Daily Devotions

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Day 1

Thorns

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12: 7 - 10

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4: 13

In Paul's letter to the Corinthians the thorn in his side I relate to very well. There has been many times lately that I have questioned, begged, for God to take this pain away, but he has said no, not yet I don't know why and I may never know until that day I am with him but I do know that when I have called on him he has blessed me in ways and showered me with his graces, in numerous ways and has made me listen even with his knees pushing me to talk to him and trust him. I don't get it right but every day I understand is new and I have new chances to try again. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Dear heavenly father you are there everyday through the pain in our lives whether it be through sickness, failings in our life, loss of a love one and so many other problems that we all can relate to in one form or another. Help us to hear you and feel your presence in our lives; help us to know that your power is made strong in our weakness. Amen

Kathie Lilly

Day 2

An Undeserved Gift

"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8

As my good friend (and former member at Mt. Calvary) Marilyn Tousely used to say when she found herself tripping up in life, "It's a good thing Jesus died for MY sins!" She didn't seem like a particularly sinful person to me, but she used that phrase a lot! I seem to find lots of reasons to use it as well. Every time I do, I consider my own corollary: "And it's a very good thing He didn't wait till I got my act together to do so."

Has anyone ever given you a really fabulous, expensive gift... for no reason at all? - Possibly. Has anyone ever given you a really fabulous, expensive gift even as you betray that person's trust, slander, steal or lie to him/her, or otherwise act in a way that is unworthy? - I doubt it. But isn't that exactly what God did when He gave us Jesus? Men have always lived in an "if-then" culture: if you behave in a certain way, then you will be treated accordingly. Good behavior begets rewards; bad behavior begets consequences. God turned the whole "if-then" notion on its head when He sent Jesus into the world, making a profound statement of love.

As I look back over my life I can see many instances where God tried to tell me about this wondrous gift that is unlike any other that I might receive. For years I wasn't even aware that God was trying to get this message through to me. But He didn't give up. And once I finally heard the message, He didn't tell me to clean up my act before his gift of grace could be mine. I am forever humbled and grateful.

Dear Heavenly Father, I am undeserving of your great gift of Jesus, yet you give Him to me anyway. I humbly thank you. As I look around at all of the people I come in contact each day, I imagine You are pursuing them, as You pursued me, with the message of Your love. Please use me and my church family at Mt. Calvary to be Your messengers to those around me. Amen.

Katie Oxnard

Day 3

Encouragement from Unlikely Places

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything ... Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, Whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
Philippians. 4, 4-8

For many years I carried a tattered card in my Daytimer upon which the above passages were typed. When things were going especially bad, those words helped me to put things back into proper perspective. How easy it is to rejoice when everything is going well. But when confronted with daily concerns and challenges, when things don't seem to be "going our way" what is there to be joyful about?

On the surface it would not have appeared that things were going well for Paul when he wrote the above words. He was not a free man. He was under house arrest in Rome - an unlikely situation to be joyful about.

Yet, even under these difficult circumstances, he demonstrates his self-less concern for others through both his words of encouragement and his actions. He speaks of his witness to the palace guard. They know that he is "in chains for Christ" 1:13. He also speaks of sending his own close companions, Timothy and Epaphroditus, whom he loved like a son and brother, away from him and back to Philippi so they could continue the work of the Gospel.

Paul puts his situation into perspective in the short phrase "the Lord is near". When life's troubles surround us, we can take comfort in knowing that "the Lord is near".

Ever present Lord, Help me to always know the power of your presence and let that knowledge free me to joyfully serve you under all circumstances.

Mike Berg

Day 4

Strength for the Test

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12

I sometimes wonder what a life without trials would be like. Would it be all fun and games, or would it be a boring journey because everything I wanted would come with ease and everything would go "my way"? However, the thought of an easy life seems so insignificant when I think about what God has done for me through Christ. The sacrifice he made because of me and for my behalf is so much more significant and painful than anything I could ever do. It is something to be amazed of and thankful for.

We recently passed by a church sign with the following words of wisdom - "Don't pray for a lighter load, pray for a stronger back." My desire for a life without trials seems so shallow in comparison to what should be my desire for a stronger back. My prayer for myself, my family, and all those in Christ is that our desire not be for a lighter load of trials, but for a stronger back upon which the trials of life can be used to build a strong and vibrant faith.

Phil Davis

Day 5

Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God"
Psalm 46:10

While working at the Colonial Press many years ago, in sales, I arrived at my office one morning and found everything in disarray. The binder had broken during the night shift, causing the book I had promised my customer they would definitely have on this day, not to be done. I was disgusted and depressed. I was debating exactly what I would tell my customer about what happened and suddenly remembered a telephone number I could call and hear the Lord's word. I dialed the number and heard Billy Graham's voice "Be still and know that I am God" I calmed down and listened to him say it again. This is the beginning of Verse 10 in Psalm 46. I calmed down and heard the words again "Be still and know that I am God". How comforting these words were and still are and how after 30 years, I have always heard these words when I'm in an uproar. So now I am able to "Be still" because I truly believe that He is God.

Oh Heavenly Father, Let me always be still when I am riled up because I know that you are God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Betty Andrews

Day 6

Truth

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.
Proverbs 14:12-13

Life is full of stuff. Lots of stuff, at that. And, just like any object of focus, keeping sight of God can be a difficult task with all the stuff of life being thrown at us. As humans, we are often very susceptible to believing the next thing we hear or trying to act in accordance with what others do. Through the thick of it all, there is a single voice which professes the truth. Admittedly, however, this voice is not always easy to hear.

In a time where the line between right and wrong has been significantly blurred, it is never easy to discern what an acceptable course of action, word, or thought is. Justifications abound for every conflicting detail of life that it can be confusing to realize what is acceptable in God's eyes and what is not. It is difficult to know, even, the difference between what is divine insight and what is merely human perception. One strong foundation that does exist, however, is the Bible. Containing the truth and nothing but the truth, it is our guide when ideas and morals get confused in the atmosphere of today. The way that seems right to man is inevitably a dark road. Even the most unassuming actions can harbor a seed of sorrow, just as the heart may ache in the midst of laughter. However, God has graced us with his book of truth.

It has been said that we live in a time where people exist 'only wanting to be liked'-by other people, that is. However it may manifest, it is inescapable; in all of our hearts in the desire to be accepted and belong. However right it may seem, however, it is inevitably an act of placing ourselves and our desires before God and his vision for us. Often times it is necessary to take a step back and examine our actions to really realize how we have counted ourselves before Him. Again, to be found in the Bible are the fruits of the spirit. While whatever passing fad might make us liked among other people for a short time, living righteously before God's eyes is how to laugh the laugh that feels no ache and to partake in the joy that never ends in grief.

At the heart of all this confusion lies one of God's greatest gifts: grace. He knows how confused we can get (he is omniscient, isn't he?) and He does not claim to be making life easy for us at all times. But, then again, isn't that what grace is for? When we are most confused by the deceptive 'truths' of human nature is when we can truly accept the greatest gift of God's grace. The gift of eternal life is fantastic, but grace is what will get us through at the end of the day on this earth. Until then, it is important to keep in mind that the greatest truth is not common knowledge or perceived moral truths, but that Word which comes directly from the mouth of God.

David Oxnard

Day 7

A Work in Progress

"...that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Phil 1:6

Until I started asking God to work on me and in me, about 15 years ago, my life was short on meaning - it was about doing the right things, in work, career, financial stability, starting a family. It all looked good on the outside, but on the inside I was often angry, dissatisfied, lonely, and lost without direction. Renewing my faith was not easy at first, but I hung on because it gave me hope, and little by little I saw that God could change what I couldn't.

When I read this verse several years ago in our small group at Mt. Calvary, and really "heard" it for the first time, it struck me that He has a plan for me, the plan is working, and that the rest of my life would be about seeking and following that plan, because He will complete His work in me, if I believe in Him. I see the results in my young family, my marriage, the friends I've made and kept at MCLC and elsewhere, and in my career. And for me, that is meaning beyond my wildest dreams.

I believe He also has a plan for Mt. Calvary, and that our lives are about following that plan, to bring more people into relationship with Jesus Christ. That's why I want our expansion plans to succeed and to be a part of it.

God, I pray that you will continue your work in me, and in our congregation at Mt. Calvary, until the day of Christ Jesus.

Tom Gormley

Day 8

Joy in Christ

I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me.
Phil 4:13

This verse from scripture has had a powerful impact on my life. I have been a LCMS Missouri Synod Christian all my life. I was baptized as an infant and always knew the love of Christ in my life. However life has thrown many obstacles my way and through all those obstacles the above bible verse has always gotten me through. Sometimes it seems like we get so low that there is no hope but all we have to do is look to Christ to find our hope. The Bible tells us that he will never leave us nor forsake us.

Paul has always been my hero from the scriptures. I think of my trials and they pale in comparison to what Paul suffered for the good of the Kingdom. With all he went through, shipwrecked, stoned, jailed, he "joyfully" proclaimed Christ through it all.

How do we respond to suffering in our life? If you are like me - not well at times. It becomes a down time in our life. But through Christ we can be joyful because He is always with us and has conquered hell, satan and death for us. Nothing can keep us from His love.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and protection in my life. Help me to joyfully serve you even in the midst of great trials. Thank you for your Son Jesus who gave me "real life" that can be lived to the fullest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Sharon Berg

Day 9

Trusting in God

...the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22

As we go through life we enjoy the good things but only ask "why" about the bad things that happen to us. We ask why is this happening to us; why is God punishing us? But one doesn't hear, why is God blessing me; why is my life so easy?
Job went from "having it all" - wealth, health, and family - to losing it all. Though he was a righteous man God allowed him to be tested by Satan. Satan believed that Job trusted God only because of his life was going well. Job's wife tells him curse God, so he would die and be out of his misery. Job's friends believed he was being punished because he had sinned. Repent of those sins, they told Job, but Job knew that he was innocent. Elihu believed that Job had become proud and that was why God was punishing him, so Job would become humble.
God finally answered Job, not about why he was suffering, but who He is. God is the Creator, He created the world and only He knows why things happen; the unworthy prosper or the good suffer. Through this Job learned that when there is nothing else left, God is still there for us and that is all we need. Job was blessed because he persisted in trusting in God; he received blessing greater than what he had before.
As we go through life we inevitably will have rough times. We may know that our problems come from our own reckless choices, but many times we don't know why. It could be Satan attacking us, or God could be shaping us for service somehow. We may never know why, as His time is not our time. All that is important is that God, who can do all things, is there for us, all we need is to be willing to trust in Him.

Lord, give me comfort and faith, so that I may remember to turn to you in times of trials and in good times. Amen

Susan Hardy

Day 10

On Fear and Worry

For days when fear and worry seem closer to you than God is.
Remember what the Lord said:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about you body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life
Matthew 6:25-27

And Pray:
Lord, Heavenly Father, take this worry away from me. Help me to enjoy the wonderful day that you have given me without fearing the things I cannot change. Help me to trust in you and guide me to make the right decisions so that I can live the purpose you have set out for me. Calm me now and help me to remember that you will never leave my side. Thank you Lord for watching over me. Amen

Kendall Scheid

Day 11

A New Thing

Look at the new thing I am going to do. It is already happening. Don't you see it?
I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land.
Isaiah 43: 19

How exciting to have this mission given to us by God. How blessed we are to be given this opportunity to spread the word, sing his praises and serve him!

I believe that this verse is speaking to us now. Can't we see the new things he is doing? Our rooms at Mt Calvary are full. He has given us purpose so His mission will be fulfilled. We may come across some problems during this construction BUT we must remember that God has already prepared the way for us. Didn't he bring us a Pastor, a youth worker and music minister? He has blessed us so much! If God can put a river in the desert, we know he can build an addition to his mission here in Acton. Let our faith never waiver.

Dear Lord, Thank you for this opportunity to serve you. Be with us during this time of change. In all things, help us remember that you are preparing the path for us. May our faith in you be everlasting. A-men

Debbie Trentsch

Day 12

Responding in Faith

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Phil 2:1

I think Paul is talking about responding in faith - the theme of our campaign. When I ask myself, do I have any encouragement?... or any comfort?... or any fellowship?... any tenderness or compassion, from my relationship with Christ, I feel overwhelmingly blessed, and I owe it all to my Lord and Savior, my life's source.

When I lost my job twice during the last five years, that was a low point for me and my family. But in that time, our Mt. Calvary family has been a constant source of encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion. So I have to respond in faith, and do my best to give whatever He asks of me, as unselfishly as I can, while knowing that I can never do enough to thank Him.

God, thank you for all of my blessings and please continue to bless me, my family, and Mt. Calvary. In response I offer myself and my life to do your work, in your Son's name.

Tom Gormley

Day 13

Prayers

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Matthew 21:22

So, here are my prayers that I am either waiting to be answered, or have been answered so far in my life:

Cell phone-answered yes
Concert on a school night-answered yes
Philip will stop annoying me-answered no
Go to Camp Takodah every summer-answered yes
Do well on 7th grade social studies final-answered no
Go to Disney World-answered yes
Quitting flute-answered yes
Getting the part I wanted in my school play-answered no
Get my braces off when the orthodontist said he would-answered no
Become vice president of my middle school-answered no

Umm, actually, now that I read over the passage again, I'm starting to think that these probably aren't the types of prayers that God wants me to be asking. I think the important thing to focus on in the passage is the "believe" part. I need to realize what I believe and really tune in on that. I believe that God sent his son Jesus to die for my sins and I will dwell in heaven with Him forever. Maybe the best prayer is this...

Dear God,
Thank you for sending Jesus to die for me. Thank you for loving me so much that you would sacrifice your only son. In His honor, please forgive me all my sins, and help me to pray for things more important than cell phones or iPods. What an awesome God I have. Amen.

Erin Oxnard

Day 14

Warmth

So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:16

"Warmth" is usually a word I associate with a level of comfort. But I must admit that the harshness of being "spit out" creates a certain amount of fear of the "warmth" in this verse. I sometimes worry about being lukewarm, the consequences it brings and the many questions it can lead to. How I will know if my life of faith is hot, cold, or lukewarm? Is my life one of strong faith and good stewardship of the things I have been blessed with? Should I be concerned if the answer isn't obvious to me? Is there person of faith I can use as an example to gauge my progress?

However, although I question the temperature of my faith I try not to question the temperature of God's faith. He has promised to love me, guide me, and wipe away all of my flaws. And, I need to have faith that this is just one of the many flaws on the list for Him to cleans me of.

I pray that the faith God has freely given me causes my temperature to rise at least a little every day and that the doubt in my past becomes the absolute confidence in my future.

Phil Davis

Day 15

He Knows Me

I am the good shepherd: I know my sheep and my sheep know me.
John 10: 14

Jesus is indeed our shepherd who loves us so much. We need to take time and listen to his voice as he calls to us every day. When any of us gets lost in our lives and strays away Jesus is there calling us by name to come to him. Come to his loving arms just as a shepherd calls his sheep, Jesus calls us and tells us that we are loved, and forgiven that we are his.

Dear Lord, You are our shepherd. You love us so much that you call us by name. You grant us new mercies everyday. Help us to turn to you to be refreshed and filled with your love. Let us not get so busy in our lives that we don't take time to be in your word, and to pray for those that need prayers.

Kathie Lilly

Day 16

Ask

So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Luke 11:9

Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.
Matthew 18: 19-20

I called my sister in California. My nephew, 17 years of age then, was having surgery. He was a gymnast, winning honors and practicing hard. While in practice, jumping on a trampoline, he missed and he injured his spine critically. He was rushed to the hospital. My sister and I prayed over the phone my loving scripture "Matthew 18: verses 19-20". We prayed Thomas would heal successfully after this emergency surgery was over.

Verse 20 "Where two or three come together in my name , there am I."

My sister cried and so did I and we both knew that in verse 19
"Anything you ask for will be done for you by my Father in heaven"

Today Thomas is completely healed, married with one daughter living happily in Virginia.

Anything you ask for will be done for you by my Father in heaven.

Cathy Costa

Day 17

Scripture Alone

In the beginning was the word and the word was with God, and the word was God ... and the word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth.
John 1 1:1, 14.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16.

"Man, I just don't know how Job made it thru all he did and he still kept his faith".

This is the thought that was expressed to me by a young man as we talked one afternoon.

As he spoke, I was thinking that this young man's life difficulties were more Job-like than those of anyone else I knew.

His father had died on a boat trying to escape the poverty of Haiti; his mother's death came because the family could not afford the medicine she needed for her diabetes. He was left, at age 18, to provide for four younger siblings. He wanted an education but had no money to pay for high school.

Through my relationship with him over the last five years I have learned of trial upon trial. The aunt who watched after him and his siblings after his parent's death was murdered because she was in the habit of speaking out against evil. Then a sister was shot and killed as she went to the market. There was the flight of his brothers and sisters from the violence in that country. There were the threats on his own life in Jamaica. The list went on and on.

What really amazed me is that, time after time, with every twist and turn in this man's life, whenever he narrowly missed out on opportunities to improve his situation, he would say with conviction "I prayed that this opportunity was the Lord's leading, but I guess Jesus has something better ahead for me".

As we sat that afternoon he talked freely of his faith. I asked him who was most instrumental in bringing him to faith in Christ. I was surprised when he said not really anyone. He simply spent a lot of time reading the scriptures.

It was then that it really struck me how powerful God's Word, working through the Holy Spirit, truly is. Sola Scriptura - Scripture alone

Lord, I thank you for Your in dwelling Holy Spirit and for revealing yourself to me through the Holy Scriptures.

Mike Berg

Day 18

Shaken and Unmoved

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10

I first heard this Bible verse 13 years ago, when I became a Christian. It has resonated with me ever since and is, perhaps, my favorite verse. The message is so simple and yet so profound: life will hurt, but in God there is peace.

Life is messy. It's not fair. And sometimes it hurts. A spouse loses a job. A child has surgery. Good friends move away. A teenager commits suicide. A parent buries a 7 year old child. A widow buries her spouse of 50 years. A graduating high school student doesn't get into the college of his/her choice. Friends are diagnosed with cancer. A wedding is called off. An elderly parent is cared for at emotional and financial cost. Colleagues are victims of terrorist attacks. A man's car breaks down, and he can't pay the repair bill.... Some hurts are big; some hurts are small. But they are all painful to bear. God never promises us that there won't be pain.

But we can hold tight to God's promise of peace, which, He assures us, He will never take from us. What does God's peace look like? I think you'll find it in action at Mt. Calvary: A family delivers a meal to someone who had surgery. The Jr. High kids deliver apple pies to our church's veteran members. A group of congregants hold a 24-hour prayer vigil. Someone in need discovers an anonymous gift of cash in his mailbox. Members of Mt. Calvary hold hands while reciting the Lord's Prayer. A member receives a thank you note. Two women commit to being prayer partners. An adult member gives a teenager who otherwise can't get to church, a ride. A couple has an "a-ha" moment in a Bible study, shedding light on a problem... What a blessing to know that our church family is a source of God's peace.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving me Your peace. I do not always understand the hurt that comes along in life, but I pray I can hold firm to your promise of peace. Lord, thank you for my church family at Mt. Calvary as they are often Your instrument of peace. Amen.

Katie Oxnard

Day 19

Priorities

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7

In today's day and age, we frequently get caught up in our busy schedules and responsibilities. We put priority into our jobs, our schoolwork, our relationship struggles, our finances, etc. The list goes on and on. We get bogged down in all of the worries we devote to these issues. We forget to put God first, and we often, sometimes even unknowingly, put Him on the back burner. People tend to focus too much of their time and energy into being the best and crawling up social and occupational ladders. When they give all their attention to completing their own goals, their focus on the Father in Heaven gets stolen away.

Despite all of these distractions, we need to remember to keep God on the front burner. Achieving our goals isn't the most important thing. It doesn't matter to God what job position you hold, or the grades you got in college. If He doesn't care, then why should we waste our time fretting over such issues? We need to remember to stay humble. God will take care of us. If you didn't nail that job interview, or if you failed that exam, it's okay. God has a plan, and we need to rely on Him and not ourselves to carry it out. There is no need to be anxious if we are relying on God to take care of us. We need to give our worries over to Him and let Him take control. We cannot go through this life alone. If we trust in God to carry us through, we won't be concerned and we'll know that everything will work out.

Dear Lord,
Forgive me for not trusting in you to take care of me. Help me to stop trying to do things on my own, since I know that I can't do anything without you. Let me be able to give up my anxieties to you. Thank you. Amen.

Katelyn Saaristo

Day 20

Our Part in Building God's Kingdom

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do
Ephesians 2:8-10

Verses 8-9 in the above passage seem to sum up very succinctly the part we play in our salvation - absolutely nothing, zero! It is only by God's unconditional love for us, His grace, that we are chosen by Him to be His own. Even our faith in Christ is not of our own doing; as verse 8 states; this too is a gift from God, without any merit on our part.

However, each of us does have a part in helping to build God's kingdom while here on earth. As verse 10 states, God has prepared "good works" for us to do in service to Him and to others, especially those who do not know Jesus as their Savior.

May each of us pray for God's wisdom in serving one another, whether as part of the ministry expansion at Mt. Calvary, our communities, places of work or wherever God leads us.

Dear Lord, we ask that you show us your will in each of our lives in helping to build your kingdom through the works you have prepared in advance for us to do. Amen

Gary Dahl

Day 21

Conquering Fear

The Lord is my light and my salvation-Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

I repeated these words, my confirmation verse, over and over again as I sat parked in a locked car on a deserted strip of gravel with darkness falling and a tapping on my car windows. "Why did I ever agree to organize this month's dinner at the soup kitchen in Lynn!" I scolded myself. Now, here I was lost in a dreadful part of the city with abandoned buildings and boarded-up windows.

I had pulled into a vacant lot to try to figure out the directions to the soup kitchen, but my windows were steaming up from the heat of 150 pounds of half-cooked pork roast. My mom always cooked a roast for an hour, but I guess it takes longer when you put 15 of them into the oven. I knew when I stuck a fork into one at the church kitchen that it was still raw inside, but it was 4:00 pm and the dinner was due to start at 5:30 pm. It was 5:00 pm. I'm lost. I'm late. And there's that tapping at the window. I can't see who's out there because of the steam and the darkness. I'm thinking "Should I just give them the money out of my purse? What if they have a gun?" But I couldn't just sit there. So I prayed and rolled down the window.

"Hi Miss. Can we help you carry in the meat? Sure smells good. You're here for My Brother's Table, right?" There were two men, poorly dressed and dirty. "I guess I could use some help," I replied, "but where is it? How far do we have to go?" They grinned. "It's right behind you, Miss, in that building across the street." Okay, I felt stupid, but the building didn't have a sign on it that read "My Brother's Table." So, they helped me carry in the meat, potatoes, carrots, milk, and jugs of apple cider. The cook said "No problem, Honey. We'll slice up the end pieces and serve those first. I'll slice up the rest and let it cook a little more in the warming tray." And word spread down the streets that pork roast was on the menu and we served 300 people that evening, including 2 guys I like to think of as God's messengers.

Prayer: Lord, when I am fearful and anxious, help me to remember that you are all-powerful and ever-gracious, and will transform all things into good to accomplish your will.

Dawn Phelan

Day 22

He Plans For Us

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. "
Jer 29:11-12

We wake up each morning wondering what the day will bring. Our daily activities may not always be easy.

Some of us struggle with physical pain, some emotional distress, some financial hardships, some family problems and other trials. Even though the day may be a challenge, we can be secure in one thing...
God is our Hope! He says in this verse that he knows the future and has a plan for us.

How exciting!!

When we seek him and pray to him, he guides us and directs us. He assures us that the future he has for us is prosperous and full of hope. What a joy to know this. So do not fear what the day will bring. Wake up refreshed, knowing it is secure in God's hands.

Dearest Lord Jesus,
May this day bring me assurance and confidence knowing that you have a plan for me and my future. Amen.

Sandy Sauta

Day 23

Understanding

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14

When I was a college freshman I took a course in trigonometry and was getting all "A's" (not bad for a liberal arts major). All A's until we got to a specific section that is. For some reason the section just didn't click. I spent days trying to understand it. I even went to the professor for help, but no matter what I did it just didn't sink in. I sometimes got discouraged and even angry that I had to spend so much time on it when others seemed to get it right away. (It can be very frustrating when things we struggle with seem to come so easily to others.)

Then, one night while trying to work through the problems EVERYTHING clicked. My understanding was absolute, complete and instantaneous and there wasn't a single problem that I couldn't solve with ease. It was an amazing transformation!!

I often think of that college event when I am having trouble understanding or applying God's word to my life. I wonder why my ability to understand a verse seems so elusive. Am I doing something wrong? Am I not spending enough time in Word or in prayer? Or, is it simply not my time for God to reveal a deeper understanding to me?

My prayer is that we not be discouraged when we have a difficult time understanding God's word or his will for us, and that we continue to study and pray for a better understanding.

Phil Davis

Day 24

A Time Of Commitment

Read Psalm 145: 17-21

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-13a

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to call who call on Him in truth.
Psalm 145:18

Months have been spent in preparing the groundwork for the extension of the building at Mount Calvary. Members are now asked to commit to dedicating time, effort & monies to this effort.

In Jeremiah we read the words the Lord spoke to him: "I know the plans I have for you - Plans to give you hope and a future." Our hope and prayer is that the decisions we make will be a blessing for reaching people in the surrounding areas to come to worship.

Our first commitment toward this goal is to dedicate personal time daily for prayer and the study of His Word. We have the assurance that as 'we seek Him we will find Him when we seek Him with our heart.' May we faithfully always seek His will.

Heavenly Father, increase our faith as we dedicate ourselves to seeking your will as we move forward.

Jane Darling

Day 25

Growing up in Christ

Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
1 Peter 2:2

As I reflect on my spiritual journey over the years, I realize how it is like a newborn baby. When I think back to my younger years I was a very shy introverted child. I had no confidence in myself and was clearly attached to my mom's apron strings. After my mom died of cancer, when I was 11, my world fell apart. I not only lost my mom but my very best friend.

I was fortunate as I had so many loving caring family and friends in my life, and my church family as well. Everyone stepped in to make sure my sister and I were lovingly cared for physically and spiritually. Our dad was a great role model in our lives.

As I grew up I realized more and more how much I not only needed food for my body but food for my soul. Growing up in Christ was so important for my emotional well being. In the past 37 years at Mt. Calvary I have grown in my walk with the Lord doing things I never thought possible. I have been blessed with so many spiritual role models in my life. it is through them that I am the confident person I am today. God continually is molding my life and will until I join Him in the heavenly mansion He has prepared for me.

Thank you Lord Jesus for giving me the courage to embark on new challenges in my life that I never dreamed possible. Thank you for spiritual leaders and role models in my life that you gave me to encourage me to be the person I am today. Continue to keep me open to your calling in whatever it is you want me to do. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Sharon Berg

Day 26

What do you boast in?

Therefore as it is written: "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."
1 Cor. 1:31

We live in the richest nation in the world. That's no secret. The average income in the US is about $44,400.00. We have a lot to boast about. Many of us have more than one car, a comfortable house, savings accounts that will put our kids through college. Not to mention we live in one of the richest parts of the country where the average income is well about $60,000.00 a year. So here's the question, what do you boast about? Our world tells us that we should be proud of what we have. You should "flaunt it, if you have it." We see movie and sports stars boasting about their million dollar houses, and 15 luxury automobiles, and 3 week trips to the Bahamas. We ourselves boast to our friends about our new BMW or our Ski Do watercraft or the new addition to our house that we built ourselves. We have a lot to boast about. Can I ask you a serious question? When was the last time you boasted to people you know about the incredible love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians reminds us that our God took on human flesh and the despised things of the world so that we would again realize that we can not have enough or do enough to save ourselves from being separated from our loving Savior. God loves to take that which we as humans see as lowly and humble and make those things glorious treasures which should be sought after. Born in a stable with the cows? A low-income carpenter's son? His friends were some of the most despised people on the social ladder. Jesus did not have a whole lot of earthly things to boast about. But that wasn't his job was it? The King of the universe had much more to boast about than a big house, or a good job, or an elite education. Our Lord boasted about what is truly important. He boasted about the coming kingdom that would destroy satan and overcome death. He boasted about a love that only He could give to a people who truly didn't deserve it. He boasted about a Father who cared so much for us that He sent His only Son save us from ourselves. So, today as you go into your world, thank God for all the earthly blessings He has given us, but boast in something that is worthy, the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Lord God thank you for blessing me and my family with all the things that we daily need. Please help me to be bold today and to boast about the incredible things you have done in my life to all I meet. Amen

Gerod Bass

Day 27

Work

Jesus answered "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent".
John 6:28

How different are the way we look at and define "work", and the work the Lord asks each of us. How easy it is to get consumed by the stress and challenges of my "working" world, and to shunt our Lord to the side. Or to fall into the trap of imagining that my good works alone will bring me reward in heaven.

How different would my life be if I truly took Jesus' message to heart, and worked each day at strengthening my faith, and responding to my Lord's love for me.

My prayer: Dear Lord, help strengthen my faith in you.

Hugh Oxnard

Day 28

Opened Doors

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8

How many times we go through trouble and don't ask for help. I tend to hear him saying, "Why do you doubt?" I was that person who, when I prayed, would get mad and act like a two year old, okay I prayed but you didn't answer so I'm not going to talk to you.
Believe your father does care very much. In my sickness I have seen his hand when I trusted him and knocked at his door. He did answer, he sent his people into my life to encourage me and to reinforce his word that he truly cares, weeps with us, and showers us with new mercies everyday.

Dear heavenly father help me to always trust to bring my cares to you, to truly believe that if I come to you and seek you that you will always be there. Thank you, heavenly father for your never ending love. Amen

Kathie Lilly

Day 29

Feel the Fear

During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Mt 18:25-29

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
Romans 8:15

A few years ago I spotted a book titled "Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway". It was self help book dealing with recognizing ones fears but not letting them hinder your moving forward.

I skimmed thru the book and returned it to the shelf, but the words of the title have stuck with me over the years: "Feel the fear and Do it Anyway."

Noah, Feel the fear and build an ark anyway. Heb 11:7
Abraham, feel the fear and leave your homeland for an unknown destination anyway. Gen.12
Moses, feel the fear and lead your people out of Egypt anyway. Exodus 3-4
David, feel the fear and face Goliath anyway
Peter, feel the fear and get out of the boat anyway! Mt. 14
Paul, Feel the fear and go to Macedonia anyway. 2 Cor. 7:5

Often when facing some new challenge I (we) WILL "feel the fear". The bigger the challenge, the greater the fear.

That's OK!

But, as Paul states in Rom 8, "you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave of fear".

Think of some of your own fears - feel them. Can you take on that next step and "do it anyway?"

Lord Jesus, help me to face the fears in my life, especially those that prevent me from fully serving you. Help me to boldly take on new challenges to build your kingdom here on earth.

Mike Berg

Day 30

Pressing On

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind, and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phil 3:13-14

Paul's time in prison didn't seem to get him down. He writes some of the most uplifting passages I've ever read, in his letter to the Philippians. Most of us have spent time in earthly prisons of one sort or another, whether that's unemployment, tragedy, disappointments, unhealthy relationships. But Paul's faith doesn't let prison affect his attitude. He keeps on pouring himself into his work and sounds more confident and contented than most of us on our best days.

This isn't the power of positive thinking, but rather the strength of Paul's faith.

God, strengthen my faith and that of our congregation, to press forward with our expansion plans. Remove blockages for us, personal or otherwise, so that like Paul, we may ultimately do Your will.

Tom Gormley

Day 31

Listening To God's Voice

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

The society we live in today has so much technology that it has made our lives more hectic and complicated then ever before. Oh sure we can get things accomplished so much faster and do more in one day then one would think possible. How often though do we have time, on short notice, to welcome an unexpected guest into our home or take the time for a phone call from someone who needs our help right now!!

I pray often that the Lord will keep me mindful of opportunities that happen during the day where I can be of help to someone. I fail over and over again to see some of the needs He puts before me. However he never gives up on me and continues to give me that opportunity over and over again.

When I sit quietly, and meditate on the above passage, is when God can speak to me. It is only then, when I shut out the busyness of the world around me, that He can get my attention.

Being in the word and prayer on a daily basis would find us accomplishing much more and leading more productive lives knowing God is the one in complete charge of our decisions.

Dear Lord God I pray that you would have me listen to your voice daily so that I better know how to serve you. Each day is a gift from you and I will never get that day back. I pray I will be more aware to live each day to the fullest. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Sharon Berg