July 8th Devotional

Posted on July 8, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
Today’s devotional reminds us that nothing can separate us from God, nor prevent us from communing with Him right here and now.  I love the image of “fireworks of heavenly ecstasy”…what a beautiful image of our joy meeting God’s joy.  Be blessed as you seek time with Him today and every day.  Peace and Love, Scott
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When You Seek My Face,

put aside thoughts of everything else.  I am above all, as well as in all; your communion with Me transcends both time and circumstances.  Be prepared to be blessed bountifully by My Presence, for I am a God of unlimited abundance.  Open wide your heart and mind to receive more and more of Me.  When your Joy in Me meets My Joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy.  This is eternal life here and now: a tiny foretaste of what awaits you in the life to come.  Now you see only a poor reflection as in a mirror, but then you will see face-to-Face.

John 15:11 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

1 Corinthians 13:12 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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July 7th Devotional

Posted on July 7, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
Our minds and the thoughts we create are truly amazing.  If one looks back in history, almost all of humanities greatest accomplishments started with a thought.  This thought then led to life changing words and actions.  Powerful!  God created us to be thinking, changing individuals who live life fully and fearlessly.  But, beware of your thoughts.  They can lead down paths that are not God-centered.  Resentment, anger, ingratitude and other sinister thoughts can lead to unhealthy emotions and, possibly, death!  Really!  Our minds are so powerful, they can (and often do) affect us physically as well as mentally.  So, be careful of your thoughts and stay on the path of peace with God.  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 3rd Devotional

Posted on July 3, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
Today’s devotional is short and sweet, but it packs a powerful message of forgiveness in Christ.  I pray that you will go through this day knowing you are loved, forgiven and at peace in Christ, our Redeemer, Savior and Friend.  Love, Scott
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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 Jesus

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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July 2nd Devotional

Posted on July 2, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
Oh how I’ve missed you all!  Many times I thought of you while traveling in June.  So many “God moments” that I wish we could have shared together!  I thank you all for your faithfulness in my absence and for Beth, Sonny and Kathleen holding down the fort!  I heard things went really well.  I’m not surprised! As you enjoy some badly needed and well deserved time off in July, today’s devotional is particularly timely.  Look for your own “God moments” throughout the day.  Keep your eyes, ears and heart tuned to the Divine Artist, our Creator God.  Come by and see me on Sunday!  Let’s share that God moment with each other!  Peace and Love, 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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Annie

Posted on July 1, 2014 by drscott

Mainstage Classic Theater is presenting its summer musical “Annie” July 19th and 20th.  It’s starring John McLain as Daddy Warbucks, Karen McGough as Mrs. Hannigan, Josh Roberts as Rooster, Tessa as Grace and many others that you’ll know! See the poster below for more details!

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Tomorrow

Posted on June 28, 2014 by drscott

Remember that we are singing “I Then Shall Live” tomorrow with Whole Heart.   Since some folks are out vacationing, if you can sing both services that would be awesome!    Thanks!

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Freedom Concert

Posted on June 27, 2014 by drscott

If you are in town and don’t have plans for next Monday, June 30th I would love to have you come hear the concert I am singing in. I will have tickets with me on Sunday. Tickets are $10.

This is great music that really speaks about our heritage as a free country. The first song is a collection of words written by Thomas Jefferson and the final piece is a piece written for this concert using the words of the Gettysburg Address. I would love to see some familiar faces in the audience! See the poster below for more info!

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July 4th Concert at Arborlawn UMC

Posted on June 26, 2014 by drscott
From our brothers and sisters at Arborlawn UMC:
You and your choir and church members are cordially invited to join with the Arborlawn UMC choir and congregation in a July 4 Patriotic Celebration Concert!  This will be Tom Stoker’s 25th year to conduct a July 4 concert, and we hope you can join us.
Here is the schedule:
4 p.m. — Meet in Sanctuary for rehearsal (music folders will be provided)
6 p.m. — Dinner served
7 p.m. — Concert
We always have a packed house, and are hoping to have 150-200 singers this year.  It’s very casual, so your folks can be cool in shorts or pants and July 4 colors.
That’s it — just one rehearsal and a fantastic concert!  There will be a lot of audience participation as well, so please encourage your families and friends to attend, even if they can’t be in the chorus.
Please call me at 817.443.3585 with any questions.  I loo forward to seeing you there on July 4!

Kay Phillips

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June 24th Devotional

Posted on June 24, 2014 by drscott
Dear Beloved,
Hand in hand we journey together with Christ our Lord and Savior.  It is in His hands that we find peace, love, forgiveness, joy and grace.  All is well as we become more and more dependent upon the sustaining power of our Creator God.  In difficult times, just hold on and trust in Him.  In times of ease, hold on and be grateful for your peaceful respite from the world around you.  God is indeed with us!  Thanks be to God!  Peace and Love, Scott
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Hold My Hand-And Trust.  So long as you are conscious of My Presence with you, all is well.  It is virtually impossible to stumble while walking in the Light with Me.  I designed you to enjoy Me above all else.  You find the deepest fulfillment of your heart in Me alone.

Fearful, anxious thoughts melt away in the Light of My Presence.  When you turn away from Me, you are vulnerable to the darkness that is always at work in the world.  Don’t be surprised by how easily you sin when you forget to cling to My hand.  In the world, dependency is seen as immaturity,  But in My kingdom, dependence on Me is a prime measure of maturity.

Isaiah 41:10 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 62:5-6 5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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June 23rd Devotional

Posted on June 23, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
I trust this finds you all well.  Today’s devotional is a gentle reminder of God’s presence in our lives so that we are not slaves to fear and worry.  I love the phrase that says God is looking for “persistence and not perfection” in our walk with Him.  It gives me hope along the journey with Christ that though I stumble and fall away at times, He is always there to pick me up and help me along the path of righteousness.  Thank you God!  Be blessed as you live each day in the shadow of our loving Father.  Peace and Love, Scott
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Let My Love Stream Through You, washing away fear and distrust.  A trusting response includes Me in your thoughts as you consider strategies to deal with a situation.  My continual Presence is a promise, guaranteeing that you never have to face anything alone.  My children teethe on the truth that I am always with them, yet they stumble around in a stupor, unaware of My loving Presence all around them.  How that grieves Me!
When you walk through a day in trusting dependence on Me, My aching heart is soothed.  Gently bring your attention back to Me, whenever it wanders away.  I look for persistence-rather than perfection-in your walk with Me.

Psalm 52:8-9  8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.  9I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.
Deuteronomy 31:6  6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Ephesians 4:30  30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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