2 Peter 3:9 NIV

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

DAILY DEVOTION, May 9, 2022

My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples (John 15:8, CEV).

How do we glorify God? There are different ways we accomplish this goal. God is glorified when we worship Him, singing songs of praise to Him. God is glorified when we pray or when we gather together at the Lord’s Table. However, the main way we glorify God is by producing much fruit. What does that mean? Apple trees bear fruit when they produce apples. Likewise, Christians bear fruit when they produce other Christians. Our main task as Christians and as a church is to proclaim the saving message to Jesus, drawing others to Him. We do this through our participation in the church’s life as we proclaim the saving message of Jesus and through our outreach giving in support of missionaries. Are we, as a church, bearing much fruit? I think we can do better. Our fruit-bearing is the final proof that we are disciples of Jesus.

Gracious Father, I want to be a fruit-bearing Christian. May my words and deeds point others to Jesus the Savior. In His name, I pray, Amen. 

We were saddened by the sudden death of Char Daleske. The funeral service will be at the church on Friday at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 until service time. Please keep the family in your prayers. 

The church board will meet Tuesday at 2 PM. 

On Wednesday we begin a new series of Bible studies on the book of Ephesians. This week we will look at the first 2 verses of chapter 1, and maybe more. 

Sandy’s grief group meets Thursday at 2 PM.

Sunday School at 9 AM.

On Sunday I will resume the series from the Book of Romans. Sermon title, “Victory in Jesus.” Text, Romans 8:1-17. 

The Lord be with you all this week.

Pastor Bowman

DAILY DEVOTION, May 6, 2022

But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another (Galatians 5:15).

Paul gives us some sobering, practical wisdom. First, we have come to faith in Jesus and received God’s forgiving love. We have received the gift of eternal life. Next, Paul talks about personal relationships in the church. We are not to bite and devour one another! What does he mean? He means we are not too major in attacking and criticizing fellow believers. Apparently, some in Galatia were engaging in such destructive behavior. There was gossip, criticism, personal attacks, rejection of others, and arguments — which led to a very bad result. Others were “consumed” by such behavior. J. B. Phillips paraphrased this verse: “
“But if freedom means merely that you are free to attack and tear each other to pieces, be careful that it doesn’t mean that between you, you destroy your fellowship altogether!”

I have seen it happen—people driven out of the church because of biting criticism. But, on the positive side, we are to love, forgive, encourage and build up one another. We have a reputation for being a loving church. So let’s keep it that way.

Father, I thank you for my church family. I thank you that I am met with love and forgiveness when I say or do the wrong thing. Help me to encourage others, not devour them! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
    He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing
    from those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies,
    what joy for those who trust in you (Psalm 84:11-12).

DAILY DEVOTION, May 4, 2022

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! (Hebrews 10:35 NLT).

This verse reminds us that we are capable of doing something very foolish. We can throw away our confident trust in Jesus. The author of Hebrews cautions us not to do this. Faith in Jesus brings us great rewards. Those who trust in Him are forgiven of their sins, granted the gift of the Holy Spirit and a host of other blessings culminating in eternal life.

Every church I have served has a list of “inactive” members. They confessed faith in Jesus, were baptized, but they do not attend, do not contribute, and basically ignore the church of Jesus Christ. What has happened to their faith? Do they still trust in Jesus? I hope so. I hope they have not thrown aside their faith entirely. While salvation is a gift we receive by faith alone, there are great rewards given to those who continue to live confidently in Jesus, applying their faith to everyday situations. That is the path to choose.

Father, I thank You once again for the gift of salvation You have provided for me. I pray I will never cast aside my confident trust in the Lord. If I am ever headed in that direction, I pray you will pull me back! In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen. 

The FCW garage sale was very successful. Around $1500 was raised for their various outreach projects. Good job, Ladies. The fish fry lunch after church was wonderful. Thanks to all the guys who made it happen. I don’t want to list names lest I leave someone out! 

Marie and I were blessed by the two conferences we attended last week. The small church conference in Morton, IL was especially helpful. We attended a workshop where the emphasis was on the maturity of a church, not the size. Our task is to do what we can to help those who attend grow in faith. If that happens we are spiritually successful regardless of size. As a church, we strive to be faithful and trust God to take care of the numbers. Sometimes churches are so intent on seeking new members that the members they have are neglected. 

I was impressed by the numbers who attended the DHF Conference. DHF is growing, touching many more churches. As one of the founders of DHF, I was very happy to see that the ministry is expanding. 

Now on to this week. The FCM men’s group meets Tuesday at 8 AM. 

The FCW women’s group meets Wednesday for their annual guest day at 10:30 AM. 

Bible study Wednesday at 2:30 PM with Pastor Gee’s final session on leadership.  The following week I will be leading a study in the Book of Ephesians. 

This Sunday is Mother’s Day. I will be preaching on the theme “A Nameless Mother’s Faith” based on Matthew 15:21-28. 

May you all have a blessed week as we strive to be faithful to Jesus. 

Pastor Bowman