March 22, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Psalm 127:3

Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from Him.

Read 1 Samuel Chapters 1-2

The Gift of Being a Mom

I feel my children are a gift from God.  I have been so blessed by them throughout my life.  To keep a happy family, you have to support, encourage and love them.  Family time is so important to me.  We love to eat, laugh and have fun together and we do it often.

When they lost their dad (at a very young age), I did my best to take good care of them.  When they lost their stepdad - they took good care of me!  What a reward and blessing.  There is no doubt about it, children are a gift from God and everyday, as a mom, they bring a new lesson in love.

Prayer Starter

Dear Bringer of Life –
I love being a mom. Thank you for my children.
Help me to model Your love to them and teach them about You by the way I live my life before them.

- Shirley Blomquist

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March 21, 2010 by Worship Director.

True Freedom

It’s in the constitution, in the pledge, in songs, people fight for it, and we all want to be free from slavery, poverty and ignorance. And with all’s that is going on today with the political wars, individual rights may be an afterthought. But the scripture tells us that there is another kind of freedom - freedom from the power of sin, a freedom to know and serve God. Some of the early Jews thought it was a birthright. Instead, true freedom comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. There is a liberation from enslavement to sin and death.

I guess we have all struggled with sin and the feeling of oppression in our lives. All we need to do is to “hold to his teachings” through the power of the Holy Spirit and become His true disciples in thought, word and deed.

  - Charlie Schnabel

Consider Prayer

On Easter Sunday 2007 it was estimated that 2 billion Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Christians read, recited, or sang the Lord’s Prayer in hundreds of languages. Although many theological differences and various modes and manners of worship divide Christians, according to Fuller Seminary professor Clayton Schmit “there is a sense of solidarity in knowing that Christians around the globe are praying together…, and these words always unite us.

 Americans and Prayer

 88% of Americans Pray
82% believe in the healing power of prayer
78% say prayer is an important part of daily life
63% pray often
25% pray occasionally
65% believe they have had specific prayers answered
79% say praying speeds recovery

- (C) 2009 Barna Research Group

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March 20, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:     Mark 9: 23-24

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’

Read Mark Chapter 9

I Believe!

I believe in God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; the Word of God, the miracles and the offer of eternal life.  I know forgiveness, grace, and mercy because I believe.  I’m sure all things are possible to him who believes.

And yet I pray, like the father of the child, for Jesus to answer my prayer for more faith – to help my unbelief!  It’s a very human prayer, and I’m relieved to know that God understands, and, in His Word, offers a model of how to pray for help with our unbelief.  It’s a pretty simple prayer for a pretty wonderful thing.

Prayer Starter

Start with the Lord’s prayer today.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come, Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven 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

- Matthew 6:9-13

- Linda Wilkins

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March 19, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Lamentations 3:25

The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him

Read Psalm 105

Distracted Driving

When we’re driving, sometimes the monotony causes us to dive into deep thought and drive mindlessly. This can have serious consequences. Our everyday lives can also be monotonous and sin can easily set its own course. We often don’t realize its destination until it’s too late.

What’s the answer? Just what happens when we make ourselves focus and drive. Likewise, focus on the Lord. When seeking to glorify our Lord though studies, prayers, thoughts and fellowship, sin has less chance of wrecking our lives. You’re in the drivers seat. It’s up to you where your focus will be along your daily route.

Prayer Starter

Dear Father –
Be my driver, take the wheel, and bring me safely home.

- Ann Reilley

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March 18, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    John 14:6

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one can come to the Father except through me.

Read James Chapter 1

The Truth

Jesus said, “I am … the Life.” When I was a young person a popular expression was, “I have to find myself.” The young people were saying that who I am right now is not the real me, I have to look elsewhere to see what really fits me. Christ says that He IS LIFE! In Him we find who we really are; the real and abundant life that He came to impart. The problem is that there has to be an exchange, His life for ours. The apostle Paul had it right when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” (Gal. 2:20a, NIV).

If we are to find true contentment in life, we must recognize that this life now belongs to Christ and the old “me” in reality has been crucified with Him. That means I’m not the one calling the shots anymore, Christ is. My responsibility is to surrender and allow Christ to manifest His love, His attitudes…HIS LIFE in me and through me. Could anyone ever ask for a more fulfilling LIFE?

Prayer Starter

Dear Giver of Life –
You came to give me ABUNDANT life and I accept Your gracious gift.

- Rev. Paul Jones, Missionary to Bolivia

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March 17, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Esther 4:14    And who knows but that you have come to this position for such a time as this?

The man who came to be known as St. Patrick, was the son of a high Roman officer stationed in Britain.  He knew the life of privilege and wealth.  As a teenager, however, he was captured and sold into slavery to a Chieftain and Druid high priest in Ireland.  For six years, Patrick tended his master’s sheep, but he also used that time to learn to speak the Celtic language perfectly and to understand the details of Druidism (the pagan religion of the Irish people).  In this seemingly terrible situation, God was preparing Patrick for a great mission.

At age 22, Patrick escaped and returned to Britain where he began to study at a monastery so he could learn more about the God that had been with him during so many lonely nights, so far from home.  It was then that he knew God wanted him to take the Good News of Christ to Ireland, to the very people who had enslaved him.  And so he went…the rest is history.

In the worst of times, the loneliest moments, Patrick listened and learned so that, when the tide turned, he was ready to fulfill God’s plan for his life.  When our days are hard or lonely – recognize it as a time to listen and learn.  God has a mission for you too.

- Sue Breland

Prayer starter:

Dear Heavenly Father,
help me listen and learn even in times of despair.
I don’t want to miss a thing.

 St. Patrick’s Prayer

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun, Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me.
Afar and anear,alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of Creation.

- Source: Traditional

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March 17, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Psalm 126:2

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

Read Psalms 126-128

A Dose of Discernment

Many people will search the bible in hopes of quick answers. Though growing in the knowledge of God is an awesome experience during these times, discernment must also be in place. There’s a story of a man who was searching the bible verses for direct answers. He came across Genesis 4:8. He read, ”And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” Shocked, he quickly flipped over to Luke 10:37 and read, “Go and do likewise.”

Truly, a happy heart seeking God, His way for you and your willingness reaps plenty of rewards. Psalm 37:4 has a grand promise: “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Here are two verses that you can safely flip pages: Psalm 46:10 to Matthew 28:20

Prayer Starter

Dear God of Discernment –
Help me know the difference between my will and Your will for me.

- Ann Reilley

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March 16, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Luke 2:30

For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people. 

Read Luke Chapter 2

The Joy of Worshiping God

In the 2nd chapter of Luke we find the moving story of Simeon. He was a godly man who longed to see God’s glory displayed on earth. (v.32). Simeon had been assured by the spirit of God that he would not die before seeing God’s son, Jesus.  What a great privilege was given to this man as this revelation came to pass. Simeon held Jesus in his arms and praised God for the Savior of the world - the Messiah, the Prince of peace, the Great I am, the bright and morning star, and Lord of all.

When we consider the greatness of His salvation and its working in our life, we can only lift our hands and praise Him. We have been given a purpose and meaning in this life and an eternal future in Heaven with God and His Son Jesus. We too can say, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.”  He came to redeem us and set our souls free. He did not deserve the punishment He endured, but He did it all for the love He has for you and for me. Let your heart worship Him today and let your life radiate joy and enthusiasm so that others too will experience the joy of His salvation.

Prayer Starter

Lord - We acknowledge Your Son Jesus as He who takes away our sins and gives us eternal life.
Thank you for Your mercy and grace. Daily, Lord, teach us Your ways.

- Melba Davila

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March 15, 2010 by Worship Director.

By David Farlow

With more than half a million dollars in donations received and the on-site assessments completed, Church of God Ministries (CGM) calls for individuals and congregations to sign up for work teams to go to Haiti as part of the relief and recovery operations. These teams will provide the labor force to work side by side with the Haitian people to complete the projects identified in phase two of the strategic response plan developed by the Disaster Relief Committee (DRC).

Opportunities for work teams begin in May. Each team will be made up of approximately twelve people who have basic construction skills and are capable of living in an austere environment for the seven-day duration of the trip. The cost per person is $200 a week, which includes all meals, housing, and in-country transportation. Individuals will be responsible for the cost of their transportation to and from Haiti.

Those interested in learning more or arranging for a work trip to Haiti should contact Church of God Ministries and ask for Ruben Schwieger, who is coordinating the scheduling of work teams. He can be reached by phone at 765-648-2207 or toll free at 800-848-2464, ext. 2207, or by e-mail at RSchwieger@chog.org.

Read about The Plan for Haiti

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March 15, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Joshua 4:20-22

And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.  And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then you shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. 

Read Joshua Chapter 4

Stones of Remembrance

As Joshua began to lead the people of Israel to possess the land of Caanan, there were many challenges.  God did not just give them the land, they had to go in and possess it.  The people must pass over the Jordan River to begin this conquest.  God told Joshua to tell the priests who carried the ark of the covenant to lead the people over Jordan.  As soon as the soles of the priests’ feet touched the water,  the waters were held back so that the people could cross over on dry land.  Joshua selected twelve men (one from each of the twelve tribes) to bring a stone from the place that the priests stood on dry land in the midst of the river.  Those twelve stones became a reminder of God’s mighty power and presence among His people.

I love special days, especially those associated with Christmas, Palm Sunday and Easter when we decorate the church, have special music and programming.  To me,  like those stones so long ago, these special days are an opportunity to remind our children of God’s  promises to each generation.

Prayer Starter

O God of Days –
May everyday be made special by remembering You and Your blessings to me.

- Fae Jones

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