Read 2 Corinthians 5:17
There is no better passage to follow up on yesterday’s story than this one. When we accept and believe in Jesus Christ, we are a new creation, the old is gone, the new is here. Paul tells us in this one sentence that the change will not be in question. Reflect on how Jesus has changed your life, how has Jesus made you a new creation.
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read Mark 5:1-20
This is one of my favorite stories of the Bible and another story of one raised from the dead by Jesus. We may not think of this man as dead, but he truly was. So filled with demons he would always be alone since everyone feared him. This passage is a clear reminder that evil fears Jesus and evil must obey Jesus. When one calls out in Jesus’ name for demons to go, they leave in fear. This man, Legion, went from uncontrollable to sitting dressed and in his right mind in a matter of moments. When the man was told to go back to his hometown and tell his story, he did just that. We are called to do the same. We don’t need to tell someone the whole Gospel story; we just need to tell people how Jesus has healed us and made us more peaceful in this life.
Go and share your story of how Jesus has made you whole.
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read Luke 7:11-17
In response to Jesus’ compassion to the mother and the raising of her son, the people were said to be filled with awe and praised God. Are we filled with awe when we think about Jesus or has He just been compartmentalized into our life? Do we praise God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit like we are in awe, do we make a joyful noise to the Lord? Are we afraid to sing out; to cry out for fear someone might laugh at us? As the people exclaimed, God has come to help His people and the only appropriate response is to be in awe!
Let us always praise God for Who He is, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Savior to us all.
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read Luke 8:49-53
Jesus was on his way to Jarius’ house to heal his daughter, but he was held up in the crowd and by a woman who touched His garment seeking healing. In that time Jarius’ daughter appears to have passed, but Jesus shrugs it off and says just believe and she will be healed. Certainly, this is a most anxious moment for any father, but Jesus reminds us to not be afraid, just believe. This week our journey will eventually take us to Lazarus’ house and yet another reminder of the power Jesus has over death. Jesus’ response to the news indicates just how He wants us to respond, “don’t be afraid, just believe.”
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read Mark 9:35
The disciples were arguing about who is the greatest, yes ego was an issue then too. Jesus tells us that in the Kingdom of God the measurement of greatest is determined by the level of service. Jesus modeled this passage for us perfectly. He indeed served all. This coming week make a list and do something to serve someone every day; your spouse, your children, your neighbor, someone from the church, or a stranger. Pray that God will provide opportunities to anonymously serve a stranger, friend, or even an enemy.
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read 1 Peter 5:6-9
Have you ever been anxious, uncertain, on edge…? Anyone who answers no is probably about to say, April Fools! I think we’ve all been there sometime. Today’s passage reminds us to give all our anxiousness to God. We know that something is always out there waiting to distract us and put us on edge. We are never alone in our journey; many are there with us. All of us have faced suffering and we can all help one another to stand firm in our faith. Pray today for yourself and others that you know are facing anxiousness and uncertainty.
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read Colossians 3:12-14
Today we are reminded of the traits God wishes for us to display, to reflect in our lives. We are asked to bear with each other and to forgive as God forgave us. Pride often gets in the way of our ability to wear and model these traits in life. It is pride that gets in the way of forgiveness. Let us all think about and pray about the areas of pride in our life, that prevent us from clothing ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience and prevent forgiveness.
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read Philippians 2:3-7
There is no more perfect example of humility than that of Jesus. Jesus always put the interests of others first in His life. He put the interests of His Father first and He put the interest of His bride (the church) first as well. Let us always follow Christ’s example and put the needs of others first in our lives, just like Jesus.
Let us pray for the humility and generosity to always look to other
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read Proverbs 22:1-4
I would recommend to everyone, take 31 days sometime soon and read through Proverbs. Read one chapter per day. The Book of Proverbs is full of great advice. Today’s has to do with humility. Humility in following God’s word will bring about wealth, honor, and eternal life. One may not become wealthy as our culture views wealth, but one will find wealth in relationships with family and friends where it truly matters. One will always find honor in that you will never have to apologize for putting your wants ahead of the needs of God and others. Let us all pray today that we will stay humble before God and our family and friends.
Brett Spalding, Pastor
Read Romans 12:3-8
Paul begins by reminding everyone of grace. Without grace we have nothing. Paul reminds us that all our gifts given for ministry start with the grace of God. First, we receive grace and recognize the source of grace (Jesus Christ) and then according to God’s grace we receive additional gifts for the building up of the church. We are reminded in grace to give generously of our time and talent and to show mercy and to do it all cheerfully.
Pray today for the faith and trust to give joyfully and generously, knowing God provides all we need.
Brett Spalding, Pastor