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2025 |
2021 |
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Thursday, March 13, 2025 |
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Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:2 (NIV Study Bible) – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Message: I recently read a story about an older teacher grading students’ papers and marking them in green rather than the customary red ink. When ask by a younger teacher why green, she explained red ink comes across as aggressive and angry while green seems comforting and nourishing. That got me to thinking. I think every Bible I own is a red-letter edition. Meaning if Jesus is speaking the text is in red. Did Jesus really speak in red, or was he really speaking in green? For the most part I believe if Jesus’ language could be seen it would be green and not red. When Jesus was speaking it was mainly in a compassionate, caring and encouraging manner. That is why we think of Jesus as our teacher, rather than our boss. We readily see His love for us in the words He is speaking. Words of encouragement and comfort, guiding us along the path of righteousness. So, as we take Timothy’s advice let us do it following Jesus’ example. Let us speak, live, love and have faith in the soft compassionate color of green. Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son on our behalf. We ask that You color us in the soft shades of green in our speech, our love, our faith, and our purity, so those we meet in our lives will come to know we are passing on to them the love of Jesus. Amen. Jack Frye |
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Saturday, April 5, 2025 |
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Scripture: John 15:11 (NIV Study Bible) – “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Message: I like to greet people coming into church on Sunday mornings. That is where I met little Kamryn. She was only five years old and, as she marched in with her Grandpa, you could tell she was a young lady with lots of confidence. I held my hand out flat, palm up and, when she saw it, a sweet smile came across her lips. She headed straight towards me, and with all the might she could muster, she slapped me with a high-five that I will never forget. This scene has reoccurred every time we see each other for some two years now. I look forward to seeing her and she makes every meeting special. My entire day I find myself smiling as my mind recalls our special greeting. Her greeting is always the same. I know when I see her, I can count on her to fill my day with consistent joy. It reminds me of the consistent joy Jesus brings us. Regardless of what sort of day I’m having, I only need to look for Jesus and I will receive a joyful hand slap that will surely brighten my day. Sometimes that slap comes from the quiet solitude of my private prayers. Other times it comes from morning prayer with friends as we gather to support each other, or perhaps from a meaningful sermon from the Pastor. But in every case, it comes from the knowledge that Jesus is the source for our ultimate happiness and joy. We just must look for Him in all circumstances. Just look and you might see Him marching toward you, hold out your hand and let Him slap you with a high-five hard enough to make you smile all day. Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us enough to send Your only Son to die so that we may have salvation. Thank You, Jesus, for showing up in all circumstances to bring us joy and happiness. Remind us to seek You and to thank You for the sweet high-fives You give us every day. It is in Your name we pray. Amen. Jack Frye |
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Good Friday, March 29, 2024 |
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Scriptures: Mark 14:53 (NIV Study Bible) – “They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together.” Mark 15:1 (NIV Study Bible) – “Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.” Message: As I read the story of Jesus’ arrest and ultimate surrender over to Pilate, I was struck that like Jesus we are judged by two entities. Firstly, Jesus was judged by the leaders of the Jewish Community. Secondly, Jesus was judged by Rome. Neither of these entities held power over Jesus. Like Jesus we are judged by two entities. Firstly, we are judged by the world. This world expects us to conform to its standards which requires us to dress a certain way, talk a certain way, and live a certain way. When we conform, they give their approval. When we don’t conform, they are quick to condemn. Secondly, we are judged by God. He gave us Jesus to die for our sins and provide us a path to salvation. He also gives us the freedom to decide which path we will choose. The question is, will we choose the path and acceptance of the world, or will we seek the path of salvation offered through the life and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. We must choose wisely. For the path that the world takes is every changing, and acceptance is fleeting at best. The path of our Lord Jesus is consistent and never changing. Ultimately God will judge us, and His verdict is eternal. So, will you choose to stand with God and be judged by the world, or stand with the world and be judged by God? Prayer: Our gracious Heavenly Father, I ask You guide my steps along the path set forth for us by our Lord Jesus. Help me to keep my eyes on You, God, and reject the ways of the world. Let me strive to live a life that glorifies You, God. Amen. Jack Frye |
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Thursday, December 19, 2024 |
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Scriptures: Mark 12:30 (NIV Study Bible) – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” John 3:16 (NIV Study Bible) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Message: Our great grandson was never away from his mother for even a day for his first 2 and a half years. But when she went to the hospital to have his little brother he had to stay with his grandma. We were all concerned as to how he might act. But he played and had a great time without a mention of his Mom and Dad. After two days his brother was born, and his Mom and Dad called to let us know they were on their way home. Since it was a tough birth, they decided to have Tristan spend one more night with grandma. When bedtime came our daughter put Tristan in bed. After some time, she went to check on him and when she cracked the door, she could see him wiping his eyes and saying something. After listening carefully, she realized he was wiping his eyes and saying, “Don’t cry”. Our daughter went to him, picked him up and ask, are you okay Tristan? He wiped his eyes and said, “Don’t cry, miss Mommy”. At only two and half he yearned for the comfort only his mother could provide. He knew that in his time of distress, if only he could be in his Mommy’s arms, then all would be well. You see Tristan loves his Mommy with all his heart, and he knows she loves him the same. Just like “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,” (John 3:16a). When we feel distressed and all alone, we need to seek the comfort of Jesus. We need to wipe our eyes and say, “Don’t cry, miss Jesus”. In His arms we will find the safety and comfort we long for in our times of distress. We need to love Jesus with all our heart just as He loves us with all of His heart. Prayer: Our precious Father, thank You for Your never-ending love. Help us remember that You are our comfort and safety in our times of distress. Amen. Jack Frye |
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Monday, December 11, 2023 |
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Scripture: Luke 2:1 (NIV) – “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.” Message: So begins the story of Jesus’ birth as told by Luke. I have read this passage countless times through the years. However, I just read it and moved on. Never really taking any time to ponder why this is even important to the story? So, what if Caesar Augustus made such a degree? Does this really have anything to do with the miracle of Jesus birth? I think it just might. We all recognize how difficult it must have been for Mary to make such a journey while carrying the Blessed Child. How stressful for the baby as Mary walked and rode from Nazareth to Bethlehem. A journey of some 80-90 miles, if she traveled by the more dangerous, bandit ridden, route through the rugged hill country of Samaria, or around 120 miles if she took the less arduous and safer route along the Eastern side of the River Jordan. Some people believe Mary walked the entire distance. Walk or ride, either way it was no easy trip. So, it is my belief that Caesar’s decree is significant. Not because of Caesar, he was a bit player in this story. I believe Caesar’s decree demonstrates God’s love for us has no bounds. A love so great He would ask a young virgin heavy with child to travel for days so we may have eternal life. It proves we matter to God. No matter the circumstance God makes no excuse that will delay Him from bringing us into His Grace. Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your never-ending love for us. We ask that You cause us to examine every word You have given us so we might find understanding. Knowing there is no circumstance that would cause You to stop seeking us, may we never stop seeking You. Amen. Jack Frye |
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Saturday, April 2, 2022 |
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Scripture: Luke 2:13-14 (NIV Study Bible) – “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’” Message: During Christmas, Melodee’s sister’s great granddaughter, Charlotte, received a Christmas card from her great-great Aunt that played the carol by Charles Wesley, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”1. Now Charlotte loved the card and the carol and played it over and over long after Christmas was over. One day after hearing it nonstop her great grandma said: “Charlotte that’s enough.” To which Charlotte promptly responded: “Oh, I’m telling the Pastor!” As this story was related to us, we all got a good chuckle. It did get me to thinking however, was it enough? To Charlotte the answer was clearly, NO! She simply never tired of hearing the message of Jesus’ birth. Isn’t that the point for all of us? Shouldn’t we be as excited as Charlotte to hear about the story of the birth of Jesus? In the same way, we should be excited to hear the story of His resurrection. In this time of Lent may we be as excited about Jesus’ resurrection as Charlotte was about His birth. Family Activity: As a family, come up with a list of different ways that you are able to see God in your lives. Then discuss ways in which you can help others believe when they might find it difficult to have faith. Prayer: Father, please fill our hearts with excitement during this Lenten season; indeed, with excitement every day. Excited about the wonderful news of not only Your Son’s birth, but also of His Resurrection. Let us not only read the story, but retell it with the excitement of a child to everyone who needs to hear it. Fill us Lord with the love of Jesus and let us pass it on! Amen. Jack Frye 1. “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Charles Wesley. 1734. Public Domain. |
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Wednesday, April 7, 2021 |
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Scripture: Psalm 145:16 (NIV Study Bible) - "You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Message: My grandson, an avid hunter, recently shot a prize buck with his bow. The buck ran as they often do. After tracking it he located the buck which was still alive. Rather than shoot it again and risk it running again he decided to leave it until morning. When he went to retrieve it the next morning he found the coyotes had already feasted on the buck. Upset he called his father to complain of the plight of his hunt. After listening to his tale my son said to him, "You know son, God provides for everything. Last night he provided for the needs of the coyotes." Isn't it wonderful that we serve a God that provides for the needs of every living thing? Prayer: God, thank You for reminding us that you provide for the needs of every living thing. Help us to not get so focused on our needs that we forget the needs of the things around us. Help us remember that to serve You God we must also serve others. Amen. Jack Frye |
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Wednesday, December 29, 2021 |
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Scripture: Mark 11:24 (NIV Study Bible) - "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe you have received it, and it will be yours." Message: Recently, I set about replacing the faucet and drain stopper in our guest bathroom. Believe me when I say this is not a job I relish. Laying on my back under a sink is not my idea of fun. The faucet was a challenge, but I managed to get the old one out and the new one mounted. Next it was time to remove and replace the drain stopper. Now, I'm thinking this will be the easy part of the job. After working for about 45 minutes, it was obvious I had underestimated the determination of the drain to remain steadfast. My son had stopped by, so I enlisted his help. Working as a team for another 45 minutes we still failed to budge the drain stopper. We stopped to think of a different approach that might prove successful. Sitting in the family room I decided to give it another go. This time as I entered the bathroom I stopped and prayed: "Lord Jesus please help me remove this drain". Armed with only a pair of channel locks, I placed them on the drainpipe and gave it a twist. To my delight I felt it give way and I literally unscrewed it the rest of the way with my hand. Isn't it wonderful that we serve a God that hears our prayers regardless how small they may be? Prayer: Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. Thank You, Lord, for answering our needs in all circumstances. Help us Father to remember to turn to You in all circumstances, and to remember we must be as faithful to You as You are to us. Amen. Jack Frye |
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Saturday, April 18, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Isaiah 38:14b (NIV Study Bible) – “My eyes grew weak as I looked to the heavens. I am troubled; Lord, come to my aid.” Message: This is what Hezekiah, King of Judah wrote after his illness and recovery. I know that during this trying time of COVID19 many of us must be crying out to the Lord, our God, just as Hezekiah did. Indeed, it is a scary and troubling time for all of us. But isn’t it comforting to know we serve a faithful God who knows the plans he has for us, plans for us to prosper. My overwhelming need during this time has been to show kindness to everyone I see. It fills my soul with joy and I feel closer to God as I know the love of Jesus and pass it on. Prayer: Father, in these uncertain times, help us keep our eyes on you. Remind us that you are in control not us, and that you have plans for us. Plans that are good and plans for us to prosper. Father keep us calm during the days ahead so that we may know the love of Jesus and pass it on. Amen Jack Frye |
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Monday, August 31, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Isaiah 64:8 (NIV) – “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” Message: A few days before writing this devotional, my wife, Mel, came home with a beautiful pottered cross that was given to her. She has plans to make a beautiful stepping-stone with it. Anyway, I looked at that cross and thought of the work of the hands that created it. Then, about the work of Mel’s hands as she adds to it and makes it something probably not even envisioned by the original artist. It caused me to think about how God forms our lives, and if we will submit to Him, He will shape us in ways we never envisioned. I don’t have artistic talents, but I know by the grace of God I have been placed in the paths of people I have been able to help through the years. I have no real idea how I have touched their lives, but I do know how they have touched mine. Prayer: My gracious Heavenly Father I pray that my life will be moldable clay to be formed by Your hands and put to use in memorable ways for the good of others. Amen.
Jack Frye |
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Friday, October 16, 2020 - "The Connection" Series & Saturday, March 7, 2015 |
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Scripture: Psalm 89:24 (NIV) – “My faithful love will be with him and through my name his horn will be exalted.” Message: Our son and his family have been attending some basketball games to support the son of a family friend who is in his senior year. This particular week, the school our grandson attends was to play the school of their friend. Our grandson who is five years old had the following conversation with his Dad: “Dad, are we going to the basketball game tonight?” His father replied: “We are planning on it son.” The son added: “Dad, tonight I want to root for Fremont.” His father replied again: “Sure, Sammy, you can root for Hunter to play well and then root for Fremont to win.” The son was then emphatic: “No Dad, I mean I want to sit on Fremont’s side tonight. Because you know, Dad, I am a Fremont Eagle.” When my son relayed this conversation I laughed and thought how cute. The more I thought about it, however, the more it occurred to me how great it is that at five years old, our grandson understands allegiance. While he wanted to support his friend and wanted him to play well, he knew where his allegiance belonged. Isn’t that what God expects of us? That no matter what is going on in our lives, we have the clarity to know where our allegiance lies. That regardless of the things that demand our support, we are always sitting on God’s side of the gym. Prayer: Father, please give me the clarity to know that in all things my allegiance belongs to You. Let my faithfulness exalt your name. Amen.
Jack Frye |
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Saturday, December 19, 2020 |
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Scripture: Psalm 30:12 (NIV Study Bible) – “...that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” Message: A couple weeks ago my daughter-in-law told me that my ten year old grandson wrote the following in his journal: “Thank You God for my life.” This warmed my heart to learn my Sam has a relationship with God. But, not just that he thinks about God but that he also recognizes the source of his joy comes from God. His simple message to God reminded me that I need to spend more time in thankfulness to God. My God that has blessed me generously throughout the years and continues to bless me every day. As we celebrate the Advent season we should sing and not be silent. For our God gave us the gift of His only Son, Jesus. May we remember to give thanks not only for our earthly life, but also for our eternal life! Prayer: Dear God, thank You for my life. Amen. Jack Frye |
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Wednesday, March 8, 2017 & Friday, November 13, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:24 (NIV) – “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” Message: My seven-year-old grandson loves to wrestle. His older brother, who is now at Ball State University, wrestled and Sammy wants to follow in his footsteps. Beginning in October, he started asking his Dad when wrestling was starting. Finally, the first of January, our son heard from the coach. Wrestling would start the second week of January. Practice would be Mondays and Wednesdays. When our son picked Sammy up after school he told him the great news. Wrestling was finally starting and practice would be Monday, and Wednesday, each week. Sammy promptly told his Dad that’s great, but Dad, I will go on Mondays but not on Wednesday. Remember Dad, I go to church on Wednesdays. Now you see for a boy of seven, who couldn’t wait to start what he loves to do, he still places his need to go to church ahead of everything else. When our son told me this, I couldn’t help think that is what we are all to do. Prayer: Father, as I come before You today, place on my heart to remember to always put You ahead of whatever else is important to me in life. Lead my steps Lord, and help me keep You first. Always. Amen. Jack
Frye |
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