Have you ever gotten tired and worn out of working on a perfectly wonderful thing? Even when working for the Lord we sometimes get tired and weary. Nehemiah had given up a life of service in the royal palace to come and rebuild the walls the holy city. The people threw themselves into the labor. But soon the weight of the walls, outweighed the joy of the vision. Nehemiah reminded them that they were not just rebuilding walls, but rebuilding the place of God's blessing. He reminded them of the vision, and he reminded them of the attitude of service: "the joy of the Lord is your strength!" With a renewed purpose and vision, and a new attitude of joy the people completed the task for the glory of God! It is a good lesson for each of us. We do sometimes grow weary in well- doing, but there is hope! Remind yourself of the vision and purpose of our labor and life-showing others the love of Christ; and remember the attitude that inspires- "the joy of the Lord is your strength."
 
(Verse of the Week)
"The joy of the Lord is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8.10)
 
(Prayer of the Week)
 
Almighty and Loving God, thank you for the gift of life and your great love. Renew a joyful spirit in me and give me a fresh appreciation for faith and life and all you have done for me and others. Amen. 
 
Blessings!--Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week) 
Do small things with great love--Mother Teresa

Most of us have a deep inner longing for God.  The trouble is we stay so busy in life that we are often not in touch with that yearning until we are forced into quiet solitude or loneliness or desperation by a crisis in life.  Then we feel the void deep inside and the quiet tug of eternity on our heart.  But we can also quiet ourselves from the busyness of the world, of deadlines and demands—and simply listen for the still small voice of God.  Listen for a moment and feel the quiet whisper of God’s love in your heart; feel the steadfast strength of His grace encircling you.   Renew the hope in God’s love and grace and rekindle the song in your heart.  Listen to these words from the psalmist:
 
(Verse of the week)
As the deer pants for streams of water,
      so my soul pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
      When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
      day and night,
    while men say to me all day long,
      “Where is your God?” . . .
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
      Why so disturbed within me?
    Put your hope in God,
      for I will yet praise him,
      my Savior and my God.
Deep calls to deep
      in the roar of your waterfalls;
    all your waves and breakers
      have swept over me.
By day the LORD directs his love,
      at night his song is with me--
      a prayer to the God of my life.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
      Why so disturbed within me?
    Put your hope in God,
      for I will yet praise him,
         my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42.1-11 selections)
 
(Prayer of the week)
Heavenly Father, help me slow down from the busyness of life and quiet myself in your presence and love.  Fill me with your strength and grant me grace to face life with hope and joy.   And strengthened by your love may I touch others with care and compassion.  May others see your love and grace in all I do.  May I be a blessing to others, through your power and to your glory. Amen.
 
Open your heart to God’s amazing love!-Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week)
It is not how long you live but how well you live –Ben Franklin

  Super Bowl Sunday is this Sunday!  We love it–Game Day!  The Competition.  The intensity.  The big matchup.  The crowd cheering.  Most of us will watch with anticipation, displaying proudly our team colors, and cheering enthusiastically.  Or for some yelling at the referees.  We love the game and all the hoopla surrounding it.  Count me in! 
  What if we came with that same enthusiasm, dedication, and team spirit to worship God!  We have so much for which we can be thankful, and far more is on the line than even a championship.  Listen to these challenging words from the Bible and challenge yourself to take your worship to a new level:
 
(verse of the week)
You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm . . . But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven . . . Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12.18-28 selections)
 
(Prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, thank you for the gift of another new day.  Help me to grow deep roots that will help my life stand the storms of time and bear fruit that will last for eternity.    Renew and strengthen my faith that I have a firm hope and confidence in your love and power.  Help me to find strength and joy in your Word and your Spirit.  Rekindle my faith and love in you and help me to be empowered to worship you and serve others.  Help me to work for that which will last for eternity. Amen!
Open your heart to God's amazing love!--Pastor TJ
 
(quote of the week)
Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulty.  Happiness cannot come from without.  It must come from within-Helen Keller
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