Devot. Memorial Day

 HI Folks,

I hope you had a very blessed day with family and friends!!  

As we close out this Memorial Day, please remember to say a prayer for military families-those who have loved ones serving,  and those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

I remember reading an article by a military mom a few years ago.  She said that while most families use this day for picnics, barbecues and fireworks, this is a day for military families to mourn, to remember those they have loved and lost. 

I saw a Facebook post over the weekend with a quote similar to what I said above, that Memorial Day is not about picnics and fireworks, but the essence is remembering those who have lost their lives in order that we might be free. With the quote it had pictures of men and women, standing, kneeling and on the ground in a fetal position by grave markers as they cried over the loss of a military loved one.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”

It was a poignant reminder for me..... May we remember and pass that reminder onto the young ones in our lives....

So please join me in lifting up a prayer for these special families this week, as I'm sure today and this week will not be easy for them....

Below is a Memorial Day devot. and a song for you...

I pray you have a blessed day and week!

Scriptures for Your Memorial Day:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/a-memorial-day-weekend-scripture?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210530ScripturesforYourMemorialDayWeekendArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List. 

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

A Song with a Good Patriotic Reminder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD-aXtcUEOs

Devot. You Are Not Alone

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a good weekend!  

I was thinking today of those I know and care about who are struggling in various ways-whether with serious health issues themselves or those they love or other issues of the heart.  I was reflecting that we all have days, weeks, months when we are not 'OK' and you know?? That is ok......God knows your struggle, you are not alone even if you feel like it.  He promises to be with us and never leave, "For He Himself (God Himself!) has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

The Lord knows your heart better than you do, He is there when you are ready to un-burden on Him, He can handle it as well and it is ok to be real with Him and those around you who care about you.  

I pray that the devot. below 'hits the spot' for you or it would be timely to pass onto someone you know who could use a word from God to boost their week.  

Lord bless and keep you! 

You Are Not Alone:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2021-03-27?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202021-03-27&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

 "God sometimes takes us into troubled waters, not to drown us but to cleanse us"  (Toby Mac #speaklife)

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."  Isaiah 43:2

Devot. Mother's Day

    Hello Folks

I hope you had a good week!  

I was reflecting the last few days on how much a mother does-how much responsibility she has,  has much she does to keep her home running, family well taken care of, kids educated, and how much she gives up (of time, sleep,  self care, time to herself, patience).  You ladies really give of yourselves!  

I was also thinking of the spiritual impact a mom can have on her kids.   There is a story in the NT of a young man named Timothy.  He became an incredible, godly man and preacher to one of the early churches.  His decision to accept Jesus as Savior and his sincere  faith in Him is credited to his grandmother and mother coming to Christ first and then sharing that with him-they made an eternal difference in his life! (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+tim.+1%3A5&version=NKJV)

I can think of the godly influence of my own mom.  One memory stands out from my teen years that I will forever remember : Waking up early one morning to find my mom praying and reading her Bible in her room, as the sun streamed down on her.   What an example she has consistently set for me of making daily time with Jesus!

So whether you are a biological, adoptive, foster care or 'spiritual mom', biological or adoptive 'auntie', 'sister' or mentor, each of you ladies can make a tremendous spiritual impact for Jesus on the life of someone around you and you are celebrated and greatly appreciated this weekend!

I have a variety of devots. below for the ladies to choose from and I would say the last 2 could be for you guys as you learn how to pray for the ladies who are in your life.  

Lord bless each of you ladies this week!

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." Prov. 30:31

Arise and Called Her Blessed: (LOVED this one!!)

https://www.icr.org/article/arise-call-her-blessed

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.icr.org/)

(Devots. below used by permission and taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

The Legacy of a Christian Mom:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/the-legacy-of-a-christian-mom?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210502TheLegacyofAChristianMomArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Arise and Called Her Blessed: (LOVED this one!!)

https://www.icr.org/article/arise-call-her-blessed

When Mother's Day is Difficult: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-mothers-day-is-difficult?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210502TheLegacyofAChristianMomArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Finding Gratitude in the Trenches of Motherhood:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/finding-gratitude-in-the-trenches-of-mama-hood?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210502TheLegacyofAChristianMomArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Encouraging Friends Through the Seasons of Motherhood:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/encouraging-friends-through-the-seasons-of-motherhood?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210421APrayerForOverwhelmedMothersArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

A Prayer for Overwhelmed Mothers:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/a-prayer-for-overwhelmed-moms?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210421APrayerForOverwhelmedMothersArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Ways to Encourage Young Moms:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/small-ways-to-encourage-younger-moms?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210421APrayerForOverwhelmedMothersArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Devot. When Our Plans Doesn't Go As Planned

   Hi Folks,

   I hope you have had a great week!   

I was thinking this week of how life does not go according to our plans, hopes and dreams.  That has been the story of life for the last 3 years and yet, I have seen God's faithfulness, how He can work things out in incredible ways when I 

give an impossible or heartbreaking, disappointing situation into His hands.

My mom reminds me when these days come of Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Because God is faithful and never wishes our harm (Satan does, he is called 'a thief' who comes to steal and destroy verses God who came to bring us life more abundantly-John 10:10), we can KNOW that ALL THINGS work for our good, and specifically to those who LOVE GOD. 

I have a devot., song and sermon that I think are really good for this week and that all tie in together. 

I would most esp. urge you to listen to the sermon which is on Romans 8:28 (seeing that God can work in the midst of uncertainty) and the music beforehand.  The sermon was just what I needed this past weekend and it really encouraged my heart! 

The young woman who sings right before the pastor preaches is a true, goldy example of trusting that "all things work together" for good.  Her and her husband have an almost 1 year old that has been in and out of the hospital since her birth.  The song this young woman sings is powerful in the lyrics but the heart she puts into the song shows she KNOWS God will work things out for their good!  Another big blessing to my heart!

Again, please take a listen to both through this next week and if you feel like "I don't have time, I'm too busy", listen to it while driving t0/from work, errands, washing dishes, making dinner, folding laundry, out jogging, mowing the lawn, gardening, checking emails, watching your kid's softball practice or decompressing before bed.  There are ways to make spiritual use of the mundane we have in everyday life if we wish! :).   I lastly included an extra song that I have been playing constantly this week as a way to encourage myself. 

Pray you have a blessed week!

When Our Plans Don't Go as Planned:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-our-plans-dont-go-as-planned?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210428WhenOurPlansDon%27tGoAsPlannedArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Sermon:  Romans 8:28

(Turn in at 15:25 for the music beforehand and then the sermon)

https://livestream.com/opendoorchurchlive/services/videos/220366522

Extra Song: Thy Will Be Done: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKTN4u2AGhU

 "God sometimes takes us into troubled waters, not to drown us but to cleanse us"  (Toby Mac #speaklife)

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."  Isaiah 43:2

Devot. Making an Impact

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a  good week!! 

I was thinking last week of leaving a legacy, making an impact and I was reflecting on someone I know.   She is 90, a very sweet Christian lady who loves Jesus with all her heart, has served Him with her life since she accepted Him as her Savior and makes the time to pray for others.  She recently had Covid and those that loved her were preparing for her to possibly "Go Home to be with the Lord."   

I had a mutual friend, a young woman somewhere in her late 30's-early 40's say that this dear lady had 'made an impact on her life.'   I know that when my friend came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior that our dear older friend took her under her wing to teach her how to abandon any sin in the past that had gotten in the way between her and the Lord, how to live a godly life and be a godly, loving wife.    This older friend of ours had made a lasting, and especially eternal impact on my friend's life.   

In Titus 2, older women are encouraged to teach the young women how to be good moms, wives and love the Lord.  This dear older lady did just that.  And yet I remember her sharing with me that before she came to know Jesus as her Savior when she was in her 40's, she lived a life that was not godly.  

She shared that she used to cuss like a sailor-which if you knew this lady, you would find extremely hard to believe:). 

But Jesus came in, changed her life, she wished to serve Him with the years she had left, and she is now helping to encourage others in a godly direction through her love, godly wisdom, and prayers.   (FYI, she is recovering from Covid and doing just fine, which is amazing!)

Could someone say the same of us-that we made an eternal difference in their life because we showcased the Savior to them, showed them from The Bible how to live our lives for Him, prayed for them?? Not so that we receive the accolades, but that they in turn made a difference for eternity and God was glorified through it all???  That is what has been on my mind the last 2 weeks.

Below are 3 devots. for you to enjoy and learn from this next week and a song that goes along with our theme. The lyrics are very powerful.   I pray that you learn something life changing from The Word and that the Lord opens your eyes to see how He can use YOU to make a difference for HIM. God bless!

Song: Only Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXIBP2BdYR8

(Devots. used by permission. Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Making an Impact: https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2021-02-26?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202021-02-26&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

Walk the Talk:

https://www.dayspring.com/daily-devotion/date/2020-07-10?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202020-07-10&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion

A Lasting Impact:  

https://www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions/a-lasting-heritage

(Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.intouch.org/)

Devot. The Tomb is Empty, Our Hearts are Full !

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a great Resurrection Weekend!!  A friend of mine emailed me on Saturday and wished me "Happy Risen Savior Day!"  Loved that!!!  It embodies everything and hits the nail squarely on the head!! 

Just as an FYI, if you did not know, .."in English-speaking countries, and in Germany, Easter takes its name from a pagan goddess from Anglo-Saxon England who was described in a book by the eighth-century English monk Bede. 'Eostre was a goddess of spring or renewal and that's why her feast is attached to the vernal equinox,' Professor Cusack said"-https://www.google.com/search?q=easter+goddess&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS892US892&oq=easter%2C+goo&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i20i131i263i433j0i131i433j0i20i131i263i433j0i131i433l6.4494j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8.   

That is what many Christians like myself refer to this day instead as "Resurrection Day", which embodies the true meaning of this day:)

I have a devots. for you, both of which I hope you take the time to read through the week.   I think it give spiritual food for thought, teach you something and will also encourage your heart and faith in the Lord this week. 

Have a blessed week!!

The Tomb is Empty, Our Hearts Are Full:  

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/the-tomb-is-empty-our-hearts-are-full?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210404TheTombIsEmptyOurHeartsAreFullArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

(Used by permission. Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Song: Because He Lives (not the traditional one, but similar words, new tune, very powerful): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LwBqG7uXbY

Devot. When Jesus said "It is Finished," He was Talking About You!

 Hi Folks,

I pray you are having a blessed day reflecting on Jesus' sacrifice, His death for you and looking forward to celebrating His resurrection on Sunday.  

I was thinking of 2 things today:  Thought 1.  The value of your soul to the Lord is very precious.  His death and suffering was for you!!!   (The first devot. focuses on this.) 

I found a quote the other day that stood out to me in regards to this,  "Over two thousand years ago, Jesus ended the debate on which lives matter.  He died for all." (Toby Mac #speaklife).    

Romans 2:11 states, "For there is no respect of persons with God."  God sees each person as equal in His sight and He died for all (that includes you!).  "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Thought 2.   If Christ had not risen from the dead, our faith would be useful, hollow, in vain.   

1 Corinthians 15:14 says that , ".....if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty."  The hinge point of the Christian faith is Christ's resurrection-we do not serve a dead Saviour, we serve a LIVING SAVIOUR, so we can rejoice this weekend!!  (The second devot. focuses on that topic)

I have below our devots.,a song that matches with Devotional 1 and is very powerful (please take a listen), links for 2 church services that livestream (and have been a tremendous encouragement to me, please check one or both out this Sunday or even after the fact), details for Sight and Sound's production "Jesus" airing tonight and a link for an "Resurrection Musical" called The Living Cross (I've included a link and you can pick which year you would like to watch.  Each one has a different theme.)  (I think the kids could enjoy either play as well:).  

I pray that you and yours have a blessed Resurrection Weekend!!

When Jesus Said "It is Finished", He was Talking About You: (Really liked this one!)

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-he-said-it-is-finished-he-was-talking-about-me?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20210402WhenJesusSaidItIsFinishedArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

(Used by permission.   Taken from https://www.dayspring.com/)

Song: It is Finished: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=He40CaX4VyY

In person and Livestreamed Resurrection Services: 

(Even though this post is after the fact, still tune in! The services and sermons were great! 

https://www.opendoorchurch.org/

10:45 service: https://livestream.com/opendoorchurchlive/services/videos/219555292

(move cursor to 25:16 for a beautiful song and then the preaching)

6PM service: https://livestream.com/opendoorchurchlive/services/videos/219581472)

move cursor to 20:30 for a beautiful song and then the preaching)

~https://www.rccbaltimore.org/easter

(9 and 11Am and 1PM on Sunday) 

Even if you do not have Facebook, if you click the Facebook link, you may have come up "See more of Redemption City Church on Facebook" "log into your account"(something like that), just click "not now" and you can still go to the page.  I know for a fact you can watch services after the fact via doing it this way too :)

Living Cross Play: https://www.opendoorchurch.org/page/614?Item=77

Sight and Sound: Jesus

A Special Live Broadcast — Like Never Before! In just two short weeks, Sight & Sound will broadcast JESUS live from the Branson stage for one night only! Jesus was a man who strapped on His sandals, rolled up His sleeves, embraced the untouchables, and reached into the lives of those sinking beneath the storms of life. This production is not only a story about His life, it’s a story about His love. Join viewers from all across the world for an Easter celebration unlike any other — Friday, April 2, exclusively on Sight & Sound TV.

Start Planning Your Watch Party! Hosting a JESUS live watch party is the perfect way to bring Easter to life for your loved ones. Specifically designed with group viewing in mind, this timeless story of relentless love was meant to be shared! The pay-what-you-want feature allows you to consider the size of your group when making your purchase. Call up your neighbors, coordinate with your friends, and pre-purchase your event today!

Stay Connected This special event is an opportunity for us to come together from all over the world and celebrate Easter. But we don’t have to wait until then to get connected! Join us on Facebook and let us know where you’ll be watching from. Let’s journey together as we prepare for an Easter like no other!

© 2021 Sight & Sound Theatres. All Rights Reserved.

 "Over two thousand years ago, Jesus ended the debate on which lives matter.  He died for all." (Toby Mac #speaklife)

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16