January 9th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Knowing God’s will for our lives is, for me, the most difficult thing to do on a daily basis.  For one thing, I have a strong will!  Sometimes I get my will and God’s will mixed up.  How do I know the difference?  Pastor Mike says “don’t do anything God can’t bless”.  So, I ask myself some questions:  “Who will be blessed as a result of this action?”  Is it for me or others?  Does this reach people, bless people and witness to the Spirit living in me?  Would God be pleased?
I just finished a meeting with folks about the 2013 Mansfield Christmas Spectacular.  We always want to bring our best to the Master, so this was a “what can we do better next time” kind of meeting.  There are always things we can do better, but was this production “in God’s will”?  I have to say “Absolutely!”.  I give thanks for each of you and what you brought, in faithfulness and selflessness to the production.  We will have a DVD of it to view soon.  I’ll keep you posted as to when.  I, myself, know very little about the show visually.  Can’t wait!
As we journey together in this new year, I challenge you to ask yourself some of the questions above and let the Spirit guide you as to what you will do and say in 2014.  I love being in ministry with you all and the lives we change because of your faithfulness.  What a blessing!  Peace and Love, Scott
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I Am With You And For You.  When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you.  You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged-never give up!  With my help, you can overcome any obstacle.  Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.

Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come.  One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events.  If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment.  Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace.  Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.

Romans 8:31
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 Psalm 46:1-3  1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,  3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah

Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God. 
Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young
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Rehearsal schedule for Martin Luther King, Jr Celebration

9th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration

January 19, 2014

Music Rehearsal Schedule

Thursday, January 9–7:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m.

Sunday, January12–3:00 p.m. –5:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 18–11:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. (refreshments will be served)

Sunday, January 19–Call Time: 4:00 p.m.;Program: 5:00 p.m.

*rehearsals and performance will held at Bethlehem Baptist Church 1188 W. Broad St. Mansfield, Tx

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Upcoming anthems

ANTHEMS

Jan 12  Be Thou My Vision (arr. Bovee)
Jan 19   The Love Of God (arr. Bovee)
Jan 26    O Taste and See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNtv3-b3tQ0
Feb 2   Thou, O Lord (new one…during offertory) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZtDVYOb-fw
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January 8th Devotional

Dear Beloved,
Today is a cold, wet, rainy day.  Some folks like days like this, especially if you can curl up inside your warm house by a nice cozy fire!  Alas, that is not the case for many of us.  But regardless of our circumstances or the weather, we have God, gently calling our name saying “Talk with me.  Be with me.  Let me ease your pain and burdens.”  What a loving and patient God.  I pray that as you go through this day, you will allow the presence of the Almighty to be with you and guide you.  Can’t wait to see you all tonight!  Peace and Love, Scott

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Softly I Announce My Presence. Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance. Though I have all power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you. The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you. Let your weakness be a door to My Presence. Whenever you feel inadequate remember that I am your ever-present Help.

Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I hear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness. 

Psalm 46:1  1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Romans 12:12 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 15:13  13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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Martin Luther King Jr Celebration

Below is a note with some information and links to hear the recordings of the music.

“Thank you all once again for accepting our invitation to participate in the community choir at the 9th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. The theme for this year’s program is “The Audacity of Hope!”. The celebration will be held Sunday, January 19, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. in the T.M. Moody Gymnatorium, 1188 W. Broad St. Mansfield, Texas.

Attached you will find the musical selections that will be used during the program (sheet music and mp3 recordings) and rehearsal schedule.
If you have any members that would like to participate in the orchestra I have the the score sheet and can email them to you.
Please let me know the instrument and how many you plan on participating.

If you would like to forward the YouTube links to your members the songs can be found at the links below:

Oh Taste & See – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNtv3-b3tQ0

For Every Mountain – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ5dO2NGwJQ

Thou Oh Lord – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZtDVYOb-fw

We Shall Overcome – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlIzWaV-dU4

We look forward to worshiping with you and celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the Mansfield community. “

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January 7th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Praise.  Gratitude.  Adoration.  These are acts and attitudes that are given to a loving, all-powerful God.  God, who has given us everything, wants nothing in return.  However, He knows that when we freely give love, praise, adoration and thankfulness in response to these gifts, all is in divine order.  Be blessed as you practice these acts each and every day.  These are great habits to establish for a bountiful 2014!  Peace and Love, Scott
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It Is Impossible To Praise Or Thank Me Too Much.  As it is written, I inhabit the praises of My people.  Sometimes your adoration is a spontaneous overflow of Joy, in response to radiant beauty or rich blessings.  At other times your praise is more disciplined and measured-an act of your will.  I dwell equally in both types of praise.  Thankfulness, also, is a royal road to draw near Me.  A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me.

When you thank Me for the many pleasures I provide, you affirm that I am God, from whom all blessings flow.  When adversity strikes and you thank Me anyway, your trust in My sovereignty is a showpiece in invisible realms.  Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving.  This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence. 

Psalm 22:3 (KJV)  3But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Psalm 146:1-2 
1 Praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD, O my soul. 2 I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 
18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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January 6th Devotional

Dear Friends,
As we embark on this new year, we are given opportunities to start afresh and to begin anew.  It’s like a beautiful “restart” button on our lives.  There’s a saying that goes “if you like the results you’re getting, keep doing what you’re doing.”  So, how are you doing?  Self-assessment is a good thing to do every now and then.  Today’s devotional speaks of the dangers of being in a “comatose condition” spiritually.  It’s easy to do!  Going through the motions, but not actually engaging with our Lord and Savior.  I challenge you to be intentional in your prayers.  Be intentional in your time with God.  You’ll find that no matter what the new year brings, your relationship with God will be stronger and better than ever!  Be blessed beloved!  Love, Scott
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Stay Ever So Close To Me, and you will not deviate from the path I have prepared for you.  This is the most efficient way to stay on track; it is also the most enjoyable way.  Men tend to multiply duties in their observance of religion.  This practice enables them to give Me money, time, and work without yielding up to Me what I desire the most-their hearts.  Rules can be observed mechanically.  Once they become habitual, they can be followed with minimal effort and almost no thought.  These habit-forming rules provide a false sense of security, lulling the soul into a comatose condition.

What I search for in My children is an awakened soul that thrills to the Joy of My Presence!  I created mankind to glorify Me and enjoy Me forever.  I provide the Joy; your part is to glorify Me by living close to Me. 

Deuteronomy 6:5 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Colossians 3:23 
23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Psalm 16:11 
11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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January 3rd Devotional

Dear Friends,
It’s so easy to forget that it is Christ who walks with us and sustains us each and every day. We tend to get caught up in what we see and hear all around us, but what really keeps us going is knowing that no matter what is going on in our physical world, Christ is dwelling within us, refreshing us, renewing us and loving us through each trial and tribulation.  In this, we have peace, confidence and assurance that we are not alone–ever.  Love and Hugs Friends!
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Refresh Yourself in the Peace of My Presence.  This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances.  Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world.  I am both with you and within you.  I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you.  There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others.  Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer.  In the world you have trials and distress, but don’t let them get you down.  I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you.  In Me you may have confident Peace.

Psalm 31;19-20 (NASB) 19How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You, Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, Before the sons of men ! 20 You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the conspiracies of man ; You keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.

 

John 16:33 (AMP) 33I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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This Sunday and a volunteer opportunity this Saturday

Happy New Year Everyone!

Just a reminder that we are singing and playing this Sunday, January 5th,   Anthem will be “At the Table of the Lord” and it is with piano only.

Also, attached here is an event this coming Saturday for one hour where you can share Christmas joy at a local apartment complex.  You don’t need to bring anything.  The email below explains more about this.   The complex is Tanglewood Apts, 1300 E. Dallas, Mansfield.

See the note from Scott below:

“Dear Music Team,

I would love to have you all join me for this event this Saturday.  It’s purely volunteer of course, but another way for us to partner with other churches in our community and witness to those in need.  Kathleen/Beth, please forward to choir and orchestra and bells.  Also, I’d love for any AIM students that might want to help to be invited as well.Thanks so very much!  Happy New Year and God Bless!

Mr. Scott,
What an honor to be able to work together in the beginning of the New Year reaching out to our communities.  Enclosed is the flyer of the event.  You may make copies.  We are taking toys and about 25 grocery bags.  If your ministry wants to take anything else we shall share it with them.  The manager has given us permission to use a table and access to  power connection.  Please let me know if you have a participation of songs or a word of encouragement.  We have an hour to pass out the toys and food.  Our youth will be dress as the three kings to pass out the toys.  We are looking forward for a great event. We have someone that will sing some Christmas songs in spanish and maybe your group can do english.  Just email me.
Have a Blessed New Years.
Thank you,

Pastor Ruth Mercado

Christian Fellowship Flock

Luz a La Familia

7300 So. Cooper St.

Arlington, TX 76001″

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January 2nd Devotional

Dear Friends,
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a devotional and comments.  This is the first for 2014 and it is timely indeed!  After a rather busy Christmas season (but so enjoyable), I did make room for Christ this Christmas and I’m sure you did as well.  We have chosen what is most important–time with our Creator and time with family and loved ones.  I have been missing our time together, however, and look forward to seeing you all this Sunday for worship.  We’ll begin with Holy Communion and a lovely anthem you all know: “At the Table of the Lord”.  If you’ve never sung it, it is not too difficult.  Feel free to come early if you wish.  Sonny and I will be around to assist.  May God bless each and every one of you this coming new year!  Peace and Love, Scott
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Relax In My Healing Presence.  As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems.  Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal.  Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, focus your thoughts on Me.  Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings.  This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you.  Do not skimp on our time together.  Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done.  You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you. 

Psalm 105:4 4 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.


 Luke 10:39:42 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  41″Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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