2020
Persistence Pays 7 23 20
The Gift Of Jesus 3 12 14 & 7 30 20

2015
A Light In The World 3 20 15 & 9 12 20
 

 

Thursday, July 23, 2020 - "The Connection" Series

Persistence Pays

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) – “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Message: In early May my toaster oven died. Since I use it multiple times every day and cook for one, this was a major issue. I started to shop and came upon a model I really liked and wanted. It fit my small space and my small budget.

However, as I checked four more stores I could not even find the same model. Only three other stores carried the model I really wanted, so I kept checking making several trips to each store. As the weeks wore on I continued to visit my three sources being told dates of when shipments may come in. Finally, I realized I had not gone to the ultimate source. So, I thanked God for leading me to my perfect oven then continued to check and pray.

As it happened, I was given a date when two were scheduled to arrive at one of the locations. On that day as I set out I prayed “Lord please let this be the day I finally bring home my new oven.” When I got to the store, God led me to the original young man who had originally helped me. On the shelf we found three ovens that had just arrived that morning.

I had the opportunity to explain to the young man and witness how I had prayed over the weeks and especially that day. I don’t know who was more pleased that I finally got my oven, the young man or me. I believe that young man reflected God’s attitude when we ask for His help and trust in His ways. Ask, trust and believe in God’s faithfulness, love and care!

Prayer: Dear Lord thank You for the opportunities and blessings You arrange for us each and every day. Please make us more aware of the Holy Spirit as He speaks to us in His still, small voice. Amen.

Kathleen Martin

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Wednesday, March 12, 2014 & Thursday, July 30, 2020 - "The Connection" Series

The Gift Of Jesus

Scripture: John 3:16 (ASV) – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Message: Driving home after Christmas shopping and seeing all the lights and decorations, the question came to my mind. What if we did not have Christmas, what would it be like? No God-child coming to earth in the form of a baby explicitly to die for our sins. No expectant joy in our hearts. No celebrating His coming. No hope, or belief for eternal salvation. No singing, or praising this glorious happening. These thoughts are much too dire for me to fathom.

Without the celebration of Christmas we would have a world devoid of joy, peace, faith, hope and love. What a dreary, dark existence we would live! Without Christmas there would be no Easter; no resurrection, no redemption and no grace. This burst of thoughtful pondering gave me a much deeper spirit of gratitude for God’s indescribable gift.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be our Savior. Create in us more grateful hearts and teach us to love others as You love us. Amen.

Kathleen Martin
 (first published Lent 2014)

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Friday, March 20, 2015 & Saturday, September 12, 2020 - "The Connection" Series

A Light In The World

Scripture: Matthew 5:14 (NKJV) – “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Message: Every day we affect everyone we come in contact with. Are we likely to gather around someone who is grouchy and never smiles? No, of course not. It is up to us, as saints who know and love the Lord, to be a light for every one we come in contact with each and every day. It is not only our responsibility, but we can think of this as a privilege. We can use a smile, a wave, or a nod to be an instrument to spread the love of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord give me the desire, boldness and capability to do Your will even when I don't feel like it. Amen.

Kathleen Martin
(first published in 2015)

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