Trail Blazers

This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”  Matthew 3:3

For the daily devotional today I would like to share with you a devotional that someone sent to me when they heard about the new partnership that we are forming with Crosswinds.  I believe this devotional is very affirming and encouraging to the work we are doing as a church.

Blazing New Paths

By Elizabeth O'Connor

When the church starts to be the church it will constantly be adventuring out into places where there are no tried and tested ways. If the church in our day has few prophetic voices to sound above the noises of the street, perhaps in large part it is because the pioneering spirit has become foreign to it. It shows little willingness to explore new ways. Where it does it has often been called an experiment. We would say that the church of Christ is never an experiment, but wherever that church is true to its mission it will be experimenting, pioneering, blazing new paths, seeking how to speak the reconciling Word of God to its own age.

Source: Call to Commitment

Prayer:  Thank you Lord that following you is always an adventure.  You never promised that it would be easier, but you do promise that you will be with us.  Help us to blaze new paths and be pioneers in our life, families, church, schools, workplaces, community and world for the glory of your Kingdom.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Where do you need to be blazing new paths today for the glory of God?

Eternal Life in the Hand's of God

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. – John 10:28-29

This past Sunday we celebrated the resurrection.  Through the resurrection, Christ brings us from the death of sin into the wonderful gift of eternal life.  This is a gift that will never be destroyed, will never expire and can never be taken away from us.  It is the most important gift that we will ever receive in all of eternity!

With this wonderful gift we have been placed in the father’s hand for eternity.  This is a place of comfort, rest and peace.  It is a place where we belong and no one can ever snatch us out of the hand’s of God.  What a truly amazing gift!

Prayer:  Thank you Lord for the gift of eternal life.  Thank you that no one can ever snatch me out of your loving hands.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  On Sunday we shouted, “He is Risen!”   Are you still shouting it today?  If not, shout it again, “He is Risen!” and celebrate the resurrection, the gift of eternal life and your place in God’s hands each and every day.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson   

Drawing Near to God

Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.  But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. – Ephesians 2:12-13

We find joy and comfort in drawing near to those things in life that are familiar.  No matter where we might travel, we always find comfort in coming home.  A child is soothed in the arms of her mother.  Excitement grows within us as we approach a long awaited vacation or a special date on the calendar like a birthday, holiday or anniversary.  But there is nothing that brings us more joy and comfort then drawing near to God.

Paul reminds us that as sinners we were once far from God without hope, but through the blood of Christ we have been brought near to God.  God is who we are most familiar with, because he is our creator.  That is why we find the most joy and comfort when we draw near to God.  As that old hymn so truthfully states, “There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God; a place where all is joy and peace, Near to the heart of God.”  Draw near to God today.

Prayer:  Thank you Lord, that through the blood of Jesus Christ I can draw near to you.  It is in your presence where I find true comfort and peace.  Help me to draw closer to you each and every day.  Amen.

Faith Tip:  Have you drifted away from God.  If so draw near to him today and be comforted in his loving arms.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson

40 Days of Prayer: Day 40

During the season of Lent we have been praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.   Today brings our 40-Days of prayer to a close.  Thank you very much for your faithfulness in prayer during these 40-days of Lent.  I hope you have found this helpful and that you have heard God speak to you through your prayers and the daily Bible readings.

Thank you to Diane Kooiker for putting together these prayers and readings!

Today (Apr. 7, Day 40):

Acts 5:40-42

His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Pray that we are doing the good that we are called to do and are engaged in the exciting plans God has for his kingdom.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 39

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 6, Day 39):

Acts 5:33-39

When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.  Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.  Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.  After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.  Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.  But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Pray that God will quell any mumblings of discontent.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 38

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 5, Day 38):

Acts 5:25-32

Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.”  At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.  “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!  The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.  God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.  We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Pray that we are not distracted but focused on the church and on God’s plan for our church.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 37

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 4, Day 37):

Acts 5:22-24

But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”  On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

Pray that God will protect his church.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 36

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 3, Day 36):

Acts 5:17-21

Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.  They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.  But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.  “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles.

Pray that when faced with challenges, we do not complain, retreat or fear change, but see it as a potential for growth.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 35

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Apr. 2, Day 35):

Acts 5:15-16

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.  Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

            Pray that we may love deeply, honestly and forgive those requesting it.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 34

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 31, Day 34):

Acts 5:12-14

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.  Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

            Pray that we may bw used by the Lord so that many more will believe.  

40 Days of Prayer: Day 33

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 30, Day 33):

Acts 5:5-11

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.  Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.  Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

            Pray that we are accountable to each other.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 32

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 29, Day 32):

Acts 5:3-4

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?  Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t

the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

Pray against sin and the work of the devil.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 31

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 28, Day 31):

            Acts 5:1-2

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.  With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

            Pray that pride and competition may be kept out of our church efforts.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 30

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 27, Day 30):

 Acts 4:36-37

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),  sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Pray that our actions may have postive effects.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 29

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 26, Day 29):

Acts 4:34-35

that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Pray for generosity.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 28

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 24, Day 28):

Acts 4:33

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all

Pray for grace.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 27

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 23, Day 27):

Acts 4:32

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

Pray for unity.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 26

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 22, Day 26):

Acts 4:27-31

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.  They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.  Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”  

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

 Pray for boldness to do things we have not done before.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 25

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Today (Mar. 21, Day 25):

Acts 4:23-26

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.  You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

   “‘Why do the nations rage
   and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
   and the rulers band together
against the Lord
   and against his anointed one.

Pray that we commit every circumstance to be a matter of prayer.

40 Days of Prayer: Day 24

During the season of Lent we are praying for 40-Days to help us seek God’s will for Grace and Crosswinds as we consider partnering together in ministry.  

Yesterday (Mar. 20, Day 24):

Acts 4:13-22

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.  So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.  But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!  As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.  For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

            Pray that we may boldly proclaim the name of Jesus.