August 7th Devotional

Dear Friends,
It was great welcoming so many new members last night to choir!  We have several that are still on the fence, but hopefully jump in soon with both feet.  Keep recruiting and keep praying for new folks to join our merry band of singers, ringers and instrumentalists!
Today’s devotional is all about “peace”.  On the one hand, we are wired to be curious and to figure things out.  That’s good to a point, but not at the expense of having peace when we don’t have all the answers or even trusting our own understanding.  Sometimes we have to just say “let it go” and “be at peace”.  God’s ways are indeed higher than our ways (thank you God!) and we need to trust that he indeed does have our best interest at heart.  Be blessed in this and the knowledge that you have peace!  Love and Hugs, Scott
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Understanding will never bring you Peace.  That’s why I have instructed you to trust in Me, not in your understanding.  Human beings have a voracious appetite for trying to figure things out, in order to gain a sense of mastery over their lives.  But the world presents you with an endless series of problems.  As soon as you master one set, another pops up to challenge you.  The relief you had anticipated is short-lived.  Soon your mind is gearing up again: searching for understanding (mastery), instead of seeking Me (your Master).

The wisest of all men, Solomon, could never think his way through to Peace.  His vast understanding resulted in feelings of futility, rather than in fulfillment.  Finally, he lost his way and succumbed to the will of his wives by worshiping idols.

My Peace is not an elusive goal, hidden at the center of some complicated maze.  Actually, you are always enveloped in Peace, which is inherent in My Presence.  As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace.

Proverbs 3:5-6   5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Romans 5:1 
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our LordJesus Christ,

2 Thessalonians 3:16 16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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Orchestra Agenda

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Chancel Choir Agenda

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August 6th Devotional

Dear Friends,
Gosh, it’s so difficult to keep your cool when everything around you seems to be falling apart.  I guess this is truly where faith and trust come into play.  And, if you think you have problems, take a look at the next guy!  Someone always has it worse than you!  Funny, but so true.  And besides, we have Jesus on our side.  We got it all!  Be blessed dear faithful ones!  Scott
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When Things Seem to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in Me.  Calmly bring these matters to Me, and leave them in My capable hands.  Then, simply do the next thing.  Stay in touch with Me through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in My sovereign control.  Rejoice in Me–exult in the God of your salvation!  As you trust in Me, I make your feet like the feet of a deer.  I enable you to walk and make progress upon the high places.


Job 13:15  15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Psalm 18:33  
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (AMP)
 17Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls,18Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation!(A19The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! For the Chief Musician; with my stringed instruments.


Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling Devotional” by Sarah Young

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Anthem Recordings-take 2

If you had difficulty listening to the anthem recordings previously posted, then hopefully this will solve the problem! Here are the recordings again as MP3’s.

Aug 10   I Surrender (NEW!)

Aug 17  God Is Working

Aug 24   We Are United

Aug 31   Not Afraid (NEW!)

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August 5th Devotional

Dear Beloved,
I love the image this devotional depicts.  Sitting still.  Being quiet.  Mind is calm and cool, ready to receive whatever the Lord wills.  Beautiful isn’t it?  Only problem is, not sitting still, not being quiet and having a mind that churns like a hurricane seems to be my way of being!  It’s not God’s way though.  So, as you read this, know that I struggle like many of you.  May God bless us all in our efforts to “be still and know”.  Hugs! Scott
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Sit Quietly In My Presence while I bless you.  Make your mind like a still pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it.  Rest in My sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents.  Do not wear  yourself out by worrying about whether you can cope with the pressures.  Keep looking to Me and communicating with Me, as we walk through this day together.

Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry.  A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving.  When you rush, you forget who you are and whose you are.  Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom.

Psalm 37:7 (NIV) 7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Romans 8:16-17 (NIV) 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) 
9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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August 4th Devotional

Dear Friends,
How good it was to be with you in worship yesterday!  As I said, “it felt like church” to me.  August will be our recruitment month as we invite folks to try us out for a few months this fall.  We have an exciting line up of anthems already in place for August and some great Christmas music to come!  I’ll share news about that on Wednesday during our ice-cream social!
Today’s beautiful devotional reminds us to “walk joyously with Me through this day”.  When we’re with our heavenly Father, we know deep down that it’s all gonna be alright–no matter what comes our way.  So, relax, hold tight and receive the peace that only He can give.  Love and Hugs, Scott
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Hold My Hand, and walk joyously with Me through this day.  Together we will savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties it brings.  Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you: stunning scenery, bracing winds of adventure, cozy nooks for resting when you are weary, and much more.  I am your guide, as well as your constant Companion.  I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven.

You don’t have to choose between staying close to Me and staying on course.  Since I am the Way, staying close to Me is staying on course.  As you focus your thoughts on Me, I will guide you carefully along today’s journey.  Don’t worry about what is around the next bend.  Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me.

John 14:6  

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Colossians 4:2  
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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July 30 Devotional

Calling all nature lovers!
Today’s devotional is for YOU!  If you’re like me, you’re happiest when you’re outside.  Seems ironic that I spend most of my time in an office with no window!  So, when I do have a little time to myself, I’m outside enjoying what God has created for His children.  Appreciate the miracle of life, the beauty of nature and our glorious blue planet.  We are stewards of this earth and accountable to God for taking care of it.  So, enjoy and nurture that which has been freely given to you.  Peace and Love, Scott
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Worship Me in the beauty of holiness.  I created beauty to declare the existence of My holy Being.  A magnificent rose, a hauntingly glorious sunset, oceanic splendor–all these things were meant to proclaim My Presence in the world.  Most people rush past these proclamations without giving them a second thought.  Some people use beauty, especially feminine loveliness, to sell their products.

How precious are My children who are awed by nature’s beauty; this opens them up to My holy Presence.  Even before you knew Me personally, you responded to My creation with wonder.  This is a gift, and it carries responsibility with it.  Declare My glorious Being to the world.  The whole earth is full of My radiant beauty–My Glory!


Psalm 29:2 (NKJV) 2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Isaiah 6:3  
3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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July 29th Devotional

Dear Friends,
I love these images of boats, anchors, waves and water that represent our relationship with God our Father.  As Jesus was looking for disciples, he found several fishing by the sea of Galilee.  He made them “fishers of men” in due time as you’ll recall.  Today’s devotional is all about being anchored to Christ.  Without this anchor, we are easily swept away in currents of confusion, corruption and chaos.  Be blessed as you read today’s devotional and re-anchor your soul to Christ.  Peace and Love, Scott
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Come To Me Continually.  I am meant to be the Center of Your consciousness, the Anchor of your soul.  Your mind will wander from Me, but the question is how far you allow it to wander.  An anchor on a short rope lets a boat drift only slightly before the taut line tugs the boat back toward the center.  Similarly, as you drift away from Me, My Spirit within you gives a tug, prompting you to return to Me.  As you become increasingly attuned to My Presence, the length of rope on your soul’s Anchor is shortened.  You wander only a short distance before feeling that inner tug–telling you to return to your true Center in Me.

Hebrews 6:19  19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

1 John 2:28  
28And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

Matthew 22:37  
37Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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July 28th Devotional

Dear Friends,
One of our deepest desires is to be known, understood and loved unconditionally.  Good news!  Our Savior fulfills that human need, but it requires work on our part to receive this perfect gift.  Alone time is where it all happens.  I pray you make time for Him today and every day.  Peace and Love, Scott

Let My Love

seep into the inner recesses of your being.  Do not close off any part of yourself from Me.  I know you inside and out, so do not try to present a “cleaned-up” self to Me.  Wounds that you shut away from the Light of My Love will fester and become wormy.  Secret sins that you “hide” from Me can split off and develop lives of their own, controlling you without you realizing it.

Open yourself fully to My transforming Presence.  Let My brilliant Love-Light search out and destroy hidden fears.  This process requires time alone with me, as My Love soaks into your innermost being.  Enjoy My perfect Love, which expels every trace of fear.

Psalm 139:23-24  23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

1 John 4:18 (AMP) 
18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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