Exodus 2:24-25
"God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them."
I absolutley love that God calls himself in to rememberance about His covenant. I mean, here is GOD, He hears the cries of help coming from His kids, no matter that they probably had gotten themselves in to this mess. He just starts remembering His promises and He looks at His kids and He, GOD is "concerned". Being a parent, I understand a small amount of this hearing and remembering and being concerned and as an earthly parent these things move me every time! How much more God!!!
That I can be sure as one of His kids that he'll hear my cries for help, He'll remember his promises even if I can't and He will be concerned, He actually cares.
Father, I thank you for the rest that comes in just knowing You care, that in the middle of a storm, there is great peace in knowing you. I'm thankful that you are a God who never abandons.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Make The Best Of It
SCRIPTURE
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."
Genesis 45:1-5
OBSERVATION
Ealier this week, during devotional time with the rest of the band at rehearsal, we talked about how Joseph was awfully magnanimous towards his brothers, considering that they beat him, threw him in a well and then sold him into slavery. But here, Joseph reassures them in their terror at meeting him again, now as a powerful statesman, and explains that, amazingly, they should not be angry because God has used him to save lives!
APPLICATION
I want to take from this passage that I should always look to make the best of any situation, no matter how dark it may be, and look toward God for hope and strength. That's what Joseph did throughout his life and it served him very, very well.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for hope. Thank you for Your unending strength that I can lean on, no matter what. When I find myself in a dark place, bring this story of Joseph to my rememberance so that I can look toward Your light and let You lead me out into victory. Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department
Woodwinds/Section Leader
Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, "Have everyone leave my presence!" So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it. Joseph said to his brothers, "I am Joseph! Is my father still living?" But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you."
Genesis 45:1-5
OBSERVATION
Ealier this week, during devotional time with the rest of the band at rehearsal, we talked about how Joseph was awfully magnanimous towards his brothers, considering that they beat him, threw him in a well and then sold him into slavery. But here, Joseph reassures them in their terror at meeting him again, now as a powerful statesman, and explains that, amazingly, they should not be angry because God has used him to save lives!
APPLICATION
I want to take from this passage that I should always look to make the best of any situation, no matter how dark it may be, and look toward God for hope and strength. That's what Joseph did throughout his life and it served him very, very well.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for hope. Thank you for Your unending strength that I can lean on, no matter what. When I find myself in a dark place, bring this story of Joseph to my rememberance so that I can look toward Your light and let You lead me out into victory. Amen.
Paula Aiton
Worship Department
Woodwinds/Section Leader
Saturday, January 17, 2009
A Different Focus
SCRIPTURE
So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”Gen 43:2
OBSERVATION
When people read through these chapters, they usually focus on Joseph. But when you only read these two chapters, the focus falls on Jacob's family. It probably took a long time to eat all that grain. I wonder how Simeon felt locked up in prison, waiting for his family to get him. He was only going to be there until his family returned for him - only a few short weeks, right? As time went on, I bet he began to lose hope. Had his family forgotten him? Were they too afraid to rescue him? Would he spend the rest of his life in prison? What would happen if the famine ended before Jacob's family ran out of food?
APPLICATION
How often are we in a desperate situation? Do you feel locked up in prison waiting for someone to rescue you? It's hard when we don't have the full picture. Eventually, Simeon was reunited with his brothers. Not only did he get out of prison, he had a feast. The steward of Joseph's house cleaned him up and took care of all his needs. And in the end, he found out that his lost brother was alive and doing extremely well for himself.
PRAYER
Lord, please give me the patience and understanding I need to make it through my situation. I thank you in advance for the rewards you'll give me when I successfully make it through this trial. Amen.
John Kuyper
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
So when they had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.”Gen 43:2
OBSERVATION
When people read through these chapters, they usually focus on Joseph. But when you only read these two chapters, the focus falls on Jacob's family. It probably took a long time to eat all that grain. I wonder how Simeon felt locked up in prison, waiting for his family to get him. He was only going to be there until his family returned for him - only a few short weeks, right? As time went on, I bet he began to lose hope. Had his family forgotten him? Were they too afraid to rescue him? Would he spend the rest of his life in prison? What would happen if the famine ended before Jacob's family ran out of food?
APPLICATION
How often are we in a desperate situation? Do you feel locked up in prison waiting for someone to rescue you? It's hard when we don't have the full picture. Eventually, Simeon was reunited with his brothers. Not only did he get out of prison, he had a feast. The steward of Joseph's house cleaned him up and took care of all his needs. And in the end, he found out that his lost brother was alive and doing extremely well for himself.
PRAYER
Lord, please give me the patience and understanding I need to make it through my situation. I thank you in advance for the rewards you'll give me when I successfully make it through this trial. Amen.
John Kuyper
Worship Department
Tenor/Section Leader
Friday, January 16, 2009
The Lord is With You
SCRIPTURE
The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.
The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.
Genesis 39:2-3
OBSERVATION
I can't imagine how tragic that moment was for Joseph when he was mistreated and sold into slavery by his own brothers. I am sure he felt betrayed. Yet all along God, the Master Planner, had envisioned what lies ahead for Joseph. He was with him.
APPLICATION
God, in His master plan, can't be altered. Joseph was destined to save people. If it were not for Joseph, the people would have died of starvation. God's long term plan to rescue Joseph from death is beyond comprehension. God is always for us and not against us. He will lead us if we let Him guide us.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for displaying Your plan to Your children. You have showed us in Joseph a great example of how a Godly man trusted you even in his great despair. Yet, he emerged victorious because of Your love for him. I pray, Lord, that we will have that faith to trust You and know Your purpose: to give us life, not death; to succeed and not fail; to lead and not fall. Amen.
OBSERVATION
I can't imagine how tragic that moment was for Joseph when he was mistreated and sold into slavery by his own brothers. I am sure he felt betrayed. Yet all along God, the Master Planner, had envisioned what lies ahead for Joseph. He was with him.
APPLICATION
God, in His master plan, can't be altered. Joseph was destined to save people. If it were not for Joseph, the people would have died of starvation. God's long term plan to rescue Joseph from death is beyond comprehension. God is always for us and not against us. He will lead us if we let Him guide us.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you for displaying Your plan to Your children. You have showed us in Joseph a great example of how a Godly man trusted you even in his great despair. Yet, he emerged victorious because of Your love for him. I pray, Lord, that we will have that faith to trust You and know Your purpose: to give us life, not death; to succeed and not fail; to lead and not fall. Amen.
Nenita Kuyper
Worship Department/Soprano
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Good Shepherd
SCRIPTURE
"Suppose one of you has one hundred sheep and loses one. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep!"
"Suppose one of you has one hundred sheep and loses one. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Rejoice with me, I have found my lost sheep!"
Luke 15:4-7
OBSERVATION
The Good Shepherd is relentless in the finding and recovering of his lost sheep and its return to the flock. The Good Shepherd's main purpose in life is to protect his entire flock and deliver them and keep them from harm. I especially love the part of the verse that state that he put the lamb on his shoulders, allowing the lamp to rest and recover.
APPLICATION
I want to have an increased passion and awareness for those around me that are still lost and wandering. Whether they have never had the opportunity to come to Jesus or those who have had a relationship with Christ but have turned away and are walking in darkness, with no communion with Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Father God, I want to know that I am equipped by You to reach out and gather the lost sheep of Your flock. I realize that I must act on my conviction, not just stand idly by and watch life and souls slip away. I humbly ask that YOu place opportunities in my path that You have given me and that You would also give me the boldness to speak the correct words, Your words, in every situation.
OBSERVATION
The Good Shepherd is relentless in the finding and recovering of his lost sheep and its return to the flock. The Good Shepherd's main purpose in life is to protect his entire flock and deliver them and keep them from harm. I especially love the part of the verse that state that he put the lamb on his shoulders, allowing the lamp to rest and recover.
APPLICATION
I want to have an increased passion and awareness for those around me that are still lost and wandering. Whether they have never had the opportunity to come to Jesus or those who have had a relationship with Christ but have turned away and are walking in darkness, with no communion with Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Father God, I want to know that I am equipped by You to reach out and gather the lost sheep of Your flock. I realize that I must act on my conviction, not just stand idly by and watch life and souls slip away. I humbly ask that YOu place opportunities in my path that You have given me and that You would also give me the boldness to speak the correct words, Your words, in every situation.
John Reiland
Worship Team/Percussion
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Give Up Everything!
SCRIPTURE
"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple."
"In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple."
Luke 14:33
OBSERVATION
Jesus tells us that we must truly die to ourselves and live for Him, not just sometimes, but ALL the time.
APPLICATION
I must be prepared to grow in, and learn, the Gospel. I must Seek GOD will all my heart and be full of faith so that everyone I meet will see just how amazing GOD's blessings can be in their lives. Spread the GOOD news!
PRAYER
Jesus, I give everything I have to You. I pray for guidance as I pray, study and grow in Your Word. Help me to increase my faith and be a blessing to someone everyday. Amen.
OBSERVATION
Jesus tells us that we must truly die to ourselves and live for Him, not just sometimes, but ALL the time.
APPLICATION
I must be prepared to grow in, and learn, the Gospel. I must Seek GOD will all my heart and be full of faith so that everyone I meet will see just how amazing GOD's blessings can be in their lives. Spread the GOOD news!
PRAYER
Jesus, I give everything I have to You. I pray for guidance as I pray, study and grow in Your Word. Help me to increase my faith and be a blessing to someone everyday. Amen.
Maureen Randall
Worship Department
Soprano
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Come On In
SCRIPTURE
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’” (Luke 13:24-25)
OBSERVATION
The door is currently open to us all, but the day will come when our Lord shall rise up again and at that time the door shall be closed. Entering the kingdom is an act of will and sacrifice that some will choose not to make and therefore be left knocking and pleading outside of the kingdom door.
APPLICATION
Although I have taken that step inside the door, this scripture reminds me of those close to me who have not yet done so. It reminds me of my obligation to step out if faith to share God’s word with them and to live my life in a Godly way so that God’s light will shine through me and draw them inside the door of His kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for opening up your kingdom to us all, despite where we’ve been or where we currently are in our walk with you. Lord, I lift up those near and far who have yet to take that step. I ask that you use me Lord as you wish to bring others closer to you. Prepare my heart and tongue Lord for when those opportunities arise. In your precious name, Amen.
Jennifer Rodgers
Worship Department
Soprano/Section Leader
“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’” (Luke 13:24-25)
OBSERVATION
The door is currently open to us all, but the day will come when our Lord shall rise up again and at that time the door shall be closed. Entering the kingdom is an act of will and sacrifice that some will choose not to make and therefore be left knocking and pleading outside of the kingdom door.
APPLICATION
Although I have taken that step inside the door, this scripture reminds me of those close to me who have not yet done so. It reminds me of my obligation to step out if faith to share God’s word with them and to live my life in a Godly way so that God’s light will shine through me and draw them inside the door of His kingdom.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for opening up your kingdom to us all, despite where we’ve been or where we currently are in our walk with you. Lord, I lift up those near and far who have yet to take that step. I ask that you use me Lord as you wish to bring others closer to you. Prepare my heart and tongue Lord for when those opportunities arise. In your precious name, Amen.
Jennifer Rodgers
Worship Department
Soprano/Section Leader
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