God of Strength

Loving God, full of strength and wisdom, ready to answer our prayers of hope. Thank you for always being there waiting to bless Your children. You are the source of all that is good. Thank for the opportunities You give us to show Your unfailing love to others. May we be aware of Your presence and the "Divine appointments" You have for us each day. May we say yes to Your Spirits prompting and step out in faith, being Your light bearers in a world that is in so much need of light. Show us whom You would have us serve each day and may we have the eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that is open and pliable for You. May we be Your hands, feet, voice and love in the world.

God of Hope

God of Hope and Peace, full of compassion and healing, I pray for the gates of Heaven to be open and Your hope, peace healing and grace would pour down from Heaven upon Your people and Your land. We are thirst for Your showers of mercy to rain upon us...renewing us...redeeming us...flowing upon the dry parched land of our souls. We pray for Your grace to forgive those who trespass against us so that we too will be forgiven. Forgive us, we pray, for those times when we have ignored Your nudging to forgive others and hold onto anger and bitterness. Forgive us, we pray, for those times when we should have shown mercy but have taken on "self-righteousness". Help us to set aside our differences and our agendas and see each other as beloved children of the Most High God in order to understand and believe that everyone is of Sacred Worth to You. May we bring wholeness and healing, hope and peace, joy and healing, mercy and grace. Help us to be Your hands, feet, face, voice and grace to a world full of despair and chaos...

God of Christmas

God of Christmas, full of love and forgiveness, where true joy and hope are found, thank you for the ultimate Christmas gift that keeps on giving, the gift of that first Christmas when You became flesh and walked among us. May we accept that gift and not only accept it but open it each new day instead of leaving it on the shelf for the tomorrow that never comes. May we not be selfish and keep the gift to ourselves but share it with abandonment with those around us. May we help them to open and share Your gift of love that poured down from heaven in the form of a baby that was laid in a manger...a feeding trough...who became the Bread of life...eternal life with You. May the Bethlehem Star shine bright within us as we strive to live as Advent people each and every day of our faith walk with You. Amen

God of Peace

God of Peace, on this Sunday of Advent we are reminded of the Peace that You give all who believe. Thank you that even though the world around us is in chaos, You still offer that peace that goes beyond understanding. Thank you that that our Risen Lord Jesus taught us how to live in peace with one another. Oh, if we would just learn that lesson there would truly be a "Peaceable Kingdom" here on earth. May this Advent be one that we, as humanity, would embrace that peace and treat each other a little kinder, with more compassion and hope. May we, as humanity, learn that vital lesson that Jesus taught...everything and everyone is of sacred worth. You are our hope, our peace, our joy and our love. In You there is no fear of rejection...no fear of worthlessness, no fear at all for Your love and compassion casts out all fear... May we be at peace within our Spirit so that we may reach out to those in need of Your saving grace. May we be Your light bearers of change...of hope...and of peace...

God of Advent

Forever God of Advent, full of hope, peace, joy and love. Thank you that You loved humanity so much that You came down in a form that we would understand...the form of a human child...and taught us how You want us to live. Forgive us for those times that we forget the true meaning of this season. You are not found in the noise and confusion, You are not found in the tinsel and garland, You are not found in business of the season, You are found in the quiet, still, small voice of our hearts. Thank you for the most precious gift of Yourself found in our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. May we share the perfect gift of the season, You, with all those who live in darkness. May we be light bearers  for the world that still is in need of light for it's eyes.

Lord...You Are

God of my life, giver of all that is good, my Refuge and Rock, thank you for Your ever present love for me. Thank you that I never need to fear in my life because my life itself is in Your hands. May I trust and love You with abandon as I step out in faith and follow where You lead me. May I "free fall" for You so that I may soar on wings as eagles. As I take that "leap of faith" with You each and every moment of my days, I am so blessed by You. You will never let my foot slip as I take each step on the awesome journey You have orchestrated for my life. Help me in my times that I may doubt...strengthen me in those times when I feel I can't take another step...lead me into life eternal as we dance the dance of faith, hope, love and joy together. You truly are the music of my life...the song in my heart...You are the Lord of my dance...

One People Under God...Indivisible...With Liberty and Justice For All

Ephesians 2:11-22 Common English Bible (CEB)

The reconciliation of God’s people
11 So remember that once you were Gentiles by physical descent, who were called “uncircumcised” by Jews who are physically circumcised. 12 At that time you were without Christ. You were aliens rather than citizens of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of God’s promise. In this world you had no hope and no God. 13 But now, thanks to Christ Jesus, you who once were so far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 Christ is our peace. He made both Jews and Gentiles into one group. With his body, he broke down the barrier of hatred that divided us. 15 He canceled the detailed rules of the Law so that he could create one new person out of the two groups, making peace. 16 He reconciled them both as one body to God by the cross, which ended the hostility to God.

17 When he came, he announced the good news of peace to you who were far away from God and to those who were near. 18 We both have access to the Father through Christ by the one Spirit. 19 So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household. 20 As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. 21 The whole building is joined together in him, and it grows up into a temple that is dedicated to the Lord. 22 Christ is building you into a place where God lives through the Spirit.

Loving God, full of wisdom and insight, full of mercy and grace. Forgive us Lord when we let our differences get in the way of our work for Your Kingdom here on earth. At times we seem to concentrate more our "rules" instead of the Law of Love You have given us. Help us, I pray, to set aside our differences and to come together as one body of and in Christ. Help us to break down those barriers that we have put up that separate us from each other. May we truly become the hands...the feet...the face...the voice...of Christ in the world as we stand together in brotherly and sisterly love.

The GPS of my Soul

Loving God, full of grace and mercy. Thank you that You are always with me. Even in those "dark night's of the soul" You are there to comfort me and bring me into Your light. Thank you that You are my guide who leads the way even in the darkest of desert places. Thank you that I never walk alone. Lead me out of the darkness and into the light of Your love those times when I can't seem to see the dawn. Show me the way to Your heart. Thank you that You are the GPS of my life...

Faithful God

Gracious God, You are the Living God who stands firm forever and ever. Your Kingship and Kingdom know no end. You are the Rescuer and Savior of Your faithful ones...performing signs and miracles for all to see. You are faithful, Faithful God...
(Daniel 6:25-27)

Bringer of Peace

All Powerful, Compassionate God, the One who saves me and is with me through anything I may go through. You are with me when I am in the calm and when the storm arises on my sea of faith. You are the ever present help even when I do not perceive You in the midst of the chaos. Forgive me for those times when, like the disciples, I am asking You if You care as I go through "the valley of the shadow of death." Thank you that You are my resting place and there is nothing that can take me away from Your ever present love. I love you and I need You. Thank you for calming my Spirit when the storm clouds rise and the seas become rough. You are my Rock of strength and hope.

A Sheep of Your Flock

Compassionate and protecting Jesus...the One who Shepherds me daily. Thank you that when I wander You will leave the others and search for me until I am found. I love to hear Your voice of compassion and hope. Lead me this day out of the pasture of rest into the world where I may lead others to Your loving arms of peace. Use me in this world so that others may come to know Your protective love. I am Yours and You are mine forever more. Use me to do Your good and perfect will...

Amazed

Awesome God, You are my God and I will praise You forever and ever. You are truly awesome in power and deed. You are with me no matter where my path takes me...leading me as I try to traverse the waters of faith. Thank you that You are the beacon that lights my way when the course is foggy. Thank you that I can lower my anchor and be held by You. It is by Your strength that I am able to do all things. Thank you that I have a firm foundation on which I can stand. You truly are the God of all seeing...all knowing...all empowering. I am humbled and amazed by You...

My Hiding Place

Yahweh, you are my hiding place. When there is a storm of life You are always there keeping me safe from harm. When I begin to fear what is happening in my life, You hide me beneath Your wings of peace, hope and love. You hedge me in from all sides so that no harm will befall me. You are my hope. my song and my Deliverer. In You there is no fear, only peace. Thank you for Your loving grace. Than you that Your perfect love casts out all fear. Thank you for the life I have in Christ Jesus, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Have Thine Own Way Lord

God of love and purpose, thank you for using me as you do in the world in which you have placed me. Unlike James and John, wanting to be on your left and right sides, I want to be where you would have me be. Use me for your good purposes. Equip me for those same purpose. Thank you Lord for the coming "deeds" that you have set for me to do. I pray the prayer that John Wesley prayed in saying:
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.

Have thine own way Lord in me...

I WILL rejoice in the Lord

God of mercy and hope, thank you that your mercies are new each day. Thank you that each day you give me is a day that I can do your will in the world. Help me to be focused on you and your will in my life and not on the world around me and what it says I should be doing. Help me to hear your still small voice and not the siren sound of the world. Help me to hear your description of who I am and not what the world has labeled me. May I drawer near to you as you draw near to me. Today is a day that YOU have made...I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!

Oh What A Beautiful Morning...

Good Morning God!!!!! What a wonderful day you have provided for me. How awesome it is to know that you will order my steps if I only just ask you too. Well...I am asking you too. I want to be who you would have me be...say what you would have me say...do what you would have me do for you and your glory. I give this day to your good purposes. May I have a listening ear...seeing eyes...and a willing Spirit within me.

My God...my Friend

Eternal God...my best Friend...thank you for loving me so much that you will never leave me or forsake me. Thank you that when the going gets tough you do not leave me but drawer ever closer to me. Thank you for being with me in the storms of life. When I think of my life without you it is a thought to heavy to bear. You have brought me through so much in my life and I am forever grateful! Lord...use me to help others who are going through their own storm of life...to those who walk in desert place. when there is sadness may I bring joy...where there is despair may I bring hope...where there is anger may I bring reconciliation...where there is injury and brokenness may I bring healing. Empty me and fill me with your joy, light and purpose. May I be a friend to the friendless as you have done for me...

I have a hope Tommy Walker Worship Video with lyrics

Forever God, the Rock on which I stand. Thank you for the firm ground I now have with and in our Risen Lord Jesus. When I was away from your grace, I stood on sinking sand that forever was shifting and changing. When I accepted Jesus you took all that shifting sand and your love and fused it into a firm rock so that I could stand. Thank you! I will ever praise your name! You took all that bad stuff and turned it into something beautiful that displays your light. Thank you my Lord...my God...my Rock...and my Redeemer!

As The Day Begins

Awesome God, full of peace and hope! Thank you for this day that you have given me. May I use it for your glory. May you be seen in my words and actions. May my words speak life and not death. May I speak of the life you offer to all of humanity. Empty me of myself and fill me with your Spirit of hope, love and salvation. May I bring healing and wholeness to all that you put in my path this day. Thank you…

Amazing Grace...how sweet the sound

Amazing God, full of compassion and love. It is mind boggling to think of the grace you so freely give me. To think that you pour out your grace on me even though I don't deserve it is truly a one of your miracles to me. I can't earn it...Jesus already did the work for me. I can't pay for it...Jesus already paid the price. I can't steal it...it is your free gift to humanity through Jesus' sacrifice. All that I can do is accept it. Lord...I accept your gift of grace this day and forever more. May I share that gift with those whom you put in my path. May they too accept the gift of grace from you because of my actions, may words and my love. I praise you and thank you...you truly are the God above all gods.

Blessed Beyond Measure

Oh Great God, thank you for loving me so much! To think of all the wondrous things I survey that was fashioned by your hand and to know that I am cherished above all of these is very humbling to me. TO think that you breathed the breathe of life into me is too marvelous for words. To know that I am your beloved child is incomprehensible to me. May I never forget your promises to me that I may stand firm in my devotion to you. May I never forget that you have a purpose for my life...even when I don't see it. I will ever sing your praise for the life I now have in Christ Jesus... I am blessed beyond measure...

Perfect Love

1 John 4:18 Common English Bible (CEB)

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is afraid has not been made perfect in love.”

Loving and Gracious God, full of strength and peace…thank you for the faith I have been given in my life. Thank you that you are always there even when I don’t feel you. Lord, I ask for faith so strong that it would cast out all fear and that it would become my shield against the enemy. Thank you that Your love is perfect and that in You I find strength and peace for every moment of every day. You are for me and not against me…whom shall I fear but You?

The Good and the Bad...

All Sufficient, Loving God, full of blessings, strength and mercy, thank you for the good times when I feel Your blessings pouring down from heaven upon my head. Thank you also for the bad times for it is within those times You pour out Your mercy, strength and grace. Help me to accept the good and the bad in my life because through them I am becoming who You have created me to be. My I sit quietly still on the Potter’s Wheel as You create a vessel for Your glory…

Wisdom's Prayer

Loving and Gracious God, thank you for all you have done in the past and are now doing in my life. Thank you that I have a future that is brighter than the sun in Christ Jesus. You have made me more that a conquer in life. Give me the strength and wisdom that I need for each new day. I thank you for that coming of wisdom and might that is only through Your mercy and grace towards and for me. How blessed I am by You! You are my Rock and my Redeemer, who can stand against me?

“A Long and Winding Road”

July 27, 2014

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Sermon Series on “All My Day: A Summer of Prayer”

Inspired by Marcia McFee

Sermon 5 of series-

“Faith Journey”

Luke 12:1-6 Common English Bible

Romans 10:12-15 NIV Bible

“The Long and Winding Road” The Beatles

Let us pray… (Pray for God’s illumination…)

A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verses 12-15…listen for a word from God to you and me the people of God…

The Twelve sent out

“Jesus called the Twelve together and he gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal sicknesses. He sent them out to proclaim God’s kingdom and to heal the sick. He told them, “Take nothing for the journey—no walking stick, no bag, no bread, no money, not even an extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place. Wherever they don’t welcome you, as you leave that city, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.” They departed and went through the villages proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.”

The long and winding road that leads to your door

Will never disappear

I've seen that road before it always leads me here

Leads me to your door

Journey - an act of traveling from one place to another… to travel somewhere. Jesus sent His Disciples on a journey. He sent out to heal and to proclaim the Good News. What a journey that must have been. I am sure they must have been a little frightened…remember they followed someone who was very radical and now they were sharing the words that He had taught them to a world that was about to put Him to death because He was so radical. But He sent them out two by two…kind of reminds us about how on the Ark creation was saved two by two…and gave them power to cast out demons and heal people of their sickness and disease.

The wild and windy night that the rain washed away

Has left a pool of tears crying for the day

Why leave me standing here, let me know the way

Faith Journey – Faith is often called a journey. Faith is a process of moving deeper and deeper into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Christian faith comes in an instant but it takes a lifetime to grow and develop. The moment that you accept Christ as Lord and savior, the work of salvation has only just begun…the Faith Journey has begun. Like the disciples being sent out by two’s, we are also being sent out on our Faith Journey by two…ourselves and God. We are never alone; we are always partnered by God…

This summer, we are invited to pray “All My Days” and to make a habit of prayer wherever you are. Each Sunday in worship we will focus on one of the steps of the prayer beads but you are encouraged to pray these categories all summer long. I hope that you brought your beads with you this morning. My continued hope is that our Summer Sermon Series “All My Days: A Summer of Prayer” will help us learn a way of prayer that will bring us closer to the maker of all we see.

We have had an awesome time so far as we have been going through the beads on the string.  We have talked about the first bead…the Gold Bead…which reminds us to begin with adoration and the second bead….the bumpy beady….that is to remind us to “Drop it…leave it”…to let go and let God. How about the silence bead from last week? I have really worked on that one this past week and shall I say it is still a work in progress. The bead this week is one that we all may struggle with from time to time…the “Stepping Stone” the journey of faith bead.

Stepping stone…our faith journey is made up of “stepping stones.” Each step is a new stone set in place. It may be a difficult journey at times and we may wonder if we are on the right track in our journey…are we going in the right direction. It is sort of like the finger labyrinth’s you were given this morning. Our faith journey may have many curves to it but it is in the center where we find God…He is always at the center of all we do in His name…

Do you know how they make stepping stones?

·        They mix the concrete and shape into a rough finish form of a stone

·        Then they wait until it is firm enough to stamp into the form of a stone and they smooth out the sides.

·        Next they put a light coat of stamping powder on it and proceed to stamp a texture on it so that it has depth and texture…Kind of like how I told the children in the Children’s Message last week about how God puts different textures on the canvas of our lives…

·        Then the stone cures of at least 24 hours.

·        Then color is added.

·        The final step is they put a sealant on the stone to protect it from the elements.

Our faith journey is a lot like the making of a stepping stone. As we walk our journey of faith there may be times we feel we are in the “mix master”. As we wait patiently…or impatiently…for God to move, we can feel the pressure of the stamping of our lives. It is a difficult place to be.

Many times I've been alone and many times I've cried

Anyway you'll never know the many ways I've tried

And still they lead me back to the long and winding road

You left me standing here a long, long time ago

Don't leave me waiting here, lead me to your door

But as God gives depth and texture to our faith journeys it is being formed into a stepping stone for others. As the color is added to our faith journeys it illuminates with His mercy and grace. As we are sealed with the stamp of the Holy Spirit we are now ready to continue on our faith journey. Oh yah…remember we are never alone…we are in partnership with God who goes before us.

But there is a very important thing I want to share about our faith journey. As we walk in faith with God, our paths are illuminated. As our path is illuminated others who come behind us can find the path to God. Now they may begin following our path but God will make them a path of their own but…they need our path to begin their own journey. Think of those in your life that helped you find your path. Did you begin because of their journey that was illuminated? Then we too need to be that illuminating factor in others lives so they too can begin their life’s journey with God.

Our journey of faith…it really can be “The Long and Winding Road” but…but…isn’t the trip worth it? The journey may be filled with the joy of victory and the agony of defeat but we don’t travel it alone. We always go out in two’s, us and God. How awesome is it that as we travel our journey of faith we become those who are up stream for those who are downstream needing someone to show them how to “navigate by the star’s that God has put in their lives”. Let us hold fast and persevere to and on the journey. The Romans from this morning asks us:

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!””

It is not only our lives that depend on it but the lives of those downstream looking up stream for mercy, redemption, forgiveness, healing and strength that can only be found in our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ…

But still they lead me back to the long and winding road

You left me standing here a long, long time ago

Don't keep me waiting here, lead me to your door

Yah, yah, yah, yah

Let us pray…pray about our journey of faith and how others will follow…

Amen

The Conversation of PRAYER

Hillsong: 40 Days of Revival

1 John 5:14-15

Ephesians 3:12

WHAT CAN WE PRAY FOR?

It is obviously a great privilege for us to pray, bringing our needs and requests before an omnipotent God. Yet amazingly, Jesus has made it possible for us to approach God with confidence and to come before Him boldly. God hears us when we pray and it is His will that prayer would allow us to know Him more and receive His grace.

Perhaps you haven't always prayed with the confidence that 1 John 5:14-15 and Ephesians 3:12 speak of. Consider why that is and allow the truth of God's Word to replace the old mindsets you may have had about prayer.

During this time as we seek God to see a change in our lives and the world around us, let's be united in prayer for:

1. Salvations - for loved ones in our world who are yet to know Jesus.

2. Our city and nation - let's believe for our leaders and authorities to lead with Godly wisdom and counsel.

3. Revival - let's believe together for people to awaken to the things of God and for Him to move mightily across the earth.

Let us approach the throne of grace not as aliens to the kingdom but as friends...as beloved sons and daughters of the Most High God! He is Abba Father and is waiting, Day and night, to hear from His children. Let us stand in the gap for others as we pray for God's Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven...

Pray...pray...pray

Matthew 6:9-13

There are times when we just don't know what to pray. We have so much that we want to pray for but we just can't get all our thoughts together. The prayer that Jesus taught is a great place to start. As we continue in prayer, our Spirits will tells us what to pray for. Our Spirit is aligned with God's purpose and it will help us in intercessory prayer for others...

The Power of Prayer

Acts 4:31

The Power of Prayer

When we pray...things happen. People are saved, families are reunited and lives are changed as we pray for God's will and Spirit to come and take hold of situations. We have seen, in the church that I pastor, the power if prayer. People have been healed, addictions have been overcome and situations have been changed just through our prayers for God to intercede. God has a plan and through prayer and praise His plan unfolds it. We need to get involved with God's plan for humanity and it begins with prayer...

Following the Lines

Proverbs 3:5-6

We need to follow God's "guide lines" for life...a life abundant with His blessings. As we live according to his word, we live a life that He is blessed by. When we live within His lines...following them for guidance...it is easier to see his glory our lives as well as in the world in which we live. Just as we follow the lines on the road to stay safe and not crash into other cars, we must follow God's lines so that we do not crash and burn in the chaos of life. 

Push through

Galatians 6:9

I Love the way Joyce Meyers puts it about what to do during our desert times...in our times of trouble...She simply states:

"Keep in mind that in the heat of our struggles, the Holy Spirit is probably doing His greatest work within us. He is not moved by the circumstances. If you and I really trust Him, we shouldn't be either! He's not in our lives for good times only, but for the difficult times as well.

He will lead us through anything if we'll just hang in there and follow Him. This means being diligent in prayer, relentless in our resolve, unwavering in faith, and determined to stand firmly on God's Word and His promises to us."

If we persevere through the tough times we will come out in the end a changed person...better than we were before. It is within these rocky places that we grow in our faith and trust in God. 

Instead of giving up we need to have a different perspective...a different view...of the problem. "How can I grow through this? How is God using this situation to help me grow? What is God trying to tell me about myself in the midst of this struggle?" It is when we have a different perspective that the struggle looks different. Instead of fear, we can face it head on knowing that what ever happens, God will make good come out of it...

Put on love

1 John 4:8

Each day we have a choice. Will we love others as Christ loved and still loves us. If we are to follow Jesus' example, we need to love unconditionally. This can be hard at times. There are those around us that seem "unlovable". They may have rough spots about them that we just don't want to deal with. But in order to help them smooth out the rough spots we need to set an example for them to follow. Love is not just a verb...it is also a noun. Sometimes we need to just love others into changing. It is when we decide to put on love each day that we can make a change in our world and in the lives of others. We need to "suit up" each morning with the love and compassion of Christ. You never know...it may be our lives that are changed...

The Bigger Picture

Ephesians 2:19-22

Why do we, at times, limit God to only our "physical" church and community. Our God is so much bigger than that. Our God cannot be boxed in to just our own community's. God is moving and doing such awesome things not only in our own community's bu tin the world as a whole. If we want to be a part of that "kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven" we need to think outside our church's...outside our community's...and into the world at large. We only see a small part of the picture within our own neighborhoods. But there is a much larger picture that God is painting on the tapestry of humanity. Let us be that paint brush for His glory as we set out of the boat, with His help, and onto the sea of "chaos" of the world and being to paint a picture of hope and redemption on the canvas of the world around us.

https://www.bible.com/notes/6327987180404736

In the Here and Now...

1 Corinthians 12:18-19

We all need to show up and be present with and in the body of Christ. When we are not present the whole body suffers. You may just be a "toilet cleaner"...a janitorial engineer...but if you didn't do your part who would? The whole church would suffer from "dirty bathrooms."

We need to take pride in what we do for God's kingdom. We are the one that God called to do a specific job. It may not be all glamorous and such but it is still just as vital as being a preacher or the chair of a committee. There are no small, insignificant jobs in the kingdom of God, only small priceless things that make the whole Kingdom work like a well oiled machine.

Present In The Present...

John 20:24-29 KJV

"24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

29Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Why was Thomas not there the first time Jesus "showed up" after the resurrection? What ever the reason he almost missed out on seeing Jesus. But Jesus gave Thomas a chance...a second chance to see Him. We too, at times, are so caught up in ourselves and our "chaos" in life that we too may miss Jesus standing right in front of us. We may miss out on the call on our lives...We are blessed to be a blessing to others... As we decide that we are going to be present in our lives...present to the opportunities...present to the call on our lives...present to see Jesus in others...present to be that blessing...we are able to see Jesus work though us and in us. Jesus is always present in the present. Will you show up to see the miracle? 

Be A Visionary

Proverbs 29:18

"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

The world around us tells us what is an important "vision" and what is not. God, at times, asks us to step out in faith and have the vision that may be contrary to what the worlds vision is. We, as Christians need to be "visionary's" for God. We need to think "out of the box". In doing so, we will fulfill the call God has on our lives. Jesus was a "radical visionary" who went against all the those in His time thought to be true. We too must "catch" that same vision for our lives as we carry on His ministry in and to the world.

Wide Open...

https://www.bible.com/notes/5850020535336960

Invitation...

https://www.bible.com/notes/5981295992635392

Do we really comprehend?

Souvenirs of Solitude

Finding Rest In Abba's Embrace

by, Brennan Manning

I have begun reading "Souvenirs of Solitude" by Brennan Manning to still myself each day before God and rest in His open arms. Today's reading really struck me to the core. How much do I...how much do we..., as Christians, really believe in the fact that God is in love with us and has compassion for us? Do we realize that He is waiting there to be with us each and every moment of each and every day? Do we really think that He would not understand what we are going through? Do we really think we are so familiar with God and His ways that we are just "waiting to reveal something new in our lives?" Have we really got God figured out?

It would seem that the answers to these questions would be yes in our minds and traditions but the real answer is no in our hearts. When we feel we have God figured out it is then when we know nothing. When we feel "our faith is all good and we can't be shaken" something comes along to make us question that statement. God is all knowing...all seeing...ever present. How could we think in our "human minds" that we have Him all figured out...you know the One whose ways are not our ways and whose time is not time as we see it?

Our God is a God who infinitely unfathomable. He gave His only Son for us so that we can have a restored relationship with him. How mind boggling is that? Can we really say that we totally understand that? Would we do the same? (More than likely not...) Why? (we are taught survival of the fittest)So why would God do that? (Because of His love?) Why does He love us, who are broken and flawed, so much? (Haven't a clue) See what I mean...

Loving and gracious God, thank you for the love that you shower upon us...that you love and loved us to the point of death. As we walk our faith journey, may we know how wide and deep Your love is for us and be ever more grateful to You. May we fall back in love with our first love because you loved us first.

Amen...

A Bold Christian

Well said by Joyce Meyers:

"Walk with Boldness Some people exude boldness, while others struggle with living boldly as a loved child of God. I had that problem until God showed me some important keys that helped me live boldly, and I want to share them with you. 1. Refuse to live in fear. Fear is an epidemic in our society. The Bible instructs us in Hebrews 10:38 to live by faith and not draw back in fear. 2. Put setbacks behind you. You are not a failure because you try new things and they don't work out. You fail only when you stop trying. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, and if you do, recover quickly and press on. 3. Don't draw comparisons. Boldness will be impossible as long as you compare yourself to others. Boldness comes from accepting who you are and being the best you can be. 4. Be willing to take action. Search your heart and ask yourself what you believe God wants you to do, and then do it. Pray over these four keys, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you live them out. Hold up your head and be filled with boldness. 

Prayer Starter: Holy Spirit, I want boldness to be one of my defining traits. Help me to live out these four keys by Your strength."

Let us take heart and be bold for the Kingdom of God...

Loving and Gracious God,

We thank you for the Spirit you have put within each and every one of us. Help us, by that same Spirit, to be bold for the Gospel of Christ as we witness to Your love and goodness. Help us to be bold as we step out in faith for Your Kingdom here on earth. Help us to be bold as we share the Good News of Jesus Christ to the hurting world around us.

Amen!

Where the Spirits Lead

WE have a real power when we are lead by the Spirit. We can soar on wings like eagles as we trust God with our present and our future. It is not and easy thing to do though. We need to let go and let God in a world that teaches us that WE need to be in control at all times. As we learn to trust more and let go, we are blessed beyond all measure and do miraculous thins for the Kingdom of God. Let us therefore take flight on the wind of the Spirit and glide on it's currents of peace, love and joy unimaginable...

God's Love

God loves us and there is nothing we can do about it. He loves us in our mountaintops with Him and He loves us in those desert places that he walks with us. God loves us in the plush valley and He loves us in the valley of the shadow of death. There is no place we can go to hide from His love. It is always there shining upon us. How AWESOME is that?

Romans 5:8

Spirit Filled Power House

Peter spoke like a "Power House" filled with boldness, strength, and power because of the "Spirit's Indwelling". When we live by the Spirit, we too can/will have that same power. As we live "powered by the Spirit," we will do marvelous things for the kingdom of God. We need to "Power Up" with a dose of the Holy Spirit each day by spending time in the Word and in prayer...conversation with God. As we "plug into" the Spirit's receptacle, the Bible, we become charged and energized to share the word and love of God with those around us. Let us become that "Power House" of praise and service for God and His glory!

Acts 19:8-10

Believing is Doing

We, as Christians, know that we receive the Holy Spirit through Jesus but do we really believe it? We want to see the glory of God and do "wondrous" things in His name but do we do our part in the plan? We need to not only know but believe we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. When we do, we will say to the mountain move and it will move...by faith and the power of the Holy Spirit...

Abiding in the Word

We, as Christians, need to spend time in the Word of God. But that is not the end of the story. Just knowing the Words is not enough. The way we make changes...the way we live our lives closer to what God has intended...we need to let the Word permeate our very being. Not only should we know the Word but we must live the Word by giving it full control. Then we can begin to become more Christlike in our ways...

John 15:7

Sing A Song...

Posted: 26 Mar 2014 11:30 PM PDT

BEAUTY

Slow down. Pull over. The glory of God is beautifully reflected all around you.

Photo by Jimmy Carle

Sight Psalms  is a ministry of the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church.

How many times do we miss out on singing the glory of God along with nature because we are too busy to slow down and "smell the roses". Creations song is one that we too can join in as we create a symphony of music to our Creator. As we add our voices with creation we praise in one voice the One who created the heavens and the earth. Do we really need another reason to sing with all our might to our God and King? "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!" Alleluia Amen!

Connected

http://bible.com/n/1OcbC Connected

The "Art" of Prayer

http://bible.com/n/1OcTK The "Art" of Prayer

Pray, pray, pray

http://bible.com/n/1OD0P Pray...pray...pray

Shine With the Glory of God

http://bible.com/n/1O8gm Shine With the Glory of God

Fill Us

http://bible.com/n/1O8eR Fill Us

We Have Purpose

http://bible.com/n/1Noms We Have Purpose

The Tempter

http://bible.com/n/1NLr7 The "Tempter"

Community

http://bible.com/n/1NLp6 Community

God's Faith

In reading "The Upper Room Disciplines 2014" today, I read the daily devotion written by Kwasi Kena with the week being titled "What Only Faith Can See." This devotion made me stop and think...it made me rethink my life and my call to ministry...it put a new "spin" on following the path that God has set out for me...for humanity.

The reading talked about faith...or faith in God...it talked about those times when we question our own faith. But what really struck me and changed my view is when Kwasi talks about the faith God has in us... I have always known that God is always there for me...I have always known that God will help me fulfill His purpose in my life. I have faith that God will and has equipped me for every good work He has in store for me to do. But...the thought that God has faith in me is mind boggling. But it is not just faith in me but faith in all the He created...The creator of the universe has faith in me...the God of the universe has entrusted me to follow His purpose plan in my life.  

There may be times in our lives when we stress out because we want people to have faith in us. Even when they say they do we may question if they are sincere. There may be time in our lives when we don't have faith in ourselves. There may be times in our lives when we feel that what we do really has no real value for the Kingdom of God. There may even be times in our lives when we don't trust or faith in our own selves and feel that we are inept in all that we do.

 I realize that a lot of my life has been wanting others to have faith in me...unfortunately if I don't live up to "others expectations" in me they loose that faith in me. But...God has faith in and for us. God has so much faith that when we tell God "we don't have faith in ourselves to accomplish what He has for us" He says "I have enough faith for both of us..." We are called by the Living God to follow His plan for our lives and we are entrusted with that very call to fulfill that piece of His Kingdom here on earth. God has so much faith in us that even when we fall short of His plan...He still has faith in us... (What human can say the same thing about their trust of others...)

God has faith in you and in me... What more could we ask for? What other approval do we need? Who can we think of that is more important to have faith in us? 

Thank you Creator, every Faithful God, for loving us so much and believing in us so much that you have faith and trust in Your creation called humanity. Thank you for never giving up on us even when we fail to follow Your plan and for loving us back by Your faith. How Awesome and faithful You are. I come humbled and amazed to Your throne of grace through Your Son, the perfecter of our faith, Lord Jesus Christ. 

Amen

The Answer

http://bible.com/n/1MbgJ The Answer....

I'm not perfect...

http://bible.com/n/1Mbeu Working On It...

The Number of our days...

http://bible.com/n/1MbaY The Number of Days

In the Silence of the Season

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PRAYER

In the silence, I listen for God’s whisper.

Photo by Joline Frazier

Sight Psalms  is a ministry of the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church.

As we prepare for the Lenten Season, let us enter in the quiet of our spirit and minds. May we experience once again the peace and grace of our God as we contemplate the meaning of the cross in our lives. May we experience again the the joy of our salvation. May we inspire others to turn towards Golgotha's Hill and find the Alleluia of Easter morn.