July 7 devotional

Posted on July 8, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,


Thoughts are powerful.  Our thoughts are the seeds of action.  Controlling our thoughts is a very difficult task, but can be done with practice and prayer.  Read on for inspiration friends!  Be blessed.  Hugs and Love, Scott


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Trust Me In All Your Thoughts. 

  I know that some thoughts are unconscious or semiconscious, and I do not hold you responsible for those.  But you can direct conscious thoughts much more than you may realize.  Practice thinking in certain ways-trusting Me, thanking Me-and those thoughts become more natural.  Reject negative or sinful thoughts as soon as you become aware of them.  Don’t try to hide them from Me; confess them and leave them with Me.  Go on your way lightheartedly.  This method of controlling your thoughts will keep your mind in My Presence and your feet on the path of Peace.

Psalm 20:7 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

1 John 1:9 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Luke 1:79  79to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” 

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 3 devotional

Posted on July 3, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,


I hear the words of our anthem “Not Guilty” when I read the devotional below.  Christ was very clear on being judgmental of others.  It’s so easy to see the fault in others while missing the log stuck in our own eyes!  Read on and be blessed!  Hugs, Scott________________________________________________

My Children make a pastime of judging one another-and themselves.  But I am the only capable Judge, and I have acquitted you through My own blood.  Your acquittal came at the price of My unparalleled sacrifice.  That is why I am highly offended when I hear My children judge one another or indulge in self-hatred.If you live close to Me and absorb My Word, the Holy Spirit will guide and correct you as needed.  There is no condemnation for those who belong to Me.

Luke 6:37 37“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

2 Timothy 4:8

8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Titus 3:5 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

Romans 8:1  1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ JesusDaily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 2 devotional

Posted on July 3, 2013 by drscott

Dear Beloved,


What a joy to know that God is indeed in control.  As we pray continually, we indeed can relax a bit, knowing that the Divine Artist is weaving a perfect day for us, regardless of circumstances and physical conditions.  Have you given this day to God?  Or are you trying to control everything and everyone around you?  And, how’s that working for you?  It’s not too late to start over.  He’s waiting with open arms hoping you’ll rest there a while.  Peace and Love Friends, Scott

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Let Me Show You

My way for you this day.  I guide you continually, so you can relax and enjoy My Presence in the present.  Living well is both a discipline and an art.  Concentrate on staying close to Me, the divine Artist.  Discipline your thoughts to trust Me as I work My ways in your life.  Pray about everything; then, leave outcomes up to Me.  Do not fear My will, for through it I accomplish what is best for you.  Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Me.  Underneath are the everlasting arms!

Psalm 5:2-3  2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.  3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Deuteronomy 33:27  27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, ‘Destroy him!’

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young


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July 1 Devotional

Posted on July 2, 2013 by drscott
Dear Friends,
It’s so easy to make anything an idol.  I watched a short music video this morning during our worship leadership staff planning and it brought home just exactly what an idol is.  We sometimes think that an idol is some object or image that was worshiped during the ancient Roman times.  I saw some of these idols and temple ruins during my trip.  As I marveled at the craftsmanship, engineering and architectural skill demonstrated in constructing these temples, I was still viewing ruins.  The buildings and worshipers were no longer there.  Our God never dies.  The temples we build are inside our hearts and souls.  This is where our focus should be.  Anything that occupies your mind completely is an idol.  Anyone that dominates your every thought and desire, is an idol.  Any job that completely dominates your life, is an idol.  It’s easy to slip into idolizing other things, even if successful according to the world’s standards.  But,  just like the ruins in Rome, these things will pass away.  Focus on life eternal and our Christ who gives us this abundant living.  Be blessed friends!  Peace and Love, Scott
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I Am Life And Light In Abundance.  As you spend time “soaking” in My Presence, you are energized and lightened.  Through communing with Me, your heavy burdens are transferred to My strong shoulders.  By gazing at Me, you gain My perspective on your life.  This time alone with Me is essential for unscrambling your thoughts and smoothing out the day before you.

Be willing to fight for this precious time with Me.  Opposition comes in many forms: your own desire to linger in bed, the evil one’s determination to distract you from Me; the pressure of family, friends, and your own inner critic to spend your time more productively.  As you grow in your desire to please Me above all else, you gain strength to resist these opponents, Delight yourself in Me, for I am the deepest Desire of your heart.

Psalm 48:9  9 Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.

 Deuteronomy 33:12   12About Benjamin he said: “Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.”

 Psalm 37:4  4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Daily Devotional From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young
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June 28 Devotional

Posted on June 30, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,
Of course, this devotional reminds me of that great gospel song from Brooklyn Tab “Oh Taste and See”.  Check it out on youtube if you’re so inclined.  God is good all the time and all the time, God is good!  And aren’t you glad that His ways are higher than our ways.  Could you worship Him if His thoughts were the same as yours?  Probably not.  I need a God who loves unconditionally (difficult for humans, but not for God) is totally in control of each situation (so that I don’t have to worry about things) and who forgives me (even when I can’t forgive myself).  God is good!  Amen.  Hugs, Scott

 

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Taste And See That I Am Good.  This command contains an invitation to experience My living Presence.  It also contains a promise.  The more you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness.  This knowledge is essential to your faith-walk.  When adversities strike, the human instinct is to doubt My goodness.  My ways are mysterious, even to those who know Me intimately.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than your ways and thoughts.  Do not try to fathom My ways.  Instead, spend time enjoying Me and experiencing My goodness.

Psalm 34:88 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Isaiah 55:8-9 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.  9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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June 27 Devotional

Posted on June 30, 2013 by drscott

Dearly Beloved,
The devotional below simply makes me smile.  When I take a moment to look back on all the journeys I have taken in my short 48 years, I see where God was with me, guiding me and ready to help at a moments notice.  I didn’t always realize it at the time, but in looking back, I see with different eyes.  I know it is the same for you.  But for now, take a moment and rest knowing that you are not alone and that God loves you VERY much.  Peace, Love and Hugs, Scott

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Rest With Me A While.  You have journeyed up a steep, rugged path in recent days.  The way ahead is shrouded in uncertainty.  Look neither behind you nor before you.  Instead, focus your attention on Me, your constant Companion.  Trust that I will equip you fully for whatever awaits you on your journey.

I designed time to be a protection for you.  You couldn’t bear to see all your life at once.  Though I am unlimited by time, it is in the present moment that I meet you.  Refresh yourself in My company, breathing deep draughts of My Presence.  The highest level of trust is to enjoy Me moment by moment.  I am with you, watching over you wherever you go.

Psalm 143:8 8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.  Show me the way I should go,  for to you I lift up my soul.

Genesis 28:15 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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June 26 Devotional

Posted on June 26, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,
It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and distracted in today’s over stimulated world.  But Christ assures us that if we stay focused on Him, the temporary circumstances we find ourselves in will be diminished as we collaborate with Him who conquers all.  Eternal glory is the prize we are working towards each and every day.  Nothing on earth compares to being with Christ in eternity.  So, take heart.  Take a deep breath.  And press on my friends!  See you soon!  Peace and Love, Scott

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Stay Calmly conscious of Me today, no matter what.  Remember that I go before you as well as with you into the day.  Nothing takes Me by surprise.  I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you, so long as you look to Me.  I will help you cope with whatever the moment presents.  Collaborating with Me brings blessings that far outweigh all your troubles.  Awareness of My Presence contains Joy that can endure all eventualities.

Jude 24-25 24To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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June 25 Devotional

Posted on June 25, 2013 by drscott

Dear Friends,

It has been a while since I last sent you a devotional.  First of all, I want to thank all of those who faithfully served this church while many of us were in other churches in Italy serving and singing for the glory of God.  It’s wonderful to think of our music ministry both locally and worldwide.  What a great group of people!  Thanks especially to Beth for conducting and leading so well in my absence.  Thanks also to all of you who were praying for our trip.  We definitely felt your fervent prayers on our behalf.  We have lots of stories to share with you tomorrow night at our short rehearsal, so plan on staying for a while and sharing fellowship with one another.  I’ve missed you!
This day is indeed a gift that needs to be embraced fully in the light of Christ.  Give thanks for it.  Sing a song of praise for it.  Tell others about God and our Savior Jesus Christ.  Let us share the Good News where ever we can and in any way that we can.  Amen!  Peace and Love, Scott
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Open Your Hands and your heart to receive this day as a precious gift from Me.  I begin each day with a sunrise, announcing My radiant Presence.  By the time you rise from your bed, I have already prepared the way before you.  I eagerly await your first conscious thought.  I rejoice when you glance My way.

Bring Me the gift of thanksgiving, which opens your heart to rich communion with Me.  Because I am God, from whom all blessings flow, thankfulness is the best way to draw near Me.  Sing praise songs to Me; tell of My wondrous works.  Remember that I take great delight in you;  I rejoice over you with singing.

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

 Psalm 95:2 2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.

 Zephaniah 3:17  17The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young
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Orchestra Agenda

Posted on June 20, 2013 by drscott

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Chancel Choir Agenda

Posted on June 20, 2013 by drscott

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