RELATIONSHIP

Psalm 23

We all have days when we are sad, troubled, fearful, grieving or just lonely.  When you have these days, I know of nowhere better to turn than the 23rd Psalm.  It is full of comfort and promise to help us through those days.  I recently read an interesting interpretation of this scripture.  The author is unknown, but I’m sure that he wouldn’t mind us sharing it with you.

The Lord is my shepherd (that’s Relationship!).  

I shall not want (that’s Promise!).  

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (that’s Rest!).  

He leadeth me beside still waters (that’s Nourishment!).  

He restoreth my soul (that’s Healing!).  

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness (that’s Guidance!)  

for His name’s sake (that’s Purpose!).  

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (that’s Challenge!), 

I will fear no evil (that’s Assurance!), 

for thou art with me (that’s Faithfulness!).  

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (that’s Peace!).  

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (that’s Hope!).  

Thou annointest my head with oil (that’s Consecration!).  

My cup runneth over (that’s Abundance!).  

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (that’s Blessing!), 

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord (that’s Fulfillment!) 

forever (that’s Eternity!).

These words speak clearly to our hearts about the importance of our relationship with God.  This is the perfect scripture to start your day.  It reminds us of the many ways God is with us.

Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for the many blessings we receive each day, and we thank you most of all for the blessing of your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Gaylon and Joyce Russell 

Christ, a New Paradigm

Isaiah 53:10-12

When I read this scripture, the first part perplexed me for it did not sound like the Lord I know. “Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Him with pain.”  In further reading I found scripture that interpreted this as “It better served God’s plan to have Him purged and cleansed.”  God intended to bring Christ to the world as a new paradigm (that which is completely new and different from that which has been before.)  God had sent prophets before whose words of prophecy were either ignored or soon forgotten.  The message of Christ was of such importance that God did not want to chance the same results that had occurred with other prophets, so it had to be totally new and different.  God did this by starting with the virgin birth, proclaiming “This is my Son, listen to Him.”, having Christ teach that love should be the ruling emotion in our lives, and finally having Him falsely tried, hung on a cross to die but with the final act of raising Him from the dead.  All of this showed Christ not as another prophet whose words could be ignored or soon forgotten but as the “Son of God” with a plan of salvation for all mankind for all generations, present and future.  And the really outstanding part of this is it is not a complicated plan with a multitude of rules but a plan as simple as trusting and accepting Him and taking Him as your personal Lord and Savior.

Prayer:  Holy Lord, when we read of your love for us, we wonder how sometimes we can have such hardened hearts that prevent us from following You fully.  Grant that we may put out trust in You and devote ourselves to spreading the message that You have given us.  Help us to love you and love one another in Christ’ name.  Amen.

Charles Boyd

The Divine Sacrifice – The Suffering Servant

Isaiah 53:7-9

Jesus died for us!  Jesus was unjustly convicted, was silent and patient as he was led to his death, and didn’t protest or try to get out of his crucifixion because there was a purpose in his sacrifice; he was dying in our place so that our sins are forgiven.  Jesus committed no sin and he suffered innocently.

We too have pain and suffering in our lives.  That’s part of life.  But do we react to it in a Christ-like way?  Jesus suffered silently while accepting God’s plan.  Do we sometimes suffer but “scream out” against those that are causing us pain?  Do we want to retaliate or get even? Shouldn’t we use Jesus as an example; trust in the Lord and quietly suffer the injustices we encounter?  In doing so, we may find the plan God has for our lives and we might just see the path he has for us to walk.

The description in Isaiah of Jesus’ silent suffering, his death for our transgressions and his burial in the tomb of a wealthy man was written 750 years before it actually took place. Because of this, we see that God had a plan for Jesus long before he lived on earth.  God had a plan for us too, long before we were born; and God continues to have a plan for us even now.

Prayer: God, you blessed us so much with Jesus’ sacrifice and his resurrection and what this means for us.  For this blessing we give thanks.  Please Lord, help guide us to lead Christ-like lives and help us to focus on your will.  Amen.

Rod Smith

Reject or Accept

Isaiah 53:1-6

Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets of God repeatedly foretold the coming of Israel’s Messiah in great detail.  The prophet Isaiah, boldly told Israel that they would reject their coming Savior and they still missed it.  Had they wandered so far from God that they no longer recognized his voice or followed Him, or did they simply reject the idea of their savior coming in the form of a humble servant?  Were they looking, only through human understanding, for a King appearing in all his majesty?

Having all of the Old and New Testament scriptures available to us, is it possible that we to could make similar mistakes?  Do we underestimate the importance and full scope of the gift of the cross?  Do we allow him to bring salvation and healing into our lives and bodies by the wounds that He received?  Do we fully except the gift of forgiveness and mercy by forgiving ourselves and others?  Do we accept the gift of peace that his punishment made available to each of us?  Do we believe or reject the fact that the same power that overcame the grave is still available today?

We can accept the blood of Christ which guarantees our eternal destiny, yet never choose to grow in that salvation.  We can want to be saved, but not changed.  We can be busy for Christ, yet reject the gift of peace that comes from being in Christ.  We choose to live in victory or defeat, to humbly serve or to be served, to hear His voice or to turn away.  Each day we get to decide how much or how little of the cross we will accept or reject.

Prayer: We praise you God for the gift of your Son.  Help us understand more fully the sacrifice that was made on the cross and keep us from underestimating the full extent of what Christ’s suffering accomplished on our behalf.  Help us make the right choices, so we can more fully receive the full benefit of this gift while here on earth and in eternity.  Keep us from rejecting any of the cross.  Let us seek to know and hear your voice.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Bonnie Talley

Keep a Twinkle in Your Wrinkle

2 Corinthians 1:3-11

In these passages of 2 Corinthians, the Lord is reminding us that although the Lord comforts us, it is our duty to comfort others.  Have you ever done something good for someone and then not felt better yourself?

In our earthly lives, it is important to remember that we have an obligation to help others... either by direct contact or in prayer.  No matter how we feel when things are not going right for us or we wonder “Why me?”, take time to answer the question, “Why not me?”  We are all the same in God's eyes.  He does not pick you out in particular to inflict pain or punishment on.  If you feel you are being unfairly “picked on” by the world, just take time to look around, there is always someone who is not as fortunate as you.

The true measure of a godly person is when they do good for others...when no one is watching.  Even though you are being hurt by someone, remember, don't judge yourself through someone else's eyes.

Our words can be the most hurtful thing we can do to others...silence is a void that does not need to be filled.  Sometimes it is better to be kind than right.

 

Volunteering is one of the best ways to help your fellow man and yourself at the same time.  Unless you step forward, you will never get anywhere.

So remember, if you're feeling helpless...help someone.  You both will feel much better.

Keep a twinkle in your wrinkle,

Phil Pace

The Posture of Christ

1 Peter 2:21-25

First century Christians were challenged everyday by neighbors, business associates and family members for their new found faith.  Many faced mental and physical threats, assault and even death.  Lets’ face it, they were not popular!  They tended to stand out in a crowd.  After generations of compliant, obedient (and expected) observance of Judaic social and spiritual laws, the first century Christians were upsetting the proverbial apple cart.  This marked them as targets for many groups. 

Peter was reaching out to them in these verses, trying to point out to them that they had the perfect example of how to react under these circumstances.  Jesus did not return harsh action for harsh action even under the most horrendous pressure.  He let his father take care of him and left the judgment of those who persecuted him to God.  Christ returned hatred, anger, pettiness and harm with complete forgiveness and grace. 

Two thousand years later we are still challenged by those who verbally and physically assault us.  Instead of returning sin for sin, “we are called” to live a life using Christ’s example.  Christ died to release us from sin, Peter urges us to live free of sin.  We follow a shepherd who leads us by his example of peace and forgiveness.  That holy example provides us with the ultimate guide for humility and grace to live by.

Dear Father,

When the world deals me insults and assaults, I pray that my posture will be like that of Christ’s.  Help me to humbly return grace for injustice and forgiveness for pain.  

Joy Galloway

Courage

Acts 14:19-28

We seldom face in our world today the hardships that early disciples met.  Can you imagine having the faith and the strength in your beliefs to do what Paul did?  Paul shares God's message with a crowd that later stones and leaves him for dead.  This doesn't seem to discourage him but to strengthen him.  He continues to carry the message to other cities and then comes back to the place and the people that were responsible for his stoning.  Why would someone subject themselves to such treatment?  Paul returns to encourage and strengthen the disciples there.  The love of God has transformed his life and he has chosen to devote his life to sharing that love with others.

Prayer: Dear God, Fill us with Paul's passion to reach out to others and share your story.  May your Kingdom come and your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.

Dan & Cynthia Peters

Got Trust!

Scripture: Psalm 56

The world in which we live today is full of adversaries, we hear it day in and day out on TV and in the newspapers we read.  We fight the wars on drugs, terrorism, unemployment, obesity, anxiety, depression, and on “family values”.  We willingly divide ourselves into red vs. white, us vs. them, and “middle class” vs. everyone else.  Our children are bullied on the playground and cries of “it’s not my fault”.  They turn into grownups with guest spots on reality shows or

too-good–to-be-true gimmicks to help us lose weight, grow hair, cope with anxiety, depression, become wealthy or better yet, a trip to the plastic surgeon to boost our self- esteem, or so we think.  We are constantly in a state of panic or worrying about where the money is coming from.

Our obsession with false adversaries can also drown out the real needs, real pains, and real struggles we face in our world.  The enemy is everywhere watching and waiting for us to fall.  This passage strikes me as a call for us to put things into perspective when considering the scope of our problems.  Its message of comfort is not restricted to only those in need the most, instead the psalmist says with confidence, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you; in God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?” 

Facing up to life’s difficulties may be a frightening experience. But when we trust God and draw close to Him, we’ll experience real deliverance.

Prayer: Loving God, help us to grown in faith and trust in you our Creator and Sustainer. Amen.

Elizabeth Collins

God’s Love

Romans 8:31-39

There are no greater words of comfort than to know that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God.  Most children want to please their parents because they want their parents love and approval.  But just because they ‘want’ to please them, they do not always do what would please their parents.  Most often, the parents do not turn their backs on their children because they love them unconditionally.  In this same way, we make mistakes and feel we are not worthy of God’s love, feel we are not good enough or not worthy of the gift of salvation.  But God gave his son to die for us.  Why then would we think he would not love us unconditionally or not offer us salvation?  If Christ gave his life for us, he is not going to condemn us.  Instead, Jesus is pleading for us in Heaven and God has acquitted us--removing our sin and guilt.  God exclaims his overwhelming love for us and if we believe him, we will not be afraid.  He has said that nothing can separate us from His love—not death, life, angels, demons, our fears or worries or even the powers of Hell.  The scriptures assure us that “nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Our Gracious God, Thank you for your unconditional love that will always be there to rejoice with us in good times and comfort us in the bad.  Help us to believe that we cannot be separated from you, feeling totally secure in your love, accepting this incredible gift so that we may live each day allowing your love to shine through us.  In Christ’s name we pray.  Amen.

Kathy Snider

Faith Journey

Colossians 3:1-17

Paul is talking to the church at Colosse, reminding them that they have been raised with Christ.  Two ways to look at this…they were baptized into the church but in our time we know what it means to be raised in the church or grow up in the church.  Either of these lines of thinking lead us to the same life experiences.

Recently, I have had occasion to call upon these scriptures when counseling with a family member whose son had strayed from his “Christian raising”.  Reminding her of the foundation they have given him his whole life, he will one day return to his “new” life in Christ. 

In the church we are taught to control our human nature to prepare for service in the church.  As disciples, we see ourselves as representatives of Christ.  This then becomes our faith journey from our human nature to our spiritual nature.  It is a journey we are all on.  As with any other venture we are more successful working with many “hands”, hence the cliché, “it takes a village…Christ’s village”. 

Prayer:  Father, teach us that everything we do should glorify your name and done in your honor.  We are thankful in all things.  Amen.

Debbie Savage

"Plans"

Isaiah 25:1-9

Look at your calendar and you will see plans you have made for the next few days, weeks and even months.  The problem is, and John Lennon perhaps said it as well as it can be said...... "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans."

Not so with our God.  As we can see in Isaiah 25: 1-9 God had a plan for the people of Israel to be led by Moses during their flight from Egypt.

They received a daily supply of manna in the morning and quail in the evening (Ex. 16:11-12) and drinking water from the rocks.  Forty years of wandering in the wilderness was designed to give them the opportunity to work on obedience, character and relationships.  In the end they were delivered from their oppression just as He had planned.

Can we remember He will do the same for each of us if we will but follow His lead.

Prayer: Dear Father, we are humbled by your relentless pursuit of an intimate relationship with each one of us.  You not only have a plan for our lives, but You have a plan for each day.  Help us to so order our days that we have the time to be with You and discover Your plan for us

today.  Amen.

Joe & Vicki Vermedahl

Good News!

Romans 1:1-7; 16-17

Have you ever had good news that you could hardly wait to share?  News that you wanted to share with every person you knew and even persons you didn’t know?  That is how I imagine Paul felt, sharing the gospel - the good news - of Jesus Christ!

Paul opens his letter by introducing himself to the Romans.  He calls himself ‘a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God’.  In that introduction, Paul points to his master, tells of his calling and states his mission.  

In verse 16; Paul goes on to tell the Romans that he is ‘not ashamed of the gospel’ - unapologetically, unashamed.  Why? - ‘Because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes’.    

The gospel has saving power - to forgive sins, to give new life and hope of a future in heaven - impacting the past, the present and the future.  The gospel has the power to save all who believe – regardless of race, income, skin color, family background, age, or past.  The gospel has the power to save anyone – EVERYONE – who will believe.  Now, that’s GOOD NEWS!

Paul had GOOD NEWS - news of Jesus Christ and the difference He can make in people’s lives.  Paul had news that he wanted to share with the people he knew and even those he didn’t.    And, he was unashamed to do so – might we be willing to join him in that mission?

Prayer:  Thank you, God, for the good news of Jesus Christ and the difference he can make in our lives.  Help us to live unashamed to share that news with others – thru our actions and our words, and our lives.  May we share the good news with others in such a way that they too will come to believe, so that one day every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  In His name, we pray.  Amen.

Delyn Cronk

God’s Mission

1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Here is the Gospel that you received,

Stand up; be saved, if you have believed.

This treasure of mine is now told to you,

A story of love and honor so true.

Christ died for our sins,

He was buried and has risen.

Then he appeared...

to the men he had chosen.

To Peter called Cephas,

And then to the twelve,

To more than five hundred,

His presence did delve.

Then to James, the apostles,

Then lastly to me,

I am the least of His men,

But God let it be.

By the grace of God, I am what I am,

My labor and trials are His graceful hand.

My preaching or theirs, it matters not,

Hearing and believing is what this has sought.

Now Christ preached resurrection,

And the awakening of the dead.

But with your head and your hearts,

You are not being led.

So Christ isn’t risen?

Your faith is in vain?

Your sins still linger?

And heaven is mundane?

Indeed Christ IS risen,

His gift through a man.

Then comes the end,

No evil can stand.

THE KINGDOM IS GOD’S,

DEATH IS IN THRALL.

CHRIST IS SUBSERVIENT,

GOD IS NOW ALL IN ALL!

When I first read this chapter, I thought it was a history lesson.

Now I can see… It’s a light on God’s mission.

Dear Father God in Heaven,

Thank you for your Wonderful Love & Grace & Mercy.

Praise your Wonderful Name for being so good to your children.  We thank you so much for allowing

us to be a part of your amazing plan.  In the Name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Angie Evans

Understanding

Matthew 11:2-19

Sometimes, when we love someone, we feel we just can’t give them enough.  We may even do without things we need ourselves.  We think most parents feel that way about their children.  Love makes us generous.  But generosity is more than giving.

If anyone could have showered gifts on those he loved, it was Jesus Christ.  But he didn’t.  He provided for their basic needs, he saw to it that they had shelter and enough to eat.  He watched them counting coins when he could have filled their laps with riches.  Jesus gave something more precious and more lasting than gifts.  He gave understanding.  He knew how hard it is to live in this world.  He felt what others felt and couldn’t put into words.  And out of his understanding he gave what people truly need. 

The next time you want to give a gift to someone you love, don’t worry about how much you can afford to spend or how big the present ought to be.  Consider, instead, what generosity really means; understanding.  That’s something each of us can afford to give – all the time.

Prayer:  Dear Father, thank you for the gifts of understanding and discernment.  When our focus is You, we can see the needs of others.  Please continue to make us instruments of your love, peace and joy.  Amen.

Don & Pat Grantham

Rest and Relief

Psalm 32

In this Psalm, David is giving instructions on the forgiveness of sin.  The remission of sin gives all Christians rest and relief and great spiritual blessings.  Some people pray faithfully but never mention their sins and specifically ask forgiveness.  In verse 3, he confesses that the more he prayed without confessing sin, the harder his life became and the more miserable he was.

In verse 5, he decided to quit hiding his sins and confess his sins to the Lord who forgave them all.  He admonished us to pray while there is still time.  When troubles come, as they surely will, He will be there to protect you and “see you through”.

The Lord promises to watch over us and guide us in the way that we should live.  He instructed us not to be stubborn like a horse or mule that won’t come to the master without a bit in his mouth and being pulled by reins.

The Psalm ends with David telling his followers that pain will come to the wicked but love will surround those that trust in the Lord.  All those that are righteous, rejoice!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending your Son into our world.  Dear God, I sin each day.  I pray for your forgiveness of my transgressions.  Please be with me daily and guide me to be a better example for those around me.

In Christ’s name,

Amen.

Iris Cope

Good Instructions

Romans 12

If put on the spot to summarize what it means to be a Christian, Romans 12 would be a pretty good place to start.  I find verses 4-8 sort of describe a church, and it helps me to understand why being a member of a congregation and getting involved with the various activities that take place there is so important.  Individually we cannot do it all, but we all have something to contribute.  When we work together it is amazing what can be accomplished.  On the personal side, the verses that pertain to how we are meant to treat each other (v. 9-21) sound wonderful and describe exactly how I want to be treated.  Where it gets tricky is when I must measure how I treat others against this standard!  Following these guidelines verbatim can be difficult in certain situations.  Sometimes I will think that a particular set of circumstances is extraordinary and would surely qualify as being exempt!  At moments like these if I would only pause long enough to think of Jesus, nailed to that cross and praying for those who put him there, I might be able to gain the proper perspective and respond appropriately.

Prayer – Dear God, help us to find where our talents & gifts can be joined with others to better serve you.  Help us also to learn to love our neighbors as you desire, just like the example that Jesus gave us.  In His name we pray.  Amen.

Anonymous

Our Life in Christ

Colossians 3:1-17                                                                                              

When we accept Christ into our lives, not only do we have someone to share every aspect of our lives with, we also take on a new identity.

When we speak to one another, we must be truthful.  Also, we must strive to do so without anger, slander, or abusive language.  Instead, use compassion, kindness, and patience, so that everyone may see Christ in us.  If we are wronged by someone, forgive that person as we have been forgiven.

As we partake of the cup each Sunday, we drink the grace of Jesus.  He gave His life so that we may live.  Also, when we stand before the cross, we are standing in His grace.  It is by grace, not our deeds, that we are given the gift of eternal life.

With the love and peace of Christ in our hearts, we can come together as Christian soldiers to do the will of God—such as sharing His word and wisdom.  With gratitude in our hearts, we will sing His praises and be thankful for what God has done for us.  Let everything we do be in His name and give all the glory to Him.

Prayer:  Our Heavenly Father, thank you for always listening to us.  Thank you for giving us such a wonderful gift:  your son, Jesus Christ.  Help us to keep the love and peace of Christ in our hearts so that others may see Jesus in all that we do and say.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Andrea Davenport 

Easter People

Philemon 8-21

The season of Lent is a time of preparation, of contemplation.  Christians around the world set in motion the traditions familiar to their own denominations.  But, no matter how different the practices, the cause for celebration is the same.  All Christians rejoice in the miracle of Easter that is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And, it isn't just that Christ arose victorious over death, it is that he died for OUR sins and to show us how, through Him, WE also will have victory over death.  Our belief in and celebration of that victory is what defines Christians as Easter People.  The joy of Easter reflects understanding why Christ was betrayed and crucified.  Let us take time to remember the journey to the Cross so we may better understand the miracle of Easter.

Prayer: Kind and generous Father, we thank you for the gift of your Son and for the lessons which He taught us.  Thank you for loving us so much that you sent Jesus to die for our sins so that all who believe in Him might have everlasting life.  Thank you for this time of Lent when we can contemplate the journey to the Cross and prepare for the miracle of Easter.  Thank you for teaching us how to be Easter People.  In the name of your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray.  Amen.

Jari Askins

Warning to Pay Attention

Hebrews 2:1-18

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.  Since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?  This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.  God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.  You made them a little lower than the angels you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.  In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them.  Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.  But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Prayer: God in heaven hear my prayer,

keep me in your loving care.

Be my guide in all I do,

Bless all those who love me too.
Amen.

Bryan Peters

“Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat….”

Joshua 24:14-28

For as long as I live, I’ll never forget the ‘words of wisdom’ a former manager of mine, years ago, let slide out of his mouth one day.  I am a programmer and I work within a group of other programmers.  Our group provides programs for computer-operated machinery, and the machinists who run them are our customers.  One day, our manager was meeting with us over some ‘issues’ (that’s a politically correct term for ‘problems’ or ‘grievances’) that our customers were having with our coverage of their night shift, or in their minds, a lack thereof.  The programming department had always worked a day shift and there had never really been a need for programmers to be on a night shift before, but apparently someone had perceived there now to be that need.  At hand was the prospect of each of us, taking turns, working a week on the night shift so that we would be ‘handier’ or ‘more accessible’ to our customers.  We knew there was no need for any of us to work a night shift, so this was something we protested vehemently.  After MANY discussions, and in summing up his will for us to ‘accommodate his wishes’ (that’s a politically correct term for ‘I’m the boss and you’ll do what I say’), he opened his mouth, and like a sage, said, “Sometimes perception is reality”.  Just like that.  Wow.  I couldn’t believe I had just heard it.  I knew at that moment we were surely doomed.

The fact is, there is only one reality, or truth, and that is God.  Perception is, well, it’s exactly that; a perception or opinion of what is real.  If reality and perception were one and the same, there would not be a need for the two different words.  People can ‘perceive’ a god in different ways, but that does not necessarily mean they are correct in thinking that it is ‘The’ God.  God is ALWAYS there, perfect and never wavering, waiting on us to find Him, the REAL Him, not a perception of Him.  Even Jesus says, in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life”. So for this scripture in Joshua, God is telling us to make up our minds and follow Him rather than our perceptions of what a god really is.  The ‘gods’ that we have followed and served in the past should be let go so that we can turn our full attention to Him.  We can choose to follow the false gods, our own selfish desires and addictions, or the real one; Him.  And that is His challenge to us: Choose one or the other.

Oh, and that manager?  A year or so later he changed jobs.  He came to realize the truth; that he was not really cut out for handling people, and from what I have heard, he is happier for it. And truthfully, so are we.

Prayer: Father God, let us come to realize that only YOU are the truth, and the light, and the way.  Amen.

Kent Collins

Choices

Deuteronomy  30:15-20

                                                              

Life is a series of choices.  Every day from the time we get up to the moment we go to sleep, we make decisions about what we say and what we do.  We are often in positions that require us to choose between doing good or evil or acknowledge right from wrong. Sometimes we make good and sound choices.  Sometimes we make foolish and destructive ones. The quality of these decisions determines the quality of our lives.

Scripture tells us we have been given the gift of choice by God, and as Christians who believe in a loving and merciful God, we have every reason to make wise choices that are pleasing to Him.  However, sometimes we get caught up in our hectic lives, and we allow ourselves to do things or say things that are displeasing to God.  When we do, we risk forfeiting the joy and peace that we experience through Him.  We must actively work to control our thoughts, actions, and words and make choices that are pleasing to God.  Making good choices and seeking to discover God’s purpose for our lives will result living a fulfilling, blessed life.  We must remember that God is always with us, teaching, loving, forgiving, and guiding, so that we may “choose life” and “live.”

O Gracious Father, open our hearts and minds to your Word.  Guide us to make wise and gracious choices, through Christ.  Lead us to live in the way that honors you.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Denise Clark

God Is With Us!

Psalm 143

As I read Psalm 143 I remember the telling of David's call to be King.  Saul was King.  Saul did not want to give up the throne to anyone other than his sons.  Saul pursued David to prevent him being King.  David intentionally did not want to be the one that fought with Saul.  We can all understand the desire to not be the instrument of another person's demise.  Also, it is a social, political problem to start a new realm with the death of the previous realm.  Jesus came to change this way of doing things.

We can all recall scriptures recounting Jesus prayers similar in ways to Psalm 143.  We have all at some point called out to God for help and guidance.  We have felt burdened, pursued by life, our desire is for relief.  Our prayers whether spoken or thought or hoped for all reach God.  God hearing our prayers has sent Christ our comforter, our propitiation for separation from God, and God's grace for us through Christ.  Our spirits respond joyfully to the presence of God in our lives because of Christ's spirit in our lives.  Lent is a time to prepare for Christ's church coming into the world and into our lives.  Christianity is the very definition of “It takes a village” meaning of course a faith community.  God is always with us.  As a faith community we get to see many facets of God's love for us all.

Gracious God our hearts and souls feel your love and grace for us as we live life and during this Lenten season.  Guide us to be able representatives of Christ in this life.  In our spirits we joyfully sing our praise to God through Christ.  Amen.

Ron Savage

Coming Home

Psalm 84

Have you ever been away from your church for some time but learned you were going to get to return to share fellowship and worship with your family and friends in the near future?  You have a feeling of excitement and yearning in your heart for that day to arrive as soon as possible.  You know when you return to the church that the void in your life will soon be filled with such joy and love.  These feelings of the heart must have been like that for the pilgrimage of those traveling to Jerusalem mentioned in the 84th Psalm.

Prayer: Gracious God we thank you for small and large things in our lives like coming home.  Thru Christ our Lord, Amen.

Charles Hunt

Our Present Sufferings & Future Glory

Romans 8:18-25

In light of eternity we should view the cost of suffering with Jesus Christ now as insignificant in view of the glory that lies ahead of us.  By glory Paul meant the glory that we will experience at our glorification.  Our glorification is the third and final aspect of our salvation in which God will deliver us from the presence of sin forever.

Paul broadened his view of glorification to include all of creation.  He personified it as leaning forward eagerly in anticipation of the great day when God will fully redeem it too.  But the whole creation is waiting for their unveiling at Christ’s coming, for they are connected with Christ, one with Him, and are to be glorified with Him at His coming.

Because of the Fall God subjected the whole creation to “futility” or “frustration.”  Consequently it never reaches the perfection that He originally intended it to achieve.

Paul did not have the annihilation of the present earth in view, which will happen at the end of Messiah’s earthly reign.

The saints share the sense of groaning and anticipation that Paul described the whole creation feeling.  God will fully redeem both it and us finally.

God’s gift of the Spirit at the beginning of the believer’s Christian life is His pledge that he will give us salvation in the future.

When will that happen?  It will happen at the Rapture, when He glorifies our bodies by making them immortal.

In the meantime, we should look forward with hope to what God has promised and patiently endure our present sufferings.  We should continue with the attitude of hope of the Christian and knowing that there is more to come for him than anything else that has already shown itself.

Dear God, forgive us of our sins, let us enrich our lives and everyone around us with Your love and understanding each day of our lives.  Let us walk in the light of Your shadow and spread love throughout the end of time.  Thank you, God.  Amen.

Rita O’Kelley

Prove It

John 6:22-40

When the crowd that had eaten the fish and bread followed and finally found Jesus in Capernaum, they asked him “Rabbi, when did you come here?”  When he told them that they were looking for him not because of his teachings, but for more free food, and that they must look for the food that endures for eternal life, which the son of Man would give them.  Their response was to ask what sign he was going to perform so that they could believe him.  Had they not just seen him feed the multitudes with five barley loaves and two fish?  But they had not accepted his teachings.  They had asked for more.  This reminds me of the occasions, when I was a child, that a group of us would say “Prove it!”.   That would usually start another round of discussions.  Sadly, two thousand years later, some of the same discussions, arguments and cries of “Prove it” can still be heard.

Prayer:  Father, we thank you for the gift of eternal life.  Let our words and actions bring glory to your kingdom.  As we study your word, let us grow wiser in its meaning.  These things we ask in the name of your son Jesus.  Amen.

Gene & Jo Fuller

Simple Satisfaction

John 7:37-44

Using a metaphor of thirst and drink to the people gathered near Him, Jesus is offering something to satisfy their life that no one listening had ever heard before…Himself.  For the listeners, it is hard for them to understand how a person could offer so much.  To be fair, they had yet to have the knowledge and experience of his death and resurrection as we do now.  Nevertheless, the crowd responds by getting caught up in the details (ultimately causing conflict and division), missing the main point.  Is He a Prophet or the Christ?  What about his birthplace and lineage?  On the outside looking in, this may seem foolish to us.  For instance, if a man was wandering the desert and was offered water by someone else to satisfy his extreme thirst, his response would probably not be, “is this water tap or bottled?” or “is it Evian or Dasani?”  He would probably just drink the water!  We too have the opportunity to simply seek Jesus as the means to satisfy our life.  However, we can get lost in the details as well.  Maybe it doesn’t sound the same as this crowd, but things like “I’m really busy today, maybe tomorrow” or “I just need to get [blank] myself, then I’ll be better off” can hinder us from seeking Christ first in our lives.  Putting our trust in Jesus as the true provider is the only means towards being satisfied, done simply by following after Him. “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.”

Prayer: Father, You are the one that satisfies my life.  Let today be a day that I seek You in all that I do.  Help me to be aware of the details and distractions that come in the way.  You have promised, “…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt 6:33).  May I be focused on seeking Your kingdom first and trust in Your infinite knowledge, that You will provide what is best for me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Charlie Hall

An Invitation to an Abundant Life

Isaiah 55

This chapter is believed to be the words from God about salvation.  Thirst is the
desire for sinners to find salvation by following the scriptures.  This prophet is using
water as salvation thru the belief in God and with this belief all things are given and
our lives are enriched with milk and honey, the good things of life.  These gifts are
made available to us thru Christ giving his life for all who believe and trust in him.
This water is given free thru Jesus.
How much distance is there between God and us?  It’s the same as the distance between
Heaven and earth, yet we can come closer by following Jesus and we will eventually
get us to that place called heaven.  When God’s people turn back to Him, listen to
Him, and His word does His work in them, joy and peace will be the result.
When the Lord restores this earth, all the work is done for His name and glory.  We
Christians must do all that we can to follow His teachings and convert our world to a
much better place.

Lord God, We are all sinners here and ask your blessings on us and forgive our sins.  Help
us be strong and follow your teaching in whatever we do.  Bless all that is our duty to
pray for and we ask this all in your Son’s precious name, Amen.

Bill Cope

Life

Psalm 63:1-8

In reading this passage of scripture over and over I kept focusing on certain points brought out in it.

We are always so quick to be all smiles, happy and ready to praise God when life is going smooth.  But we can soon forget his power and glory when handed a rough, hard patch to deal with in our lives.

Our lives can have many times with ups and downs.  Lately in my life I seem to have been distracted in many ways and not reaching out to the Lord as I should be doing.  In doing this it seems as if I have retreated into a shell and created a very lonely existence, but I know through scripture that God’s unfailing love will always be there for me to help me rise above the problems in my daily life.  Without the love and support that I get from my faith in my God, the trials that I am facing in my life would be overwhelming.

Prayer: Oh Lord, I earnestly search for you this day in this weary place in my life.  Let me see you and look upon your power and glory.  Draw me into your Spirit to truly experience your loving-kindness.  How I praise you!  I lift my hands to you in prayer.  Thank you for your promise that those who seek you will find you.  Amen.

D’Ann Cox

Discouraged

Psalm 42

Have you ever felt separated from God?  Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you?  Have you ever been so depressed that you feel like you have been locked up in a cave and just waiting for the stone to be rolled back, but the stone cannot be rolled back without help?  I have been there and I wondered if God had just forgotten about me altogether.  I prayed and prayed and I thought God was not listening.  I didn’t know it but he was always there.  When bad things happen in our lives, we don’t want to really blame ourselves.  We tend to blame God, because he didn’t answer our prayer right then.  What we don’t realize is that God is not on our time schedule and sometimes he says “wait” or sometimes he says “no”.  If he says no, then we think he is doesn’t care.  He does care and he is always listening and he always knows what is best for us.  What the author of Psalms 42 is saying is to put your hope, faith,  and trust in God, because he is there and he always will be there for you.  Restore your relationship with God, because your very life may depend on it.  You can restore that relationship with God through a simple prayer.

Prayer: Our heavenly father forgive us of our sins so that we can come into your presence with a pure heart.  Hear our prayer so that you may restore your presence in our lives and show us the path to joy and happiness.  We know that you are in control and we give you all that glory. Give us the faith, hope, and wisdom to know that you will make perfect decisions for us.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Max Daughtrey

Hope for the Weary

1 Peter4:12-19

We do not have to live long to discover that painful trials are a very real part of the journey of life.  Sufferings come in many forms.  1 Peter 4: 12-19 speaks of sufferings that had come because the community of faith bore the name of Christ as Christians.  They had suffered for living as Christians, which made them as strangers in the world.  These kinds of sufferings may also come in our lifetime.  For just as Christ suffered, so we also may suffer as we follow after him.  Yet in Christ we are given a very great promise.  For in him, we do not suffer without hope.  Through Christ our sufferings are transformed and in the midst of them, God will reveal his glory in our hearts.  As we entrust ourselves to our faithful Creator, we are given the strength, guidance, wonder, comfort and consolation of heaven.  We are profoundly loved and carried along by the Spirit of God.

Dear Heavenly Father help us to entrust ourselves to you, to rest in the shadow of your wing and to wait upon you.  Reveal within us, your glory in the midst of all our trials and sufferings and in Christ may we grow through all experiences of life, in deeper communion with you. Amen.

Jennifer Steil

Temptations

James 1:2-18

Our lives are full of difficulties and temptations.   We should not be sad – it is God’s way to help us grow so we will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.  If you want to know what God’s purpose is for you, then with faith, he will give you solid answers.

Happy we will be not to give in to temptation for we will receive the crown of life.  God never tempts us, it is the pull of man’s own thoughts and wishes.   Whatsoever is good comes from God and it will be a happy day for him when he gives us our lives through the truth of His word.

Prayer:  Help me Lord to trust in your promise that all good things work together for those that love the Lord.  Help me to resist temptation and look forward to the reward above.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Lanna Harris

Virtues in Adversity

Acts 6:8-15

Stephen was singled out, had false accusations made against him, persecuted, and then stoned to death.

I have also been a victim of the first three.  But what can I do about it?  What did Stephen do? The only thing we can do, follow the example of God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

Stephen was:  
Full of the Holy Spirit.  Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, obedience, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control;

Full of Wisdom.  Wisdom comes from knowing Yahweh and Scripture reveals His wisdom;
Full of Faith.  You can only be full of faith if you believe in a sovereign God who uses the wicked deeds of people to accomplish His eternal purpose; 
Full of Grace.  Yeshua is Yahweh’s grace personified.  Salvation does not come from our works of righteousness, but by the undeserved favor of Yahweh that is shown to us while we are still sinners; 
Full of Power.  Yahweh’s mighty power is shown in our lives when we patiently and joyfully endure trials, not just when we are miraculously delivered from them.  


Stephen’s godly character shows itself in one outer quality: an angelic countenance.  Our faces should reflect to people that we have been in Yahweh’s presence, and that we have His joy and peace in our hearts.

Prayer: Father Yahweh, when we are faced with adversity, may we imitate Yeshua as Stephen did.  Please forgive those who persecute us with malicious vengeance.  Through Your love, be merciful to them.  In the Beloved name of Yeshua I pray.  Amen.

Susan Frantzis

Sandpaper and Velvet

John 15:12-27

God’s commandment is “Love One Another as I have loved you.”  This is a command that we should all find a blessing in obeying.  However, we are human, born with human frailties.  We all have family or friends who bring out the worst in us, instead of the best, rubbing us like sandpaper on just the wrong spots.

It is good to remember that Jesus encountered these same sandpaper experiences, even from within his inner circle.  Judas was constant sandpaper to Jesus, yet Jesus loved him as he did the remainder of his disciples.

But the Lord loves us so much that he gives us other friends and family who are like velvet. They are comforting to and supporting of us.  They tangibly reveal God’s great love for us just when we need it most.

Prayer: Father in heaven – may you always give to us the blessing of your everlasting love. Lead, guide and direct us in our daily lives.  Help us to be like velvet to the people

we love, and who love us.  Amen.

Honor Vaughn

Persecutions, Fear….Rewards!

Matthew 10:16-42

Much of today’s scripture is somewhat troubling.  After all, who wants to be warned of coming persecutions or to think about whom we have to fear?  Jesus even tells us “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”  And yet, if we read this passage to its conclusion we find that Jesus also speaks of rewards and he is quite specific as to how we might receive those rewards. 

What are we to do?  The word “welcome” is key…we are to welcome a prophet, a righteous person, and even Christ himself.  He tells us that we will be rewarded by such simple acts as giving a cup of cold water “to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple.”  In today’s troubled world, small acts of kindness, warm greetings, gentle words and so much else can make a difference.  Christ calls us to take up the cross and follow him.  Will we?   Dare we?

Prayer:  Lord, help us overcome our fears.  May we always be aware of your presence in our lives and call upon you for strength to reach out to others.  Amen.

Dianna Morgan

Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Serve

John 13:1-20

By washing the feet of his disciples before his death, Jesus was showing his love for them and teaching his followers to be willing to serve.  In these verses, Jesus reveals his heart and his mission.  He proves to these men that he did not come to be served, but to serve.  Even though he knew he would be betrayed, denied and deserted, he treated them all equally and prepared them for events that would change their lives forever.  His goal was to show them that if he was willing to be a servant, then all of his followers ought to be willing to serve as well.  His goal was to extend his mission on earth after he was gone.  They were to move into the world serving God, serving each other, and serving all people to whom they took the message of salvation.

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us to be a true servant and have the heart of Christ and be willing to serve our enemies as readily as we serve our friends.  Amen.

Anonymous 

Forgiveness

Psalm 25

In this scripture we are asking God for many things.  We trust in God that when we go out and speak of him that we will not be shamed, but the people will hear His word.

We ask God to teach us to make the right decisions in life.

We ask for His mercy when we make mistakes in our youth that he will not just remember our sins, but remember us for our goodness.

We ask God to pardon our guilt and we should always have a good friendship with the Lord and to make him a very important part of our everyday life.

We ask God to be with us when we are lonely and down: and for forgiveness.

We ask for integrity and uprightness while we go through this life.  Awaiting his coming.

Prayer:  May the Lord forgive us of our many sins and lead us to be better Christians for his name sake.  Amen.

Guy & Marcia Harlow

A Promise You Can Count On

2 Peter 1:1-11

Peter’s second letter was written because Peter was concerned that his readers were being confused by false teachers.  He reminds them that the best way to resist false teaching is to grow in their knowledge and Christian faith; a faith that he describes as “precious”.

In this campaign season, as in most political times, we hear incredible promises from both sides.  These politicians often promise much more than they are able to deliver.  But Peter is no politician or salesman, and what he promises in this text is completely reliable.

Peter is writing to people who have already accepted the Gospel, just like us. So what he instructs in these verses is not how to receive salvation, but how they should live because they have received the salvation promised by God through his Son.  Peter promises that if we practice goodness; improve our knowledge of scripture; practice self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness and love; and do these things on a daily basis, with each character quality building on the quality before it, that we cannot keep from remaining steady in our faith journey.  Also, if we make a habit of practicing these virtues, our lives would be so enriched that evil or false doctrine will have no room in our souls, and we “will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  I believe that this lifestyle can allow us to experience God’s promised kingdom here on Earth as well.

PRAYER: Gracious and loving God, we know that Your promises are never empty or unfulfilled. We know that we are saved only through the grace given us through the sacrifice of Jesus, and that we can do nothing to earn our salvation.  We pray that we might live our lives according to these verses, so that others may know You through our lives.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Brent Russell

God’s Pure Grace

Galatians 1:11-24

Paul has to justify his faith and conversion and ministry.  Paul is telling the Galatians that the gospel he is preaching is not from the teachings of man or something made up by man.  The Gospel of God's pure grace was by revelation of Jesus Christ.  Paul knows of God’s pure grace because in his former manner of life in Judaism, he used to persecute the church and try to destroy it.  In today's world, people preach the gospel of God's pure grace in different ways. This week our daughter and family are leaving for Uganda, Africa to preach the gospel through a medical mission.  Doors will be opened to them through medicine that might not be opened to someone else trying to minister.  Their ministry can be followed through www.dueunto.blogspot.com  

We were reminded this past week of how doing what you can may make a difference in another person's life.  The Jim Gash family will be in Uganda during the same six months Jill, Jay and children will be there.  They have a web site www.throwingstarfish.com.  

I asked Jim how he came up with the name.  And he reminded me of the story of Loren Eiseley.  While writing his book, The Unexpected Universe, was walking along the ocean in early one morning.  It was shortly after a storm had subsided when he noticed that thousands of starfish had been washed up on the beach.  Ahead of him was a gigantic rainbow of incredible perfection shimmering into existence.  At the base of the rainbow stooped a little boy, gazing fixedly at an object in the sand.  Eventually, he flung the object far beyond the breaking surf.  Eiseley went up to him and asked, "Son, what are you doing?"  The little boy answered, "I'm throwing starfish back into the sea because if I don't they're going to die."  "But there are thousands of starfish.  In the larger scheme of things you're not going to make much of a difference to all these starfish."  The little boy looked up at him, stooped down again to pick up another starfish and, gently but quickly, flung it back into the ocean.  "It's going to make a big difference to that one" he replied.  Many testimonies in life are lived out loud and exposed.  Take a look and you'll see the transformation of a life by grace and you won't be able to help yourself but praise God.  Support ministry with prayers.

Paul's grace prayer:

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV )

Herb & Doris Lang