THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
Revealed through Love
January 15, 2017
PASTOR: Greg Volzke
CHURCH PHONE: 402-744-4971
HOME PHONE: 402-744-4961
CELL PHONE: 402-984-8981
PRINCIPAL: Doug Eisele
SCHOOL PHONE: 402-744-4991
HEAD ELDER: Darrel Katzberg
ORGANIST: Madeline Kmiec
HEAD USHER: Eric Goldenstein
USHERS:
Mariah Uden, Sam Schukei, Dane Eisele,
Paityn Jameson, Elisha Reiners
ACOLYTES: Deric Goldenstein,
Baylen Johnson,
Garrison Newell,
Randyn Uden
GREETERS: Marlin and June Reiners
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WELCOME: Welcome in our Savior’s name – and thanks for sharing with us today
in Christ’s love and peace! We pray that our worship together
increases your faith and joy in Christian living. If you are a visitor,
please sign the guest book in the narthex. If you are not an active
member of another Christian church, we encourage you to visit us
often and inquire into teachings and practices of our church. We’re glad you are here,
and hope you’ll join us again soon!
CLOSE COMMUNION: As a member of the Lutheran Church-Mo. Synod, we
practice “close communion”. This was the universal practice of the early Christian
church, not as a judgment of another’s devotion to Christ, but out of concern that the
Lord’s supper not be taken to one’s harm (1 Cor. 11:29). By participating in the
sacrament, one testified that he/she believed Christ’s body and blood are truly present
in the Sacrament. Communing together was also a public confession of agreement
regarding the teachings of the Scriptures. Therefore, if you are not a member of a
Mo. Synod Lutheran congregation, we ask that you speak with Pastor before
communing.
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Please use the box on the welcome registration to indicate your desire to commune.
PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION
1. I REPENT OF ALL MY SINS AND SINCERELY INTEND BY THE POWER
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO HENCEFORTH LEAD A GOD-PLEASING
LIFE, IN LOVE TOWARD GOD AND TOWARD FELLOW MANKIND.
2. I BELIEVE THAT GOD FORGIVES ME MY SINS THROUGH THE BLOOD
ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS.
3. I BELIEVE THAT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST GIVES ME HIS TRUE BODY
AND BLOOD IN THE BREAD AND WINE OF HIS HOLY SUPPER.
4. I BELIEVE THAT, IN THE HOLY SUPPER, OUR RISEN SAVIOR OFFERS
ME FORGIVENESS OF SIN, STRENGTHENING OF FAITH, AND
ETERNAL SALVATION.
AS WE GATHER
“This is My beloved Son!” exclaims God the Father at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.
God knows well how to love. His love is not limited to His Son or even to His chosen people.
His love extends to all humanity. As God’s well-loved people, we reflect that love in our
interactions with those around us. The extending of that love by showing forth the fruit of the
Spirit in our lives is truly God pleasing.
 PREPARATION 
INVOCATION
Pastor:
People:
Remembering that we are the baptized children of God, we begin;
In the name of the Father and of the  Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
OPENING SENTENCES
Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 John 3:1a
Pastor:
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Do you
not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
People:
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called
children of God; and so we are.
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CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
1 Corinthians 6:19–20a
Pastor:
Let us go to our loving Father, confident of His forgiveness for Jesus’ sake.
(Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination)
Pastor:
Heavenly Father, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean.
People:
We have failed to exhibit love, the fruit of Your Holy Spirit, in our
thinking, speaking, and acting.
Pastor:
People:
We have not loved You completely or our neighbors as ourselves.
We have let hatred mask the love You have shown us.
Pastor:
People:
We have failed to live as brothers and sisters of Your beloved Son.
Lord, in Your great mercy, forgive, renew, and lead us so that we may be
revealed as your faith-filled followers to the glory of Your Holy Name.
Amen.
Pastor:
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,
whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a
price.” Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His
sake forgives you all your sins. As a servant of Christ, and by His authority, I
therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the  Son
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
People:
 WORD 
INTROIT
Psalm 2:7–11 & Isa.42:1
Pastor:
Behold My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen, in whom My soul delights.
People:
I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to Me, “You are My Son; today I
have begotten You.
Pastor:
People:
In my baptism O Lord, You have claimed me as your child
You have washed me from my sin and declare that, with me, You are well
pleased
All:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Behold My servant, whom I uphold, My chosen, in whom My soul delights.
HYMN
“O God of Mercy, God of Might” …………………………………#852
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SALUTATION
Pastor:
The Lord is with us through his Spirit.
People:
Lord, fill us, that we might reflect Your love.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Pastor:
Let us pray. Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River
You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy
Spirit.
People:
Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in our calling as
Your children;
Pastor:
People:
through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING ……………………………………..Isaiah 42:1–9
(God will put His Spirit on His chosen servant.)
EPISTLE …………………………………………………………Romans 6:1–11
(Buried and raised with Christ, we walk in newness of life.)
HOLY GOSPEL……………………………………………… Matthew 3:13–1
(The voice proclaims Jesus as God’s beloved Son.)
NICENE CREED
(As found on the last page of the Hymnal)
HYMN OF THE DAY
SERMON



“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” ……………….#700
“Walking In the Newness” ……………Text: Rom.6:1-4
More than just walking into a new year, we are to be walking in a whole new
life.
Daily we need to return to the promise and power given in our baptism for we
are unable to walk in the new life in our own strength.
Some have rationalized that since they are forgiven by grace through faith, they
don’t need to worry about sinful habits, just ask for forgiveness and it will be
OK.
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




Paul says that when we let sin continue, we become slaves to sin again. Jesus
died to set us free.
Eventually we will either become so numbed to sin that we embrace it and fall
from grace or, we will become so guilt ridden that we cannot enter into the
presence of God in worship or even pray.
We need a partner. We need someone to whom we go every day, seeking the
encouragement and support that will help us to succeed in overcoming the old
habits of sin that enslave us.
When I was baptized I was empowered by the Spirit to win the daily victories
over sin and temptation.
How will you live for Jesus differently this Year? He is ready to walk with you
every step of the way!
OFFERING
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
 SACRAMENT 
PREFACE
Pastor:
People:
The Lord has invited us to feast at His table today.
Lord, gather Your children for this feast.
Pastor:
People:
Lord, prepare our hearts to receive this gift.
Fill our hearts with Your peace and joy.
Pastor:
People:
We come before You, Lord, with thanksgiving and praise.
Empower our lives to proclaim Your glory!
PROPER PREFACE
Pastor:
It is truly good that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You,
Holy Lord, Almighty Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; Who by words and
actions was revealed to be Your Word in the flesh and who has graciously
called us, His adopted brothers and sisters, to bear the fruit of the Spirit as we
continue the work of His Body, the Church. Therefore with angels and
archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your
glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:
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“Open Our Eyes, Lord”
SANCTUS
[STTL #213]
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus;
To reach out and touch Him and say that we love Him.
Open our ears, Lord, Teach us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Pastor:
People:
Blessed are You, Sovereign Lord, for in Your great mercy You sent Your onlybegotten Son into our flesh to be our Savior. You have graciously given us the
gift of faith and endowed us with the gifts of the Spirit, allowing us to carry
forward Your Son’s ministry. Grant that we remain strong in faith and rooted in
love as we approach the Table of the Lord and receive the gifts of forgiveness,
life, and salvation, which come to us in His body and blood.
Amen.
THE WORDS OF OUR LORD
Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 14:22–24; Luke 22:19–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–25
LORD’S PRAYER
(Matthew 6:9–13).
PAX DOMINI
Pastor:
People:
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Amen.
AGNUS DEI
"More Precious than Silver" (P&W # 1)
Lord, You are more precious than silver.
Lord, You are more costly than gold.
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds,
and nothing I desire compares with You.
DISTRIBUTION HYMNS
“Brightest and Best are the Stars of the Moring” ……………………………………#400
“Hail, O Source of Every Blessing” ………………………………………………...#409
"You Are My Own”
[SSS 26]
The splash of the water! The pow’r of the Word!
The Spirit now binds you to Jesus your Lord!
And wonder of wonders, though by sin defiles,
The Father in heaven now makes you his child.
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(Chorus)
A child of the promise his death has fulfilled!
An heir of the covenant sure as his throne!
His promise is “I shall be always with you.”
His Covenant, “You are my own.”
To him you belong now: His grace be adored!
His grace which sustains you as you grow in the Word!
And grace of all graces! The vict’ry he won
Is your vict’ry now through your faith in the Son!
(Chorus)
Your faith is a gracious miraculous gift;
A miracle just like his rising from death.
Both miracles are yours now in baptism’s flood
Secured by the covenant sealed with his blood.
(Chorus)
POST-COMMUNION CANTICLE “Sent Forth by God’s Blessing” ….#643
POST-COMMUNION THANKSGIVING
Pastor:
People:
Let us pray. We give thanks, heavenly Father, that You have strengthened and
renewed our faith through this Sacrament, and we pray that our lives might
reflect, evermore brightly, You love and mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son,
our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.
Amen.
BENEDICTION
Pastor:
People:
The blessing of God Almighty—the Father, who gave His Son for the life of the
world; the Son, who has revealed to us God’s grace, mercy, and love; and the
Spirit, by whose fruit we are seen to be children of God—bless you now and
forever.
Amen.
Pastor:
People:
Go in peace as you serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish, Series A, Part 4. Copyright © 2017 Concordia Publishing House.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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COMING UP AT CHRIST LUTHERAN:
January 15th …
9:00am
- SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:00am
- ADULT BIBLE CLASS
MON: Jan 16th
10:00am
1:30 pm
- WORSHIP /COMMUNION
- VOTERS MEETING
8:15am
- NO SCHOOL
BULLITEN ITEMS ARE DUE
TUES: … …. Jan 17th 8:15am…
- SCHOOL/ P
WED: …….. Jan 18th 8:15am…
6:00pm …
- SCHOOL/ PK
- CATECHISM
THURS: ….. Jan 19th 7:00am
8:15am…
- MENS BIBLE STUDY (RAYS CAFÉ)
- SCHOOL/ P
FRI:……….. Jan 20th 8:15am…
SAT:………. Jan 21st 10:00am
- SCHOOL/ PK
- UNDECORATE THE CHURCH
NEXT SUNDAY
January 22nd …
9:00am
9:00am
- SUNDAY SCHOOL
- ADULT BIBLE CLASS
10:00am
- WORSHIP / INSTALLATION
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PRAYER - The power of prayer goes largely untapped, yet it is the life breath of
the church. Please remember these families in your prayers this week:
Dennis and Charlotte Burr
Shane and Kristen Burr Peyton and Addison
Roberta Chaney
COMFORT – For Donna Kothe at the loss of her Mother
THANKS- To Evan And Krista Volzke For A Healthy Baby Girl
EXPECTANT MOTHERS
Krisha Uden
ONGOING ILLNESS
Michelle Kothes’~ Mother
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Patrick Hermann ~ MS
Johnna Burr ~ auto immune
Becky Struss,
Dave Junker ~ MS
Don Keuhn~ Stroke and Infection
THOSE WITH CANCER
Brandie Kral-Recovery
Connie Uden- Recovering
Sandy Mack – Completed treatment
Jeremy Aldridge – Colon Cancer
Jaron and Jens Jacobitz friend Peter in Mozambique with leukemia
Cora and Danola’s Brother-in-law Roy
Dan Struss, Gene Weber,
Clee Wolzke, Seth Ostrander,
Gordon Jacobitz, Neal Hoagland
Susan Katzberg – Heart Procedure
GENERAL NEEDS
The nation & our leaders
The military & those who protect us
The poor and unemployed Persecuted Church
Victims of terrorism and disasters
THANK YOU- What a wonderful surprise to learn that my name was drawn for the
Nativity I feel very blessed and am thankful. Thank you for the special opportunity of
the living Nativity as well . we reliaze the commitment of many church members is
necessary for such as event. Thank you for the blessing to ou community. …Laura Bulas
ANNUAL VOTERS MEETING, JANUARY 15, @ 1:30
ON THE AGENDA IS CALL MEETING FOR JONATHAN DANEK
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 @ 10:00 AM THE YOUTH WILL BE
UNDECORATING THE CHURCH
INSTALLATION OF NEW OFFICERS, JANUARY 22, DURING WORSHIP.
VOTERS MEETING ON CONSTITUTION REVISION, JANUARY 29, @ 1:30
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Voice of the Martyrs Mission Project
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s mission project!
$350 was collected from students and teachers to provide 14 backpacks
and supplies for children of persecuted Christians. Blankets, towels,
socks, jackets, etc were collected and 4 action packs were filled and
mailed to persecuted families in war torn nations.
"He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the
poor." Proverbs 22:9
Sunday Morning Youth Classes
Preschool – Growing in Christ by Concordia Publishing House This curriculum will take students
through the stories of the bible, draw connections to the Small Catechism, and help them learn the
traditions of the Lutheran Church.
Kindergarten-2nd grade –I Stand in Awe by Children Desiring God. This study seeks to acquaint young
children with the characteristics of the Bible and its message of redemption. The goal is for children to
develop a deep affection for the Bible and learn to treasure its Author.
3-4th Grade - The Way of the Wise by Children Desiring God (28 weeks) This curriculum uses the book
of Proverbs and other Bible passages to contrast the way of the foolish with the way of the wise.
Children will learn the meaning of the fear of the Lord, the treasure of wisdom, and the only way to enter
the way of the wise--through Jesus Christ.
5-6th Grade - Fight the Good Fight by Children Desiring God Christians must be fighters: that is,
fighters in the battle for faith! This study identifies various battlegrounds of temptation, and equips
children with strategies for fighting against sin.
Junior/Senior High are reading through the Bible in one year with teaching on the currents of ancient
history that framed the stories recorded in the Bible.
Nursery provided for children under the age of 3.
*** If you are interested in doing some substitute teaching over the winter months, please
contact Kristen Anderson at 402.984.7362 ***
GREETER SIGN UP…
It is that time of year that we begin to make preparations for next year.
The Evangelism Committee is looking for those who are willing to share
the gift of hospitality, as we seek to make our members and our guests
feel welcome as they enter the Lord’s house to worship. You have the
privilege to be the smiling welcoming face of Jesus to them. Please
check out the sign up board in the church foyer and choose a month to
serve as a greeter. If you have questions contact Peg, Krisha, or Tanya.
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS- The study will be on I Thessalonians’. We will go verse
by verse through the letter of Paul.
HELP IS NEEDED FOR CHILD-CARE ON SUNDAY MORNING
Parents of young children are often too distracted or too busy to get much out
of Bible study, yet are in need of that quiet time with the Lord in order to
"bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Please
consider helping with child-care on Sunday during bible class from 9-10:00
in the preschool room. Call Pastor or the office if you feel the call to
minister to these young families.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY EVERY
THURSDAY, 7:00 a.m. Ray’s Pizza
All men are invited to meet for breakfast at Ray’s Pizza every Thur. at
7:00 a.m. We will feast on good food and upon the Word of god to start
our day. Bring your Bibles and a friend. Pastor will lead a discussion and
all are welcome to contribute ideas from your own daily devotions. We
plan to be done by 8:00 each day.
PRAY FOR FRANCISCO about his mission trip to Mexico. There are riots unrest in
the interior over gas taxes. If he goes the trip will be more dangerous. Also pray for the
repairs’ of the van and if the Lord moves him to go.
FIRE BANQUET... FIRE is the annual fund raising banquet for The Adams County Lutheran
Education Association. It is a night of Christian Fellowship, Music and Entertainment, all done in an effort
to assist our Lutheran Parochial Schools, providing scholarships as well as assistance with curriculum
and other urgent needs. The FIRE Banquet is March 4, 2017. Tickets are available in the
school office.
SCHOOL NEWS
CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL SCHEDULE …
January 16th...NO SCHOOL (MLK Jr. Day)
January 19th...Basketball St. Joseph’s @ CLS Girls 4pm Boys 5pm
January 18th...Gathering of the Talents Registration Due
January 21st-22nd... Girls Round Ball Tournament @ Utica
January 23rd-27th...Lutheran Schools Week
January 26th...Basketball Trinity GI @ CLS
January 28-29...Boys Round Ball Tournament @ York
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February 2nd...Enrollment/Re-enrollment night, Science Fair & Book Fair 6:00-7:30
(Discount Enrollment Begins)
February 3rd...NO SCHOOL
February 9th...Basketball Our Redeemer @ CLS Girls 4pm Boys 5pm
February 14th...CLS @ Zion-Hastings Girls 4pm Boys 5pm
February 20th...NO SCHOOL
February 21st...Immanuel @ CLS Girls 4pm Boys 5pm
February 24-25 C-Club Tournament @ Seward Time TBA
February 27th...NO SCHOOL
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SCIENCE FAIR...There will be Tri-Fold Display Poster Board for sale in the office for the
upcoming Social Studies Fair. They are $6 while supplies last!
SAVE THE DATE!...
Mark your calendars for our
Enrollment/Re-Enrollment Night coming February 2nd. We will also be having our All
School Science Fair and Book Fair. It will be a fun night for all! Please invite a family that
might like to learn more about our school!! (Enrollment forms are available in the school office.)
SCHOOL SUPPLY INVENTORY...The year is halfway over! Your youngster’s school
supplies may be running low, so check if he needs more pencils, paper, or crayons and markers.
You might also ask his teacher about shared items like tissues or glue.
SCRIP REBATE CREDIT...If you participate in SCRIP...Please watch your tuition
account in Fast Direct for your January Tuition credit. This will be done by Monday,
January 8th.
GATHERING OF THE TALENTS...Our students are invited to join Concordia University in
celebrating the 73nd Annual Gathering of the Talents on Saturday, April 1, 2016. Concordia
hosts hundreds of students from Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and South Dakota. This
event is designed to give students who are in grades K-8 the opportunity to exhibit their talents
in art, drama, dance, and music all for the glory of God. We will be receiving more information
mid December; so be thinking what areas your child(ren) may be interested in participating.
Registrations will be submitted in mid January. Any questions, please feel free to check in with
Mrs. Marlow or Mrs. Hogan.
DELAYS AND CLOSURES...All school closings, late starts, or early dismissals will be
announced over the following stations: KSNB (Channel 5), KOLN/KGIN-TV (Channels 10/11),
NTV (Channel 13), KROA (95.7 FM), and KHAS (1230 AM) radio stations of Hastings. You
may also be able to see these closings on their respective websites. If there will be a late start,
school will begin at 10:00 A.M. There will be no Pre-School or Pre-Kindergarten if there is a
late start.
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WINTER EMERGENCY KIT...Let your child help you prepare for winter emergencies.
Brainstorm what you might need if the power goes out or if you’re stuck inside during a
snowstorm. Examples: Flash lights, batteries, bottled water, canned goods, or a first aid kit.
Together, put the items in a box and find a safe place to keep it.
SPELLING BEE...The Adams County Spelling Bee will be held on February 16th at 8:30am,
at Juniata Elementary School. The teachers will be selecting students from grades 2nd-8th at the
end of this month to represent Christ Lutheran School. More information will be sent out to
families as this date gets closer.
SCRIP NEWS
Winter SCRIP Schedule
Order Date
January 20th
February 2nd
February 17th
Pick up Date
January 26th
February 9th
February 23rd
SCRIP SHIPPING CHARGE...There will be a $1 charge per order for shipping. You
can either include this in your payment (if using PrestoPay you can pay this when you
pick up your cards) or have the $1 taken off your rebate amount.
PRESTO PAY...Pay for your SCRIP cards online!! When you use PrestoPay, your order
payment is transferred securely via electronic debit. You won’t have to drop off any more
checks! Please see attached sheet to learn more about this new option!!
Today, Speak Words That Encourage
Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Job 4:3
The Bible says, ‘Help others with encouraging words’ (Romans 14:19). When Job was in trouble, his friend Eliphaz reminded him
how in the past Job’s words had ‘encouraged those who were about to quit’. Words can hurt or heal, bless or blister, destroy or
deliver, tear down or build up. ‘The tongue has the power of life and death’ (Proverbs 18:21). Jon Walker writes: ‘You...the one with
Jesus in your heart – are capable of murder. And so am I. We have the power to speak death with our words, and...the power to
speak life. Perhaps you’ve been on the receiving end of a message meant to murder. “You’re not smart enough...thin enough...fast
enough...good enough...a real Christian wouldn’t think such things.” In a world where people are beaten up and put down, God
gives you superhero power to punch through the negativity. You speak life when you say, “You matter to me. I like you just the way
you are...Your life counts. You were created for a purpose. God loves you, and you’re incredibly valuable to Him.” You can become
the voice of God’s grace in the lives of others, supporting, loving, helping and encouraging them with the words that flow from your
mouth.’ God wants us to encourage each other, but that doesn’t mean flattering or buttering people up. It means speaking words that
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help them to stay on their feet and keep going. What you say can give fresh hope to a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or a co-worker
who’s about to collapse. What a gift!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me the words of encouragement that someone needs today! In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Depend On God
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more
gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Hindrances, hang-ups, and hurdles are God’s gift to the self-sufficient. While He won’t let you use your weakness as a crutch or a
cop-out, He’ll allow it to keep you dependent on Him. Paul wrote, ‘I was given a thorn...to...keep me from becoming proud’ (V. 7).
Why would God keep you in touch with your limitations? To embarrass you? No, to empower you so that you can do His will. God’s
intention is to increase, not decrease your need for Him. Perhaps this illustration will help you. Imagine four steel rings. The first can
support eighty pounds, the second sixty pounds, the third forty pounds, and the fourth twenty pounds. Linked together, what’s the
greatest weight the chain can support? Two hundred pounds? No, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so the answer is
twenty pounds! And it’s the same with us; we’re only as strong as our weakest area. That’s why we sometimes try to excuse or
ignore them. But that’s dangerous because relying on your own strength may win you a few victories and accolades and cause you to
think you can handle everything on your own. It was because Paul was so brilliant that God permitted difficult circumstances that
kept him on his knees, living in a state of forced dependence. After praying repeatedly for God to take his weakness away, Paul
finally came to the place where he could say, ‘I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest
on me’ (v. 9). So today, depend on God!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, strengthen me where You see my weakness, humble me to see that my strength is You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
A Faith Perspective
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
Roman prisons were terrible places. Offenders were stripped, flogged, and placed in leg irons. Their blood-soaked clothing wasn’t
changed even in the dead of winter. And the ‘inner cell’ (Acts 16:24) where Paul and Silas were imprisoned was the worst. Lack of
water, cramped conditions, and the stench of toilets (if that’s what you could call them) made sleep impossible. Prisoners routinely
begged for death, and some even committed suicide. It was your worst nightmare! Yet ‘Paul and Silas were...singing...and the other
prisoners were listening’ (v. 25). In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrases it like this: ‘The other prisoners couldn’t believe
their ears.’ Talk about impact! Paul’s attitude impressed them before his religious beliefs ever reached them. Let’s face it, anybody
can sing in church, including hypocrites. But when you can praise God in the midst of pain, pressures, and problems – that’s
something else. How did they do it? They had a faith perspective! It’s not what you have lost, but what you have left that counts!
Paul didn’t just sing in prison, he wrote some of his best stuff there. Here’s his take on it: ‘Everything happening to me in this jail
only serves to make Christ more accurately known, regardless of whether I live or die. They didn’t shut me up; they gave me a
pulpit! Alive, I’m Christ’s messenger; dead, I’m his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can’t lose’ (Philippians 1:19-21). What are
you going to do with a man or woman like this? They’re beyond your threats. Their strength comes from a source that’s not
diminished by outside circumstances. That’s because they have a faith perspective. And that’s what you need today too!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for what it is that I have left and help me focus not on what I have lost. Help me stay focused on You and
the Great Salvation and eternity I have with You. In Jesus’ Precious Name, Amen
Peace of Mind
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not
be afraid. John 14:27
You can control what goes on in your mind by filling it with God’s Word. Not the Word you read casually, but the Word you process
mentally, apply to each situation that arises, and stand on in times of crisis because you know it’s your right to have the peace Jesus
promised. Jesus corrected His disciples because they lost their peace of mind during a storm. He didn’t lose His. He was asleep in the
back of the boat. So where are you today? Resting with Jesus in the back of the boat, or panicking with the others up front? Worry
overwhelms you when you forget two things:1) What the Lord has told you. Jesus said, ‘Let us go over to the other side’
(Mark 4:35). And once He spoke those words there wasn’t a wave big enough to sink them. Anytime you’re doing what God’s told
you to do, you may go through storms but you won’t sink. 2) Who is with you in the boat. The disciples thought they knew Jesus
pretty well, but before the night was over they were asking, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’ (v. 41). Has it ever
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occurred to you that the storm you’re in right now has been permitted by God to show you that you don’t have a problem He can’t
solve; that you’re not alone, and that through this experience you’ll come to know Him better? In the Amplified Bible the words of
Jesus are translated like this: ‘Do not let your hearts be...distressed, agitated’ (John 14:1). The only power worry has over you – is
the power you give it.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to trust and not worry about the situation I am in – knowing that You are there with me. Thank You Jesus.
Amen
When You Belittle, You Become Little
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Here are four questions you need to be able to answer: 1) Do people feel better about themselves after spending time with you? 2)
Are your expectations so high that you focus on people’s shortcomings instead of their strengths? 3) When somebody speaks well of
a person you don’t particularly like, do you feel the need to inject a disparaging remark? 4) Are you so insecure and lacking in selfworth that you only feel good about yourself by putting others down? Well, how did you do on the test? If you’re not four-for-four,
it’s time to spend time with God in prayer and ask Him to help you change your attitude and what comes out of your mouth. Paul
says, ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen’ (Ephesians 4:29). Words are like hammers: they can be used to break down or build up. It
all depends on the person swinging the hammer! It’s just as easy to be part of the construction crew as it is to be a member of the
wrecking crew. Make a habit of encouraging your family and your friends. Let your wife know she’s the only woman in the world
for you. Express appreciation for your husband’s care and sense of responsibility. Applaud your teenager for avoiding drugs and
alcohol. Thank your friends for keeping your secrets! Accept people as they are, and resist the temptation to constantly ‘fix’
something about them. Remember, you only have them for a short time!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Help me be a person who builds others up and not a person who tears others down. Help me be more like You. In
Jesus’ Name, Amen
Take Time to Rest and Sharpen
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with
me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:31
A competition was held between two men to see who could chop down the most trees in a single day. One man was older and more
experienced, while the other was younger and less experienced. And that’s where the difference showed up. The younger man spent
eight hours chopping down trees, and at the end of the day he had a total of twenty-five. Believing the older man lacked stamina and
youth, he sat down, fully confident he would win. Meanwhile the older man, who had taken a ten-minute break each hour, ended his
day by chopping down forty trees. In shock the younger man asked, ‘How is this possible, old man? I didn’t stop. You stopped every
hour for ten minutes and yet you chopped down almost twice as many trees as I did.’ The older man replied, ‘Every hour I sat down
for ten minutes and did two things. First, I took time to rest and recharge my batteries. Second, I took time to sharpen my axe. Yes,
you were working hard but you were working with a dull axe.’ There’s an important lesson here for you. In order to succeed at what
God has called you to do in life, you must always do these two things: 1) Make time for rest and renewal. You cannot always be
giving out; you must also stop and take in. That’s where prayer and Bible reading come in: they restore what life depletes. 2) Stay
sharp. When your axe is dull it requires more energy and produces fewer results. So take time to rest and sharpen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to take time to rest and sharpen – and not feel guilty about it! In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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