Hummingbirds are known to flit around and it's entertaining to watch how busy they are. But apparently, this bird has learned how to "be still." Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” This is hard for me to do, but I so needed it. I need to treat my sabbath like this to renew my soul, …
Ghana Impact Report
A week or so ago, I received an update from the national colleague in Ghana, West Africa. I was so encouraged by what God’s doing there that I wanted to share with you. Here is his report: Madina Missions ProjectWe have now moved from training our partner churches together, to training a church at a …
EMBRACING YOUR BELOVEDNESS
Written by Steve Macchia* on Jan 09, 2023 10:40 am The story of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River is quite remarkable. His cousin John is conducting the ceremony. The text (Luke 3) tells us how the people were waiting expectantly for the Messiah, assuming it might be John. But, he corrects their inaccurate assumption by …
February Praise and Prayer
PRAISE: My friend and ministry partner Paul C. in AZ; his surgery for bladder cancer last month removed about 80% of it. And more good news news is that the cancer hasn’t penetrate the wall of the bladder, so he can keep it! [Thanks for praying.] To rid his body of the remaining 20%, chemotherapy will seek to flush it …
HYMN-PRAYING
Written by Steve Macchia on Jan 24, 2023 10:09 am* This past Sunday I was in the middle of singing one of the worship leader-led hymns with our congregation and found my soul strangely warmed by the presence of the Spirit we call Holy. I noticed my hands beginning to open up with a gentle gratitude …
Desire Drives Dedication, Determination by Harvey MacKay*
A young college graduate, determined to find a position with a reputable company, began seeking interviews. Although she faced continual rejection, her persevering talent kept her goals in mind. One busy personnel manager, flooded with applications, suggested the hopeful applicant check back in 10 years. “No problem,” said the young woman. “Would a morning or …
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January Prayer Update
PRAISE: I had good visit with my family Christmas weekend, and it was a delight to see my siblings, niece, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews in-person. (Two grandnieces and one grandnephew were born during the pandemic.) God works through our various year-end efforts including the email series and the needed funds came in for the ministry, …
Learning to Be Rich by Tim Challies*
There is no individual and no group the Bible does not address. Through its pages God speaks to husbands and wives, children and adults, masters and slaves, Jews and Gentiles. As we read the Bible we often find ourselves wondering if and how a particular instruction applies to us. How do I, as a man, …
Life Our of Broken Things by Max Lucado
<LISTEN> The story of Esther dares you to believe that God, though hidden, is active. He brings life out of broken things. The apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). We know God works. …
Shepherds and Swaddling Clothes
Shepherds and Swaddling Clothes by Linda Littlefield On the night of our Savior’s (Baby Jesus) birth, there were shepherds watching their flock. And Angels appeared to them announcing that a child was born. They revealed, “this shall be a sign to you. You will see a baby lying in a manger wrapped in “swaddling clothes”. …
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