Christmas Eve Service, Livestream TONIGHT!

 For those who cannot get out to church today, or you do not go to church, feel free to tune into this Christmas Eve Service which will be live-streamed TONIGH, 12/24/23 AT 6PM!

https://opendoorchurch.org/Streaming

Wait for the Red button to say "Live," click on the red button and you will be taken to a new page to watch the livestream.  Might have to turn up the Volume button on the actual livestream to hear and of course, adjust your device's volume as well.   Merry CHRISTmas!

Devotional: Psalm 24

 Dear Devotional Friends,

Long time no hear:). Hope and pray you and your precious families are doing well.

Life and work has been stressful and hectic the last year, but I'm hoping to be able to start sending out devots. again, even every other weekend.

Pray the 2 below plus the song are a blessing to your heart!

The song is directly taken from Scripture and I've been playing it for HOURS since I found it on Tuesday!  

I've attached a link with the exact Scripture, but it is a prayer to the Lord to give us spiritually clean hands and pure heart before Him (because God cannot stand sin in His presence),  a praise song that He is The Gracious, Strong and Mighty King over all.

It's a powerful song!  It has been a comfort to my heart and Scripture says that it's Christ centered music can uplift the heart in a way that secular music cannot (Ephesians 5:19-21). 

Lord bless your week!

Devot. Psalm 24:

https://www.dayspring.com/dailydevotion?date=2023-05-23&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202023-05-23&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%20-%20Combined

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

Song: Psalm 24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PVvJC8HYx8&list=RD_PVvJC8HYx8&start_radio=1

Scripture- Psalm 24: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps.+24&version=KJV

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

Devot. When Jesus Said "It is Finished"

 When Jesus Said "It is FInished", He Was Talking About You:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-he-said-it-is-finished-he-was-talking-about-me?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20230407WhenJesusSaidItIsFinishedArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

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

Sight and Sound Theaters, Livestream:

This Easter weekend, you can bring the greatest rescue story of all time to life in your living room! JESUS is streaming free on Sight & Sound TV, April 7th through the 9th.    S and S tv link: https://www.sight-sound.tv

(May include details when we get closer of how to livestream or their Facebook page always has comments from others on how to stream.  I've seen this presentation on tv and it is excellent!)

Devot. Remembering Holy Week

 Remembering Holy Week: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/remembering-holy-week?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20230402RememberingHolyWeekARticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

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

Once for All:  Used by permission.  Taken from https://www.icr.org)

March 30, 2023 Once for All “For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.” (Romans 6:10) The Greek word ephapax translated “once” in this verse actually means “once for all.” Christ did not have to die again and again, a new death for every sinner. He died unto sin once for all, His death being sufficient to take away “the sin of the [whole] world” (John 1:29). The word ephapax occurs only five times in the Bible. Our text is the first, confirming that His once-for-all death for sin was sufficient forever; He now lives wholly “unto God.” The second confirms the reality of this permanent resurrection. In Jewish law, a factual claim was considered confirmed by the principle that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Matthew 18:16). Paul recalls that the resurrected Christ “was seen of above five hundred brethren at once” (1 Corinthians 15:6). Two or three would have sufficed, but He had five hundred witnesses. These saw Him alive once for all, and their lives were forever changed. The other three references are in Hebrews. “[He] needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once [that is, ‘once for all’], when he offered up himself.” “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once [‘once for all’] into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 7:27; 9:12; 10:10). Once for all He died for sin, then with His own shed blood He entered into the presence of the Father, sanctified us forever, and was raised from the dead by impeccable testimony, once for all. HMM

LiveStream Easter Production!

 I wanted to extend an exciting invite to you!

A church I'm extremely familiar with is hosting their yearly Easter presentation, The Living Cross, this coming Tuesday - April 4th, Thursday - April 6th, and Friday - April 7th all at 7PM.   Address: 550 Baltimore Blvd, Westminster MD. 

Large groups of 10 or more are able to reserve seats in advance by calling the Church Office at. (410) 876-3838, ext. 303.  

So feel free to invite your churches, youth groups etc..

Admission is free, a nursery is provided for little ones and there is even interpretation for folks who are Deaf.

For those that cannot attend, it will be livestreamed each of the above mentioned nights.  Here is the link:

https://opendoorchurch.org/Streaming

There is a read button that will appear on the screen when the stream has gone live.  Just click the red button and you will be taken to a new window to watch live. 

The play is called "The Prodigals" and it centers around Mary the Mother of Jesus and her sons, James and Jude (Jesus' half brothers who wrote the books, James and Jude in the Bible).   

This is a yearly production, but I think this is the best one they have ever done and is worth the seeing!  The acting is accompanied by beautiful music by our church choir and orchestra.  

I truly think that you would enjoy it with your families, all are welcome in any way they watch.  I watched the production last night and it was incredible!

Devot. My Treasures

Devot.  Your Treasures:

https://www.dayspring.com/dailydevotion?date=2023-02-02&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202023-02-02&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%20-%20Combined

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

Devot. The Treasure of the Heart

https://www.icr.org/article/treasure-heart

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

Christ My Treasure, song: (I've had this one on replay for weeks!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzDeWp20prw

Devot. Jesus Is Always the Same

 Hebrews 13:8:

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

Always the Same: 

https://www.dayspring.com/dailydevotion?date=2023-01-26&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202023-01-26&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%20-%20Combined

(https://www.dayspring.com/)

The Same Jesus: 

https://www.icr.org/article/2106

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

“Unless and until it can be proven that the unborn child is not a living entity, then it's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must be protected.” (Ronald Reagan)

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." (Ps. 139:14-15)

Live Stream Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Services !

 Christmas Eve Service:

Saturday 12/24 at 6PM

https://opendoorchurch.org/Streaming

Christmas Day Service: 

Sunday 12/25 at 10:45

https://opendoorchurch.org/Streaming

Devot. When Glory Was Birthed in a Barn

Devotionals used by permission.  Taken from https://dayspring.com/

 When Glory was Birthed in a Barn: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/when-glory-was-birthed-in-a-barn?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20221223WhenGloryWasBirthedInABarnArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/let-every-heart-prepare-him-room?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20221224LetEveryHeartPrepareHimRoomArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Hope for a Difficult Christmas Season: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/hope-for-a-difficult-christmas-season?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20221204FindingRestintheChristmasRushArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

The Good Shepherd and the Door of the Sheep

 The Good Shepherd: 

https://www.icr.org/article/13626/?utm_source=phplist10183&utm_medium=email&utm_content=HTML&utm_campaign=September+28+-+The+Good+Shepherd

The Door of the Sheep:
https://www.icr.org/article/13625/?utm_source=phplist10182&utm_medium=email&utm_content=HTML&utm_campaign=September+27+-+Door+of+the+Sheep

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

Devots'. message taken from John 10, my favorite chapter in the Bible! 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+10&version=KJV)

Devot. Covered Completely By God's Grace

 Covered Completely by God's Grace: 

https://www.dayspring.com/dailydevotion?date=2022-07-01&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202022-07-01&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%20-%20Combined

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

Devot. Always on His Mind

Dear Friends,

Please know that you are never forgotten by God.  He thinks about you!  

Psalm 139:17-18, "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee."

Always on His Mind: 

https://www.dayspring.com/dailydevotion?date=2022-04-11&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%202022-04-11&utm_term=DaySpring%20Daily%20Devotion%20-%20Combined

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

Devot. Hope in the Hard Places

 Hope in the Hard Places: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/hope-in-the-hard-places?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20220724StopLivingAfraidArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

Courage is for the Faint of Heart: 

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/courage-is-for-the-faint-of-heart?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20220724StopLivingAfraidArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

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

Devastating floods swept through eastern Kentucky last week, submerging entire towns underwater. This is the worst flooding in Kentucky’s recent history, claiming dozens of lives with dozens of people still missing. Send Relief is working with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams to provide help and hope to families who have lost everything. Yesterday, gifts from Send Relief donors filled a van with flood relief supplies, food, hygiene items and first aid kits. Today, your gifts will provide meals for emergency mobile kitchens that will feed up to 5,000 people each week. Will you help Send Relief continue to provide food and supplies in eastern Kentucky? Your gifts will equip Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams to provide care, comfort and the hope of the gospel during a crisis.

Devot. Deliverance from Fear

 Hello Dear Friends,

I hope everyone has had a good week!!

I felt the Lord impress my heart that the topic of the release from fear was needed for this week.  

There are so many concerns and fears in our world-the economy, job market, inflation, health issues, Covid still there and now Monkeypox.

I pray that the devot. and songs below would be a comfort and blessing to you or someone you know that might need an encouraging word from the Lord.  

Have a blessed weekend! 

Devotional: Deliverance from Fear:

https://www.icr.org/article/20582

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

SONGS:  

Jesus King of Angels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l1pu99Imlw

The Lord is My Salvation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjOGX5zT8KU

The Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Abortion Doctor

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a super week!!  I have a hot topic below, but I am sending it out because I feel GOD wanted me to put it out there: The Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion. 

As a woman and a pro lifer,  it's not that I wish that women would not have a choice in healthcare, it's that I wish that the lives of innocent, tiny human beings were not destroyed.  They are not given a choice whether they live or die.   These little ones have no say.  How many of these little people could make a difference in our world through medical research, be the ones to find a cure for Covid or be a great political leader etc if they were given The Right to live?

President Ronald Regan wisely said, “I've noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.”    

Might you think for a moment, "What if MY MOM had chosen to NOT give ME life?  Or if she couldn't take care of me, would she have made the choice to give me to someone who could and would love to have me or would she have gotten rid of me?" 

I don't think we ever think of that as people who ARE alive.   

But I speak from experience on both of these thoughts.....I am adopted...I don't know much about my story, but I do know that my mother was very young and could not take care of me.  In the country I was born in, it's a poor country where female infanticide still happens to this day.  

But....in spite of the fear of ostracization, stigma, maybe the fear of impending birth, my mom CHOOSE to give me life, let me go out of her life, and be adopted by a loving family who could take care of me and wanted another child (and they were not young when they got me:).   I'm glad she was Selfless enough to think of me from Day 1, until I was brought into the world and then thinking of my life beyond. Without her choosing life, I wouldn't be here and I'm glad I was given the CHANCE to live! :)

Below is some food for thought this week.   Maybe you are on the side of innocent babies and don't know how to explain to someone why you are pro life, what you believe and how to have a polite dialogue about this hot topic.  Below is a link where you can get a FREE guide via email about how to engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue on the right to life. 

Maybe you are on the side of abortion and you have your reasons why you stand by it.  This guide is also for you:). It gives many reasons why folks believe abortion is right, but gets you to think through your belief in the process.   I thought the statements were chosen well ("My body, my choice" for instance), but it was good to unpack the statement and think it through.  

I also included a link I just listened to and am going to use this in place of a devotional because it's so intriguing-a former Planned Parenthood abortion doctor (Dr. Giebink) shares her journey.  

It was a very interesting listen, done with great compassion on her part with the intent of speaking to both sides .  

I was VERY IMPRESSED with how she shared her story and I would HIGHLY encourage you to take a listen  (it's not a long listen)!! 

 She also wrote a book as well, "Unexpected Choice." 

Hope you have a super weekend!!

FREE GUIDE: https://endabortionnow.com/10-answers-to-common-pro-choice-objections/?vgo_ee=mJV8uchFDnQMWJJaOOdmgmvrqW5XW7ZSRLgm8kdEhOk%3D

DOCTOR GIEBINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQPYQ8EF2uY&list=WL&index=3

Devot. I Am The United States of America

 Hi Folks,

I hope you had a good 4th of July with family and friends!
Below are 2 Independence Day devots. and a neat, but short story on the Declaration of Independence.  I found it on our church's bulletin and I'm not sure who wrote it, but it is a neat reading. 

Have a blessed weekend!

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

Devot. Glorious Liberty

https://www.icr.org/article/2079

Devot. Are You Still Free?

https://www.icr.org/article/are-you-still-free

I AM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

“I was born on July 4, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence is my birth certificate. The bloodlines of the world run in my veins, because I offer freedom to the oppressed. I am the United States of America.

I am 330 million living souls and the memory of millions more who lived and died for me. I am Nathan Hale and Paul Revere. I stood at Lexington and fired the shot heard around the world. I am Washington, Jefferson, and Patrick Henry. I am John Paul Jones, Daniel Boone, and Davy Crockett. I am the Gettysburg Address and Abraham Lincoln standing for the freedom of all men.

I am the Brooklyn Bridge, the wheat fields of Kansas, and the granite hills of Vermont. I am the coal mines of West Virginia and Kentucky; the Golden Gate, and the Grand Canyon. I am Constitution Hall and the Washington Monument.

I am a vast land! I sprawl from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. I am 3,531,905 square miles, throbbing with industry! I am 2,100,000 farms that produce the food that feeds my millions of citizens. I am forest, field, mountain, and desert. I am quiet villages and cities that never sleep.

You can look at me and see Benjamin Franklin walking down the streets of Philadelphia with a loaf of bread under his arm. You can see Betsy Ross with her needle and thread. You can see the lights of Christmas and hear the strains of “Auld Lang Syne” as the calendar turns to begin a New Year.

I am Babe Ruth and the World Series. I am Peyton Manning and Tom Brady battling it out in the Super Bowl. I am Michael Jordan taking the final shot! I am the hundreds of thousands of schools and colleges, and 380,000 churches where people are free to worship God as they wish. I am the most recognized flag in the world, waving proudly all over my land. I am a ballot dropped in a box, the roar of a crowd in a stadium, and the beautiful voices of a choir in a cathedral.

I am Eli Whitney and Stephen Foster. I am Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Albert Einstein. I am Henry Ford, Will Rogers, and the Wright Brothers. I am Memorial Day parades in every town, Friday nights on the high school football field, and parents cheering for their Little Leaguers on Saturday.

Yes, I am the land of opportunity. I was conceived in freedom, and God willing, in freedom I will spend the rest of my days. The whole world looks to me for help, guidance, and encouragement when trouble arises. I am the land of the free and the home of the brave, a citadel of freedom, and a beacon of hope to the world.

“More than a decade ago, a Supreme Court decision literally wiped off the books of fifty states statutes protecting the rights of unborn children. Abortion on demand now takes the lives of up to 1.5 million unborn children a year. Human life legislation ending this tragedy will some day pass the Congress, and you and I must never rest until it does. Unless and until it can be proven that the unborn child is not a living entity, then its right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must be protected.” (Ronald Reagan)

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth." (Ps. 139:14-15)

Devot. Father's Day

 Hi Folks,

I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend celebrating Father's Day.   

In a world that 'dumbs down' the role of a father, the vital role a godly man (of any age) can play in the life of his or any child, God still thinks fatherhood is something to be honored, respected, held in high esteem, embraced as the first devot. shares.   

Now, as I've said many times through the years, I understand and am sympathetic to those who may not have had a father, or a godly father in their lives growing up.   I have friends who did not have the role of a stable, godly dad in their lives.  And yet, they have said to me  that when they came to faith in Christ, they came to realize that God became their Heavenly Father when they put their faith and trust in Him-and that made a life changing, permanent difference in their life, thinking and in moving forward through adulthood. 

Galatians 3:26 states, "For we are the children of God (and then here is the stipulation) through faith in Jesus Christ."  This is the picture of spiritual adoption which mirror physical adoption:  The common misconception is that everyone is automatically God's kids.  We are all His creations, He made every human life-born or unborn (as Psalm 139 shares), but specifically those who have trusted Jesus as their Savior can claim the title of God's child "through faith in Jesus Christ."

I pray that the devots. below are a refreshing comfort to your heart this week!  

Below the last devot. from ICR is the release of a new children's book on fathers. A friend passed on the details to me.  It gives the Biblical insight into who a godly dad should be, but also ties in some history and has the kids go back in time to WW2 and also meet Abraham Lincoln.  The book is new and the series itself interesting and it's new.  So for those of you with young kids and grandkids, please check out the details below the last devot.  

Have a blessed weekend!

What the Father Says About Fathers:

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/what-the-father-says-about-fathers?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NEBNANN20220615WhatTheFatherSaysAboutFathersArticles&utm_term=DaySpring%20Newsletter%20%2B%20Daily%20Devotion%20List

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

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

June 19, 2022 The Prodigal Father “But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry.” (Luke 15:22-23) As a number of commentators have noted, the familiar parable of the “prodigal son” is really about the “prodigal father,” for the word “prodigal” does not mean wayward or rebellious, as many think, but rather lavishly generous. The central theme of the story is not that of the return of a lost son but rather the undying love of a forgiving father. The human father was intended by the Lord Jesus to be a picture of our heavenly Father, whose righteousness requires judgment on sin but who is always ready to forgive and receive back into joyous fellowship any who return to Him in repentant faith. Even to rebellious Israel He could say, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3). It was the memory of his father’s lovingkindness as much as anything else that finally gave the lost son courage to return home in repentance. And when he returned, there were no recriminations from his father but only love and then a prodigal outpouring of blessing, with the robe and ring and shoes all symbolizing his full restoration as the son of his father. So it is with us. Though utterly undeserving of such honor, we are made “heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities....Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:10,13). “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate,...And [I] will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). HMM

Dear PragerU Supporter, American society continues to cheat children by downplaying the unique importance of fathers in our children’s lives – by way of teen-targeted ‘toxic masculinity’ campaigns and ongoing event cancellations of once-innocent traditions like “Donuts with Dad” at schools. Instead of celebrating men, woke culture seeks to erase the irreplaceable gift of a father’s guidance for his children.  At PragerU Kids, we are committed to honoring our traditional American Judeo-Christian values, as they enrich our parenting experience and children’s precious upbringing.  The next edition in our #1 Amazon best-selling Otto’s Tales book series is now here… just in time to reject the left’s attack on fatherhood.  Order Now

Otto’s Tales: Today is Father’s Day teaches our children the distinct gift of what fatherhood entails – from living a life that follows God, to sacrificing for the greater good, to providing for family. Young readers will time-travel with Otto the bulldog and his best friend, young Dennis Prager, to meet Abraham from the Bible as well as Dennis’s own father while he served in World War II! We are depending on your help to pass on our inherent American values to as many children as possible. In addition to ordering your own book, please share the Otto’s Tales series with your family, friends, and local schools and libraries!   Keep an eye out for new Otto’s Tales books and companion storytime shows every month – this special Father’s Day episode is narrated by PragerU’s very own Chief Marketing Officer and dad-of-three, Craig Strazzeri! And, be sure to go to PragerU.com/kids to check out all of our original, free PragerU Kids content – educational magazines, animated videos, a new wild and fun game show, and more!

Watch Now