Immanuel United Church of Christ

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Fathers

6/19/2015

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Sometimes my daughter, Savannah asks me to lift her up, "Up high!" Daddy, "up high!" she says smiling, wanting me to lift her on my shoulders and carry her.  It's fun for both of us.  I enjoy her playful laughter, and she enjoys being high and safe on Daddy's shoulders, and of course, my love and attention. There is a wonderful place in the Bible where God's people were facing tremendous adversity and God says, "There you saw how the Lord your God carries you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place (Deut.1.31).  

This Sunday is Father's Day.  We honor fathers and celebrate family. When Jesus gave the disciples the prayer we now call "The Lord's Prayer," he told them to pray to God as Abba, a word of endearment for Father much like we use Daddy.  Jesus also encouraged us to pray regularly sharing our daily needs as well as our deepest desires with our loving Heavenly Father. Sometimes we think of prayer as something stern and full of ritual, or something we do in complete desperation.  But true prayer is our deepest heart reaching out to the heart of God, our loving Heavenly Father. Open your heart to the heart of God who truly loves you like a loving parent loves a child.  Take time today to seek God in prayer, and remember the power and privilege of prayer each day.  It will make all the difference in all of life.  

(Verse of the week)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.  I will be found by you".(Jeremiah 29.11 )

(Prayer of the week)

Heavenly Father of love, help me to open my heart to you and your great love.  Open my life to your purpose and plans, and give me strength to follow where you lead.  Hold my hand to guide my path and open my heart to your deep heart of love for me...and when needed carry me on your strong shoulders of love.  Amen.
 
Open your heart to God's amazing love!-Pastor TJ  

(quote of the week)

Footprints in the Sand  

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me 
because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only 
one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying
periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?"
The Lord whispered, 
"My child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever during your trials and testings.
"When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

--Mary Stevenson
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Eagle's Wings

6/15/2015

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An eagle has the ability to lock its wings and look heavenward and allow the winds of a storm to lift it above the turbulent storm clouds.  God has promised us that if we trust Him that God will help us to soar on wings like eagles.  It doesn't mean that we will never experience adversity, but it does promise us that as we face challenges and rely on God's strength, God will see us through and even help us to know His presence and power in greater fullness.  It is not how able we are, but how able God is.  In the storm, look to God for renewed strength and direction.   

(Verse of the week)

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40.29-31)  

(Prayer of the week)

Gracious God of love and mercy, thank you for your strength and power.  Strengthen me to face the adversities and challenges of life.  May every obstacle be an opportunity to know you in a deeper way.  In everything I do may others see your love and grace in me. Amen.   

May God's strength lift your life!-Pastor TJ

(quote of the week)

One and God is a majority -A Stanway
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Always There

6/6/2015

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When we surrender our lives to God, we find that no matter where we go, we are in the hands of a loving and Almighty God.  The psalmist reminds us that even when we find ourselves in the far side of the sea, seemingly floundering for direction or buffeted by winds of doubt and discouragement, God is there with us.  God will not abandon us -God's promises are true, God's love is deeper than the ocean and wider than the sky, and God will see us through.  Whatever challenges you are facing in life, take a moment and look to God for strength and love.  God promises that He is always there to guide and direct us.  And God promises that his hand will hold us secure in the fiercest storm, for God's hand is a nail-scared hand of strength and love and grace.  

(Verse of the week)

Where can I go from your Spirit?  Where can I go from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, If I settle in the far side of the sea,
Even there your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.  

(Psalm 139.7-10)

Open your heart to God's awesome love!-Pastor TJ

(Prayer of the week)

Gracious and loving God, thank you for the challenges of life as well as the joys--for in the challenges we grow in strength and wisdom, and in the joys we are renewed.  Give me strength to face the challenges and grace to celebrate the joys.  Most of all give me love to share with others that they may be touched by your love in me.  Amen.

(quote of the week)

If you look at the world you will be distressed. If you look within you will be depressed. But if you look at Christ you will be at rest

- Corrie ten Boom
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    Author

    Pastor Dr. TJ Jenney
    ​Awarded Top 30 Devotional Blog  
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1526 South 18th Street

Lafayette, IN 47905

Phone 765-474-6496


Worship Services;

Contemporary Service 8:30am 

Coffee & Conversation 9:30am 

Sunday School & Adult Ed 9:45 am

Traditional Worship ​10:45am 
 
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No matter who you are, or where you

are on life's journey, YOU are

welcome here!