Daily Devotional Archive
(Pray Grow Serve)
Friday May 15th, 2020 - Pastor Bob Atwell
“For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God,” Colossians 1:9-10 CSB
As we begin to get back out, whether going back to work, the outdoors, or the church we need to remember these truths that Paul shared with the Colossians.
Let’s keep praying for our world, our nation, and specifically each other. We can never pray too much and it seems that sometimes we forget to be diligent in praying. So let’s continue to be faithful to cry out to God as we continue to move through this time.
We also need to seek God each and every day. That way we can know God’s will for our lives each day and have the knowledge that He wants us to have. We must ask God to give us a spiritual understanding that will see us through each day.
Opportunities are plentiful to serve people each and every day. Let’s be open to God giving us those opportunities to serve others. People are hurting and seeking answers and we have them through Jesus. We need to be ready to serve and to share the Good News that Jesus wants to be our Savior and Lord.
Let’s continue to find the positive in an otherwise difficult and very hard situation. Pray, grow in God’s knowledge, and bear fruit by serving!
God, help us to continue to use these times to allow you to mold us into the servants that you want us to be! Amen
Pastor Bob
(In All Things Pray)
Tuesday May 12th, 2020
Philippians 4:6 tells us not to worry about anything but to pray about everything. When it comes to prayer, we so often neglect the practice. For some, prayer is reserved for times of emergency. For others it is the last resort….when all else fails we pray. Prayer is a privilege and it should be as natural to the believer as breathing. It’s a privilege because we can communicate with the God of all creation who is also our loving heavenly Father. It should be as natural as breathing because it is our lifeline to God and it keeps us connected to Him spiritually. My friends now is the time to pray!
Pastor Eddie
(Be Sensitive to Where God is Moving, Hebrews 2:1-4)
Monday May 11th, 2020
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 2:1-4 1We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. NIV
Hebrews was a timely letter to a people who knew better but who were tempted to give up their faith in Jesus Christ and return to the Jewish faith, because it would have been the path of least resistance. So, the author is unknown. The recipients were believers who had experienced suffering. The theme is to stay faithful.
In Chapter 2 we have three reminders:
1. Pay attention to warnings.
2. Pay attention to history.
3. Pay attention to theology.
First reminder: PAY ATTENTION TO THE WARNINGS.
The author warns in Verse 1 of drifting away from faith in Jesus. This theme continues through the book:
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 4:1 1Let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it [God's promised rest].
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 6:11 11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:1 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10:23 23Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 10:36 36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Chapter 11 is devoted to those who were faithful until the end.
Second reminder: PAY ATTENTION TO HISTORY.
This faith which these Christians were persecuted for, this faith which they were tempted to leave, this faith which made them wonder if it was worth it all, was not child's play. It was not a fairy tale. It was not a small, insignificant, fleeting idea. Verses 2, 3, and 4 remind us of the power, imagery, and drama that goes into this faith. It was created by God. It was birthed of God. Angels were involved in its delivery, and several scriptures back this up. However, I need to be clear about this: Angels are messengers. They did not create the Law of Moses or the Gospel. They are messengers. One of the man things I love about the Christian faith is how it is historical! God revealed himself through history, and from the beginning, and the narrative we have explains how God revealed himself through history. From the book of Genesis, Chapter 3, God revealed his plan of forthcoming salvation. And, through these ancient people, God pointed all things to a coming Messiah. And, today, the world situation points more and more to the need of a Savior to rescue us from the complex problems of the day. When Jesus returns again someday, the salvation history will be completely realized.
Third reminder: PAY ATTENTION TO THEOLOGY.
Verse 2 says the message was binding, and all violations of that message were punished. This Old Testament Law, which was so impossible to keep, revealed the righteousness of God and man's inability to be righteous. Each violation had a penalty, and those penalties were paid through the complex sacrificial system. When Jesus came, he fulfilled the Law and became the ultimate sacrifice for sin. So, Verse 3 asks, "How will we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" I believe the answer is clear. The salvation of Jesus cannot be escaped. People who have received his salvation know in their hearts the freedom that comes from not ignoring the message. Verse 3 uses the word confirmed. This theology or teaching of God, and the salvation he offers through Jesus Christ is very rich and deep and is the conversation of a billion or so people all over the earth every day. And, this salvation has never been stagnant. God revealed himself through signs and miracles in the Old and New Testaments. We talk of these often in our Bible studies. In the New Testament, he sent the Holy Spirit as the third and final revelation of who he is. Wouldn't it be pitiful to have a faith with no historical roots and no central character yet provides salvation in a way no one else can? Wouldn't it be pitiful to have a faith which has no revelation of any kind and is nothing more than the words of a man? What is Hebrews saying to us today? It was originally meant for one group of people whose location we do not know. But, its truth has resonated with Christians throughout the centuries, and here we have it today in the Bible. It has no doubt stood the test of time.
CONCLUSION: Here's my summary for modern believers:
Warning: Don't stray from what you know is true, regardless of the outside pressure.
History: Don't allow myths to creep into your theology. All these books about travels to heaven and back— don't put any of stock in them.
Theology: This "great salvation" is not to be taken lightly and deserves our all.
Brother Steve
Children of God
Friday May 8th, 2020 - Pastor Bob Atwell
“But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of natural descent or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13 CSB
When we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we are adopted into God’s family as one of His children. We are brought near to God. So near that He (God) calls us sons and daughters. We are part of His family! Fully received, fully loved, and fully accepted!
What does this really mean? It means that we get to share in the very same relationship of love and intimacy that Jesus shared with God the Father. Romans 8:15 (NIV) says, “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’.
We now have God as our Father, who loves us and wants us to have access to all that He is. We are accepted, and we belong so that we can share in the relational intimacy, love, and bond that the Father and Son have known for all eternity.
As we continue to go through these uncertain and difficult days remember ‘whose’ you are. You are a child of the King! He does not want you to worry or allow fear to rule in your life. Instead He wants you to trust that He is in control and even though we don’t understand everything, He’s got this!
God, thank you that as we trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior that you welcome us into your family as your child with all the benefits and blessings that come with that designation. Help us to depend on you everyday! Amen
Pastor Bob
National Day of Prayer
Thursday May 7th, 2020 - Pastor Scott Shipes
Today is the National Day of Prayer and we are praying for God’s glory across our nation and across the earth. The verse for today is Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” When I think about the glory of God I am reminded in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I personally tend to look for wonder in my experience with God and what He is doing instead of looking at His glory in what He is doing. Pastor Eddie had me thinking about what encourages me to move forward during times of crisis.
My personality is to be enthusiastic, optimistic, social, and talkative (surprise). COVID-19 crisis with social distancing plays into my fear of rejection, disapproval, and being still. It is one thing to go through a crisis with others around you, yet quite another to go through it glorifying God when there is no witness, no limelight, and no one around to even walk alongside me. Habakkuk 2:3 tell me “Though it tarries, wait for it…” I am encouraged today knowing that God is fighting for me, my family, my church, my community, and my nation. Glorifying God when the days are not so glorifying can shift my focus from God to me.
I shared with our children from Exodus 14, Moses had just led the Israelites out of Egypt. But they had found themselves in an impossible situation and did not know what to do. Back in Egypt, they were slaves to the Egyptian people, working and living in terrible circumstances. But God heard the cries of His people and provided a way out with Moses chosen as their leader. Now that they were free, they had met their biggest opposition yet. The Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian army chasing them from behind. The Israelites were stuck! They had nowhere to go. But Moses encouraged them with a powerful statement in Exodus 14:14: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Moses knew that if God could deliver them from slavery in Egypt, He could get them out of this situation. Sure enough, God parted the waters of the Red Sea and allowed all God’s people to cross on dry land. God saved them from the Egyptians and from the sea. Like the Israelites, God is fighting for us. The victory has already been won because God is always in control. God’s glory never changes.
Maybe you feel like the Israelites with big struggles surrounding you. It’s probably way more than you can handle, but it’s okay. Getting things in life that are more than we can handle allows us to see the glory of God, who never stops loving His children and always provides a way through.
Remember that the same God who took care of the Israelites is walking with you through the battles you face…and He’s already claimed victory over it.
Pastor Scott
(How King Jehoshaphat Responded to Worrisome News, 2 Chronicles 20)
Wednesday May 6th, 2020 - Brother Steve Evans
Part 1
SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 20: 1-12 1After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. 2 Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea. It is already in Hazezon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). 3 Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. 4 The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him 5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said: “LORD, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’ 10 “But now here are men from Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, whose territory you would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” First, JEHOSHAPHAT TOOK ACTION WHEN HE HEARD THE BAD NEWS. The action he took was to declare a fast and call the people together for prayer. And, he didn’t just tell them to pray. He prayed. He took responsibility in the situation. Jehoshaphat made several points in his prayer: - He acknowledged God as the God of heaven— the God over all the nations of earth. - In his prayer, his mind returned to past victories over enemies. He wasn’t reminding God (God doesn’t have memory loss). But, he was reminding the people how faithful God had been to them. - He also reminded God of the temple. Apparently, the temple had been designated as a place where people would bring their concerns to God. - At the end of the prayer, he said, “We do not know what to do; but, our eyes are on you.” Wow, what a leader! I believe it’s important for us to note the first action he took was prayer, and not only just prayer but public prayer— one everyone heard. The people heard their leader calling out to God. He turned the focus of the situation away from the enemy and toward God. He proclaimed God’s faithfulness on the eve of a potentially terrible situation. The application here is incredibly obvious. When we are faced with surprising, worrisome news, the best thing we can do is take action—not go around worrying. The first action we must take is praying to God— acknowledging him as the God of heaven, recalling the times he’s been faithful to us, and telling him even though we don’t know what to do, our eyes are on him. What would have happened if Jehoshaphat had responded to the news with panic? He would have sent the nation in a downhill spiral. Second, EVERYONE EXPECTED TO HEAR FROM GOD. SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 20: 13-17 13All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD. 14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” In this story, Jehoshaphat prayed, and the people just stood there. I assume his prayer was so powerful and sought God with such fervor; it conditioned people to hear from God right then. And, they did. How does this apply to us? If we pray and ask God to meet our needs, we must have our eyes open like the nation of Judah did. As a person with some experience in this area, I can tell you God does not always answer instantly, and he does not always answer through a person. I cannot recall a time when I specifically knew the Spirit of God had come upon a person to speak directly for God, but there are many times when I believe I’ve heard the voice of God through someone. This may sound like a contradiction, although that’s not my intention. Discerning God’s voice is not so easy. In fact, at times it might be exhausting.
Next Week – Part 2
Brother Steve
Still Waters
Tuesday, May 5th 2020 - Pastor Michael Hux
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet/still waters,
Psalm 23:2
Psalm 23 provides us with a wonderful example of God’s care and protection!
Christ as the Good Shepherd cares for us along the way, sustaining us each step, in each season.
David literally says, “Upon waters of rest, he guides me.” The provision of water is essential for life, especially for a flock in a dry and challenging land. A place of quiet waters (i.e., not rushing waters) would be a setting for the shepherd to water and wash the sheep, but it was also a place where he could clean and mend the wounds that the sheep sustained during the tumultuous journey.
-Dr. Michael G. McKelvey
Be reminded...
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2
We know this...
The ultimate place of rest for God’s people is God Himself.
God won’t force you to follow Him; He won’t force you to rest in Him. You must willingly follow Him to the place of rest and peace He has for you.
When you follow Your good shepherd, you find a more profound sense of rest and peace in Him. You will find greater satisfaction and fulfillment amid the chaos around you.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Hux
Friday, May 1st, 2020 - Pastor Eddie Leopard
Know God
Thursday, April 30th, 2020 - Pastor Bob Atwell
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 ESV
Most of us don’t like to be still for very long. I remember growing up, a term that we used for someone who couldn’t be still was - “they have ants in their pants.” Because of the pandemic, we are being made to slow down and be still.
What is the Psalmist saying in this verse? That phrase, ‘be still’ could be translated ‘to let go.’ We surrender in order to know that GOD is in control! When we put our faith and trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior we do just that. We let Him have our life, lock stock and barrel. We need to let go and let God work in our lives.
You see, when we surrender to the truth that God is totally in control of this world, then we will know God and find the peace that will deliver us from our fears. Know God and Trust God!
God please help us to let you have control of our lives knowing that you are ultimately in control of ALL things. Amen
Pastor Bob
Rainbows
Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 - Pastor Scott Shipes
Deuteronomy 31:16 - Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you
Have you ever looked up at the sky after a rainstorm and seen a rainbow? The first rainbow we hear about in scripture appears after the massive flood that covered the whole earth. Only Noah, his family, and two of every animal survived on Noah’s ark. It’s an incredible story! After the rain subsides and Noah and the others were able to leave the ark, the Bible teaches us that God put a rainbow in the sky to remind all of God’s people that He will never flood the earth again. This should be so comforting for us to know that God loves us enough to remind us every time it rains, that He loves us and is good to us.
The rainbow is just one of many ways that God reveals His goodness and grace to us. The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 31:16 that God will never leave or forsake us. Forsake means to abandon or turn your back on someone. Isn’t it awesome to know that God will never turn His back on you? How do you think it would feel to have God abandon you? Thankfully, because of God’s promise, we will never have to feel that way. God is there with open arms to love and care for you, no matter what! And when you look in the sky and see a rainbow, just remember that after the rain and storms of life come, God will always be there to dry every raindrop and teardrop, and place a beautiful, shining reminder in the sky that proves His grace and love to us.
Did you know that even though God will never turn His back on us, there is someone He did have to turn His back on? When Jesus was on the cross, He actually called out to God saying, “Why have you forsaken me?” In this moment, God had to turn His back briefly on Jesus. Jesus took all the sin and bad things in the world and put them on himself, to rescue us. And God cannot look on sin. So, God had to turn away so that Jesus could become sin for us, die on the cross, and save us from our sins. What an amazing gift! The best part of this story is that Jesus did not stay dead. He came back to life three days later, overcoming death and sin! That’s what makes Jesus our Savior. Jesus did what none of us could do—He fought a battle against sin and death—and won.
Pray, thanking God for the sacrifice of Jesus. And every time you see a rainbow, remember that because of Jesus, our shining reminder of God’s love, that He will never leave us or forsake us ever again.
Pastor Scott
God’s Purification
Wednesday April 22nd, 2020- Pastor Bob Atwell
“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 CSB
Have you ever watched a show where someone has mined gold? They heat ip the raw materials to get out all the impurities and the molten liquid they have left is pure gold. We are like that mined gold to God and He continues to work throughout our life to get out the impurities to make us into who He wants us to be.
Think back to when you were first saved. How was your Christian life? Were you mature in Jesus Christ? I doubt that. God began a “good work” in you through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ but that was only the beginning. Yet, the key to us maturing and growing in our faith depends on us allowing God to continue to work in our lives. You see we tend to allow God to work in our lives for a time and then pull back. But God wants to help us grow everyday of our lives. He knows who we can become but we have to be willing to allow Him to mold us into that person.
As believers we should never stop growing and becoming more like Jesus. During this pause in our regular lives, what better time to seek God out everyday and allow Him to burn out those impurities in our lives. Are you reading God’s Word everyday? Are you seeking His face in prayer each day? If the answer is No, then why not? We really don’t have any excuses during this time and should take full advantage of it so get with it!
God, help me to allow your Holy Spirit to search my heart and see where I need to allow you to purge out the impurities. Use this time to continue making me into the follower of Christ that you want me to be. Amen.
Pastor Bob
Enough
Tuesday April 21st, 2020- Pastor Scott Shipes
In Exodus 16:14–22, we read the story of how God sent manna to feed his people in the wilderness. This was bread from heaven (v.15), and it represented the grace of Jesus, the One who would come and be the true Bread from Heaven (John 6:41).
Manna was sweet and sufficient the people. We may have experienced bitterness in our life, maybe even right now with the COVID-19 situation, but Jesus gives you his grace.
The children of Israel needed to collect the manna every day. Weneed to receive the grace of God every day. We need collect God’s Word every day to help us rely on Him.
Manna was free. No one had to work for it. You didn’t have to go looking for it. It was just there at your doorstep. All you had to do was to go and pick it up and look up to heaven and say, “Thanks!” That’s how grace comes to you. You can’t work for the gift of Christ. God’s grace is free.
Manna was enough. Everyone received what they needed, and it was always enough. The grace of God will always be more than sufficient for your needs.
Some of the Children of Israel tried of find manna in their own way, with tragic consequences. It doesn’t work that way. We should not manifest grace as we want it. The consequences can be painful.
The Bread of Life is there for us every day, free, and always meets our needs. It’s what gives us true life. Jesus said that we need the bread of life every day. Are you making sure that you are receiving it daily? Your life depends on it.
Pastor Scott
What God Is Trying To Tell Us – Renew Your Spiritual Vitality (Hebrews 12:12-13)
Monday April 20th, 2020- Brother Steve Evans
“Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” NKJV
The purpose of making straight paths is that the lame may be healed – See Proverbs 4:25-27 – the idea is that circumstances should NOT get the best of the believer in Christ! Instead Christians endure, get a second wind, and compete in the race. We know we already have the victory in Christ!
Training, discipline, and correction are painful but not permanent. See Lam. 3:31-33. Those who have passed from them to the other side know God and His faithfulness in a way others cannot – See Isa. 32:17; Matt. 5:1-12. God’s chastening is the only sure way to obtain the peaceable fruit of righteousness.
Brother Steve
Complaining During This Time?
Friday April 17th, 2020 - Pastor Michael Hux
I found myself complaining a lot this time and I had to remind myself...
The cure for a complaining attitude does not start at my lips, it starts in my heart!
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.
Someone once said, I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.
Do everything without complaining and arguing Philippians 2:14
Where was Paul writing this letter from? Jail!
Your situation never gives you an excuse to complain.
Can I complain sometimes??
The Greek reads literally ''all things do", because all is placed first for emphasis = no exceptions!
We must deal with our complaining before it turns into arguing.
Arguing is complaining that has come to the surface.
There are two types of Christian those that whine and those that shine. Which one are you?
Can you imagine what kind of an impact the Apostle Paul would have had before the Guard if while in that Roman jail, they would have heard him say, “This jail stinks! The food is awful! The conditions are atrocious! These chains are killing me! I wish these negative Christians would stop visiting me! I’m being slandered unjustly! I hate to pray because God doesn’t answer anyway!”
Does complaining ever change the situation? No...
Every time you complain about your circumstances, you are really saying, “If I were God, I would do things differently.”
If we really believe Romans 8:28, then we have nothing to grumble about because God is going to use circumstances to bring about His purposes for us.
Think of the witness Paul had by not complaining even though he was in jail. Think of the impact he was having.
Instead of complaining about it, what can you do about it?
What are you projecting?
Lets project JOY!!
Lets count our BLESSINGS!
Praise more, complain less.
-Hux
The Riches of God
Thursday April 16th, 2020 - Pastor Bob Atwell
“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 CSB
The Bible is clear that as a Child of the King that our God will meet every need that we have. Remember back to when you were a child. Your parents worked very hard to provide and meet every need that you had. God, our Father, who loves us more than anyone will do the very same thing.
Now we have to understand that it is our needs that God provides for and not all our wants. When we are going through this situation where we are isolated, sometimes feeling alone remember that God is providing for all our needs that we may have. He will provide for our physical needs for sure. He will also provide for our emotional needs also. That is where we have to trust in Him and know that He is in control. He will not bring fear into our lives during these times but will give us peace if we only look to Him.
Think with me about the needs that you have in your life today. Have you called out to God to meet those in your life? If you are a Child of the King then why not? He is ready and waiting to meet them in your life.
Let’s also look for ways for God to use us to help meet the needs of those around us during the difficult time. Be the hands and feet of God to those around you.
God, thank you that you meet every need that we have. Help us to be open to you using us to share the love of God to others in a tangible way. Amen.
Pastor Bob
Pandemic Prescriptions
Wednesday April 15th, 2020 - Pastor Eddie Leopard
Please allow me to use this devotion as a preview for our upcoming sermon series.
In these uncertain days we experience a myriad of emotions and need God’s heavenly prescriptions to deal with them. Where do you need God’s intervention? Perseverance, patience, fear, worry, loneliness or any other area?
Again, during these times of uncertainty one thing is certain, God is in control. He cares about you and He will receive glory. His prescriptions are found in His word and He delivers them through the power of His Holy Spirit.
Join us on Sundays at 10am for “Drive In” church or online at 11:00. Our Great Physician has a prescription just for us.
Pastor Eddie
Burst of Praise
Tuesday April 14th, 2020 - Pastor Scott Shipes
Paul’s main prayer for the Christians at Ephesus is that they would know Christ’s love for them. He did not mean that they should know Christ’s love in their heads but in their hearts. Paul feels so strongly about this request that he gives it a three-fold emphasis:
“Being rooted and grounded in love”
“To comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth”
“And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge”
It seems like Paul does not have the words to express how deeply he feels about this request. These believers simply must know how much Christ loves them.
Why? Why is this so important?
Well, God’s love for us is the most important thing in our lives. If we do not feel loved by God, then we will not love God back. At best, we will have a religious duty, but we will not have a love affair with Jesus. We will not fulfill the first commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37). If we do not feel loved by God, we will not trust him, not for the big things and some of the small things. If we do not feel loved by God, we will not obey God. We’ll obey the easy commands, the ones we would do anyway, but not the hard ones. We won’t obey God because we don’t believe that he has our best interests at heart.We will seek what is right in our eyes and not is righteous to God’s heart.
Every aspect of the spiritual life hinges on the love of God for us. If we do not know, in the deepest places of our soul, that our God loves us so much, then we will not love him, trust him, obey him, serve him, enjoy him, worship him, rest in him, or seek him.
This is the foundation of the spiritual life. Nothing is more important.
No wonder Paul’s greatest prayer focuses on Christ’s love for us. No wonder Paul places such inordinate emphasis on this love that he wants others to know the “breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.”
Make this prayer today: “O Lord, may we know how much you love us.”
Pastor Scott
If I Had Only
Monday April 13th, 2020 - Brother Steve Evans
13 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.II Chronicles 7:13-15 NIV
There are two points to my devotion today, and they are:
1. The word “IF” required action from the Israelites.
2. The “THEN” part of God’s promise required action on his part.
How many of us have said, “If I had only…”
•If I had only listened to my parents…
•If I had only paid more attention…
•If I had only worked harder in school…
•If I had only saved earlier in life…
•If I had only been more careful…
The first requirement on the checklist was for them to humble themselves.
The second requirement was to pray. “If my people who are called by my name will humbles themselves and pray…” Humility in prayer is what gets God’s attention.
The next requirement was to seek God’s face. “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face…”
The next requirement was to turn from wicked ways. “If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways,”
Second, THE “THEN” PART OF GOD’S PROMISE REQUIRED ACTION ON HIS PART.
Followed by the if, which requires action on our part, comes the then, in which God obligated himself to act on his part.
SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 7:14 “…then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Don’t we need God’s healing on our country today? I’m glad to be an American. What a privilege to grow up and live in this land. But, we need national healing.
: In Solomon’s time, God gave a conditional promise to an entire nation, and I believe he will keep his promise to any nation in the world who puts him first.
Let’s look at Verse 15. “ Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.”
God’s word to Solomon was clear, and if the people did not do what he required, then his eyes and ears would be closed to the prayers of people.
Bro. Steve
Good Friday!
Friday April 10th, 2020 - Pastor Michael Hux
What makes Friday so GOOD?
Let me tell you WHY!
JESUS PAID IT ALL! IT IS FINISHED!
On the cross, Jesus FINISHED what we COULDN'T.
Friday is GOOD because LOVE pursued you to the grave!
You can't celebrate a Resurrection without suffering a Crucifixion. -Lecrae
"The cross tells us everything we need to know about Jesus!
Jesus joins our suffering. Jesus knows our brokenness. Jesus forgives." -Carlos Rodriguez
The cross is bigger than your mistakes, bigger than your regrets, bigger than the secrets you hold. The cross stands above it all! -Nicky Gumbel
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor. 5:21 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 Jesus took our hell, so that we ay share in His heaven. Thats why billion of Christians around the world, call this Friday, "good." -Adam Ramsey
SUNDAY is COMING!!!
Hux
Resurrection of Hope (Luke 24:1-6 CSB)
Thursday April 9th, 2020 - Pastor Bob Atwell
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but he has risen! “ Luke 24:1-6 CSB
In times like these, it is easy to loose hope. Days drag into weeks and sometimes it seems like this will never end. But the reality is, it will end. And when it does, we can know that God was with us through it all.
As we reflect on Easter, we can celebrate our risen Lord. We don’t serve a King who is dead but alive, and who rose on the third day! We have this hope that the world doesn’t have. We need to be ready and willing to share the good news, that Jesus is alive and well! In the middle of this difficult times we can trust and depend on Him!
Glory to God He is risen! He is risen indeed!
God help us to take our eyes off our circumstances and put them on you. God you never change, you never fail us and we can always put our hope and faith in you! Amen
Pastor Bob
Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 - Pastor Eddie Leopard
At the very moment Jesus died on the cross the curtain of the temple was torn in two. The very hand of God tore the curtain from top to bottom. There is always a deeper meaning with these “acts of God.” What this signified was that the barrier between us and God had been removed. Until the death of Jesus on the cross, only the High Priest could cross the barrier of the curtain to enter into the presence of God in order to make sacrifices one time a year. But, sacrifice had to be made every year.
When Jesus died, He became the perfect all sufficient sacrifice for sin. No more sacrifices. Jesus is now our High Priest and through Him we have access to God. Thus, through His death, the curtain that separates us from God has been torn and we have access to God. Thus, through His death, the curtain that separates us from God has been torn and we have direct access to God. Jesus removes the barriers!
Pastor Eddie
Is the Easter Story Real?
Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 - Pastor Scott Shipes
Easter is more than a story. It’s history. Because history is about real people, places, and things, which are exactly what we find in John’s gospel. Just look at the real people from real places that we meet on the day Jesus rose from the dead
First, there’s Mary from the town of Magdala. Then there’s Peter, a fisherman from Bethsaida, six miles northeast of Capernaum, who was courageous (and impulsive) enough to sprint straight into the tomb, even though grave robbers were rumored to have snatched Jesus’ body. And then there’s John—the “other disciple.” John must have been one of those quiet competitive types, because he later mentions how he whooped Peter in the first Easter 5k and made it to the tomb first. Mary, Peter, and John were real people.
Which is really good news! It means that Easter was about real people back then and is for real people even now. Real people like you and me who find joy in talking today to the living Jesus and who will one day run through our own tombs into eternal life. Thank God that Easter is history, a real event that really blesses real people!
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is believed by most scholars to mark the actual tomb of Jesus. This church was built in the 12th century a.d. on top of the ruins of the original church, built around a.d. 326 by Roman Emperor Constantine. Why did Constantine pick this particular spot in Jerusalem? Because that’s where Emperor Hadrian built a pagan temple to his gods around a.d. 135. And why did Hadrian build his temple in that spot? Because he wanted to cover up the very location where Christians claimed that their God, Jesus, defeated death.
I love that history. It points to the real place back then where Easter happened and the real places today where Easter is still happening. As Jesus later put it, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Just like Jesus appeared in a real place to Mary, Peter, and John, he also is really presentwhere we spend the minutes and seconds of our days. We are never alone in our homes, offices, or morning commutes. The Jesus who defeated death is present to offer us eternal life.
Today, take some time to acknowledge the presence of Jesus in your personal space. And thank God that Easter is more than another story. Easter is history!
Pastor Scott
Do we really have it that hard? (1 Peter 12-13)
Monday, April 6th, 2020 - Brother Steve Evans
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake in Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” I Peter 12-13 NKJV
As I watch the news in the past few weeks I hear of people feeling very put- upon as if they are just not going to make it. It occurred to me much should be made of how we react to the virus and the like. Call it our true attitude in affliction. How many died from the tornado that blew through the Nashville area just a few weeks ago? Even though we’ve only seen a little discomfort how much have we really been put out compared to the first century Christians. Paul says living for Christ will most certainly bring persecution and that we are to expect it. After all “the servant is not greater than the master.”
Just remember: Contentment is all about perspective.
Paul learned the true meaning of contentment. He learned the secret, he says. What exactly is the secret? I believe the secret of contentment has to be realizing that if we are obedient to the Lord, we can rely on him for everything. All situations are temporary, everything will pass, and this life is only preparation for the next.
If we really embraced that, it would give us a different perspective on things.
Brother Steve
How do we STAY UP during this time?? (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Friday, April 3rd, 2020 - Pastor Michael Hux
It’s so easy to get down during this time!
How do we keep our spirits up?
Paul tells us how in 1 Thess. 5:16-18
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1) Be PRAISED UP! (v. 16)
Rejoice!!! Every day we have a reason to rejoice!
Start your day off with worship!
Start your day off praising God for all He has done in your life! Praise Him for saving you!
Take 5min praise breaks all throughout your day. We must rejoice always!
2) Be PRAYED UP! (v. 17)
Start your day off by going to the Lord in prayer! Talk to Him first. Everything that you are worried about give it to Him.
We must keep the phone off the hook and pray continually. We must stay in touch with God all day!
We must spend time alone with Him each!
3) Be THANKED UP! (v. 18)
Start your day off with counting your blessings! Take time to THANK God for how He has provided for you!
Paul says give thanks in all CIRCUMSTANCES. Even with Covid-19 going on right now we still have a reason to give thanks!
Thank Him for a roof over your head, food in the fridge, the ability to see and so much more!
Our lives would drastically change if we started our days by being PRAISED up, PRAYED up, and THANKED up!
-Hux
Mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Thursday, April 2nd - Pastor Bob Atwell
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by Grace!” Ephesians 2:4-5 CSB
Do you have much mercy? Some people have tremendous mercy while other might have very little in how they deal with others. Aren’t you glad that God, our Father was rich in mercy toward us. I sure am, because I know that as a human being that I have so much potential to disobey God and sin. Yet even as we are dead in that sin, God extended His hand with unbelievable mercy and grace through His Son Jesus to provide a way of redemption. Wow, that is amazing! There is nothing we can do to earn our salvation, it is given to us as a free gift by God. Let’s remember all that God has given to us as His children as we move through these days of the unknown. Remember that God loves you and I so much and continues to show that mercy and grace to each one of us!
God help us to never take for granted the unbelievable mercy and grace that you have showed to each one of us through your Son Jesus. During these uncertain days help us to realize how much You love us and have always cared for us. Amen
Pastor Bob
Certainty in the Midst of Uncertainty (James 4:13-14)
Thursday, April 1st - Pastor Eddie Leopard
We know these are uncertain days. However, we know one thing is certain. “God is in control and God will be glorified” The words of James are so true. We plan for tomorrow, but we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Proverbs 27:1 says, “Don’t boast about tomorrow because we don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
James also says that life is short. Much like vapor, it’s here for a short period of time and then it is gone. No matter how long a person lives on this earth, it’s a short time compared to eternity. I’m praying during these days that not only healing comes and the coronavirus cured, but also these verses would become a reality and that people would turn to Jesus and revival would come to this nation and world.
Pastor Eddie
Out of the Mess I Rise (Romans 8:35)
Tuesday, March 31st - Pastor Scott Shipes
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:35
God does not keep us immune from trouble; He does promise, “I will be with you in times of trouble…” Psalm 91:15. It does not matter how real or intense the trouble may be; nothing can never separate us from our relationship with God. “In all these things, we are more than conquerors…” Roman 8:37. Paul was not referring here to imaginary things, but to the things that are dangerously real. Paul said we are “more”, we are super-victors” in the middle of all the trials, not because we are smart, not because of our courage, because none of these should affect our relationship with God in Jesus Christ and our walk with Him.
Shall tribulation …?” Tribulation is never a welcomed event in anyone’s life; but whatever it may be – no matter how exhausting, irritating, or simply causing some weakness – it is not able to separate us from the love of Christ.” Never allow trials and tribulations or the cares of this world separate us from remembering that God loves us, Matthew 13:22.
“Shall … distress?” Can God’s love continue to hold fast, even when everyone and everything around us seems to be saying that His love is a lie, and that there is no such thing as justice.
“Shall … famine?” Can we not only believe in the love of God but also be “more than conquerors,” even while we are hungry, forced to do without, or separated from our friends and loved ones?
Jesus Christ is not a deceiver, when some extraordinary thing happens to someone who holds on to the love of God when the odds are totally against him, He is with them. Human logic is silenced in the face of each of these things which comes against during this time. Only one thing can account for it – the love of God in Christ Jesus. We should not sit in fear but stand and walk as conquerors. “Out of the wreck I rise” every time.
Pastor Scott
Freedom While In Chains (Philippians 1:18-20)
Monday, March 30th, 2020 - Brother Steve Evans
During this time you may feel in a prison of sorts, but consider Paul who really was in prison. Consider how Paul handled his confinement and sharing his hope in Jesus.
“Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death.” NIV
Paul trusted God for his liberation – It would probably take a crisis for each of us to get to the point where we are totally dependent on God to be our liberator. Most of us are looking for something YET to happen…. The next big thing.
• “If I can just get this bunch of bills behind me, then I’ll be free.”
• “If I can just get a positive result from my lab work…”
• “If that person will come through for me like they said they would…”
• “If I can just get a good income tax refund check…”
• “If I can make it through this corona virus scare….”
Here’s what happens when we are looking to be liberated by things like that: they will never liberate us.
There will always be another hurdle. Once that one is jumped, then there is another.
Paul knew that God was his liberator. “Your prayers and God will liberate me”
Interestingly enough, Paul quoted Job 13:16 word - for - word, “This will turn out for my deliverance.”
Just remember this verse from “Stand Up For Jesus” - “Stand in His strength alone: The arm of flesh will fail you, Yedare not trust your own.”
Do not trust people to be your liberator, or your own plans. If it takes crisis after crisis for us to trust God alone to be our liberator, then that’s what has to happen! We are already conquerors in Christ Jesus.
- Brother Steve
Will This Ever End? (Genesis 8:6)
Friday, March 27th, 2020 - Pastor Michael Hux
We might be asking ourselves this question in the middle of everything going on right now and the answer is yes.
Remind yourself, “Storms are TEMPORARY but our GOD is ETERNAL!”
Storms don’t last forever. Seasons of life don’t last forever.
Even the flood ended!
It’s says in Genesis 8:6 “And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:”
It CAME TO PASS!!
All this will soon come to PASS!
Some things in life aren’t here to STAY but here to PASS!
Be encouraged! This season we are in will end!
But make the most of each season you are in! Journal. Take time to write down all that God is doing during this season.
Cherish the time with your loved ones! Create moments! Keep seeking God first!
Create new habits and rhythms in your family that you can incorporate when CO-VID19 ends.
God is faithful! Don’t give up!
-Hux
God’s Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7 CSB)
Thursday, March 26th, 2020 - Pastor Bob Atwell
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7. CSB
Times like these can engulf us in fear. There is so much unknown and so many of us like to know exactly what we are doing from day to day and minute to minute. What we have to remember is that God is ultimately in control, but more importantly, as a Child of the King we have His Spirit in us! If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then the Holy Spirit lives within you. Because we have the Holy Spirit in our lives then we can have power, love, and wisdom in our lives. That is good news! We can’t let the uncertainty of things rule our lives but we must put our trust totally in God living within us to empower us to allow His love and wisdom to guide us in these difficult days.
God allow us to trust wholly in You and not let the Devil use fear to pull us down during these days of uncertainty. Help us to stand on Your power, love, and wisdom as we live each day. Amen
Pastor Bob
The Darkest Valley (Psalm 23:4)
Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 - Pastor Eddie Leopard
“Even though I go through the darkest valley.” The words of the Psalmist rings true in our day. One thing we know about valleys is that they are certain. That’s life and life can sometimes be filled with valleys. Valleys often come suddenly, unexpectedly so we are not prepared for them. Also, no one is immune from the valleys of life. Valleys are impartial. The Bible say that it rains on the just and unjust, young and old, rich and poor, male and female, whatever race, creed or nationality. We are certainly in a worldwide valley.
Oh, but please don’t miss this. Valleys are temporary. They don’t last. They come to pass. David said “I walk through the valley.” We don’t stay there! It’s something we go through! Friends, we will get through this. Keep your eyes on Jesus! He’s got this and He has you!
Pastor Eddie
The Never-Forsaking God (Hebrews 13:5)
Tuesday, March 24th, 2020 - Pastor Scott Shipes
“He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5
What line of thinking do our thoughts take us? Do I turn to what God says or to my own fears? Am I simply repeating what God says, or am I learning to truly hear Him and then to respond after I have said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”
“I will never leave you …” – not for any reason; not my sin, selfishness, stubbornness, nor waywardness. Have I really let God say to me that He will never leave me? If I have not truly heard this assurance of God, then let me listen again.
“I will never … forsake you.” Sometimes it is not the difficulty of life but the drudgery of it that makes me think God will forsake me. When there is no major difficulty to overcome, no vision from God, nothing wonderful or beautiful – just the everyday activities of life – do I hear God’s assurance even in these? During this time of extraordinary and unprecedented events, do I flip-flop from drudgery of the same old thing to everyday is a new challenge and still not hear God’s assurance?
We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing – that He preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment. If we have God’s assurance behind us, the most amazing strength comes ours, and we learn to sing glorifying Him in the ordinary days and extraordinary ways of life.
Pastor Scott
Some Good News (1 Peter 5:8-10)
Monday, March 23rd- Brother Steve Evans
1 Peter 5: 8-10 promises God will make us strong, firm and steadfast against the ploys of Satan: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you." KJV
You CAN detect Satan's schemes and overcome his world system!
You CAN live with victory over the desire of your flesh. Habits, attitudes, desires, worries, and dissipation-(wasteful indulgence) must yield as you exercise authority over your mind, emotions, and will!
You CAN actually put Satan and his demons to flight. You don't have to be afraid of him - he will be afraid of you - (or more importantly, Christ in you!)
Satan wants to keep you in the dark - he wants you defeated - Jesus overcame death, hell, and the grave, why should we feel defeated?
Resist the devil and he will flee - hold fast to the Word, The Living Word! You can be an overcomer even in this current climate of fear!
Pray that God will help us focus on how to minister in this time of uncertainty.
-Brother Steve
Don’t Worry, Trust God
Friday, March 20th - Pastor Michael Hux
In the midst of uncertainty, in the midst of the unknown, and in the midst of tough times we can trust God. God knows what’s going on in your life. He is in control and still on the throne!
Worry is playing God. It’s assuming responsibility for something that God has said he will take care of.
–Rick Warren
Look to Him. Fix your eyes on Him! Realize where your help comes from!
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
God has always been faithful and will continue to be faithful!
Whenever you might begin to doubt God, remind yourself of His faithfulness to you!
“Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8
God is a promise MAKER, and a promise KEEPER.
God says, “I’m your heavenly Father; you’re my child. I’m going to take care of your needs.”
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 (NL
Always remember…
Worry leads to Stress, Trust in God leads to Rest
Take 5min and listen to “Always” by Kristian Stanfill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb4VvNq8WEM
Believe these lyrics…
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true!
My God will come through always, always
-Hux
Glorify God (1 Peter 4:11 CSB)
Thursday, March 19th - Pastor Bob Atwell
“If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s Word’s; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.” 1 Peter 4:11 CSB
As we go through days of uncertainty in the near future it is important for us as believers to realize that God will give us opportunity to be light to the world around us. The world is uncertain about what is happening around them and as believers we know in who we put our trust through Jesus Christ. We will be able to speak words of encouragement, peace, and hope in Jesus’ name. We might also be able to serve those around us, whether it be a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, or a family member. We need to be prepared to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In responding this way to this time, we can glorify God through our speech and our actions!
God help us to have spiritual eyes open to those around us and allow You to use us to minister and reach out to others in Jesus’ name. Amen
Pastor Bob
God Is Our Refuge (Psalm 46:1-3)
Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 - Pastor Eddie Leopard
God is our refuge. In uncertain times one thing is for certain, God is our refuge, our strength and our helper. He is always found in our times of trouble. Therefore, we will not be afraid. In our journey through Mark’s gospel on Sunday mornings, I have noticed that those words come up time and time again, “fear not, have faith.” “Don’t be afraid, believe!” We were looking at those words before the Coronavirus and now this makes more sense. It was like God was preparing us in advance. The truth is, some of you have much more to be afraid of than the Coronavirus or a tanking of the stock market. The Word of God is for you. Claim it, stand on it. Verse 1 says God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not be afraid!
Pastor Eddie
Seek (Jeremiah 29:13 CSB)
Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 - Pastor Scott Shipes
“You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 CSB
To seek and find God is to have a desire to find Him and have and encounter with Him. God is not hidden from us when we seek Him. We do not suffer in darkness because God can not be found. He is there to search us to reveal we are part of His plan for our future and hope. When I seek God, I see that He not only thinks of me, but He thinks toward me, He always drifts towards me. This way of thinking is what made a king out of a shepherd, kept God’s people through the exile, and brought a baby to a cross.
I am praying through this season to seek God in all things and that He will search my heart for things that prevent me from drifting towards Him.
Pastor Scott
