Sunday, March 31, 2013

Who Rolled the Stone Away?



These twelve verses are some of the most powerful in the New Testament.  On these
words rest the heart and soul of the Christian message, Christ has conquered death: He has risen!  It is arguable that Christianity survived and grew because of the events recorded here.

If I may be allowed to use my imagination a bit, I would like to suggest that during his time in the tomb, Jesus engaged the devil and his ally, Death, for the very heart and soul of God’s creation.  The Apostles’ Creed contends that Jesus descended into hell during his three days in the tomb (No creed but Christ not withstanding).  Was this the scene of Christ’s great victory that is signified by the trembling earth and the removal of the stone cover from the tomb’s entrance?  Just maybe, a victorious and resurrected Christ arose, removed and neatly folded his death shroud, and with an earth-shaking shout rolled the stone away, giving us, his gift of resurrection and the offer of salvation.  THE FIRST EASTER!

Prayer:  Almighty God, in humble acceptance we thank you for Jesus’ gift of everlasting life.
Let us remember that it is out of duty that we accept and live a life dedicated to its promise.
Amen.

Warren Davenport

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Where Have I Been?



I’m sure I’m not the only one that is pretty proud when life is going good.  I tend to think
pretty highly of myself for good decisions made, positive interactions with family, friends
and co-workers.  Even want to pat myself on the back for the successes of my children.
And, believe it or not, somehow seem to think I’ve got it all under control!  And, you
know who else is pretty happy for me to take the credit?  Yes, Satan.

Ultimately, life happens and I find myself searching for God and answers to why things
aren’t the way that I had planned for them to be.  Imagine that; searching for God!?!
When in reality, as He promised, He was always with me.  It was I who wandered
away (on my own parade).

Life is filled with both blessings and trials and God desires to be involved in both.  I am
blessed with a heavenly Father that loves me so much that he sent His Son to pay for
my sins, short-comings and pride.

In Psalm 16, David gives credit where credit is due.  In verses 7 & 8 he writes:

I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I have
set the LORD always before me.  Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Prayer:  Father, thank you for your unconditional love for us.  I pray for an awakening in
your church and in the hearts of all believers during this Lenten season.  I pray that your
children may put you first in all that is done in your name.  That we realize we cannot do
Godly ministry without a hunger to know your will.  Help us to be still and take time to be
silent to listen for your voice.  In Your Son’s precious name.  Amen.

Trent Cronk

Friday, March 29, 2013

Jesus our Intermediary with God



These scriptures set out the fact that Jesus came to earth as a human being to be tested
and tempted by sin and to experience what we as human beings go through on a daily
basis.  Being the son of God, his will power to resist the sins of the world set the perfect
example of what we should, also, always strive to do.  Although we are all imperfect, it is
reassuring to know that Jesus is our intermediary with God to argue our case if we truly
believe in him, pray for his forgiveness, and strive to lead a Christian life.  His forgiveness
of our sins is hard for anyone of us to imagine.  His grace and mercy are boundless.
Because Jesus died for us, we have the comfort of knowing that if we believe in him, one
day we will be with him in heaven, no matter how imperfect we are.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, Thank you for your Son, Jesus.  Without his Christian example
while on earth, we would be lost in a world of sin.  We pray that each of us will strive to
follow his example and lead a Christian life.  We know we are imperfect and commit sin
after sin in our daily lives.  We ask for your forgiveness, your mercy and your grace.  In
your Father’s name we pray.  Amen.

Terry Snider

Thursday, March 28, 2013

To Serve, not to be Served



In these scriptures, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples.  He knows his time on earth is coming to an end, and he is teaching by example.  Peter is resistant because he thinks Jesus should be above washing someone's feet.  Peter thinks this is a job for a servant, not a spiritual leader.  What he doesn't realize is Jesus is trying to teach his disciples the spirit of humble servanthood that believers are to show one another.  

This section of scriptures is a favorite of mine.  It teaches us we are servants and need to be willing, just as Jesus was, to serve one another.  The youth group has done a foot washing activity several times.  It put everyone on equal ground.  Everyone involved in the activity had to have his/her feet washed, and had to wash someone's feet.  We were all called to be servants.  Jesus wanted his disciples to learn to serve, to be servants of God's word.  Through our daily lives, God calls us to be servants of His Word.  I pray we are all ready, willing and able to be God's servants.  Serving others is the way His word is spread and becomes real to so many people.  

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, help us to open our minds and hearts to approach life with the spirit of humble servanthood.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Anonymous

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Discipline in the Heavenly Race



What a powerful message in today’s world – full of distractions, temptations and difficult challenges.  How do we stay true to our faith?

We are to live in the light of Jesus’ Presence by fixing our eyes on him.  He began and finished this race.  What an amazing example for us – to run with endurance without growing weary, giving in to fear and losing heart on our life’s journey.

Jesus is the Founder and Perfecter of our faith.  He never lost sight of his goal.  He could handle anything he encountered, even the cross, to finish in his place of honor at the right hand of God.

When we occupy our time living close to God by praising him and expressing our thankfulness, we too are promised true joy in the presence of God.

Prayer:  I am blessed by your loving Presence in my life.  When I face challenges, let your light shine through me.  You are my constant companion.  As I focus on you, please protect me and guide me through each day.  Please lift me up and give me the strength, courage and discipline to stay on my true path.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Anonymous 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Blessings Forever



It was not Paul’s mission to deliver the gospel in the language of a trained orator, who
applied the special rhetorical techniques of persuasion that had been developed by the
rabbis.

Paul loosely quotes the pre-Christian Greek translation of God’s word to Jerusalem in
Isaiah 29:14.  “Therefore, once more I will astound these people with wonder upon
wonder: The wisdom of the wise will perish; the intelligence of the intelligent will vanish.”
Aristides said that on every street in Corinth one met a so-called wise man, who had his
own solutions to humanity’s problems.

Paul’s word is so direct and powerful.  “The Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for
wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified.”  It’s the heart and center of our faith and life as
Christians.  It is because of God that we are in Christ Jesus, who for us has become
wisdom from God.  It is God who has called us to union and communion with Christ.

Romans 5:19
For just as through the disobedience of the one man, the many were made sinners; so
also through the obedience of the one man, the many will be saved.

Prayer:  Our precious heavenly Father, we are so thankful to live in the United States of America and have the freedom to own the Holy Bible.  Understanding, forgiveness of sin
and the promise of eternal life are blessings forever.  Amen.

Sonny Hetherington

Monday, March 25, 2013

Super-Sized



The Psalmist description of God is Super-Size as well it should be.  God has made the world in which we live and this Psalm is a praise to God for all He does and all He has done.  Without Him we would not exist.  God’s love, faithfulness and righteousness have no bounds; they are as big as anything we can imagine.  God is the breath of life and the water we thirst for. 
When I am on vacation in the mountains, or at the ocean or lake, I look at what has been created by God for us and I thank Him for such a beautiful world.  I realize how big God is and He loves us so much.  God gave us life to make the world a better place and He sacrificed His son to show us the way.  All we have to do is believe.

Prayer:  Father God, we thank you for all you have done for us.  Help us to remember every day how big your love is and give us the opportunities to show this big love to others.  Amen.

Ronda Peters

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Be Like Christ



Philippians 2:5-11 is what we would call a hymn in today’s world.  In the first century, it was probably more like a chant accompanied by a harp or lyre.  It could be titled, “Be Like Christ.”   We can only imagine that written in Hellenistic Greek, these verses would take on a melodious sound with rhyme, rhythm, and cadence.

So are our lives....In our time and our culture, our lives take on their own melody, rhythm and cadence.  Our constant care is to “sing” in harmony with Christ.

Our prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, while we know it will never be something we can fully attain, help us to strive each day, with your help and grace, in thought, word, and deed to “be like Christ”.  Only then can we experience true joy of following Him.  Amen.

Ron & Debbie Savage

Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Plan



“Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?”  We’ve all heard this saying a number of
times.  What usually follows is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

These verses describe how God’s plan unfolded: Judas made a deal with the chief priests
to hand Jesus over to them; Jesus guided Peter and John to prepare for the Passover meal
by describing exactly who they’d meet, and what they’d find when they entered the city; and preparations were made for precisely the meal we call the Last Supper.

These events didn’t happen by chance.  God had a plan for the actions that led to our
Savior’s crucifixion and resurrection.  The plan was carried out, and led to the glorious
conclusion we’ll celebrate on Easter.

Prayer:  God, we’re thankful that you care so much for us that you planned these events
to occur just as they did so that our lives on earth are rich and that we can experience
your grace.  We praise you for your wisdom, your caring, and the beautiful future you
have prepared for us.  Amen.

Rod Smith

Friday, March 22, 2013

March 22



In this scripture, I think that Paul is telling us that God made Jesus in a flesh body like our own.  He was willing to be lower than the angels.

He experienced all the temptations that we have, but did not sin.

He died to destroy the devil (Satan) who had the power of death.

Since Jesus experienced the same as us it is easier to follow Our High Priest, the Lord Jesus.  It is easier to understand that when we are tempted, Jesus is able to help us withstand the temptation because he had experienced it.

Prayer:  Thank you God, for your word that we may know you better; that Jesus is our merciful,  and faithful, High Priest.

Rod Linzman

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Study and Learn



In short, this part of Hebrews tells us to pay careful attention to the message for our salvation. Reading the Bible and doing some Bible study whether it is in Sunday school or on your own is always a good thing.  I always feel a little closer to God afterward.  Jesus was lifted up and then died for us--in doing so, he became our salvation.  In order for his great sacrifice to not be in vain we must not drift away from him in our lives, so if we pay attention, read, and study the Bible, the closer we stay to our salvation, Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Dear God, thank you for all you have given us.  Especially your son, Jesus, that he gave his life for our salvation that we may not fear anything for he is with us always.  Help us to live our lives in a way pleasing to you.  Amen.

Riley Peters

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

In Times of Trouble



The book of Psalms is the largest book of the Bible.  It contains 150 songs
and poems.  Some are songs of praise and thanks.  Others are songs asking
for help or forgiveness.  Even though they were written thousands of years
ago, they still inspire God’s people to sing and pray.

Israel’s second king, David, was the author of today’s scripture.  God had
delivered David from his enemies.  David, in turn, assures the children of
Israel that God will help them, too.  “I pray that the Lord answers you
whenever you are in trouble.” (Psalms 20:1, CEB)  As the chapter ends, David
reminds the Israelites to trust in God and to praise His name.

As I reflect on this scripture, I have to admit that I don’t always go to God
in times of trouble.  I try to “fix” things myself.  David reminds us we don’t
have to go it alone.  God is there to help us if only we will ask.  “Let God
grant what is in your heart and fulfill all your plans.” (Psalms 20:4, CEB)

Prayer:  Dear God, help me to trust in you in times of trouble.  Remind me
of your almighty power, and unending love.  Teach me to “let go and let God.”     
Amen.

Patty Jennings   

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Promise of the Third Day



Jesus told His disciples that on the Third Day He would rise again.  The Word has a lot to say about the Third Day if we are willing to hear.  We are now living in a period of time in which the stone has been rolled away, and the seal broken concerning revelation of prophetic events.  The Third Day foretold by the prophets speaks of a particular generation, and is based on 2 Peter 3:8.  Peter admonishes us not to be ignorant of ‘this one thing.’  “Don’t forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”  We have completed 2000 years (2 days) since Christ, and we have also completed 6000 years (6 days) since Adam.  We can see an unprecedented overlapping of the Third Day and the Seventh Day during this millennium.  The Third Day and the Seventh Day are prophetic, unlike any other time in the history of the world, and this overlapping will never happen again!

Throughout scripture we see the prophetic event of the Third Day revealed; the wedding at Cana, the woman at the well, the raising of Lazarus.  Moses told the Israelites to “prepare for the Third Day, for the Lord will come down…”  In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan, a type of Jesus, gave the host ‘2 days’ wages, and promised to be back.  When Herod wanted to kill Jesus, the Lord said, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third Day I finish my work.’  And after a ‘two days’ journey searching for Jesus, Mary and Joseph found him on the Third Day, where else but…in the Temple!  Yes, he has risen, and “He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the Third Day that we may live before Him.”  Hosea 6:2

Prayer:  Father, let us see with greater clarity while passionately pursuing You.  Awaken us, your church, to our destiny, and may we recognize the hour in which we are living—‘Look, …the fields are white for harvest!’  May resurrection life raise us up to be the glorious church in this day and hour, and on the Third  Day ‘our temples’ be completed, “…I in them and You in Me…”

Maurine Sullivan

Monday, March 18, 2013

Worship---A Community Place of Believers



Worship is a covenant and call from our Lord to come before Him and meet with Him
and other believers with reverence, gladness and joy.  This is about how we draw near
and give God the recognition He deserves.  Praise is the motivation of our gratitude
for what God has done.  Worship is a call to know Him intimately with passion, sincerity
& conviction.  Worship is the practice of expressing the desire to know our Lord and
Savior further and being grateful for who He is and what He has done for us.  Worship
and praise are the giving of our best to Him because we are His.  He has given His best
to us already and we are enveloped into His eternal love and care for pure and useful
purposes.  We are the performers who should help others that could have a changed heart
and respond to Christ and God, who are the audience of our worship.

Prayer:  Dear God, we are thankful to have a healthy Church to worship in and have
community with other believers.  May we always have faith and hope in Christ and give
encouragement to those who are not involved in a Church community.  Amen.

Marty Askins

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Hope



Israel had become corrupt, evil, always sinning,
Constantly leaving their enemies winning.
God would forgive them time after time
After they promised to change from a life of crime.
God spoke through Isaiah, telling them to forget the past,
Their future would be better at last.
Again, through Isaiah, God spoke to them
Saying they were made to belong to Him
And He would send an army to set them free,
In the new life, in their precious liberty,
They would return to Jerusalem, from where they came
He was forgiving them, things would not be the same.
He said He had made them just for Himself alone,
And in the future, they would praise Him at His throne.

How wonderful!  God is so forgiving and kind,
How can we as a nation become so blind
And fail to see the great miracles He performs
We should find our way back to God, be transformed
By the Holy Spirit, praising God for all He did,
And He will do for us as Israel, wouldn’t that be splendid?
God is to be loved, trusted, served, praised, believed
We will find hope, joy, peace, and achieve
Great things to pass on to others, the lost,
Tell them of our loving God and the Cross.

Prayer:  Dear Sweet Loving God, thank you for the beautiful life you have given us.  Forgive us when we lose our way and wander from the fold.  Help us to find the way back to your loving arms.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.

Lelia Evans

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Others First



In these scriptures, some of the folks that had seen and heard Jesus went to tell the Pharisees and Chief Priests of the miracles Jesus had been doing.  The Jewish leaders were afraid that Jesus might create such a stir that the Romans would come and destroy the temple and their population of followers would be sent elsewhere.  These leaders would suffer a loss of power and prestige.  They weren't really thinking of their people, but more about the effects it would have on them.  In short, a plot was devised to kill Jesus.  We all know the rest of this story.

Jesus was crucified and in doing so, we are all saved.  The entire, "Let's knock him off and it will all go in our favor," didn't really work the way they had planned.

It really makes you stop and think about being selfish and thinking of yourself first.  Trying to always decide how things will affect you, and maybe not even considering how it might affect those around you can be a lonely ride.  To be honest, when we think of ourselves first, or not even first but only; that usually doesn't work out so well either.  Times when most people feel their best is when they have done something for someone else, without even considering the effects it will have on their own personal self.  

A little challenge...do something nice for someone today, something unexpected.  I bet the person you do this for will feel blessed and I bet you will, as well.  I am not always sure I read the scriptures the same way others do.  I wonder if I am getting the same message.  I guess that is the beauty; He speaks to us all in different ways.  

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, let us remember to consider others’ needs, not just our own. Thank you for the ultimate unselfish act, the giving of your Son to save us from our sins.  That should make us all feel very blessed and loved.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Lea Henricks

Friday, March 15, 2013

Coming Home


Isaiah 43:8-15                                                                                      

God calls His children home, the ones He created for His own glory.  Going home, to the place of your childhood.  It might not seem attractive to everyone, but for those who had a happy childhood it likely will be.  If, as a child, you had a "picture" of God in the way your parents raised you, then you can see your life in the verses of Isaiah 43.  God promised to His scattered children, the Israelites, that He would bring them back to the homeland He had given them.

Then God asks the remainder of the world's people, the people that neither knew or followed God, if they forecasted God's restoration of His children?  Of these people, where are witnesses who knew what God not only could do but would do?  There were none.

God calls His children His witnesses.  They witnessed God's redemption from foreign captivity. To them God revealed, saved, and proclaimed His deity.  They were witnesses to the truth, that from ancient days God was who He claimed to be - the only God.

God proclaims His power: no one can take His children away; no one can reverse what God does, there is no "Undo Typing" button in the toolbar of life.  What God writes is written.

Some, maybe many, of Isaiah's prophecies relate a soon-to-occur event and also a distant-future event.  Perhaps this prophecy is one of those: God's deliverance of Israel from captivity is redemption; God's Son would much later bring deliverance and redemption to all people, God's future children.

Just a few weeks ago, we looked into the face of our first great-grandchild.  Our emotions went from shear joy, awe, and love to the other extreme.  We thought without the stories from generation to generation, the stories of faith that must be told, the faith will eventually die out. We want this legacy of faith for our great-grandchildren and for yours.  To many these days, it may seem unimportant in the face of the many things happening in our world.  But unless the "children" are told faithfully, the light of faith will go out.  We must be witnesses for future generations, pointing them to the light.

Prayer:  Lord, we often call you Father because that is one of the many relationships we have with You.  As our earthly fathers taught and showed us the way, may we learn spiritual ways from You.  May we mature to be the witness you need us to be in a world that often forgets You.  In the name of Christ, the lamb, the true sacrifice.  Amen.

Lawrence & Sharon Herndon

Thursday, March 14, 2013

March 14



God spoke to Israel through the prophet, Isaiah.  He told them He created them, redeemed them and that they were His own people.  He told them they were precious to Him.  God, who is love, told them He loved them.  He said He would deliver them and protect them.  They could walk through fire and not be burned.  God promised to gather His people from far places to Himself.

All these promises were because of God’s desire to bless His people.  Israel had a covenant with God by the faith of Abraham.  As Christians, we are promised all that was promised to Israel, and more because of an even better covenant, the New Covenant in the blood of Jesus.  We are God’s chosen and He has made us sit together with Him in Heavenly places.  We can’t lose; Praise the Lord!

Prayer:  Father, we thank you for the New Covenant.  We thank you that you will never leave us, or forsake us.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.

Gary Ross

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Triumph

Revelation 19:1-10

The reading of Revelation 19:1-10 made us curious; what was the celebration all about?  We admit we don’t know enough, nor understand enough about the entire book of Revelation.  We had to go back to the previous predictions and happenings that would envelop the earth and its people.  There is abundant doom and gloom in this book, but this section is to honor the believer, the marriage of “the Lamb and the Bride.”  After all the destruction of the sinful people, false prophets and followers of Satan, the people of faith were to be honored by being invited to the wedding of the Lamb (Christ) and the Bride (the Church.)  This was the ultimate honor to the faithful followers and reminds all of us that we must strengthen our faith – NOW.  Do not wait until tomorrow or the next hour, for the coming of Christ is at hand and we must be of true heart and mind in our faith, praising God at all times.

Prayer:  We thank you Father for all the blessings you give us each day.  We ask for your help to keep our hearts and minds open to follow Christ’s teaching of love and service.  We would have unending love for you.  We would be grateful for all you have created.  We would give service to all men and women so peace and love might grow.  Help us live our lives in his service.  We pray in his name.  Amen.

Kim & Nan Kimberley

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Getting Fed



When I was asked to write another devotional for this year, I responded without hesitation,
“You bet!”  Not that I needed something to add to my “to do list” mind you, but there are certain things I like to be challenged at, one of them being the act of writing down my thoughts.  In this case, however, it was more of an anticipation of finding out what scripture God was going to throw at me.  So, I said, “yes,” and waited.

A few days later, an envelope from the church arrived with the letter of instructions and the
verse chosen inside.  I opened it up and located the verse: “Luke 9:10-17.”  Hmmmm.  Now I’m not a bible scholar, so I had to look it up.  Being near my computer, I summoned the internet and ‘googled’ it (for the unknowing, that means ‘searched’).  Lo and behold, the results page loaded and I saw it: “The story of the loaves and fishes and feeding the crowd of 5,000.” You know, one of THE stories that EVERY CHILD LEARNS IN CHURCH.  WOW.

Now, I’ve always had trouble understanding Luke’s story of the miracle, but the older I get,
and the more I’m around fellow believers at church, the more I tend NOT to believe in ‘coincidences’ anymore.  So, I thought, “How awesome is that, that He wants me to write about it?”  You see the ‘it’, in this case, is the monthly free meal we put on at The Well for the community.  And ‘it’ is something I believe in.

Of course, we call this community dinner by another name.  We use the acronym “J.O.H.N. 6:35,” and base it on the scripture of the same name.  So here’s the good deal about the relationship of these two scriptures: They are both basically saying the same thing.  They both are based on Jesus’ love and compassion for his fellow man.  In Luke, he takes almost nothing and feeds 5,000 with plenty to spare, and in John, he says, more or less, “believe in Me and you won’t hunger”.

So, once a month, we cook a simple meal and open our doors, and feed the crowd.  It’s not about the food.  The crowd isn’t going to starve to death if they miss that one meal.  It’s about the love and compassion that we are called upon to show them.  Everyone is fed spiritually.  We feed them and they feed us.  Love and compassion; everyone hungers for it.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for guiding us and providing us with such a wonderful ministry to shed YOUR love and compassion throughout our community.  Amen.

Kent Collins

Monday, March 11, 2013

March 11


              
When I was a young boy, my brother and I played and fought with each other all the time. One minute we threw a football TO each other, the next we threw rocks AT each other. One day, an errant throw of a cue ball smashed into a piece of southwestern pottery that was my mom's favorite, a gift from her favorite aunt. 

My brother and I covered up our crime. We took the shards of pottery and placed them in the trash. Then we went to the incinerator outside and lit the trash on fire. The fire burned the rest of the trash, but not the pottery. 

Next, we took some gasoline and poured it onto the pottery shards in the trash barrel. We took some more paper too, and household canisters labeled "flammable" and placed them in the barrel to make sure the evidence was indeed destroyed. My brother lit the match. 

The fire started quickly. Then we heard a strange hissing sound. Then..."BOOM!!!"
After putting out the small grass fires we started, we checked the barrel and the evidence was indeed gone. 

The guilt remained. 

Our greatest fears were realized a few months later when Mother discovered that her pot was missing. To our surprise, she was merciful. 

Since then, my sins have only gotten worse.  Thankfully, God has an even greater capacity for mercy than my mother. 

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your limitless grace. Help us to show our thankfulness by expressing forgiveness to others.

Ken Jones

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Reconciliation



The dictionary defines reconciliation as, “bringing again to friendly relations after estrangement.”  Paul's message is telling us to reconcile with others, not based on the
old selves, but with the new person that has been reborn when they accept Christ.  God reconciles each of us when we accept Christ as our savior.  What an example!

Prayer:  Dear God, inspire us to be agents of reconciliation and serve others with love and compassion.

John Eubanks

Saturday, March 9, 2013

March 9



Luke 15:1-10 are verses very familiar to us.  In verses 1 and 2, Jesus is being criticized by the Pharisees and scribes for spending time with, even eating with tax collectors and sinners.  In verses 3-7, Jesus explains his position by telling the story of the shepherd who leaves his flock of 99 to search for one sheep that was lost.  Then, in verses 8-10, he tells of the woman who searches for one lost coin until she finds it.  In both stories, friends and neighbors also rejoice with the shepherd and the woman in the recovery of that which was lost.

In the past, when we thought about these stories, we always identified with the shepherd or the widow searching for what was lost.  How would they conduct the search, especially if it was dark, and in treacherous terrain?  Searching alone, where would they look?

However, this time when thinking about these verses my perspective began to change to that of identifying with the lost sheep or lost coin.  We, too, get lost don’t we – maybe not so much in the big things but in the little ones.  We get an attitude; we allow resentments, envy, or jealousy, to build up.  We get down on ourselves or others.  Like the little lamb or the coin we get lost.  Isn’t it comforting to realize that during those times our Heavenly Father is leaving the 99 and coming quietly, seeking us to draw us back into His fold.  He is seeking us, yet not, infringing on our free will.  And when we are found, even if we’ve been “tax collectors” or “sinners” there is JOY, JOY in Heaven for we have returned.  This is life with our Heavenly Father.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, once again we are reminded that you offer so much more to us than we deserve.  Thank you for caring for us, for drawing us to you, for your unconditional love.  Help us to take advantage of these gifts, to draw close to you and to allow you into our hearts.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Joe & Vicki Vermedahl

Friday, March 8, 2013

The Gift of That Which is not Seen



Before Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, the motion picture camera or the
phonograph, he had to believe in the possibility of the vision he was given, for things that
were not yet created.  Much has been invented through the synergy of brilliant minds who
believed in something yet to be seen.  And further, it is a wonder that much about our
modern technology operates and is powered by forces unseen by the physical eye.
Hebrews 11:1-3 affirms, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what
we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.  By faith we understand
that the universe was formed at God’s command so that what is seen was not made
out of what was visible.”  Our lives are a magnificent gift full of wonder and inspired
by the Spirit which is unseen yet essential. Throughout scriptures we are continually
invited to believe in what is unseen by the physical eye yet perceived by the heart, that
we would flourish through the spiritual vision God gives for the life of the world.  In our
Lenten passage today, Paul writes to the church in Corinth encouraging the Christians
to remember that we live by faith, not by sight.  Though we live in an earthly tent we are
confident in the truth of the heavenly realm, and are able therefore to live with hope and
promise.  We are commended by Paul to keep our minds and hearts focused on the life of
God and to live a life of love, as Christ loved us and gave his life for us.
 
Prayer:  Lord, you have set eternity in the hearts of humankind.  May we draw from the
truth of your eternal presence.  Amen.

Jennifer Steil

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Stop Complaining



I read over this scripture several times.  I feel like Paul is trying to tell us to not complain while we are in our human bodies, because this life is only temporary.  The afterlife is immortal.  We may suffer now, but we won't once we get to Heaven.  

Prayer:  Dear God, please give us strength while we are here on earth, until we meet in Heaven.  Amen.

Brady Henricks

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

How Big?



A child throws her arms open wide and says “THIS BIG!!” when trying to describe
size in her own words.  How then, shall Jesus describe the magnitude of the
Kingdom of God to us?  A mustard seed?  So tiny in its beginning, but over time
it grows into a sturdy tree spreading its branches.  Yeast?  A cooking ingredient
mixed with flour as the baker kneads the dough to make bread rise.

What is it that Jesus wants us to know?  Could it be that we are to recognize WE
are like a tiny mustard seed?  Small in the beginning, but when nurtured in our
Christian faith we grow stronger and the Kingdom of God branches out as Christ
shines through our lives to reach others.

Are WE like yeast?  Dough that makes hard, flatbread can visibly rise and grow
and tastes much better when yeast is added.  As Christians, we grow the Kingdom
of God by “mixing” with our community and sharing the Good News of Jesus
through our words and our actions.

Prayer:  Dear God, during this season of Lent, let us recognize that the Kingdom
of God depends upon us to be the mustard seed, to be the yeast.  Help us to nurture
our faith and to share the story of your son and our Lord, Jesus Christ, with those
around us.  And, give us the enthusiasm and excitement of a child as we help grow
your Kingdom to be “THIS BIG”. Amen.

Jari Askins

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Promises and Choices



All of us make promises, and whether it is called an agreement, a contract, a pledge or a vow, 
it is still a promise.  We sign on the dotted line, and if we forget or break that promise, contract, vow, etc., there is someone to remind us and often some kind of penalty attached. However, when a person makes a promise to God, it can be too easy to let it slip our minds and there is no one to remind us or hold us accountable, except our own conscience.  But, according to scripture, God does remember our promises, and even though we have been granted free will to make our own choices, we must remember that it is those choices that can determine our fate.  Quite often, it appears to be more prosperous for us to take an easier path, one that will not require sacrifice or pain or integrity.

Remember that history is full of people who have made great sacrifices - not because they were forced to - but voluntarily, because it was the honorable thing to do.  We all have the choice to be true to ourselves and our God.

Prayer:  O Gracious Father, open our hearts and minds to your Word.  Keep us strong so that we do not give in to the temptations to compromise our integrity.  Guide us to make wise and difficult choices, through Christ and lead us to live in the way that honors you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Denise Clark

Monday, March 4, 2013

Wisdom and Forgiveness



David was writing to the leader Jeduthun.  However, the words surely apply to David himself from what we know about his life.  This prayer for wisdom and forgiveness applies to our lives also.

It would be comforting to know how to pray like David.  We have the same forgiveness as David but do we pray as openly?  Learning to open ourselves and ask with every breath is not always easy.  We must prepare our mind and heart daily and open ourselves in prayers.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, we know we want wisdom and forgiveness.  Help us to know how to handle these things as we receive them.  Open our minds and hearts everyday in every way.  May our lives be a blessing to you.  Amen.

Fran Boyd

Sunday, March 3, 2013

March 3




None of us know when or how we will die.  We do know that we need to be ready.  Our Lord Jesus gave his life for our sins and we need to repent of our sins and accept him as our Lord and Saviour.  In doing so, we are accepted as God’s children and will one day be with him in his heavenly kingdom.

In Luke 13, Jesus is reminding us that we should bear fruit in our daily lives.  The fig tree was given another chance to bear fruit.  We are given a new chance each day to love one another and to live in such a way that we bear much fruit.

Prayer:  Glorious heavenly Father, help us each day to live more like your Son, Jesus.  We pray in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Estella Bowman

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Food for the Soul




This scripture rings as much truth today as it did 650 years before God sent Christ to fulfill the prophesies of the Old Testament.

Truly our souls are at stake as they were then.  Our country is gradually removing Christianity from its values and withdrawing the freedom to pray and praise Christ.  Isaiah tells us we can only satisfy our yearnings through God.

Prayer:  Eternal God, I pray for your leadership in our country.  I ask for your mercy and pardon as Isaiah asked for his people.  May our country seek you above all worldly offerings that leave our souls hungry and un-nurtured.

Donna Hunt