on my own at age 17, in part because of parents who seemed more confused about life than I was. That began a journey which took me 3,000 miles from home to that highway rest stop. The next morning I met a carload of young people who invited me to church for Easter worship. On an ordinary day, it would have taken a miracle to break through my fears and excuses. But with the promise of a free meal after church, I eagerly agreed to go.
Their church was different from anything I expected. Young people filled the space, singing with smiles that showed me they knew something about Easter that I did not. More importantly, for the first time I considered that God just might be real and actually care about me. I had been running away all my life; now I couldn’t run anymore. It took an amazing chain of miracles to bring me to God. But it was Easter, and on Easter miracles happen!
Today's Prayer
O God, giver of new life, we thank you for searching out those who are wandering and alone. Use us in your work of bringing the lost ones home. We want to be a part of your miracle work. Amen.
TWFYT
Saturday, April 26 2025
This is coming a bit late because God heard your and my prayers and allowed me a great night of restful sleep--even sleeping in. PTL! Keep praying. I feel so refreshed as I am moving through my abiding time after a great nights sleep. And that's really good with all that is on the plate the next few days. Thanks Lord! And thanks to you for praying!
Good Morning Resting in the Lord, Doers of His Word! Wait! Isn't that a contradiction of terms? Nope! We abide and rest in the Lord and reload to follow Him to his plans for us each day. That's the Way and how good fruit is produced. However we often fail at following the Jesus way well. What is your priority, agenda, or focus today? Maybe I should ask Who is your priority, agenda and focus? Jesus is!
Check out this song as you begin your time with the Lord. The Jesus Way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARSGgC9iQb0 Sarah has encouraged us to move into May with this focus. The first believers were called the Way or The Follower of the Way. Jesus is the Way and we are learning to walk in His Way afresh and excited to follow well. Make that your priority, agenda and focus today--always! Who are you following? Is your focus on Him or the waves around you? Turn off the noise, TV and media and open the Living Word and abide in it today! Are you choosing healthy rhythms of working from resting and abiding. Choose the best! Choose Jesus' way today!
God gave me a word of reminder and a couple of devos to share that reinforce the above thoughts. In the past as I worked on becoming a disciple maker, the premise was put forth that we need to "be before do". Be before do? Yep! The "BE" part was part of what led to the Become Me in '23 Challenge. It was a time to focus on becoming the people we are created to be. We are created uniquely and in love to love and become more like Jesus. We are made in God's image after all. How's that going for you? You are His masterpiece, workmanship, special creation. Have you asked the Potter to rework you into who you are created to be? Surrender. Die to self. Crucify some things. And be still and abide and rest in His loving presence with an open heart that receives correction and His loving best. Be all that you are created to be! It's awesome! But we are created for more and we become activated to become who we are created to be and even more--to do what we are created to do. That was part of the Become More in '24 Challenge as we began working on being doers of the Word and things we are created to do. We are created for custom special purposes that flow out of who we are created to be and the new creations we become in Christ. I heard a great thought the other day, "Come as you are is not an invitation to stay as you are!" Meditate on that and talk to God about the molding, gifting, and enabling process that will lead you from BE to DO. He has some amazing, custom made things for you to discover and grow into as you become more like Jesus and step out in faith to do what you are created to do. He also has some that have come as they are for you to help to transition to the more God created for them and for our gathered and sent Body. Be before do also means you actually have to choose to do some things. What might they be? Who are you partnering with to work on these things, pray through these things, and hold each other accountable. That is part of all this as well--be before do and do both with some teammates. Begin with resting and abiding in His loving, refining, presence and then receive and discover the plans He has for you throughout each day to move towards doing the things He has for you and custom made you to do. As you do, you land in that sweet spot filled with much joy and peace as you don Jesus' easy yoke crafted just for you and find yourself walking with Him all day, everyday with much joy and thanksgiving for creating, gifting and enabling you to be you and do what He has planned along the way. And that leads to much good fruit and worship. And that is what the Come Alive in '25 Challenge is all about! I'm praying for you all to find that sweet spot, some partners and understand God's best for you that leads to great joy, praise and fruit! Amen! Talk to Sarah or me about any questions about any of this. And come abide before stepping out--be before do. But then get moving too. We are called to more and God is hearing, answering our prayers and moving through our surrendered and earnest hearts. It's the Jesus way! Amen!
Sarah Young
I to We
TWFYT
UR: More than Enough
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us. - Ephesians 3:20 (CEB)
One year I was helping to organize the Christmas service and celebration at my daughter’s school. The past two Christmas celebrations had been online due to the pandemic, and I was excited that my daughter finally would be able to celebrate Christmas with her friends and teachers in person!
However, the planning team was unsure how we would cover the cost of the event. We asked for donations from the students’ parents, but we didn’t expect much. Many of us were experiencing financial difficulties, and it was hard enough to collect our monthly tutor fee.
In today’s scripture reading, Philip and Andrew similarly didn’t know what to do when Jesus asked them to feed the great crowd. They did not have enough. I prayed and asked God what to do, and God encouraged me to contact friends and relatives. God touched their hearts so that most of them agreed to help. Much like Jesus did with the loaves and fish, God made the impossible possible in our Christmas preparations. The donations exceeded our expectations. We were able to afford the gathering, and we had money left over to cover the tutor fees for at least four months. God is good!
Today's Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for your love and care. May we always remember that we can count on you to help us overcome challenges. Amen.
Saturday, April 26 2025
Larry Paul update below. (Can anyone house his son while he attends Lehigh?)
Loan Fenstermaker service is Friday at Trexler Funeral Home with 10:30 time of visitation and 11:30 service. Keep her family in prayer and me as we meet tomorrow to discuss details. We can celebrate because Joan is now fully healed and in God's presence.
Today 10 AM Zoom Huddle on prayer. All welcome!
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A Very Early Good Morning to My Co-Laborers in Christ! So I've been struggling to sleep for about a month. It seems like I take 10-20 minute naps every hour until 2-3 am when I finally fall into deep sleep until 4-5 when Maggie typically awakens us. I've been rested and able to nap and normally don't have things rattling around in my head keeping me awake. I just am not able to sleep, even with melatonin. It's been awhile since God has awakened me with a word or call to pray. Today He got my attention around 11:30 and I got up at midnight as I wrestled with thoughts about the two funerals this week and how to honor their memories, bless families and share what God is saying. He gave me some ideas over the past two hours during my quiet time and I should be able to get some outlines together and get back to bed to sleep before our 10 am huddle. God works like that at times with me. And I love when He answers my prayers and speaks to my heart like this!
Interesting that today's The Word for You Today speaks into another aspect of life in Christ, especially for pastors--self care. Our denomination is all about pastors and leaders taking care of themselves and resting and renewing. I too try my best to do that, but you all know from many of my blogs during or right after vacations and spiritual retreats that the tyranny of the urgent and texts and emails from some keep me from fully disconnecting and resting. I love the T-shirt and meme that says, "Jesus took naps!" Amen! Naps are lovely! And often needed to stay fresh and to hear God well. Check out TWFYT and the couple of other devos below. God is speaking to me and you. What might we do about that? We often do need each other to hear and honor God and his best ways and healthy rhythms. Many of us also need to learn (hear this Donald!) to allow others to minister to us, step into their anointing and even delegate some things to allow for healthy choices, rhythms and rest. How might God want you to do that for someone? Check out the I to We devo about the Fruit of the Spirit and how God designed and wants us to bless each other. Be still. Listen. And ask Him for directions, help and some partners and ask how to be one. We are made in His image to do what He designed us to do and as we do, healthy choices are part of our design. Who are your partners? What is God highlighting for you to step into to help some others, even our church leaders. You are created and gifted and empowered for such a time as this! Rejoice and follow God's lead well. Then the very best fruit will emerge. Amen!
Please note that Karen and I are going to be out of the country and intend to fully disconnect from you, our phones and busyness so we can recharge and refresh and move towards some healthier rest. You will not be able to reach us from May 5-11. For any ministry needs during that time, contact Sarah and she will direct you and our church responses. Maybe God will use some of you during this time? Pray about it and step into your anointing! Also know that we will be taking Spring ministry shut down for the month of May for Tuesday Zoom Huddle and Wednesday evening dinner huddle. We will resume those activities in June. I will be around for our next donut day at the bread ministry May 14th but that's it besides Sundays. Thanks for understanding, praying, encouraging and helping us to disconnect and choose some healthy God-honoring rhythms. I am and will be praying for Sarah and all of you! And please understand that I am choosing well and healthy if I do not respond to emails, texts or calls at times, especially during planned retreats. Yes, I'm learning and committed to this. For real!
OK so now it's 2:30. Time to work on some funerals! Pray for your pastor and for our flock. God is on the move! Ask Him to lead you and us to His perfect plans, for us to hear and follow well and praise Him for the great fruit that is budding! Sunday we had almost 75 join us for worship! PTL! That is almost 30 more than previous years! He is hearing and answering! Keep praising, praying and thanking God for using you and us to bring His love alive! And keep praying for us to don that custom fitted easy yoke of Jesus that includes choosing healthy rhythms of working from resting in Him and doing our created purposes for such a time as this! Amen! Love you guys and serving with you! Shalom!
TWFYT
Sarah Young I to We
Larry Paul Update
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Status of Wycliffe's Vision 2025 Bible Translation Project as of April 2025.
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April 2025
Easter
Faith projects: parking lot, solar panels, roof
Richard has drivers license
Brayden has learners permit
Hello to all of our family, friends, and partners,
We pray you all had a blessed time with your family celebrating Easter; when Jesus' physical earthly body died, His shed blood allow the forgiveness of sin for believers, and Jesus conquered death and rose again to sit at the right hand of God.
Larry is feeling much better after his heart attack (unstable angina) last December. The good news is the 2d echo ultrasound did not show any damage to his heart, so there's not an immediate need for an angioplasty and stent in an artery. He continues to take lots of heart medicine, watch his diet (he lost almost 30lbs!), and try to reduce his stress levels.
Larry's back to work full time at Faith Academy and currently has 3 major ongoing projects as well as planning the projects for Faith Academy's summer break (June and July). The parking lot that was started back in December is being finished and will be open for use in May. Larry and his team supervised the installation of a 100MW solar panel system on the elementary building's roof in March but the contractor is still working with the local electrical company to set up the net metering system which, when completed, will allow the electric company to buy the excess power from the solar panel system and further reduce Faith Academy's electric bill. The replacement of half of the High School building's roof is another ongoing project.(They could only replace half of it due to budget issues). The project includes repairing and replacing wooden roof trusses and purlins and upgrading the electrical wiring in the attic as the old roof is removed. This project got a late start due to contract issues, but it should also be done in May. There are a lot of summer work requests from Faith Academy staff that can only be done during the summer months, so Larry's team is waiting for bids to be submitted so they can determine what work can be done with the funds allocated for the summer work.
Richard and Brayden were both on the Faith Academy's varsity basketball team which won their league championship, the Faith Academy Hardeman basketball tournament, and the ACSC boys' basketball tournament held in Bangkok, Thailand (undefeated in the tournament!). We are so proud of team both how they played and how they represented Faith Academy.
Richard's big news is his application was accepted by Lehigh University (where Larry graduated in 1988)! He'll be starting college there in August studing business, he's thinking of becoming an accountant. His tuition is covered by a special Lehigh U program, so we're looking at ways to cover Richard's housing, food, and miscellaneous expenses. He was on Faith Academy's track and field team running sprints, hurdles, and high jump. At the ACSC track and field meet in Taiwan, he ran the 100m dash (finishing 8th), 110m hurdles (finishing 1st), 400m hurdles (finishing 2nd and setting a new Faith Academy record!), 4X100m relay (finishing 8th), 4X400m relay (finishing 1st and setting a new Faith Academy record!), and high jump (finishing 3rd). Richard was named to the all ACSC boys Track and Field team! The Faith Academy boys' team placed 1st at the meet and the combined boys and girls teams placed 3rd at the meet.
Richard also performed in Faith Academy's March band and orchestra concert and is part of the pit orchestra for the upcoming Annie play. Along with all of these extra curricular activities he continues to do well in school and recently got his Philippines drivers license. We are so proud of him, not only what he's accomplished but how he carries himself and inspires others. A number of boys at the ACSC track meet came up to Enol and me to express their appreciation for how Richard encouraged them, helping them with their jumping techniques, and is very polite with everyone.
Brayden continues to play basketball around Manila in a 16U league. It's a bit hard now since the Philippine schools are on their summer break (April and May) so games are now scheduled during the week. He recently completed the online course to get a Philippine driver learner's permit. He volunteers one day a week at a local orphanage helping them clean up their yard from recent construction. We're proud of how he's staying active and still maintaining good grades at Faith Academy.
Enol continues to volunteer at Faith Academy's Elementary division and is part of the Moms' groups planning the Senior brunch before Faith Academy's graduation and the after party after graduation.
We're making plans to be in Pennsylvania this summer getting Richard ready for college. Since Richard's college doesn't start until August, Enol and Brayden will only be in the USA June and July so Brayden can start school at the end of July while Larry stays with Richard until he's settled at Lehigh U. We plan to visit our supporting churches as much as possible so we can reconnect with our friends and partners.
Praises
- Larry's ongoing recovery
- Richard's acceptance at Lehigh University
- Richard and Brayden doing well at Faith Academy, both with schoolwork and athletics.
- Enol can volunteer at Faith Academy
- God's continued provision for our needs
Prayer Requests
- Larry's complete recovery from his heart condition
- Finances for Richard to attend Lehigh University
- Provision of the necessary funds for costs not covered by insurance
- Enol's sister Zeny, complete recovery from stroke, and her financial needs
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support of our ministry at Faith Academy in the Philippines.
Larry, Enol, Richard, and Brayden |
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| Projects in process during the dry season (and unfortunately during the school year). |
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Recongnizing our basketball seniors!
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Our boys holding the ACSC basketball champions trophy!
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We are so proud of our ACSC boys basketball team!
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ACSC boys basketball senior recognition
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Brayden and his U16 basketball team
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Richard performing at the Faith Academy's March concert
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Richard with his 3 track and field medals!
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Richard and teammates celebrating their Faith Academy record time in the 4X400 relay
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We are so proud of our ACSC Track and Field team!
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Honoring the ACSC Track and Field Seniors
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Financial Partnership
Mail a check to:
Wycliffe
PO Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862-8200
www.wycliffe.org
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Saturday, April 26 2025
This Week:
Tue Zoom Huddle at 10. All welcome
Wed 10-12 Bread Ministry and 6-7:30 Dinner Huddle (all welcome)
Sarah update below
Good Morning Redeemed, Repentant, Refined, Righteous-Ones of Christ! Amen! Continue to meditate upon all that Jesus' sacrifice and overcoming means to you, us and all who will come. We are called the righteousness of Christ because we have repented, accepted God's redemption and are allowing Him to transform us into Christ's image. God looks at us and sees Jesus and His righteousness if we have repented, are willing to repent and have received Him as our Lord and Savior. And he wants to continue to mold us and work all things together for His plans and our good. Are you willing to allow that? Are you earnestly pursuing Christ and His righteous ways? Do you have some partners to help with that? We can grow into our created Christlikeness and God's purposes for us. Humble yourself today and dwell in Him, His Word, His love and His righteousness and then put on your custom made easy yoke and walk with Jesus to His perfect plans for you. What joy we can know as we do so!
I'm stopping here to allow you time to connect with God with open Bibles and the devos below. he sure spoke to me this morning and I'm praying to He will for you too. What's he saying? What will you do about that? he does have great and loving plans for you, His child! Step from the old to His new for you today! I'm praying for you and Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart and calling you by name. PTL!! There are a lot because there is a thread through them all from God' heart to yours. he is speaking! Turn off the noise and sit a spell in His love and wisdom!
TWFYT
ODB
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On a frigid November day, our church hoped to fill two hundred backpacks for the homeless. Preparing to help fill them, I sorted through the items donated, praying to find new gloves, hats, socks, blankets. Bowls of chili and sandwiches would also be shared with those who were to receive the gifts. Then I noticed an item that surprised me: washcloths. I’d been focusing on helping people stay warm and fed. Someone had remembered to help our recipients feel clean.
The Bible speaks about another kind of “clean”—cleanliness of heart and spirit. Jesus pointed this out as He decried the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. They kept the smallest requirements of the law but “neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23). Christ told them, “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean” (vv. 25-26).
Acting as if we are spiritually spotless is just a show if we don’t seek the cleansing found in Christ. “What can wash away my sin?” asks an old gospel song. “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” A new washcloth can be a gift to wash us on the outside. Jesus cleans us on the inside, washing away even the worst of our sins.
By Patricia Raybon
REFLECT & PRAY
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Where do you need spiritual deep-cleaning? How can you pray for Christ to cleanse you today?
Please clean me spiritually on the inside, dear Jesus.
Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Matthew 23:13-29 records seven “woes” as Jesus confronts the teachers of the law and the Pharisees for their ritualistic piety and hypocrisy. Woe means “how dreadful or terrible.” It’s a severe condemnation (see Isaiah 3:11; Matthew 11:21-22) in stark contrast to the description “blessed” in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). The teachers of the law, or scribes, were the scholars of the day, professionally trained in Old Testament law. The majority of these scribes were themselves Pharisees (Mark 2:16). The Pharisees—the “separated ones”—were self-appointed guardians and enforcers of the Mosaic law. They considered the “tradition of the elders”—interpretations and regulations handed down by tradition—to be more authoritative than the Scriptures (7:3-5, 8-9). In six of the seven denunciations, Jesus called them “hypocrites” (Matthew 23:13, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29), “for they do not practice what they preach” (v. 3), and “everything they do is done for people to see” (v. 5). Instead, Christ is concerned with what’s inside—our hearts. He alone can clean us from the inside out (v. 26).
K.T. Sim |
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UR: Clean hearts
Jesus said, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” - John 15:3-4 (NIV)
My house looks clean. The furniture is nicely arranged and looks presentable; the rooms are ventilated and display a sunny appearance. However, when I sweep the floors and do my weekly cleaning with a dusting cloth, I am surprised by the amount of dust and dirt all around, even though everything looks neat and clean.
I think this is parallel to the way we think about ourselves, or how we want to present ourselves to the world. We believe we are doing right and try to act accordingly, but we are imperfect and often fall short. God knows our innermost thoughts and knows exactly what is in our hearts. In the face of this reality, we would do well to recognize and accept God’s sovereignty and mercy incarnate in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who offers us forgiveness. Jesus reminds us, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” And God rejoices in our clean hearts and spirits. Thanks be to God!
Today's Prayer
God of all, we are grateful for your Son, Jesus Christ, who has wiped away our sins. Come dwell in our hearts and create in us a clean spirit. May your Holy Spirit continue to inspire us and guard our going out and coming in from this time forth. Amen.
I to We
Sarah Young
Joyce Meyer
Connection
April 21 - Reasons to Fast
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“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water” (Psalm 63:1).
Hunger for God. Fasting has a way of helping us really to understand what it means for our souls and flesh to yearn for God (Ps. 63:1). Every time we feel a pang of hunger, we can direct it into a craving for deeper intimacy with the Lord.
Repentance and humility. The only regular fast God required of His people under the Old Covenant was on the Day of Atonement. That day— essentially a prayer retreat on a grand corporate scale—was a day of fasting, repentance, and deep humility. We, too, can benefit when we humble [our souls] with fasting (Ps. 35:13).
Power over temptation. Jesus fortified Himself against temptation with a 40-day fast in the wilderness. Most of us won’t be called to fast for that long (and if we are, we should consult a doctor first); however, fasting is a great way to subject our bodies to our spirits. People who struggle with sins of the flesh may especially benefit from a time of extended prayer combined with fasting.
In Crisis. There are many occasions of crisis in Scripture when people were called to extended prayer combined with fasting (see 2 Chron. 20:1-4; Neh. 1:4; Est. 4:15-16; Dan. 9:3; Jon. 3:6-9).
For wisdom. When Daniel sought to understand a perplexing vision he fasted (Daniel 10). Similarly, when the church in Antioch needed to know who to send out as missionaries, and later who to appoint as elders in the missionary churches, they met together for prayer, worshipping, and fasting (Acts. 13:1-2, 14:23).
Father, there are so many reasons why people in the Bible fasted and prayed, and yet, I can’t seem to “subject my body to my spirit.” Strengthen me to be able to do without physical food in order to gain a deeper intimacy with You. Help me to desire to fast instead of being afraid of doing without the comfort food provides. I know that fasting can give me power over temptation, peace in the midst of crisis, and wisdom when I need understanding. May I long to learn this discipline that Jesus demonstrated in the desert so that Your power might be more fully evident in my life.
--Adapted from Giving Ourselves to Prayer: An Acts 6:4 Primer for Ministry (Chapter 28, Personal Prayer Retreats by Cynthia Bezek). This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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- Praise the sovereign Lord who cares for his sheep (Ezek. 34:11).
- Thank the Lord for shepherding you, caring for you in his rich pasture (34:14).
- Confess times of wandering away from the side of the Good Shepherd.
- Commit yourself to rejoicing in the bounty he provides for you.
- Ask God to help you be a blessing with the blessings you’ve been given.
- Pray that your church’s care-giving and fellowship efforts will be led by faithful shepherds who care for the flock (34:1-10). Ask God to give them compassionate diligence to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, and bind up the injured (34:4).
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Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
Connection (Devotions for Everyday Life) © 2025 is a free devotional published daily by OneCry Prayer. Find more resources at www.onecry.com |
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Sarah Update (Note: Sarah shared word that Joan Fenstemaker stepped into Jesus' arms yesterday. She is now fully healed and we can rejoice. I will be contacting the family soon to plan things and will keep you informed)
Good evening church family,
Hope that you and your family/friends had a nice weekend. It was great seeing so many of you in worship today.
Christ has RISEN...He is RISEN INDEED.......and as we were reminded of this today, want to know a secret? Our Savior
is RISEN every day! He walks with us and talks with us......
Here are some praises and prayer needs:
Brook Lacise (Mike Lacise's daughter) is asking for prayer as she has applied for dual enrollment. If she receives this, they will pay for
up to 30 credits.
Lisa Wenner praised God that she was able to spend time with her family, see her Great Grand Nephew and her Nephew and his wife that
are expecting twins. All are doing well!
Losie C is asking for prayer for her daughter Lauren, who we have been praying for, to find a job. Lauren has possibly two job offers
hopefully this week. Prayers for Wisdom for Lauren to choose wisely.
Hey everyone, don't this coming week's outreach opportunities: Tuesday Zoom - 10:00am - same zoom meeting as worship.
Wednesday - Bread Ministry 10 - 12pm; and Wednesday evening - FM/Adult gathering - meal and study.
Next Sunday - our monthly BRUNCH - if you were in worship today, on the back of your bulletin you received and invitation to come
and you can pass that invitation on to someone you want to invite!
Praying you all have a great week!
Thank you for praying for Pastor Don and myself. If you need anything or have a prayer request do not hesitate to reach out to
either of us!
Blessings all,
Sarah
Saturday, April 26 2025
Tomorrow (sat.) 10 am is cleanup and mulch party. Help is needed, even for just an hour.
Tomorrow 10-1 is Clothing Closet
Sunday is our festive worship with communion and Children's Church as we celebrate the resurrection and availability of new life in Christ. 10 am. Who are you bringing?
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Thank God I'm Forgiven and this Good Friday is how it all started! PTL for being our suffering Savior and Redeemer! Meditate on all this day means to you and worship!
Good Morning Saved by Grace, Made New in Christ, Redeemed of the Lord! Yes, worship! What a loving, mighty God we serve! he is Love and Love that saves! he took our punishment and paid the ultimate price for our sins. Think about that today as you engage with our devotionals below and as you open your Bibles and meditate on what all transpired for our salvation and eternity with God. Yes worship with much thanksgiving!
ODB
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Several legends surround the naming of the beautiful five-petaled flower the forget-me-not. Among those stories is one from a German legend. According to the story, as God named all the plants He’d created, one little flower worried that it would be overlooked. So the flower called out, “Forget-me-not, O Lord.” And that’s the name God gave to it.
Though this is only a story, the forget-me-not has become a symbol of love and remembrance. Yet all of us have experienced what it feels like to be forgotten. To be remembered—especially to be remembered by our God—is our heart’s true desire. We find just such a story in the account of the crucifixion of Jesus. Luke tells us, “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with [Jesus] to be executed” (23:32). As they were being crucified, one criminal next to Christ suddenly understood. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v. 42). Christ’s response was unforgettable: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43).
What an amazing moment! In his darkest hour, that criminal learned what it meant to be remembered by the Son of God.
We too are remembered in our hour of need. The God who loved us enough to die for us will never forget us.
By Bill Crowder
REFLECT & PRAY
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When have you felt forgotten? How will you turn to Jesus today and permit Him to turn your lament into praise?
Dear Father, in those moments when I may feel forgotten, please remind me of Your abiding, loving presence in my life and encourage me with Your grace.
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
As Jesus hung on the cross, He made several statements that are now referred to as “The Seven Last Words (Sayings) from the Cross.” Three are found in Luke 23: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (v. 34); “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43); “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 46). The other four sayings are found in Matthew 27:46 and John 19:26-27, 28, 30. Jesus didn’t lose perspective during His distress, pain, and agony. He remained focused on His Father and His mission. Though the voices around the cross were many, including the criminals crucified with Him (Luke 23:39-42), Christ’s words were clear, focused, and intentional. His conduct under duress remains the standard for those called to endure suffering. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
Arthur Jackson |
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TWFYT
Connection Blog
April 18 - Prayer and Suffering
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To pray with a will surrendered to God is to risk our lives for God. Too many in this generation seek comfortableness. Too many use prayer as an escape from what is difficult.
Often prayer and suffering go hand in hand. Suffering ushers us into a new realm of dependence upon God. In our sufferings we experience His sufficiency.
Prayer can accomplish four major tasks in suffering. First, prayer delivers us from that which we suffer. God will on occasion work a mighty victory in our lives. We find freedom from our suffering by the power of God obtained in prayer. Second, prayer delivers the grace of God to us in our suffering. That grace enables us to endure the suffering. Third, prayer delivers us into the hands of God’s comfort. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Finally, prayer delivers the character of God into our lives when we suffer.
Compassionate Father, You have said clearly that the Christian walk will include suffering, but somehow I often feel entitled to a life free from pain and difficulty. Yet, it is in those times when life is hard that I seem to seek You more often and more passionately. Give me the grace to endure whatever will draw me into deeper intimacy so that my dependence will never be upon anyone or anything other than You. Help me to walk with courage as my prayers deliver me “into the hands” of Your comfort.
--Adapted from The Prayer Factor: Adventures with a God who Hears and Answers by Sammy Tippit. This book is available at prayershop.org. Use the code CONPSP3 at checkout to receive an additional 10% discount.
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