First of all, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the observation last Sunday of the 60th anniversary of my ordination. This was not something I had anticipated. Some of the prime movers were Jackie and Debra Barb, Lora ODonnell, Marscha Nutt, and Marie Bowman. Thank you so much, ladies. There were others I may have missed but I thank you all for a wonderful day concluding with a picnic. It was a day I shall never forget. You are a fantastic congregation!

This week’s DVD Bible study will focus on the Protestant Reformation. We will be looking at the issues which caused this momentous event that changed the world forever. As usual, all are welcome.

On 6/20 I will continue the series on the Ten Commandments. We are on Commandment # 8, “Thou shalt not steal.”
Blessings to all!

Pastor Bowman

DAILY DEVOTION, June 21, 2021

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness (John 12:46).

Most of us have visited a lighted cave. At some point, the guide cautions us to remain still as he turns out the lights. Total darkness! You can’t see your hand even if you bring it close to your face. Spiritual darkness is far worse. I can remember very clearly those days before I surrendered my life to Jesus. I was totally confused about spiritual things. I would read one book and think, “That’s good stuff,” but then another book would speak a different message. Every wind of doctrine tossed me to and fro (See Ephesians 4:14). I was in darkness and could not see or understand God’s truth.

Then Jesus entered the picture. Faith in Him was like turning on the light. He does not want us to stumble around in the darkness. He promises that those who believe in Him will experience the radiance of spiritual light. He is the light of the world, and as we trust and follow Him, He is a light on our path. The Bible becomes much clearer. We understand the way of salvation. We know God’s future plans for His people. Thank God Jesus lifts us out of the darkness into His beautiful light!

Blessed Father, thank You for sending Jesus to us as the light of the world. Thank you that He goes before us as we trust in Him and lights the way. Thank You, Jesus, for lifting us out of spiritual darkness. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

TDAILY DEVOTION, June 19, 2021

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing (John 15:5).

This is a very “fruitful” verse! We note first the preeminence of Jesus. He is the vine. The vine nourishes the branches. If a branch is severed from the vine, it dies. If we are separated from Christ, we die spiritually. The branches do not control the vine. We are not in charge of our lives. Jesus is.

John stresses that we are to abide in Christ. Literal branches have no free will to determine how they will relate to the vine. It is different for us. We can choose to abide (remain) in Christ, or we can “branch” out on our own. We abide in Christ by faith. As we trust in Jesus, His life flows into us. As long as faith remains alive, we stay “attached” to Jesus.

If you wonder, “Is my faith genuine?” John provides the answer. Those who truly abide in Christ bear much fruit. What is the fruit of the Christian life? In Galatians, Paul defines spiritual fruit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, and self-control. In other words, we begin to look a little like Jesus. We become decent, loving people. Joy and peace flood our souls. We are characterized by kindness. We live life striving to be faithful to Jesus. We are patient people (I’m still working on that one!).

Am I abiding in Christ? The answer is revealed in our daily lives. Those attached to Jesus bear much fruit.

Heavenly Father, I do trust in Jesus. I rejoice that the signs of spiritual fruit are present in my life. I also confess that I have a lot of growing to do. I pray that I will live my life close to Jesus, ever trusting in Him, and more and more spiritual fruit will become evident in my life. In His holy name, I pray. Amen.   

Daily Devotion, 6/17/2021

He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake  (Mark 6:48, NIV).

There are times when we are in trouble. Life can put us in difficult circumstances. This happened to Jesus’ disciples. Jesus sent them in a boat onto the Sea of Galilee while He went up in a mountain to pray. In today’s vocabulary, Jesus is multitasking! He is praying to His Father, but He also keeps an eye on His disciples. He sees they are in trouble in the storm. Perhaps their boat will capsize in the wind.

Jesus leaves His time of prayer to go and help His disciples. He cares about us when we are in trouble. In order to aid His disciples, He must perform a miracle. He walks to them on the surface of the sea. The disciples are astonished and fearful initially. Jesus calms the storm and joins them in the boat, and their faith is strengthened.

If you are going through a hard time, remember that Jesus knows and cares. Take His hand by faith and trust in Him. We can endure anything if He is with us. He will calm our storms and give us a sense of peace.

Heavenly Father, we thank You that Jesus is our Savior. He has redeemed us from sin, and He knows when we are in trouble, and He cares. Help me to trust in Him when troubles come. In His holy name, I pray, Amen.