February 24th devotional

Dear Friends,

One of the things I love about snow is how bright, white and clean it looks after it falls. It illuminates our homes through the windows and reminds me of God’s amazing, unlimited, pure love for us. I pray you feel His presence today and every day as you contemplate God’s love for you! Peace and Love, Scott

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Be Still In The Light of My Presence, while I communicate Love to you. There is no force in the universe as powerful as My Love. You are constantly aware of limitations, your own and others’. But there is no limit to My Love, it fills all of space, time, and eternity.

Now you see through a glass, darkly, but someday you will see Me face-to-Face. Then you will be able to experience fully how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. If you were to experience that now, you would be overwhelmed to the point of feeling crushed. But you have an eternity ahead of you, absolutely guaranteed, during which you can enjoy My Presence in unrestricted ecstasy. For now, the knowledge of My loving Presence is sufficient to carry you through each day.

1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV) 12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

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, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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February 18th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Today is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of our Lenten season and a time of reflection, surrender and spiritual growth.  I pray that the next several weeks are a blessing to you as you grow closer to Christ and Christ closer to you.  And remember, you’re never alone.  Be blessed in this truth.  Peace and Love, Scott
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I Am With You.  These four words are like a safety net, protecting you from falling into despair.  Because you are human, you will always have ups and downs in your life experience.  But the promise of My Presence limits how far down you can go.  Sometimes you may feel as if you are in a free-fall when people or things you had counted on let you down.  Yet, as soon as you remember that I am with you, your perspective changes radically.  Instead of bemoaning your circumstances, you can look to Me for help.  Recall that not only am I with you, I am holding you by your right hand.  I guide you with My counsel, and afterward I will take you into Glory.  This is exactly the perspective you need: the reassurance of My Presence in this life, and the glorious hope of heaven to come.

Zephaniah 3:17 “The 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.”

Psalm 73:23-24 23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?  And earth has nothing I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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February 17th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Now that I’m a part of the 50 + club, I realize the danger of getting too set in my ways.  Routine is wonderful, but one thing is for certain, change will happen!  I love the image of the bamboo.  It easily bends, but does not break.  It is deeply rooted, yet easily spreads.  And, it is hollow and so is easily filled.  Maybe we should be more like bamboo in our Christian journey?
Ash Wednesday is tomorrow and marks the beginning of our Lenten season.  This is a great time to let go of some habits and maybe start some new ones.  Be blessed as you and your soul continue to grow in Christ.  Peace!  Scott
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I Am The Risen One who shines upon you always.  You worship living deity, not some idolatrous, man-made image.  Your relationship with Me is meant to be vibrant and challenging, as I invade more and more areas of your life.  Do not fear change, for I am making you a new creation, with old things passing away and new things continually on the horizon.  When you cling to old ways and sameness, you resist My work within you.  I want you to embrace all that I am doing in your life, finding your security in Me alone.

It is easy to make an idol of routine, finding security within the boundaries you build around your life.  Although each day contains twenty-four hours, every single one presents a unique set of circumstances.  Don’t try to force-fit today into yesterday’s mold.  Instead, ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can find all I have prepared for you in this precious day of Life.

Matthew 28:6 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

2 Corinthians 5:17 
17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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Chancel Choir Agenda

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February 12th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Often, the key to having joy in your life is as simple as changing your focus.  I say “simple”, but you and I both know it takes discipline and courage to do that at times.  Keep practicing!  It does get easier!  Love, Scott
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I Am Ever So Near You, hovering over your shoulder, reading every thought.  People think that thoughts are fleeting and worthless, but yours are precious to Me.  I smile when you think lovingly of Me.  My Spirit, who lives within you, helps you to think My thoughts.  As your thinking goes, so goes your entire being.

Let Me be your positive Focus.  When you look to Me, knowing Me as God with you, you experience Joy.  This is according to My ancient design, when I first crafted man.  Modern man seeks his positive focus elsewhere: in sports, sensations, acquiring new possessions.  Advertising capitalizes on the longing of people for a positive focus in their lives.  I planted that longing in human souls, knowing that only I could fully satisfy it.  Delight yourself in Me; let Me become the Desire of your heart.

Matthew 1:23 23″The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”—which means, “God with us.”

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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February 11th Devotional

ray of light
Dear Friends,
Today, I’m sharing a picture that Linda Kindred took while staying at her mother’s home.  She had just read a devotional that stated “I am with you and all around you, encircling you in golden rays of Light”.  Today’s devotional is similar in theme in that the peace of Christ is like a shaft of golden light.  If you look at the picture closely, it also is shining on a yield sign.  I think that when we yield to Christ and His will, peace will indeed find us and fill us with everlasting love.  May you be blessed as you bask in the light of Christ.  Peace!  Scott
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My Peace is like a shaft of golden Light shining on you continuously. During days of bright sunshine, it may blend in with your surroundings. On darker days, My Peace stands out in sharp contrast to your circumstances. See times of darkness as opportunities for My Light to shine in transcendent splendor I am training you to practice Peace that overpowers darkness. Collaborate with Me in this training. Do not grow weary or lose heart.

John 1:4-5 4In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. 5And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

Hebrews 12:3 3  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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February 10th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Ah yes.  Time with Christ.  Many of you are aware of the 5 Love Languages book.  In the book, the author discusses 5 different ways we give and receive love.  Gifts, words of assurance, physical touch, acts of service and quality time.  We all give and receive love through one or more of these affirming acts of love.  Jesus’ love language is obviously quality time.  Now, we can certainly show our love of Christ through doing other acts of love for others, but what Christ wants more than anything, is time alone with us.  Show Him some love today!  Hugs, Scott
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Trust Me Enough to spend time with Me, pushing back the demands of the day.  Refuse to feel guilty about something that is so pleasing to Me, the King of the universe.  Because I am omnipotent, I am able to bend time and events in your favor.  You will find that you can accomplish more in less time, after you have given yourself to Me in rich communion.  Also, as you align yourself with My perspective, you can sort out what is important and what is not.

Don’t fall into the trap of being constantly on the go.  Many, many things people do in My Name have no value in My kingdom.  To avoid doing meaningless works, stay in continual communication with Me.  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Luke 10:41-42 
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Psalm 32:8 (NASB) 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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February 9th Devotional

Dear Friends,
I watched a documentary last night about some folks hiking the John Muir Trail in California.  The breathtaking scenery during the 211 mile trek was inspiring to say the least!  Might be a “bucket list” sorta thing to do some day!  Today’s devotional is very much about the journey we are all on as we live out our lives.  Just like the JMT, there are challenges along the way–peaks, valleys, rough roads, treacherous passes etc. but through it all, God is with us.  Be blessed on your journey and thanks for letting me tag along!  Hugs, scott
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Seek My Face more and more. You are really just beginning your journey of intimacy with Me. It is not an easy road, but it is a delightful and privileged way: a treasure hunt. I am the Treasure, and the glory of My Presence glistens and shimmers along the way. Hardships are part of the journey too. I mete them out ever so carefully, in just the right dosage, with a tenderness you can hardly imagine. Do not recoil from afflictions, since they are among My most favored gifts. Trust Me and don’t be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song.

Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song: he has become my salvation.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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February 6th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Interesting isn’t it that the duet from Messiah last Sunday by Suellen and Lynn is quoted below.  The invitation is always there for you, just as Christ is ready to receive.  All you gotta do is ask.  Be blessed as you ask away! 
Peace and Love, Scott
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Come To Me And Rest. I am all about you, to bless and restore. Breathe Me in with each breath. The way just ahead of you is very steep. Slow down and cling tightly to My hand. I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship.

Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My precious Presence. Light, Life, Joy, and Peace flow freely through this gift. When your focus turns away from Me, you grasp for other things. You drop the glowing gift of My Presence as you reach for lifeless ashes. Return to Me; regain My Presence.

Matthew 11:28-29 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 Timothy 2:8
8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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