Of Humility, Faith and Prayer

Leviticus 20:22-22:16

Mark 9:1-29

Psalm 43:1-5

Proverbs 10:18

The disciples couldn't cast the demon out of the boy, the demon that hurt the boy, had almost killed him.  His father was distraught and desperate.  At the end of the story, though, the boy is well.  You know what I think happened?  Three things, it seems.  

First, humility.  The father knew he couldn't heal his son; he was humble enough to acknowledge he needed help, and to ask for it.

Then faith.  It was interesting how, when Jesus suggested he might not have faith, he asked for more. 

And finally, prayer.  As Jesus said, "This kind [of demon] can come out only by prayer."  

Father, I have my share of demons.  When they come, remind me not to fight the battle on my own.  Give me the humility to turn to You, the faith to trust in Your love and power, and the persistent in prayer till You've won the battle.

February 26: Of Peter’s Ups and Downs

Leviticus 19:1-20:21

Mark 8:11-38

Psalm 42:1-11

Proverbs 10:17

Today's reading is why I find Peter so encouraging.  You ever have those times in your life where everything seems to be going right?  The boss tells you you're doing a great job, you make the right call, and your colleagues are probably looking at you in admiration?  Then shortly thereafter, you completely blow it, and the boss that complimented you is calling you on the carpet in full voice, and in full view of everyone?  

In today's reading, Peter was having a time like that.  His rabbi had just complemented him in a way he couldn't quite understand - what was all that about "the rock on which I will build my church" that Matthew wrote about? - but He did call him "blessed"!  That's pretty good, right?

Well, shortly thereafter, in what he thought was the same exercise of thoughtfulness and care for his Rabbi, Peter suggested that his Teacher was waaaay too good to even suggest such a fate, let alone contemplate it.  And for that - despite his good intentions - Peter got called something he probably understood really well - "Satan" - and was told to go to the back of the line.  Ouch.  Peter we know was a very proud man.  That HAD to hurt.  He had to have felt the desire to slink away, to disappear, if only to avoid any "I told you so" looks in the other disciples' eyes. 

I have ups and downs like that, and when I fall from a high to a low - say I go from a period of peace and grace and find myself back in signature, repetitive sin - I find myself really, really discouraged.  Like I want to give up.  Succumb to the temptation to believe I am not worthy to hang around with the Teacher.  Slink off back to my boats, my previous life, my sin.  

This is why Peter is such an inspiration to me.  He was proud and arrogant - as I am prone to be.  He was a sinner - like I am.  But he didn't slink away.  He stuck with his Teacher the best he could.  And eventually, when Jesus resurrected, the arrogant coward who betrayed his Savior thrice was transformed into the picture of courage and obedience.  

Father, when I am discouraged by my sinfulness and failure to follow You, let me not be discouraged.  Give me Peter's perseverance, that I might stay with You and be transformed as he was. In Jesus's name, and in His service.  

25th Blog post

As I read through today's versus, I felt stuck and could not think of or feel of anything to write. I thought, what message will I share I have no words or thoughts. I decided to pray and felt that a prayer would be perfect, specially in times when we can't express what we want to say or when life gets busy. We may go through periods like this and I feel its ok to sometimes let God's word speak for itself.  I didn't want to force anything.  So, I went on to say the one prayer I know and that is the Lord's Prayer.

     "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

 When we have moments when we don't know what to do or what to say, we can say a prayer anytime and anywhere. God remains at our side. So I challenge ourselves to spent time today in prayer.

--

Aimee Spencer

Blog Post from Matthew

Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Mark 7:1-23
Psalm 40:11-17
Proverbs 10:13-14

14 Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "All of you listen," he said, "and try to understand. 15 It's not what goes into your body that defiles you;
you are defiled by what comes from your heart." 17 Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowd, and his disciples asked him what he meant by
the parable he had just used. 18 "Don't you understand either?" he asked. "Can't you see that the food you put into your body cannot defile you? 19 Food
doesn't go into your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer." (By saying this, he declared that every kind of food is acceptable
in God's eyes. 20 And then he added, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual
immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within;
they are what defile you."

It's what comes from inside that defiles you. How often do our mistakes begin from inside? They sometimes begin so small. Just a small thought about something
you know you shouldn't think about. You cut it off quickly but not as quick as you could have. You give in a little. Letting yourself think about it a little more and then
you stop yourself again. More and more you let those thoughts slip in! Soon you find yourself in a place you shouldn't be.

Nip it in the bud! Whenever those thoughts come to you, whatever they may be about, you must decide you're going to put a full and complete stop to it! Choose to 
do things God's way.

M(eat)ing Needs

February 23rd

Leviticus 15:1-16-28

Mark 6:30-56

Psalm 40:1-10

Proverbs 10-11-12

What do you think about when trying to meet someone's needs? Food? Transportation? Money? Housing? Love? 

Jesus demonstrates in today's reading that he's concerned with meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of his people. As the disciples return and report all they had taught, Jesus says "come with me to a quiet place and get some rest". He's meeting their physical and mental need of rest, or at least that was his plan.

What I didn't put together before today is that the disciples had gone with Jesus to "a solitary place" to get rest, but they were like celebrities who had been noticed and couldn't sneak away secretly. So this morning, I imagined a scene of thousands of people running on foot chasing the boat that was carrying Jesus and the disciples.

These people must have heard or seen what the disciples were doing and teaching and they wanted to learn more, so much so that they ran and chased this boat. 

When Jesus landed, he immediately noticed these people were like sheep without a Shepherd. In this famous five loaves and two fish passage, after meeting the five thousand people's spiritual need for shepherding, Jesus provides them with food. Five thousand of them! 

It was a miracle, but it was also meeting a basic need, especially considering this place was likely far from sources of food.

This scene reminds us that when we meet someone's needs, we have to think about both the physical and the spiritual. They are intertwined. 

God, thank you for meeting so many of our needs that we don't even think about because we are so fortunate. Please help us to identify those people who are like sheep without a shepherd. Give us wisdom and courage to see and meet these people's needs. Let us be like shining stars in the darkness that others are drawn to. In your precious name, Amen. 

February 20: Of the Importance of Personal Experience…with apologies for its tardiness…

Leviticus 9:7-10:20

Mark 4:26-5:20

Psalm 37:30-40

Proverbs 10:6-7

So many interesting, enlightening stories in today's readings.  For some reason I am led to two groups of people on opposite sides of our Lord, reacting differently to the same incident.  The first - the people who heard and saw what happened to the pigs and to the man who had been cured of his legion of demons; the second, the man himself.  

Isn't it interesting that those for whom Jesus's presence meant the loss of something of earthly value, obtainable through earthly work, rejected Him?  Isn't it even more interesting they rejected Him despite having seen the good that happened - the possessed man healed?  

The man who was healed, however - his response was so different.  He "begged to go with [Jesus]".  While because of his condition, he might not have had much in his life, now that he had received a fresh start his experience with Jesus made him want to continue to experience Jesus.  His personal experience made the difference.

Father, we can be stubborn, refusing to learn from others' experience of Your and Your salvation.  Help us to experience You ourselves - personally, directly, overwhelmingly that, like the man possessed by a legion of demons, we might be purged of all that keeps prevents us from seeing You, and that we might choose to dedicate the clean slate of our lives to getting experiencing You even more.

February 19: Of Fertile Soil

Leviticus 7:28-9:6

Mark 3:31-4:25

Psalm 37:12-29

Proverbs 10:5

What does it take to become fertile soil?  A lot of work, it turns out.  A path needs to be dug up, the compacted soil overturned and loosened..  If the ground is rocky, the rocks need to be removed as well.  Thorn bushes?  They need to be cleared.  If one perseveres, however, after all the work is done, one winds up with fertile soil.

But it is hard, often uncomfortable, sometimes downright painful work.  If the path one walks is smooth, why break it up?  Such tremendous temptation to leave what doesn't seem broken well enough alone.  And those rocks - they can be very heavy.  Much easier to leave them be.  And stripping away those thorn bushes - that's going to hurt.  Cuts.  Bleeding fingers, hands, maybe even legs and faces.  Wouldn't it be much happier for us to leave things alone?

Probably not.  But more than that, it's worth remembering God doesn't call us to happiness, he calls us to holiness, precisely so we can be fertile ground for His Word - that we hear it, take it in, and then share it with many.  For that, however difficult or painful, our lives have to be tilled and shaken out of whatever comfortable paths they are on, and the things that prevent us from hearing the Word, or living it - those rocks, those thorns, have to go.  However difficult or painful.

Father, the complacency of an undisturbed life, the difficulty and pain involved in change make us reluctant to become the fertile soil for Your Word, Your love for our brothers and sisters.  Help us to delight in You, so that when we falter, You will make firm our steps; and when we stumble, we will not fall, because You uphold us with Your hand.  And help us to turn over our lives to You, for Your purpose and Your glory.

From Matthew - Blog for February 17, 2021

Leviticus 1:1-3:17

Mark 1:29-2:12

Psalm 35:17-28

Proverbs 9:13-18

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

Jesus, the son of God, fully human and fully God, prioritized spending quiet time with His Father.  Even on the eve of his death, when he knew that His time was near, He went into a time of prayer and conversation with God.  He didn't run away or abort the mission.  He was and is perfect, pure and holy.  On Sunday, Pastor Rich asked us how we picture Jesus, and right now I am picturing him praying in Gethsemane, His heart reaching out to His Father, Our Father, his commitment to our Lord and the hope for His people; us.  This is the level of faith, trust and devotion that has resulted in the curtain being torn in two and salvation being there for those who believe.  I read this as truth, I get my cup filled during readings, sermons, small group and conversations, yet I still fail to prioritize quiet time and prayer with Him like Jesus did.  

It makes me wonder:  What kind of relationship am I currently fostering with God?  In what ways can I improve my communication with Him this week?

Jesus paved the way for us to be in relationship with God, where we undeservingly receive His mercy and forgiveness.  Jesus modeled what this relationship should look like and how to communicate with our Heavenly Father in each of our days.  No matter how busy our lifestyles are, we only have our lives because of God Almighty, and we only have the hope of eternal life because of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Let's step forward into each new dawn with a focus on prayer and relationship.  For those who are already strong in this area, I kindly ask that you pray for wisdom and discernment for those of us who are not prioritizing our lives correctly.  As the body of Christ we are united, and as the body of Christ we can continue to grow and support one another. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us and having patience with us.  Thank you for offering your protection and your mercy.  Thank you for your forgiveness and your promises.   Thank you for sacrificing your perfect son so that we may be saved.  Please reveal to us the areas that need work in our hearts, and please guide us along the paths that are aligned with you.  Please forgive us for the times that we make ourselves and our circumstances the priority, instead of exalting you in your honorable and righteous position.  You are the center of our being and you are the creator of our very existence.  We thank you, Lord, and we love you.  Please hear our prayers and draw us closer to you.  Thank you for your perfect example of how to live, love and be close to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Amanda

On Wed, Feb 17, 2021, 8:44 PM Matthew 85k <waterfall85000@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Randi. Be safe out there in the winter weather!

Leviticus 4:1-5:19
Mark 2:13-3:6
Psalm 36:1-12
Proverbs 10:1-2

Mark 3:5-6

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, 
"Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees
went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

On Sunday, Pastor Rich Joy asked us how we picture Jesus when we think of him.

A lot of the time, I think of Jesus as having a smile on his face. I think of my own experiences with him, I  
think of the fact that his work is done and he's sitting on the right hand of the Father. He's got a lot to smile about!

Here in Mark Chapter 3 we see Jesus looking at people in anger. Jesus being angry isn't something I usually 
think of. Why was he angry though? It says he was angry at the hardness of their hearts.

Many people of the world have stubborness in their heart. Refusing to get to know the Lord, 
making jokes about Biblical things, looking for happiness outside of Jesus, looking for healing 
outside of Jesus.
It's easy to get angry about it.

At least, being grieved with the way of the world is something we can use to relate to God. He hates it too!

Bible Blog Post - February 16, 2021

Leviticus 1:1-3:17

Mark 1:29-2:12

Psalm 35:17-28

Proverbs 9:13-18

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

Jesus, the son of God, fully human and fully God, prioritized spending quiet time with His Father.  Even on the eve of his death, when he knew that His time was near, He went into a time of prayer and conversation with God.  He didn't run away or abort the mission.  He was and is perfect, pure and holy.  On Sunday, Pastor Rich asked us how we picture Jesus, and right now I am picturing him praying in Gethsemane, His heart reaching out to His Father, Our Father, his commitment to our Lord and the hope for His people; us.  This is the level of faith, trust and devotion that has resulted in the curtain being torn in two and salvation being there for those who believe.  I read this as truth, I get my cup filled during readings, sermons, small group and conversations, yet I still fail to prioritize quiet time and prayer with Him like Jesus did.  

It makes me wonder:  What kind of relationship am I currently fostering with God?  In what ways can I improve my communication with Him this week?

Jesus paved the way for us to be in relationship with God, where we undeservingly receive His mercy and forgiveness.  Jesus modeled what this relationship should look like and how to communicate with our Heavenly Father in each of our days.  No matter how busy our lifestyles are, we only have our lives because of God Almighty, and we only have the hope of eternal life because of the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Let's step forward into each new dawn with a focus on prayer and relationship.  For those who are already strong in this area, I kindly ask that you pray for wisdom and discernment for those of us who are not prioritizing our lives correctly.  As the body of Christ we are united, and as the body of Christ we can continue to grow and support one another. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for being with us and having patience with us.  Thank you for offering your protection and your mercy.  Thank you for your forgiveness and your promises.   Thank you for sacrificing your perfect son so that we may be saved.  Please reveal to us the areas that need work in our hearts, and please guide us along the paths that are aligned with you.  Please forgive us for the times that we make ourselves and our circumstances the priority, instead of exalting you in your honorable and righteous position.  You are the center of our being and you are the creator of our very existence.  We thank you, Lord, and we love you.  Please hear our prayers and draw us closer to you.  Thank you for your perfect example of how to live, love and be close to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Amanda

February 13: Of Moments of Sudden, Awestruck Realization

Exodus 35:10-36:38

Matthew 27:32-66

Psalm 34:1-10

Proverbs 9:7-8

Have you ever had a moment where you realized that you hadn't just screwed up, you had done so in royal fashion?  A moment that impossibly combines the desire to run and hide, the knowledge it won't matter, the wish you could do things differently and the desperation to make amends?  Scripture has a few such people, and we meet one of them today - the centurion who, just a few hours ago, was quite possibly one of the ones gleeful in their torture of this Jewish rabbi, foresworn by the other teachers, abandoned by His students.  He may have wielded the scourge; perhaps jammed the crown of thorns into our Lord's head, or ripped the purple robe off of him, ripping open the wounds that had scabbed onto the cloth.  He may even have been the one who nailed Jesus to the cross, then gave the order to hoist Him up, and then laughed while he gambled for our Lord's cloak. 

He sat there, watching, smug, certain, ready to call it a day and head on home, as soon as the Rabble Rouser finally died.  

And then Jesus did.  

And the earth shook, and the temple curtain - a fabric a handwidth thick - was torn in two - impossible!  And rocks split, and tombs broke open, and the "bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life…and went into the Holy City", appearing to many people.  And the centurion realized who it was his actions, his sin had just killed.  As all this became apparent to the centurion, can you imagine the question in his mind?  "Dear God, what have I done?"

I envy that centurion.  Each day I commit the very sins that led Jesus to choose to die for me.  And each and every day, the gravity of my actions, and the enormity of the grace I've been given - they escape me.  I pray each day for an appreciation of the agony Jesus bore to save me, to the point He saw His Father turn away from Him.  The first step towards that appreciation has to be a moment of awestruck realization of my sins: "Dear God, what have I done?"

February 12: Of Our (Un)Worthiness

Exodus 34:1-35:9

Matthew 27:15-31

Psalm 33:12-22

Proverbs 9:1-6

Who did Jesus die for?  The easy, obvious answer, is you and me.  Pushed for a longer list, we might talk about spouses, our children and parents, our siblings, their spouses (if we like them!), friends and colleagues. 

But then the question of worthiness might come to mind, and we might wonder about a few people - like that one guy at the office who's really mean to people.  Or the aunt at Thanksgiving who can never seem to be grateful for anything.  Or Uncle Billy, in prison again for 2-4 (wasn't this supposed to be the third strike, already?).  Were they worthy?  And then we start to think about ourselves and we wonder - are WE worthy?

As hard as it might be to believe, Jesus did die for the nasty colleague, the ungrateful aunt, and yes, even Uncle Billy.  He also died for others who might seem even less worthy - like Barabbas.  And Pilate - definitely Pilate.  And the chief priests and the elders, who "persuaded the crowd to ask…to have Jesus executed."  And everyone in the crowd - especially those who answered "His blood is on us and on our children!"  And the soldiers who stripped Him, mocked Him, spat on Him.  Even the ones who nailed him to the cross.  

They all seemed terribly unworthy of Jesus's sacrifice.  But guess what?  Jesus died for all of them - for all of us.  The psalmist alludes to why.  It was never about us, or anyone, being worthy.  We don't put our hope in our worth.  We can't - because we ARE unworthy!  We put our hope in Him, in His unfailing love.  

Father, on the days we question whether or not Jesus died for us, the days we wonder why He would choose to do so, as unworthy as we know we are, remind us that it was never about us deserving Your love.  It was always, and only, about You loving us regardless.  Remind us that we ARE unworthy…but You love us nonetheless.  

Blog post 11th February

Blog post 11th February 

Exodus 32:1-33:23

Matthew 26:69-27:14

Psalm 33:1-11

Proverbs 8:33-38

Over the past few days I have been watching a series called 'The Chosen', and as I watched every episode I felt closer to Jesus. I found myself researching each disciple, I saw how Jesus loved everyone, despite their history. I saw how the disciples questioned Jesus, how he taught and healed. Throughout the series you can see how the plans of God can be seen through the generations of Abraham and Jacob.

Whilst watching this series I have been going through an internal storm. In the midst of this all I had been sold two faulty cars and on Saturday I had dropped the one car off for a service. Whilst waiting for the team to call me with hopefully good news, my anxiety started to build. It was during this time we were having a snow storm and all I could do was worry, "how was I going to get to work?".  Later on I continued to watch the series and at the end of the day the car dealership called and gave me the bad news that my car was damaged. I was upset and fear started to creep in. So I started to try and make a plan and whilst doing this I came across a saying from Toby Mac "Sometimes God holds you back temporarily until the road is safe and clear to continue. Be thankful for the stall." I thought Wow Ok Lord I am going to trust you in this storm. Next day came and it was time to go to work. I made it halfway and trains were cancelled, but I was able to catch a lift with a friend, but this meant how was I going to get home. I said a prayer and continued to praise Jesus during the day. In the afternoon my friend came to me and said I could stay with her. I thanked God for providing me a place to stay during the storm. God was there with me even when I was feeling troubled and I was reminded of the hardships the Jews had faced when watching the series.

I pray we stay grounded with Hope, be still and listen to Yahweh. To let God guide us with love and wisdom and trust. We can reflect this in Psalm because God is our creator, Lord, Savior and deliverer, he is worthy of our trust and praise. Because he is faithful and his word is dependable we can rejoice and sing giving thanks and praise.

God promises great blessings to his people, but many of these blessings require active participation. He will deliver us from fear, save us out of our troubles, guard and deliver us, show us goodness, supply our needs, listen when we talk to him, and redeem us, but we must do our part. We can appropriate his blessings when we seek him, cry out to him, trust him, fear him, refrain from lying, turn from evil, do good and seek peace, are humble and serve him.

 

https://youtu.be/koAjqYhSH2w

 

You can too watch the series:

https://thechosen.link/1Y1R7

Blog From Matthew Feb. 10

Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
Matthew 26:47 - 68
Psalm 32:1 - 11
Proverbs 8:27 - 32


Psalm 32: 2-5   "Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord."

The psalm says we're blessed when there is no deceit in our spirit. One thing I take away from that is; we need to really do some 

self-reflecting and make sure we aren't allowing things in our lives that aren't supposed to be there.

Somebody said at the Bible study tonight, something to the effect of: "Don't we all try to justify our sin?"    

What ways do we deceive ourselves into keeping ungodly things in our lives?

One way we can deceive ourselves is to simply not think about certain things. It's easy not to feel guilty about something when we don't let 
ourselves think about it.

How many people decide not to read the Bible or get to know the Lord because they know that it would mean changing 
the way they live?

We can't conceal the truth from God, but we can conceal the truth from ourselves. 

2:10: Untitled Blog

Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
Matthew 26:47 - 68
Psalm 32:1 - 11
Proverbs 8:27 - 32


Psalm 32: 2-5   "Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. 
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord."

The psalm says we're blessed when there is no deceit in our spirit. One thing I take away from that is; we need to really do some 

self-reflecting and make sure we aren't allowing things in our lives that aren't supposed to be there.

Somebody said at the Bible study tonight, something to the effect of: "Don't we all try to justify our sin?"    

What ways do we deceive ourselves into keeping ungodly things in our lives?

One way we can deceive ourselves is to simply not think about certain things. It's easy not to feel guilty about something when we don't let 
ourselves think about it.

How many people decide not to read the Bible or get to know the Lord because they know that it would mean changing 
the way they live?

We can't conceal the truth from God, but we can conceal the truth from ourselves. 

When Jesus got stressed

February 9th

Exodus 29:1-30:10

Matthew 26:14:46

Psalm 31:19-24

Proverbs 8:14-26

Friends, for those of you who tuned in to church on Sunday for Chuck's sermon, you will have heard how Jesus brings peace in the storm. You will have heard that he was so at peace that he slept through the storm on a boat!

In today's reading, Matthew 26:36-45, Jesus was not at peace. We witness a human who is flustered, depressed, and anxious. I don't know about you, but I feel a sense of refreshment reading this. Not because I take pleasure in reading about his pain, but because it's a connection I have with Jesus. 

Granted, I'm not about to take on the weight of the world's sins, but I do experience sorrow, and know how it feels to be troubled.

In verses 37-38, our prince of peace is troubled. He is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. This is a deep, dark emotional experience for Jesus. (side note: he shared his feelings with his disciples. When you are struggling, please share your feelings with friends you can trust).

Jesus fell with his face to the ground and prayed for God to take away his pain, three times. But he didn't just say "God make it stop". He prayed "if possible", and "yet not as I will, but as you will". Have you ever been in so much pain and asked God to take it away but only if it's his will? That's a special place to be at.

For those of us who are not yet able to pray that, dealing with pain that hasn't gone away,  we need to praise Him and thank Him for the future hope he's given us through His son Jesus. This pain will not last forever. After you have mourned, and sought comfort, then think of how you can use that painful experience for God's glory. 

God does not always take away our pain. If he did, then I think the whole world would be full of Christians! If we never experienced sadness, then how would we truly appreciate happiness? We would not be able to give testimonies of transformations. God lets us go through pain for reasons we may never understand. But we can understand that there is magnificent beauty to be found in our pain. It just requires some reflection.   

Our Father God, when we go through hard times and want nothing more than for you to take away our pain, help us to think of Jesus. Remind us that he went through the worst kind of pain imaginable, and He did it for our sakes. Help us to keep our eyes on you. May we pray for your will to be done. Comfort us with your rod and your staff. Lead us beside quiet waters. Cover us with peace. Strengthen us in our suffering for you. Give us hope that our citizenship is in heaven, where there is no suffering but only glory. Amen.

February 6: Of Commandments, Free Will, Mountain Roads and Ravines

Exodus 23:14-25:40

Matthew 24:29-51

Psalm 30:1-12

Proverbs 7:24-27

Reading Exodus verses 20-30, I started thinking about commandments.  The thing about commandments that I didn't realize until today is this: they presume free will, the ability to choose NOT to follow them.  God actually gives us that choice.

It's kinda like driving on a narrow road in the mountains.  We can choose not to follow the rules of the road, but then we might wind up unidentifiable carcasses in a flaming vehicle after a hundred foot drop down a ravine.  But if we choose to follow the rules of the road, to keep our eyes on the road and the front part of the car between the centerline on the left and the railing on the right, we get to the destination.  

Similarly, and even better, in fact, when we choose to follow His instructions, good things happen.  He fights our enemies.  He blesses our food and water, takes away our sickness, gives us full life spans.  He even clears our way gradually, chasing out our enemies little by little so the land we take over isn't overrun by other things we would then have to deal with.  Pretty amazing what happens when we choose Him.  We get to the promised land.  

So why, then, is it so easy, so automatic for us to follow the rules of the road, but so difficult to obey the Lord as consistently, as easily?  (I know why that is true in my case.  I pray you aren't as stubborn.)

Father, You gave us free will.  Teach us, and help us, to want to make the right choices.  To choose to obey You, even when we don't understand, or when Your commands are difficult - like when You ask for our gold and silver, or have us carve an ark of acacia wood and cover it with pure gold. Help us to be the "faithful and wise servant" whom You will find doing what You want always.

February 5: Of Devastation and Despair and Deliverance

Exodus 21:22-23:13

Matthew 24:1-28

Psalm 29:1-11

Proverbs 7:6-23

Can you imagine what must it have been like in 70AD, when Titus and the Romans completely destroyed Jerusalem?  Did the Jews see it coming?  Were they in denial?  How terrible must it have been to witness a destruction so thorough that the NIV Bible notes say "stones [of the temple building] were even pried apart to collect the gold leaf that melted from the roof when the temple was set on fire"?

It is tempting to hope that the devastation Jesus describes in today's NT reading has already happened, that we need not worry about it any longer.  And yet…wars (check).  Rumors of wars (check).  Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines, earthquakes - check, check, check, check.  Pandemic - extra credit, check.

Worse: people turning away from the faith, betraying and hating each other, false prophets (hello, prosperity gospel, I'm looking at you!).  The love of agape, philia and storge have cooled, having been replaced by eros or, worse, narcissism.  And it isn't just in China where Christians are being persecuted - just ask the Little Sisters of the Poor.  

Faced with all this, why shouldn't we be afraid, and in despair?  Where do we find deliverance?  We find our comfort and security in the God the psalmist describes.  We are to ascribe to Him "glory and strength".  He is powerful - so much so His voice "breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon", "strikes with flashes of lightning", and "shakes the desert".  We take comfort because this is our God - who gives strength to us, His people; who blesses us, His people, with peace.  

Father, sometimes it is really, really easy to fall into despair and hopelessness, what with everything going on in the world.  When we are tempted to do so, remind us You are in control, You love us, You give us Your strength, and You bless us with Your peace - which, as Paul described, "surpasses all understanding".  

Thankful that I have friends that can hold me accountable and Love me as I am!

Xodus 19:16-21:21

Matthew 23:13-39

Psalm 28:1-9

Proverbs 7:1-5

When I was younger my mom used to say  to me if you can count your friends on one hand you are blessed. I looked at her like she was crazy and immediately began counting on both hands. I remember coming up with a number that exceeds the number 40 and I was so proud. I said to my mom, I am blessed I have so many, she said "no Jenna a true friend", and I began to think and look deeper into my "friendships" and what they meant to me.

According to google the word friend means 'a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations'.

This took me back as I am still learning what a friend is. I do feel that people come into our lives as seasons and we can learn from them. 

David, asking not to be dragged away with the wicked or to be friended by someone that has bitter intentions; they simply are pretending to be our friend to get what they need and not because they genuinely want to be your friend,harbouring malice in their hearts.

I pray that True believers  should be sincere in all their relationships and that we cherish the friendships we have with them, Thank you God for those special relationships we have, We are so blessed to have a relationship with you Father.May we be a friendly face to those who just need kindness. We love you!

--

Jenna Spencer

475-299-0404

jennaspencer3@gmail.com

Bog Post From Matthew Feb. 3

First, I'd like to add a little something to last week's blog. I titled it "Becoming Innocent".

I feel that I should mention the way to "become innocent" is by accepting what Jesus did
for us on the cross. With that being said, it's clear we are supposed to behave in a certain way.

Thank you!

Now, the blog for February 3, 2021:

Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35

37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your
neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Oh, how often do we make excuses not to show love to our neighbors?

"If I even go and say 'hi' to that person, they'll annoy me and then I'll be in a bad mood! I can't afford to be
in a bad mood, I'm too busy! I'll just keep my distance."

Perhaps, some people are better loved from afar, but are we doing the right thing by avoiding certain people altogether?

There's keeping a healthy distance and then there's ignoring somebody completely.

How much judging have we done without even realizing it?

We're supposed to show love to those people. We're supposed to teach those who don't understand and correct
those who are behaving inappropriately. Not talk behind their backs. Not make fun of them.

As Christians, we are called to love each other when it's difficult, not just when it's easy. 

2/3: Our "Neighbors"

First, I'd like to add a little something to last week's blog. I titled it "Becoming Innocent".

I feel that I should mention the way to "become innocent" is by accepting what Jesus did
for us on the cross. With that being said, it's clear we are supposed to behave in a certain way.

Thank you!

Now, the blog for February 3, 2021:

Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35  

37 Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your
neighbor as yourself.' 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Oh, how often do we make excuses not to show love to our neighbors?

"If I even go and say 'hi' to that person, they'll annoy me and then I'll be in a bad mood! I can't afford to be
in a bad mood, I'm too busy! I'll just keep my distance."

Perhaps, some people are better loved from afar, but are we doing the right thing by avoiding certain people altogether?

There's keeping a healthy distance and then there's ignoring somebody completely.

How much judging have we done without even realizing it?

We're supposed to show love to those people. We're supposed to teach those who don't understand and correct
those who are behaving inappropriately. Not talk behind their backs. Not make fun of them.

As Christians, we are called to love each other when it's difficult, not just when it's easy. 

Bible Blog Post - 2/2/2021

Exodus 15:19-17:7 

Matthew 22:1-33 

Psalm 27:1-6 

Proverbs 6:20-26

Psalm 27:1  The Lord is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid?

No matter what is working against you in life, there's no room for fear to consume your mind, body or spirit when you're filled to the brim with the love, power and mercy of the Lord.  Of course as imperfect humans, we can retreat to fearful thoughts and think that what is running through our minds is a heavier burden than we can carry; however, when we do a self check of who we are as children of God, and who we are in Him, we can strip away those relentless shackles and be free in His name.  We do not simply go through life alone, combating the storms as they come; instead we grow through life, and we do so with Christ. 

David's devotion to God even during the most trying of times is so admirable.  As I continue on my venture through the Bible and learn more about God's will, I see how there are so many people who were tested, and how they held steadfast in the name of the Lord. 

When faced with unfavorable circumstances, don't let fear take a stronghold on your mind.  Instead, remember who created your mind, your body, your soul, and the earth that you're living on.  It is He who will save you, it is He who will give you strength.  The evil one likes to let you think that your troubles are too heavy of a burden, but the TRUTH of our Father is what will set us free, mentally, physically and spiritually. 

Heavenly Father, please help our congregation to release any shackles that may be holding us captive.  Please help us to release any fearsome thoughts and anxieties, and please continue to help us navigate our daily lives.  Thank You for Your gracious gift of the Holy Spirit, and thank You for all of the work that You are doing in our home church.  You are the best Father, and Your greatness is far beyond what we could ever comprehend.  We are blessed.  I lift this all up to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Amanda

Freely you have received; freely give. Mt. 10:8