July 16 Devotional

Posted on July 16, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
I pray this devotional blesses you as you make time for being with God.  It’s awesome to think that you and I can be in communion with the Creator of the universe just by stopping what we’re doing and asking Him to be with us.  Holy Spirit, thou art welcome here!  Peace and Love, Scott
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I Am Your Father-God.  Listen to Me!  Learn what it means to be a child of the everlasting King.  Your richest duty is devotion to Me.  This duty is such a joyous privilege that it feels like a luxury.  You tend to feel guilty about pushing back the boundaries of your life to make space for time alone with Me.  The world is waiting to squeeze you into its mold and to crowd out time devoted to Me.  The ways of the world have also warped your conscience, which punishes you for doing the very thing that pleases Me most:  seeking My Face.  Listen to Me above the clamor of voices trying to distract you.  Ask My Spirit to calm your mind, for He and I work in perfect harmony.  Be still and attentive in My Presence.  You are on holy ground.

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. 

Zechariah 9:9 NKJV 9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!  Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!  Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.

Romans 8:15-16 15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.

Exodus 3:5  5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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Upcoming Anthems

Posted on July 15, 2014 by drscott

We hope everyone is having a wonderful break! To get you excited and ready for starting back the first week of August, here are recordings of our upcoming anthems. Many of these are new, so get a head start by listening to them now!

Aug 3   In the Calm ( click here to listen to a full length recording)
Aug 10   I Surrender (NEW!)
Aug 17   God Is Working
Aug 24   We Are United
Aug 31   Not Afraid (NEW!)
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July 15 Devotional

Posted on July 15, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
I remember my fist day in my Chinese philosophy class at Furman University inGreenville S.C.  The professor, a professing atheist, pointed to a chair in the room and asked us if it was real.  We then debated for 30 minutes on our perception of reality.  Entire movies have been created based on this notion of reality verses false perception (remember the Matrix movies?)  Anyway, it eventually comes down to one word: Faith!  Good ol’ doubting Thomas had to see, hear and touch the Savior to believe.  Blessed indeed are those who have not seen and yet believe!  What do you believe and why?  Two good questions to ponder until we see each other again.  Really!  Hugs and Love, Scott
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I Am Nearer than you think, richly present in all your moments.  You are connected to Me by Love-bonds that nothing can sever.  However, you may sometimes feel alone, because your union with Me is invisible.  Ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can find Me everywhere.  The more aware of My Presence, the safer you feel.  This is not some sort of escape from reality; it is tuning in to ultimate reality.  I am far more Real than the world can see, hear, and touch.  Faith is the confirmation of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.

Acts 17:27-28 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP) 1NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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July 14 Devotional

Posted on July 14, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
On our faith journey, the number one rule is this: Don’t give up!  We may stumble and fall at times, but keep on keeping on.  We may grow tired at times, so rest a while and then keep on keeping on!  The path may seem dark and scary, but through Christ, we can overcome fear.  May God grant us all the faith and courage we need to keep on keeping on.  Amen!  Peace and Love, Scott

Keep Walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you.  Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart.  I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you.  Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain.  The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak.  Someday you will dance light footed on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy.  All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction.  Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend.  Stay on the path I have selected for you.  It is truly the path of life.

Psalm 37:23-24 23 If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; 24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 23:2-3 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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July 10 Devotional

Posted on July 10, 2014 by drscott
Dear Friends,
It has been lonely here on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings without you!  It never feels “right” in church without the choir, orchestra and handbells present.  Can’t wait for August 3rd to get here so that we can once again serve and lead our congregation through music.  Our friendship is indeed special and sacred to me.  Jesus as a friend and not just Savior, is also something sacred to be enjoyed on a daily basis.  No one knows you better than Jesus, who is the author of unconditional love.  So, relax in His presence and be yourself!  Peace and Love, Scott
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Relax In My Peaceful Presence.  Do not bring performance pressures into our sacred space of communion.  When you are with someone you trust completely, you feel free to be yourself.  This is one of the joys of true friendship.  Though I am Lord of lords and King of kings, I also desire to be your intimate Friend.  When you are tense or pretentious in our relationship, I feel hurt.  I know the worst about you, but I also see the best in you.  I long for you to trust Me enough to be fully yourself with Me.  When you are real with Me, I am able to bring out the best in you: the very gifts that I have planted in your soul.  Relax, and enjoy our friendship.

Revelation 17:14 14They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

John 15:13-15 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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July 9 Devotional

Posted on July 9, 2014 by drscott
Beloved,
Quiet time with God.  It’s one of the most difficult things to find. Even here at church, it’s often hard to find a quiet place away from noise and people.  Of course, we love having people around!  Kinda what church is!  So, the challenge comes to you to find some quiet time with God each and every day.  Be blessed in your quest!  Peace and Love, Scott
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Stop Worrying

long enough to hear My voice.  I speak softly to you, in the depths of your being.  Your mind shuttles back and forth, hither and yon, weaving webs of anxious confusion.  As My thoughts rise up within you, they become entangled in those sticky webs of worry.  Thus, My voice is muffled, and you hear only “white noise.”

Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can think My thoughts.  This ability is an awesome benefit of being My child, patterned after My own image.  Do not be deafened by the noise of the world or that of your own thinking.  Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Sit quietly in My Presence, letting My thoughts reprogram your thinking.

Deuteronomy 30:20 20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Genesis 1:27  27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Romans 12:2 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Daily Devotional from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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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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