Devotional Blog

Summer

6/30/2016

Summer is a wonderful time of the year -- a time to enjoy nature, to go hiking, to relax by a stream and listen to the play of water on the rocks, or the wind rustling through the trees, or enjoy the beauty of wildlife. The psalmist paints a beautiful picture of our hearts searching for God and God comforting our hearts using these images.

(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...Deep call to deep in the roar of the 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. Psalm 42,1,8

(prayer of the week)
Gracious God, we thank you that you have blessed us with all creation. We look in awe at the works you have created and, like the psalmist, we are reminded that we too are" skillfully and wonderfully made." Help us to allow the deep thirst in our hearts to find its answer in your everlasting love and grace, for you are our Creator and Life, in Christ's name we pray, amen.

(quote of the week)
The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves, or rather, in spite of ourselves.
--Victor Hugo

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Perspective

6/23/2016

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It is easy sometimes to let things discourage or disappoint us. Disappointments are part of life. But the Apostle Paul reminds us to not let discouragement rule the day. He encourages us to rejoice in whatever the circumstances, and find a positive focus. However dark the moment might seem, God loves us and God will see us through. There is power in a thankful attitude and a prayerful life. However dark the night or turbulent the storm, the love of God shines through the blackest night and the power of God will see us through to safety. Paul write these incredible words from prison, yet they ring with a message of faith and jubilation:
(scripture of the week)
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally sisters and brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- If anything is excellent or praiseworthy- Think about these things. For I can do all things through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4.4-9, 13).
(prayer of the week)
Loving Lord, thank you that your grace and strength are over all. I surrender all the disappointments of life to you. Grant me grace to see the abundance of your blessings all around me and to lean into your grace and strength, confident of your great love and thankful for all your mercies, through Christ our Lord, amen.
(quote of the week)
Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it - Helen Keller

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Fathers

6/16/2016

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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

6/9/2016

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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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