December 29 devotional

Posted on December 29, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
I hope you are all enjoying some well-deserved time off and rest.  One of the things I love to do during the holidays is catch up on some reading.  My mom sent me a book called “Killing Jesus”.  I know, the title is a bit jarring to say the least, but it has been on the NY Times best selling list for a while now and is written as an historical account of the life and times of Jesus.  I’m only half way through (I’m a terribly slow reader) but what trikes me is the hedonistic and brutality of the Romans during Jesus’ time.  I knew it was bad, but the book goes into more detail about the common practices of the Roman soldiers, the rulers of the day (including the Jewish ones) and the fate that awaited anyone who would challenge the authorities who ruled with an iron fist.  There was no love, forgiveness, grace, peace etc. until Jesus came along and preached it!  Thank you God for coming into our world to preach the Good news and for giving your life for us.  A Merry Christmas indeed!  May God bless you all today and every day as you trust in Him.  Peace and Love! Scott
________________________________________________________________

Trust Me with every fiber of your being!  What I can accomplish in and through you is proportional to how much you depend on Me.  One aspect of this is the degree to which you trust Me in a crisis or major decision.  Some people fail miserably here, while others are at their best in tough times.  Another aspect is even more telling: the constancy of your trust in Me.  People who rely on Me in the midst of adversity may forget about Me when life is flowing smoothly.  Difficult times can jolt you into awareness of your need for Me, whereas smooth sailing can lull you into the stupor of self-sufficiency.

I care as much about your tiny trust-steps through daily life as about your dramatic leaps of faith.  You may think that no one notices, but the One who is always beside you sees everything-and rejoices.  Consistently trusting in Me is vital to flourishing in My Presence.

Psalm 40:4 4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Psalm 56:3-4 3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.  4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me?

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

Isaiah 26:3-4 3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.  4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Posted in Devotionals | Comments Off on December 29 devotional

Go Tell it on the Mountain

Posted on December 17, 2014 by drscott

Here is the recording for this week’s anthem:

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Posted in Anthem recordings | Comments Off on Go Tell it on the Mountain

January 11th Special Worship Service

Posted on December 17, 2014 by drscott

As you may have heard, we are having a special worship service on January 11th. This will be the only worship service this weekend and a great opportunity to gather together as a church!

We will be having a blended worship service that morning so that all of the participants will be able to find something that will connect for them.

That being said, we will be doing some music that may not be familiar to everyone, so I am posting these videos to help you over the Christmas break to become familiar with them:) Click on the videos below to watch.

Blessed Assurance (this is a recording-click on the title to hear it)

Posted in Anthem recordings | Comments Off on January 11th Special Worship Service

December 10th Devotional

Posted on December 10, 2014 by drscott
Dear Beloved,
It’s been a rather busy week so far for me and it will continue to be busy I’m sure.  You all are just a busy as I am (especially since you all are involved in the Christmas show!) so, I know you understand how I am feeling right now.  We try desperately to control our lives and sometimes all of those around us too!  I think about Mary and Joseph during weeks like this.  Traveling with a pregnant wife who’s carrying the Son of God, the Messiah, to Bethlehem where they will have to make do with a stable/cave dwelling as the birthplace of Jesus.  God provided then, just as He does now, for all of our needs.  Troubles will always be with us, but so is God, and in that, we find peace.  Love and Hugs, Scott
___________________________________________________________

Make Me The Focal Point of your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that it is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. When your private world feels unsteady and you grip My hand for support, you are living in conscious dependence on Me.

Instead of yearning for a problem-free life, rejoice that trouble can highlight your awareness of My Presence. In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of My Face. Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy. Remember that you have an eternity of trouble free living awaiting you in heaven.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed,for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 139:10 …even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Posted in Devotionals | Comments Off on December 10th Devotional

December 8th Devotional

Posted on December 8, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
It’s ok to be needy with God.  As today’s devotional perfectly points out, we are designed with a very strong, ever present need of God.  Problem is that many try to fill this void with other things.  Best of all, Christ is with us and we are His.  Amen!

___________________________________________________________

Your Needs And My Riches are a perfect fit.  I never meant for you to be self-sufficient.  Instead, I designed you to need Me not only for daily bread but also for fulfillment of deep yearnings.  I carefully crafted your longings and feelings of incompleteness, to point you to Me.  Therefore, do not try to bury or deny these feelings.  Beware also of trying to pacify these longings with lesser gods: people, possessions, power.

Come to Me in all your neediness, with defenses down and with desire to be blessed.  As you spend time in My Presence, your deepest longings are fulfilled.  Rejoice in your neediness, which enables you to find intimate completion in Me. 

Philippians 4:19 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:2-3 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Posted in Devotionals | Comments Off on December 8th Devotional

Orchestra Agenda

Posted on December 4, 2014 by drscott

Posted in Orchestra Agenda | Comments Off on Orchestra Agenda

Chancel Choir Agenda

Posted on December 4, 2014 by drscott

Posted in Choir Agenda | Comments Off on Chancel Choir Agenda

December 3rd Devotional

Posted on December 3, 2014 by drscott
Beloved,
Today’s devotional reminds me of that simple, yet powerful song by the Gaithers:  Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…there’s just something about that name.  There is indeed power in the name of Jesus!  So, when the going gets tough and you find yourself out of touch, who will you call out to?  Be blessed as you practice your faith through calling out to Jesus!  Hugs and Love, Scott
_________________________________________________________

Do Not Be Surprised by the fiery attacks on your mind.  When you struggle to find Me and to live in My Peace, don’t let discouragement set in.  You are engaged in massive warfare, spiritually speaking.  The evil one abhors your closeness to Me, and his demonic underlings are determined to destroy our intimacy.  When you find yourself in the thick of battle, call upon My Name:”Jesus, help me!”  At that instant, the battle becomes Mine; your role is simply to trust Me as I fight for you.

My Name, properly used, has unlimited Power to bless and protect.  At the end of time, every knee will bow (in heaven, on earth, and under the earth), when My Name is proclaimed.  People who have used My Name as a shoddy swear word will fall down in terror on the awesome day.  But all those people who have drawn near Me through trustingly uttering My Name will be filled with inexpressible and glorious Joy.  This is your great hope, as you await My return.

Ephesians 6:12 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 Samuel 17:47 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Philippians 2:9-10 (AMP) 9Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,10That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

1 Peter 1:8-9 8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Posted in Devotionals | Comments Off on December 3rd Devotional

December 2 Devotional

Posted on December 2, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
May the God of Light, Joy, Hope, Love and Peace be with you today and every day!  Scott

__________________________________________________________

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

Posted in Devotionals | Comments Off on December 2 Devotional

December 1st Devotional

Posted on December 1, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
“Be still and know that I am God”.  If you’re like me, it’s difficult at times to “be still”, especially during the holidays!  But, as we quickly approach Christmas day, I pray that you will find time to simply “be still” and prepare your hearts, minds, souls and spirits for the coming of Christ anew in your lives.  Be blessed in this.  Amen!  Hugs, Scott
_____________________________________________________________

I Love You with an everlasting Love, which flows out from the depths of eternity.  Before you were born, I knew you.  Ponder the awesome mystery of a Love that encompasses you from before birth to beyond the grave.

Modern man has lost the perspective of eternity.  To distract himself from the gaping jaws of death, he engages in ceaseless activity and amusement.  The practice of being still in My Presence is almost a lost art, yet it is this very stillness that enables you to experience My eternal Love.    You need the certainty of My loving Presence in order to weather the storms of life.  During times of severe testing, even the best theology can fail you if it isn’t accompanied by experiential knowledge of Me.  The ultimate protection against sinking during life’s storms is devoting time to developing your friendship with Me. 

Jeremiah 31:3 3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

Lamentations 3:22-26 22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Posted in Devotionals | Comments Off on December 1st Devotional