The Pastor’s Blog
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 4:16-18
Joy, prayer and giving thanks are three key hallmarks of a life that has been changed by the life transforming work of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This month we will set aside a day to remember and give thanks for all that God has done for us, and every year we set aside the first Thursday of the month as the National Day of Prayer, but what about joy; have you ever wondered why we don’t have Joygiving Day to go along with Thanksgiving and the National Day of Prayer?
It’s good to set aside a day for joy, prayer and giving thanks, but how much better is it to make every day a day of joy, as we live in the joy of God’s salvation; a day of prayer, as we live in communion with Jesus, speaking to Him and listening to Him; and a day of giving thanks to God for all that he has done in and through our lives.
Joy, prayer and giving thanks go together like chocolate, caramel and peanuts; each adds something that makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts. So this Thanksgiving, while we take time to remember what God has done and to give thanks, may we also spend time in prayer and live in the joy that is ours as forgiven and cleansed children of God.
With Gratitude and Thanks,
Mark
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Home Study Nov. 11th – 16th
Home Study Nov. 11th-16th
Monday – Read Matthew 14:22-33
What is the disciple’s first response to Jesus?
How does Jesus treat doubt in this passage?
What happened when Jesus got in the boat?
Tuesday – Read Mark 6:45-56
What are the storms in your life?
How have you seen Jesus work in the storms?
What faith is displayed by the disciples in this passage?
Wednesday – Read Luke 24:36-49
Do you have your doubts about Jesus?
How does Jesus deal with doubt?
Do you have fear in your life?
How does Jesus confront those with fear?
Thursday – Read Psalm 29:1-11
What are we instructed to do in this passage?
Take time today to worship the Lord?
Today listen to the voice of the Lord?
Friday – Read Romans 10:5-21
Have you committed your life to Christ?
How do you know if you are saved?
Who does the Lord want to save?
Who can I share this good news with?
Saturday – Read Matthew 9:9-13
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Home Study for November 4 through 9, 2013
Monday – Read Colossians 1:15-23
What jumps out at you in this description of Jesus?
How did Jesus make peace between humans and God?
What hope does this give you?
How will you act on that hope today?
Tuesday – Read Colossians 2:6-17
Why are we warned to not be taken captive by the human tradition and the principles of this world?
What should take our hearts captive instead of those things?
What does it mean that our sins are nailed to the cross?
How does the work of Jesus on the cross set us free?
How will you live in that freedom today?
Wednesday – Read I Corinthians 1:18-25
Why is the message of the cross foolishness to those who do not believe?
Why is the message of Christ crucified so hard for some to accept?
What does the cross mean to you?
How will you act on that meaning today?
Thursday – Read 2:11-22
What did Christ do that opened the way for us to enter God’s family?
How has the blood of Christ brought us near to God?
How is Jesus our peace? With whom are we now at peace?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read Hebrews 9:11-15
Why was the blood of Jesus shed for sin more effective than the blood of animals required by the Old Testament Law?
Jesus was a willing sacrifice, what does that mean to you?
How does Jesus cleanse our consciences? Why is this important?
What do you need Jesus to do in you? Ask Him to do so.
Saturday – Read Matthew 8:14-17
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Home study Oct. 28th-Nov. 2nd
Home study Oct. 28th-Nov. 2nd
Monday – Read Leviticus 16:29-31 & 23:32
What is the Sabbath?
Why is it important?
What are some highlights of Sabbath you have experienced?
Tuesday – Read Acts 13:2-3 and 14:23
Why do fasting and prayer?
What did fasting and prayers enable the believers to accomplish?
What have you seen the Lord do in your life when you fast and pray?
Wednesday – Read Nehemiah 13:15-22
What did Nehemiah do?
What is the problem in the passage?
What is the solution in the passage?
How can I apply the truth in this passage to my life?
Thursday – Read Jeremiah 31:1-40
What is God’s relationship with his people?
How are God’s people brought home?
How is Lament turned to Joy?
Do you see repentance and restoration in the text?
Friday – Read Luke 18:9-14
Please compare both men in the text.
Please contrast both men in the text.
Share your insights with someone today.
How can you apply the truth of this passage to your life today?
Saturday – Read Matthew 8:14-17
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