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2023 Let Your Light Shine Through Me 4 17 23 - Nate 2022 Are We Listening? 12 16 22 - Nate 2020 Is He Worthy? 3 27 20 - Nate Who Are You Lord? 6 24 20 - Nate 2019 A Quiet Walk 3 18 19 - Nate Expectations 3 21 19 - Nate |
2018 He Hears Us 3 16 18 - Nate 2016 Held Under Grace - (HUG) 3 4 16 - Nate & Lori 2015 Passion For The Passion 3 6 15 & 9 25 20 - Nate No Pain, No Grain 3 25 15 & 9 29 20 - Nate, Lori & Greg |
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Monday, April 17, 2023 by Nate |
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Scripture: Isaiah 6:6-8 (NLT) - "Then one of the Seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said see this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed and your sins are forgiven. Then I heard the Lord asking, 'Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?' I said, 'Here I am, send me.'" Message: What happens when the wind and the waves fail to remind us of Whom we serve? This is a deep question, but Jesus would have asked nothing less. Recently, I heard a term I was not familiar with: Passiontide. This term caused me to research a little deeper, and when I was done, I walked away feeling better than I have in many years. Passiontide refers to the last two weeks of Lent, including Holy Week. Until 1969, the fifth Sunday, in Lent was known as Passion Sunday, and the sixth Sunday, as Palm Sunday. Now in the USA, Passion Sunday, and Palm Sunday, are used interchangeably for the Sunday, before Easter. Passiontide, in the Catholic tradition, was one of stricter adherence to Lenten rules, symbolizing Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness as a period of fasting, self-examination and prayer. The year I came to know Christ, Ash Wednesday, started this vision of light, and by Maundy Thursday, I knew I could not turn back from His Truth and Grace. Good Friday, took every layer of comfort away from me. Why would God give His only begotten Son for me, the worst of sinners. I still weep for the Love of Christ is like nothing I have ever experienced. I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and unworthy then a hand gently raised my head and my heart. I looked upward, and a voice came down in the darkness and said, "Even if it's dark to you, I see the light in you." And the voice continued, "You were made to shine." I asked, "Why? Why was I made to shine?" Then Jesus said, "Because I AM said so. I AM the light of the world." Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your saving Grace. I know the truth can set me free, but I understand now it is only Your grace and mercy that keeps me free. Thank You Jesus for being my light, help me to spread Your light. Amen. Nate Thompson |
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Friday, December 16, 2022 Are We Listening? by Nate |
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Scripture: Matthew 13:43 (NIV) – “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Message: As Christmas approaches, I have been thinking a lot about the life and death of Queen Elizabeth, mainly because of some British people whom I work for and have grown to love. A song kept going through my head for about 3 weeks before the Queen died. No matter how hard I tried I could not rid myself of this song. I wondered what it meant. The song was Simon and Garfunkel’s, “Scarborough Fair”. As I walked into work one day, I thought something bad was about to happen. And around 5:30 pm when I finished work a message came over the news line that Queen Elizabeth had died. God speaks to all of us when we are available to listen to Him, and God listens to us when we speak with Him. Are we available to listen to and to speak with God? I personally did not know the Queen, but knew she had a faith founded and grounded in Jesus Christ. That made her my sister and my loved one. So today, if there is someone that we don't know, or if there is someone that has meant a lot to us and we have not taken time to reach out and listen to them and share the love of Christ with them, then there is something we have left to do. Prayer: Father, my prayer is that each one of us will grasp the gravity of life, that we hold on to every breath that we take as a miracle; that we see Your truth with our eyes; and we hear Your words with our ears, so that we can share the love of Jesus Christ with others. Help us to wait patiently for Your miracle of Christ’s birth. May God bless us all, and we pray that our Christmas will be a time of rebirth, a time of reconciliation, and a time when we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer. Let us give ourselves over to Him and live our life free of sin and reflecting His love as He taught us. Amen. Nate Thompson |
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Friday, March 27, 2020 by Nate |
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Scripture: Jude 1:20 (NLT) – “But you dear friends must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Message: Recently while attending a toastmasters club meeting I was asked what my favorite song was. Having lots of favorites, I choose to share one that had currently been on my heart “Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Petersen and Ben Shive1; please experience the official lyric video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c6pl6CaiD0. Like the living words of Holy Scripture this song cuts through bone and marrow for me. It answers the question in my heart: “Who my Lord Jesus is, and who I am in His love?". Wrapped in all of my life struggles, hurts and short comings, failures and setbacks I can rest knowing He will never forsake me. Faith is our eternal life line. God chooses us, you and me to become the extension of his perpetual love and understanding which completes the bridge to Himself. His grace and forgiveness supports us through each trial of life. He calls us worthy of dying for, so we may spend eternity with Him. Prayer: Father continue to press each one of us to seek and discover, to knock and find new hope which is available in abundance for those who truly love You. Amen. Nate Thompson 1. and Music Services. No permission required for use of Title only. “Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Petersen and Ben Shive. 2018 © Copyright. Published by Capitol CMG |
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Wednesday, June 24, 2020 - "The Connection" Series by Nate |
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Scripture: John 1:1-5 (NLT) – “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” Message: The wonder an amazement of this scripture harbors the answers to frequently asked questions. I am reminded of the man who took to heart his beliefs of who his Lord was and went on to serve diligently even to the death. It all came to light when Saul was knocked off his horse. Who are you Lord? It is this question that brings peace and hope to our lives. It replenishes us through the spoken and unspoken word. All of creation can be seen cascading down and around all of us. I sense that we all feel in some way we have been knocked off our horse, stopped in our tracks. Redirected like a wrong turn on the busy road of life. Why, who, what, when seem to be the questions. God’s Word tells me in John not to worry about the darkness that surrounds us and I find great comfort in knowing the light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never put it out. We have hope in the beginning and the end. This is possible because the Word already existed from the beginning. Prayer: Father, no one can see the scope of Your work from beginning to end. Let Your Holy Word become the only light we will ever need. Father, I trust in You. Amen. Nate Thompson |
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Monday, March 18, 2019 A Quiet Walk by Nate |
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Scripture: Romans 10:13-15 (NIV) - "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?" Message: One of my most memorable experiences came on a trip to Conyers, Georgia. It was said to be the site of a miracle. The apparition of the Virgin Mary. Though the image had been long gone by the time we arrived, it was still a wonderful place to visit. Set back in the woods off of a long country road I felt at home. As I made my way through the property, I silently asked myself what was the lure to this place? I admit my spiritual growth seemed to be the size of a mustard seed but I decided to make the best of it and try to enjoy this part of my vacation. Lori suggested that I take a walk as they had a pretty nice stations of the cross there. So I took the advice and walked the trail until I came to the location. It was a rather large area and as I started to admire it and read each station, a sudden peace came over me, a peace I had not had since I was on vacation. I slowly took in the clean air and the majesty of each station. I found myself experiencing a real sense of joy. Going to each station and meditating on them allowed me to stop reflecting on my own feelings and look outward to others, in particular Christ's suffering. A new perspective took over me and that's when I knew this was indeed a special place. I was all alone, no one to talk to and no one came for 45 minutes. I cannot remember if I prayed special intentions or just sat there in quiet. But what I do remember that spending time alone with the Lord brought on a change in me. I can honestly pin point this location as my first of many spiritual encounters. As I walked back through the trail, I knew there was only one question that I would spend the next few years answering. A quiet voice on that quiet walk back asked me, "Do you know my Father?" Prayer: Father, bestow on me the courage to take the message as far as the East is from the West. Strengthen my little faith to do all that I am able to do while here in the land of the living. Amen. Nate Thompson |
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Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019 by Nate |
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Scripture: Luke 24:21 (NLT) - "We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel." Message: Today is the perfect time to reflect on the season of Lent. Things that evolve around decisions I have made, and the outcome that requires me to make a decision to stay on a difficult road, or set my compass for a new course with a new hope. A movie about a solo sailor comes to mind. Sailing has its fears and to venture into uncharted waters alone takes courage. Even the most well thought out plan can prove not a good decision. In this movie, the solo sailor loses everything. He finds himself asking, "What was I thinking and why was it so important for me to go at this alone?" He was about to die. At that point, nothing else mattered and all his brilliance failed to save him. No hope, no one to rescue him, no ships in sight. For him all hope was lost. I imagine that Cleopas and his partner spoke of their expectations that Jesus was the one who would free them. But all hope was lost and they probably walked that road to Emmaus with an enormous amount of sadness. Then I reflect on the opening of their eyes when Jesus is revealed to them and explains the Scriptures to them. And their hearts burned within them from hearing the good news from Jesus. It was in the same hour that these men decided to go back to Jerusalem to the other disciples and tell them about the risen Lord. This is the best reminder for me that nothing I will experience in my life will ever change the joy I find in our Lord. He remains the captain of my life. Song writers of “Captain”1 Benjamin Hastings and Seth Simmons put it another way, which can be found on the Hillsong official lyrics and video website as follows: https://hillsong.com/lyrics/captain/ Prayer: Father, let me not be distracted by the worries and the obstacles of life. May I always be a beacon of hope for all; in Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen. Nate Thompson 1. “Captain” Words and Music by Benjamin Hastings & Seth Simmons 2015 © Copyright. Published by Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing. Permission not required for use of Title, and lyrics and video on Hillsong official website. |
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Friday, March 16, 2018 He Hears Us by Nate |
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Scripture: Psalm 38:9 (NLT) - "You know what I long for, Lord, You hear my every sigh." Message: Recently, the Holy Spirit led me to ponder the nature of God. I thought back to a time when my son, Gregory, and I enjoyed watching a series of nature shows together. One in particular was titled "Hunting and Escaping." The distinctive voice of David Attenborough brought many scenes to life. Through this episode, I learned that animals also have distinctive voices. When the young ones are in danger, the mother or father can tell from the sound of their voice and run to the rescue. Whenever that happened, my son and I shared a sigh of relief. I have come to understand over the years that our Father in heaven has equipped us all with the ability to hear His voice, and He also hears our own distinctive voices, in our times of distress and in our times of joy. He rescues us from the trials of life and hears our every prayer. For a time, we have the opportunity to look back, see His hand at work, and sincerely give thanks for our lives. For God used His only begotten Son so that our lives may be signed, sealed, and delivered. He not only hears us, but He saves us. Hallelujah! Prayer: Father, thank You for hearing my voice. I know that in this hurting world, healing can come from a single touch of Your garment or from Your life-giving Word. I know You will not let me journey alone, so use me until I am no more, that the peace of knowing You will be my only joy. Amen. Nate Thompson |
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Held Under Grace - (HUG) by Nate and Lori |
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Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-6 - "All praise to God the Father our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united in Christ. Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son." Message: Recently, God spoke to me about being held under His grace. I had been thinking about all the things that brought about pain and loss. I thought about my sister, Cynthia, and anyone who is fighting for a little more time. Cancer can be so unforgiving, but in the midst of it all, I pondered all God laid on my heart. Surprisingly, in the stillness of the moment, a very satisfied smile came over me, a calm that brightened my spirit. I smiled as I envisioned the day that I would get to hug Jesus; I thought about what the hug would mean to me and to Him. I thought about the beauty of the hug and the reason we give them out. A simple gesture of love and greeting, of course, but for only those we know. Then I thought about those we do not hug. Those who need it but, for some reason, are held under the umbrella of abandonment. God showed me we are all held under grace and given a hug by Him through Christ Jesus. Prayer: I pray that as we travel through Lent, each and every one of us adopts in our hearts the love of Christ that can empower us to extend God's grace to all people and offer them a portion of God's glorious light. Amen. Nate and Lori Thompson |
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Friday, March 6, 2015 & Friday, September 25, 2020 - "The Connection" SeriesPassion For The Passion by Nate |
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Scripture: John 3:3 (NLT) – “Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you are born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God.’” Message: Over the years I have had the chance to experience grace at its finest moments, and, in those moments, little seeds of God’s love sprout up. Like Nicodemus I often ponder about things of heaven all the while wondering if I am already there. God continues to speak to me and when I find time to really listen I am changed from passive to passion. One day I wanted to know the true meaning of laying down one’s life for a friend. It was revealed to me in a dream that doing so could cost me everything. Fear was first followed by confidence and then courage. Getting past those obstacles first would prove tough, but understanding and trusting God seemed even tougher. Through all of my life’s trials I have come to understand God’s grace card in my life. And the trials along the way gave me insight about the Spirit being like the wind. We hear it but we do not know where it comes from, or where it is going. Yet we endure life’s testing and refining until we are pure like gold, having all of life’s impurities wiped away. I am not ashamed to say I was blind, but now I can see. Being born again brings my true vision into play. My passion for the passion continues to grow as Easter approaches. Knowing Jesus calls me friend, and laid His life down for me is spiritually priceless. Prayer: Father, may we seek to fully understand Your will for our lives and pursue You with passion. May we be reborn of the Spirit and take of Thee Thy spiritual food that brings us to everlasting life. In Jesus precious name we pray. Amen.
Nate
Thompson |
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Wednesday, March 25, 2015 &Tuesday September 29, 2020 - "The Connection" Series by Nate, Lori and Greg |
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Scripture: John 12:24 (GNT) – “I am telling you the truth: a grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die, then it produces many grains.” Message: A few days ago as I traveled to work, I noticed a plant that resembled a stalk of wheat. The Holy Spirit immediately brought to my mind this Scripture, and I pondered its deeper meaning and what God was showing me in that moment. I thought of how difficult dying to self is for me, the laying aside of my wants and my will so that God can accomplish His work in and through me. The daily decisions of choosing to go and do what God has called me to do, even when I feel afraid and ill equipped. It means giving of myself for the sake of another and the putting to death my selfish nature. Ultimately, it means saying no to myself so that I may say yes to God. It is a reminder that if I have died with Him, I shall live with Him, but only if I am willing to suffer with Him the pain of dying to self which brings new life and a new harvest. Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us the grace to die to self so that we may rise in fullness of life in You. Amen.
Nate, Lori and Greg Thompson |
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