As we walk daily in our faith and face issues in our lives, we must always remember that the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, protect, strengthen and call you as His child. Because of the true grace of God and by standing firm in it, we are able to face tomorrow.
Monday, March 27, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Amos 8:9-10 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 100:5 American Standard Version
And his faithfulness unto all generations.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:27 American Standard Version
So for men to search out their own glory is grievous.
Morning Scripture Reading - Hebrews 12:1-2 American Standard Version
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 23:8-12 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 100:4 American Standard Version
And into his courts with praise:
Give thanks unto him, and bless his name.
Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Love, Grace and Mercy
The story begins with a group of religious leaders who bring before Jesus a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They claimed that according to the law of Moses, she should be stoned to death. They were testing Jesus, hoping to trap him into saying something that would discredit him.
But instead of answering them, Jesus stooped down and began to write on the ground with his finger. When the religious leaders continued to question him, Jesus stood up and said to them, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” (John 8:7, NLT)
What can we learn from this story? First and foremost, we see the love and compassion of Jesus towards this woman who had sinned. Instead of condemning her, he showed her grace and mercy. Jesus did not come into this world to condemn us, but to save us (John 3:17).
When we judge others, we run the risk of being judged ourselves. The standard we use in judging others is the standard by which we will be judged. This means that if we are harsh, critical, and unforgiving towards others, we may find that others are equally harsh, critical, and unforgiving towards us.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:26 American Standard Version
So is a righteous man that giveth way before the wicked.
Morning Scripture Reading - Revelation 3:21-22 American Standard Version
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 8:18-22 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 100:3 American Standard Version
It is he that hath made us, and we are his;
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Thoughts from the Heart - 1 Peter 5:10 NLT
This verse is a reminder that even though we may suffer in this life, God's plan is to ultimately restore us and place us on a firm foundation. This promise is echoed throughout the Bible.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:25 American Standard Version
So is good news from a far country.
Morning Scripture Reading - Ecclesiastes 9:17 American Standard Version
Friday, March 24, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - John 4:27-38 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 100:2 American Standard Version
Come before his presence with singing.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:24 American Standard Version
Than with a contentious woman in a wide house.
Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 1:18-20 American Standard Version
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Isaiah 40:27-31 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 100:1 American Standard Version
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:23 American Standard Version
So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 8:26-27 American Standard Version
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - 1 John 5:13-15 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 99:6-9 American Standard Version
And Samuel among them that call upon his name;
They called upon Jehovah, and he answered them.
He spake unto them in the pillar of cloud:
They kept his testimonies,
And the statute that he gave them.
Thou answeredst them, O Jehovah our God:
Thou wast a God that forgavest them,
Though thou tookest vengeance of their doings.
Exalt ye Jehovah our God,
And worship at his holy hill;
For Jehovah our God is holy.
Mid-Week Message - Love Needed
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:16-18 (NIV)
Carl was 88 years old and living all alone in a small apartment. After a long marriage, his wife had passed away several years before, and, because the rest of Carl's family had also passed, and because he had no children, his life was mostly spent alone in his home with the television providing the only voices and faces that he encountered each day. There were plenty of neighbors sharing the building, but they were mostly younger folks who were busy with their own lives.
One day, the local ambulance service received a call that said an 88 year old man, at this address, was having chest pains. Upon arrival, they checked Carl thoroughly, including running an ECG that would detect any heart abnormalities. Finding no problems with any of his vital signs, they advised him to call his regular doctor the next day if the pain continued. As they left, one EMT was overheard wondering if his pain was caused from a broken heart.
I had a very dear friend named Billye. She was a ray of sunshine and loved everyone. She kind of adopted me as one of her own children and we became very close. She was the one who encouraged me to seek ordination and was very excited when I chose to become certified for Hospice chaplaincy. We had no way of knowing that she would be the first person that would request my services.
After being diagnosed with a rapidly progressive brain tumor, it became necessary for her daughters to place her in a nursing home. Wednesdays became my day to visit with her and she always grabbed my hand when I walked through her door. One day, she asked me what she should expect as she neared death and I told her that some people reported seeing loved ones, angels, or even Jesus before they passed. When she responded that she hadn't seen anyone, I told her it wasn't time yet.
During my next to last visit with Billye, she simply asked me to sing "Jesus Loves Me" with her, so we sang it together. As I sat beside her bed, holding her sweet hand, she closed her eyes. I truly don't know if she was conscious or not, but she began saying, "Hi! Oh, hi!" as though she was greeting someone she hadn't seen in awhile. I was amazed and felt so honored to have been there for that moment. My husband and I went to see her the following Saturday and my dear friend passed away on Monday.
The elderly are among those in the greatest need of compassion. Often they are unable to get out of their homes without assistance. So many are in nursing homes because of health issues that cannot be dealt with at home, or in assisted living facilities because they simply are unable to live independently any longer. Physical issues, along with memory diseases, steal familiar lives from these dear souls. And many never receive visitors. No one knocks on their door with cookies, asks if there is anything they need, or if they would just like someone to sit with them for awhile and give them some company.
Brothers and sisters, when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, scripture tells us we are transformed, that we become new creatures. John 13:35 tells us, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Once the love of Christ enters our hearts, we need to be using it to bless others. There are so many with needs. Some we can meet, others we can't. But visiting with the lonely is free and blesses them beyond measure. Just to open their doors to the smiling face of a friend can change their entire outlook on life.
I would like to encourage each of us to take the opportunity to hold an aged hand, visit someone that is lonely, or even just to send a card to a dear one in need of a smile. All it takes is a little bit of thought and a small amount of time. May God lead us all.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:21-22 American Standard Version
And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head,
And Jehovah will reward thee.
Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Peter 1:10-12 American Standard Version
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Samuel 2:1-11 American Standard Version
My heart exulteth in Jehovah;My horn is exalted in Jehovah;My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies;Because I rejoice in thy salvation.There is none holy as Jehovah;For there is none besides thee,Neither is there any rock like our God.Talk no more so exceeding proudly;Let not arrogancy come out of your mouth;For Jehovah is a God of knowledge,And by him actions are weighed.The bows of the mighty men are broken;And they that stumbled are girded with strength.They that were full have hired out themselves for bread;And they that were hungry have ceased to hunger:Yea, the barren hath borne seven;And she that hath many children languisheth.Jehovah killeth, and maketh alive:He bringeth down to Sheol, and bringeth up.Jehovah maketh poor, and maketh rich:He bringeth low, he also lifteth up.He raiseth up the poor out of the dust,He lifteth up the needy from the dunghill,To make them sit with princes,And inherit the throne of glory:For the pillars of the earth are Jehovah’s,And he hath set the world upon them.He will keep the feet of his holy ones;But the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness;For by strength shall no man prevail.They that strive with Jehovah shall be broken to pieces;Against them will he thunder in heaven:Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth;And he will give strength unto his king,And exalt the horn of his anointed.
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 99:4-5 American Standard Version
Thou dost establish equity;
Thou executest justice and righteousness in Jacob.
Exalt ye Jehovah our God,
And worship at his footstool:
Holy is he.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:20 American Standard Version
So is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.
Morning Scripture Reading - 1 John 5:6-12 American Standard Version
Monday, March 20, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Titus 1:15-16 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 99:1-3 American Standard Version
He sitteth above the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
Jehovah is great in Zion;
And he is high above all the peoples.
Let them praise thy great and terrible name:
Holy is he.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:19 American Standard Version
Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
Morning Scripture Reading - Mark 12:28-34 American Standard Version
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - John 13:36-38 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 98:7-9 American Standard Version
The world, and they that dwell therein;
Let the floods clap their hands;
Let the hills sing for joy together
Before Jehovah; for he cometh to judge the earth:
He will judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with equity.
Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Avoid Division and Strife
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:18 American Standard Version
Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
Morning Scripture Reading - 1 John 5:1-5 American Standard Version
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Ephesians 4:1-6 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 98:4-6 American Standard Version
Break forth and sing for joy, yea, sing praises.
Sing praises unto Jehovah with the harp;
With the harp and the voice of melody.
With trumpets and sound of cornet
Make a joyful noise before the King, Jehovah.
Thoughts from the Heart - The Blessing and Curse of Modern Technology
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:17 American Standard Version
Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
Friday, March 17, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Zephaniah 3:14-17 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 98:1-3 American Standard Version
Oh sing unto Jehovah a new song;
For he hath done marvellous things:
His right hand, and his holy arm, hath wrought salvation for him.
Jehovah hath made known his salvation:
His righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the nations.
He hath remembered his lovingkindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel:
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
A Word from the Pastor - The Decline in Church Attendance
Jones, R. P., & Stroope, S. (2017). Millennials and the decline of religious commitment: A generational comparison. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 56(2), 211-226.
Pew Research Center. (2017). "Religion in America: U.S. religious data, demographics and statistics." Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/topics/religion-in-america/
Pew Research Center. (2019). "In U.S., decline of Christianity continues at a rapid pace." Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/10/17/in-u-s-decline-of-christianity-continues-at-rapid-pace/
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:16 American Standard Version
Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Morning Scripture Reading - Jonah 2 American Standard Version
I called by reason of mine affliction unto Jehovah,And he answered me;Out of the belly of Sheol cried I,And thou heardest my voice.For thou didst cast me into the depth, in the heart of the seas,And the flood was round about me;All thy waves and thy billows passed over me.And I said, I am cast out from before thine eyes;Yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.The waters compassed me about, even to the soul;The deep was round about me;The weeds were wrapped about my head.I went down to the bottoms of the mountains;The earth with its bars closed upon me for ever:Yet hast thou brought up my life from the pit, O Jehovah my God.When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Jehovah;And my prayer came in unto thee, into thy holy temple.They that regard lying vanitiesForsake their own mercy.But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving;I will pay that which I have vowed.Salvation is of Jehovah.
And Jehovah spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Amos 9:5-6 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 97:10-12 American Standard Version
He preserveth the souls of his saints;
He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown for the righteous,
And gladness for the upright in heart.
Be glad in Jehovah, ye righteous;
And give thanks to his holy memorial name.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:14-15 American Standard Version
So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.
By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded,
And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Morning Scripture Reading - Malachi 1:10-11 American Standard Version
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - 1 John 4:19-21 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 97:8-9 American Standard Version
And the daughters of Judah rejoiced,
Because of thy judgments, O Jehovah.
For thou, Jehovah, art most high above all the earth:
Thou art exalted far above all gods.
Mid-Week Message - Perfection
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)I went to a wonderful college. Not perfect, but it certainly met my needs as far as education goes. I met great friends there. They weren't perfect either, but I loved them and still keep in touch with many of them today. When I did live in an apartment, the air conditioner had continual problems and the upstairs bathroom floor sank down in one place. It wasn't perfect but I have very happy memories of my times with the two women that I shared it with. My jobs weren't perfect either. In fact, during a couple of them I threw up every night because of the nerves I had about returning the next day. They were extremely stressful. But, they did pay my bills. I didn't marry until the age of 33. I believe my husband was handpicked by the Lord just for me, and while he isn't perfect, I couldn't love him more. We have one child and although as her mother I tend to think she is perfect, I guess she isn't in reality.
I have come to realize that we weren't created to be perfect. However, we are created perfectly. God knew just what He was doing when He gave us our bodies and personalities. He knew we would have weaknesses and that we would make mistakes but He also used those "imperfections" to teach us about Himself and to show us our need for a Redeemer. Had He created us as perfect beings, what need would we have for Him?
None of us are perfect. Not physically, mentally, emotionally or even spiritually. However, we are being perfected through our relationship with Jesus and one day, when we live with Him in Heaven, we will be perfect. And what better way to say "thank you" than to spend eternity praising our Creator and Perfector?
This week will bring many reminders of just how imperfect we are. I pray that you will be encouraged in the knowledge that being imperfect does not mean that you were not created perfectly. Praise the Lord! He knows everything about us and loves us still. God bless you!
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:13 American Standard Version
So is a faithful messenger to them that send him;
For he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Peter 3:8-10 American Standard Version
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Peter 1:3-5 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 97:7 American Standard Version
That boast themselves of idols:
Worship him, all ye gods.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:12 American Standard Version
So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 American Standard Version
Monday, March 13, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Galatians 2:20 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 97:1-6 American Standard Version
Let the multitude of isles be glad.
Clouds and darkness are round about him:
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
A fire goeth before him,
And burneth up his adversaries round about.
His lightnings lightened the world:
The earth saw, and trembled.
The mountains melted like wax at the presence of Jehovah,
At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
The heavens declare his righteousness,
And all the peoples have seen his glory.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:11 American Standard Version
Is like apples of gold in network of silver.
Morning Scripture Reading - Romans 5:6-8 American Standard Version
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Ezekiel 37:25 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 96 American Standard Version
Sing unto Jehovah, all the earth.
Sing unto Jehovah, bless his name;
Show forth his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
His marvellous works among all the peoples.
For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised:
He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols;
But Jehovah made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before him:
Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples,
Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength.
Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name:
Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Oh worship Jehovah in holy array:
Tremble before him, all the earth.
Say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth:
The world also is established that it cannot be moved:
He will judge the peoples with equity.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof;
Let the field exult, and all that is therein;
Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy
Before Jehovah; for he cometh,
For he cometh to judge the earth:
He will judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with his truth.
Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Sin or Salvation
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:8-10 American Standard Version
Lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof,
When thy neighbor hath put thee to shame.
Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself,
And disclose not the secret of another;
Lest he that heareth it revile thee,
And thine infamy turn not away.
Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 54:9-10 American Standard Version
Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 30:19-22 American Standard Version
Saturday, March 11, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Exodus 14:13-14 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 95 American Standard Version
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving;
Let us make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For Jehovah is a great God,
And a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth;
The heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, and he made it;
And his hands formed the dry land.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker:
For he is our God,
And we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
To-day, oh that ye would hear his voice!
Harden not your heart, as at Meribah,
As in the day of Massah in the wilderness;
When your fathers tempted me,
Proved me, and saw my work.
Forty years long was I grieved with that generation,
And said, It is a people that do err in their heart,
And they have not known my ways:
Wherefore I sware in my wrath,
That they should not enter into my rest.
Thoughts from the Heart - God's Plan for Salvation
The first step in understanding God's plan for salvation is to recognize the problem that exists between God and humanity. The problem is sin, which separates us from God. Romans 3:23 (NLT) explains, "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard." The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23), which means that without God's intervention, we are separated from Him forever.
The solution to the problem of sin is found in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 (NLT) says, "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (1 Peter 3:18). Through His death and resurrection, we can be reconciled to God (Romans 5:10).
The next step in God's plan for salvation is our response to His offer of salvation. We must have faith in Jesus Christ and repent of our sins. Acts 2:38 (NLT) says, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins." Faith in Jesus Christ means that we trust in Him alone for our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The final step in God's plan for salvation is the result of our response to Him. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ and repent of our sins, we receive the gift of eternal life. Romans 6:23 (NLT) says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." This gift is not earned but is given to us by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:6-7 American Standard Version
And stand not in the place of great men:
For better is it that it be said unto thee, Come up hither,
Than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince,
Whom thine eyes have seen.
Morning Scripture Reading - Job 37:14-18 American Standard Version
Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.
Dost thou know how God layeth his charge upon them,
And causeth the lightning of his cloud to shine?
Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds,
The wondrous works of him who is perfect in knowledge?
How thy garments are warm,
When the earth is still by reason of the south wind?
Canst thou with him spread out the sky,
Which is strong as a molten mirror?
Friday, March 10, 2023
Evening Scripture Reading - Matthew 5:6 American Standard Version
Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 94 American Standard Version
Thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, shine forth.
Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth:
Render to the proud their desert.
Jehovah, how long shall the wicked,
How long shall the wicked triumph?
They prate, they speak arrogantly:
All the workers of iniquity boast themselves.
They break in pieces thy people, O Jehovah,
And afflict thy heritage.
They slay the widow and the sojourner,
And murder the fatherless.
And they say, Jehovah will not see,
Neither will the God of Jacob consider.
Consider, ye brutish among the people;
And ye fools, when will ye be wise?
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear?
He that formed the eye, shall he not see?
He that chastiseth the nations, shall not he correct,
Even he that teacheth man knowledge?
Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man,
That they are vanity.
Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Jehovah,
And teachest out of thy law;
That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity,
Until the pit be digged for the wicked.
For Jehovah will not cast off his people,
Neither will he forsake his inheritance.
For judgment shall return unto righteousness;
And all the upright in heart shall follow it.
Who will rise up for me against the evil-doers?
Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?
Unless Jehovah had been my help,
My soul had soon dwelt in silence.
When I said, My foot slippeth;
Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, held me up.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul.
Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with thee,
Which frameth mischief by statute?
They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous,
And condemn the innocent blood.
But Jehovah hath been my high tower,
And my God the rock of my refuge.
And he hath brought upon them their own iniquity,
And will cut them off in their own wickedness;
Jehovah our God will cut them off.
Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 25:4-5 American Standard Version
And there cometh forth a vessel for the refiner:
Take away the wicked from before the king,
And his throne shall be established in righteousness.