December 2 Devotional

Posted on December 2, 2013 by drscott
Dear Beloved,
The first words Jesus said to His disciples after he was resurrected was “Peace be with you”.  As the disciples hid in fear for their lives, Jesus knew exactly what they needed–Peace!  As we, His disciples, go about our daily lives, it’s easy to loose focus on what’s really important.  Our relationships with family, friends, and most importantly, our Lord and Savior, are what truly matters the most.  As you walk with Christ, peace will come over you and permeate all you do and say.  Joyful living and everlasting peace be with you and yours now and always.  Love and Peace!  Scott
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I Am The Prince Of Peace.  As I said to My disciples, I say also to you: Peace be with you.  Since I am your constant Companion, My Peace is steadfastly with you.  When you keep your focus on Me, you experience both My Presence and My Peace.  Worship Me as King of kings, Lord of lords, and Prince of Peace.

You need My Peace each moment to accomplish My purposes in your life.  Sometimes you are tempted to take shortcuts, in order to reach your goal as quickly as possible.  But if the shortcut requires turning your back on My peaceful Presence, you must choose the longer route.  Walk with Me along paths of Peace; enjoy the journey in My Presence. 

Isaiah 9:6 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 20:19-21 19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.  21Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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November 26 Devotional

Posted on November 26, 2013 by drscott
Dear Friends,
One of my favorite stories is “The Christmas Carol”.  For some reason, I was thinking about it this morning and the scene at the end of the story when Mr. Scrooge awakens from a rather difficult evening (to say the least!) on Christmas Day.  The joy of simply being alive is enough to say “thank you God for another day”.  And even though life can certainly get tough, rough and downright sad, if we can focus on the beauty and sacredness of simply living and being with God, somehow, the day becomes brighter and lighter.  Be blessed on this day and every day!  Give thanks to God as I give thanks to God for each of you.  Peace and Love, Scott
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This is Is The Day That I Have Made!  As you rejoice in this day of life, it will yield up to you precious gifts and beneficial training.  Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready for you.

To protect your thankfulness, you must remember that you reside in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely.  A constant focus on adversity defeats many Christians.  They walk through a day that is brimming with beauty and brightness, seeing only the grayness of their thoughts.  Neglecting the practice of giving thanks has darkened their minds.  How precious are My children who remember to thank Me at all times.  They can walk through the darkest days with Joy in their hearts because they know that the Light of My Presence is still shining on them. Rejoice in this day that I have made, for I am your steadfast Companion.

Psalm 118:24 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 116:17 17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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November 25 Devotional

Posted on November 25, 2013 by drscott
Dear Friends,
After pastor Mike’s sermon yesterday, this devotional reminds me of some of the points he made regarding giving thanks, thanking God for all things–big and small and keeping your focus on what you have and not on what you don’t have.  Having an attitude of gratitude certainly makes for a much brighter day, regardless of one’s circumstances.  May you pray without ceasing today and every day as you give thanks for the abundant blessings He has poured out on you and yours.  Peace and Love, Scott
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Thank Me Frequently as you journey through today.  This practice makes it possible to pray without ceasing, as the apostle Paul taught.  If you are serious about learning to pray continually, the best approach is to thank Me in every situation.  These thankful prayers provide a solid foundation on which you can build all your other prayers.  Moreover, a grateful attitude makes it easier for you to communicate with Me.

When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining.  If you practice thankfulness consistently, negative thought patters will gradually grow weaker and weaker.  Draw near to Me with a grateful heart, and My Presence will fill you with Joy and Peace.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (KJV) 16Rejoice evermore.17Pray without ceasing.

James 4:8 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

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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Orchestra Agenda

Posted on November 21, 2013 by drscott

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Chancel Choir Agenda

Posted on November 21, 2013 by drscott

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November 21 Devotional

Posted on November 21, 2013 by drscott
Dear Friends,
What would we do without the gifts of peace and the sense of God’s presence among us?  Oh how they comfort and console us no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.  Give thanks for these glorious gifts each and every day, but especially during our time of Thanksgiving.  May God bless you and your loved ones as you spend time with one another and reflect upon these gifts in your lives.  Love, Scott
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Thank Me Throughout This Day for My Presence and My Peace.  These are gifts of supernatural proportions.  Ever since the resurrection, I have comforted My followers with these messages: Peace be with you, and surely I am with you always.  Listen as I offer you My Peace and Presence in full measure.  The best way to receive these glorious gifts is to thank Me for them.

It is impossible to spend too much time thanking and praising Me.  I created you first and foremost to glorify Me.  Thanksgiving and praise put you in proper relationship with Me,opening the way for My riches to flow into you.  As you thank Me for My Presence and Peace, you appropriate My richest gifts. 

Luke 24:36 36While they were still talking about this,Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

Matthew 28:20 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Hebrews 13:15 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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November 2 Devotional

Posted on November 20, 2013 by drscott
Dear Friends,
In the reward, prize oriented society we live in, it’s easy to let this earthly mentality permeate our spirituality and faith.  In fact, there is nothing we can do to merit the life we’ve been given in Christ Jesus.  Our life in Christ and his sacrifice for us can not be earned by anything we do.  We simply say “yes, I believe” and “thank you”.  The unconditional love we receive is without any strings attached.  Our efforts to live a virtuous life will not earn the gift of eternal life and love, but is a beautiful way to honor the gift given to us in Christ Jesus.  Your heart-felt desire to be and live in righteousness is pleasing to God.  No, we won’t necessarily become “virtuous” and “righteous”, but because I love Him, I will try with all my might and know that despite my short-comings, He loves me anyway.  Peace and Love Friends, Scott
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I Am Pleased With You, My Child.  Allow yourself to become fully aware of My pleasure shining upon you.  You don’t have to perform well in order to receive My Love.  In fact, a performance focus will pull you away from Me, toward some sort of Pharisaism.  This can be a subtle form of idolatry: worshiping your own good works.  It can also be a source of deep discouragement when your works don’t measure up to your expectations.

Shift your focus from your performance to My radiant Presence.  The Light of My Love shines on you continually, regardless of your feelings or behavior.  Your responsibility is to be receptive to this unconditional Love.  Thankfulness and trust are your primary receptors.  Thank Me for everything; trust in Me at all times.  These simple disciplines will keep you open to My loving Presence.

Ephesians 2:8-9 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 3:16-19 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Psalm 62:8 8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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November 19 Devotional

Posted on November 19, 2013 by drscott
Dear Friends,
I love the words to today’s devotional.  In essence, it reminds us to simply be faithful and not to worry too much about the end result.  Many of us let fear rob us of blessings, experiences and opportunities to bless others.  Stay in touch with our heavenly Father and let Him work it all out.  You take care of showing up and being faithful!  Peace and Love, Scott
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Leave Outcomes Up To Me.  Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out.  Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion.  Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me.  When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help.  When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence.  Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me.You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes to Me.Psalm 27:13-14 

13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Exodus 15:13 13 “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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November 18 Devotional

Posted on November 18, 2013 by drscott
Dear Friends,
What a beautiful Sunday we had yesterday!  We worshiped, celebrated, gave and honored the God who owns everything, including our hurts and hangups!  So, give it to God and be at peace.  I look forward to seeing you again on Wednesday as we bring our best to the Master.  Peace and Love, Scott
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Come To Me, and rest in My Peace.  My Face is shinning upon you, in rays of Peace transcending understanding.  Instead of trying to figure things out yourself, you can relax in the Presence of the One who knows everything.  As you lean on Me in trusting dependence, you feel peaceful and complete.  This is how I designed you to live: in close communion with Me.

When you are around other people, you tend to cater to their expectations-real or imagined.  You feel enslaved to pleasing them, and your awareness of My Presence grows dim.  Your efforts to win their approval eventually exhaust you.  You offer these people dry crumbs rather than theliving water of My Spirit flowing through you.  This is not My way for you!  Stay in touch with Me, even during you busiest moments.  Let My Spirit give you words of grace as you live in the Light of My Peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 7:38 38Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”

Ephesians 5:18-20 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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November 15 Devotional

Posted on November 17, 2013 by drscott
Dear Friends,
Do you remember the hugely successful series of books titled “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”?  Loved those little books.  Perfect length, easy to read and packed with little nuggets of wisdom.  Jesus was the first original author of not sweating the small stuff!  His wisdom and insight enables all of us to keep things in perspective.  Give it to God, do your best and be at peace.  Amen!  Love, Scott
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Approach Problems with a light touch.  When your mind moves toward a problem area, you tend to focus on that situation so intensely that you lose sight of Me.  You pit yourself against the difficulty as if you had to conquer it immediately.  Your mind gears up for battle, and your body becomes tense and anxious.  Unless you achieve total victory, you feel defeated.

There is a better way.  When a problem starts to overshadow your thoughts, bring this matter to Me.  Talk with Me about it and look at it in the Light of My Presence.  This puts some much-needed space between you and your concern, enabling you to see from My perspective.  You will be surprised at the results.  Sometimes you may even laugh at yourself for being so serious about something so insignificant. 

You will always face trouble in this life .  But more importantly, you will always have Me with you, helping you to handle whatever you encounter.  Approach problems with a light touch by viewing them in My revealing Light.

Psalm 89:15 15 Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

John 16:33 33″I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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