September 30, 2016 – Words of Wisdom
George Gordon (Lord Byron)

“What deep wounds ever closed without a scar?”

“But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:24-29
Today I ask that you pray for those who are truly scarred by life. We think that the people who truly have deep scars will be people we will notice. But, that is not always the case. Often the most scarred people are people we see each and every day. We have become a society where people can hide their scars without much effort. Why? Because too many of us are too busy trying to hide our own scars, or are too busy trying to get on with life. Today, pray that you will become more aware of those who are scarred, that you will have the courage to notice, and that the Holy Spirit will be your guide as you share the balm that helps to heal all scars: the love, mercy and Grace of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dave

September 29, 2016 – Words of Wisdom
French Proverb

“It would be a very big book that contained all the maybes uttered in a day.”

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62

Today I ask you to pray for those who want to follow Jesus, who know they have much to learn and ways they need to change, but have not been able to make that change. I believe there are many who wake up on a Saturday and say to themselves “Maybe tomorrow is the day I will go to church”. But when Sunday comes, they are more comfortable staying in bed then coming to church. Others reach times in their lives where they say “Maybe today is the day I will begin to really live into the Christ-like life”, but their old habits and ways are so ingrained in their behavior they just cannot make that change. Today, pray that fewer followers who put their hands to the plow will not look back, will not say “maybe tomorrow” – but instead will, today, make the commitment to follow.

Pastor Dave