1st Quarter

St. John 1:21-51

In this passage we read of John the Baptist meeting Jesus. As we carefully read the passage, we hear John saying, “I did not know him”. He only knew that Jesus would be revealed to Israel. Toward the end of the passage we see Jesus talking to Nathaniel.  Nathaniel asked Jesus, “How did you know me?”  Jesus replied, “I saw you sitting beneath the fig tree.” Jesus saw him before Nathaniel saw him.

John did not know how it would happen that he would meet Messiah. He only knew that he was to preach repentance to prepare the way of the Lord and that baptism was a part of his calling.  In the process of obedience to his calling, he met Jesus.

Often, we only have an inkling about our calling, but if we follow it, doing what we know God wants us to do, like John, we will meet Jesus.

We know we should pray more consistently in this new year. We also know that we are called to prayer.  May we obey and follow on to know the Lord.

Let this be the year we meet Jesus in prayer. Follow the call of God on your life to pray. We may ask as Nathaniel did, “How did you know me?”  Jesus’ reply will be, “When you were busy with life, I saw you and called you to know me and see greater things than you ever have before.”

Let this be the year that we answer the call to prayer and see Jesus working daily in our lives as we seek him.

Get acquainted with Jesus this year, and this year will be the best you’ve ever had.

Cheryl Craft

Book  Suggestion:  The Book on Prayer by Ken Gurley   (available at Amazon)

3rd Quarter 2020

This is the summer of our discontent. We face Covid19 virus, riots and insurrection, rumors of war in the Middle East, and the ever-present specter of murders.  How much more should we be in prayer as we see these events all around us.

The following are reminders of needs to bring before the Lord:

• Pray for wisdom and guidance for our national, State and Local leaders in these challenging times.
• Pray for our church Pastors and leaders that they have courage to speak in boldness guiding us in the ways of God in these times.
• Pray for our church family and our children that angels of protection surround them and keep them safe.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through Christ.  Because He is our Shepherd, we shall not lack in any area. He gives strength, hope, and salvation in times of need. Our faith in Christ overcomes fear and anxiety. (Even when you are afraid, He is still with you.) We endure when we remember that goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. God will keep us in this hour for we are anointed and favored of God. No matter what is going on in the world, the presence of God brings peace and comfort. If He is with us, we can face whatever may come our way.

God has given us a hope that extends beyond this natural life. Therefore, we rejoice in the hope that He has laid up for us.  We look beyond the shaking of the world and its kingdoms to our hope in the heavens. This hope holds us fast as we make our way through this summer of discontent. Christ has promised a better life for us in the heavens and in this promise we hope.

I close with this song:

            My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

            I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.

            On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand,

            All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace,

In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

Cheryl Craft

Book:  Read and meditate on Psalm 23.  Abundant strength awaits you.