DAILY DEVOTION, MARCH 4, 2021

This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind … I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul wants us to do two things. Forget the past, and reach forward to Jesus Christ. All too often, we allow the past to bind us. We remember our sins and failures and allow them to hold us back. We think about what might have been versus what is, and that can lead to paralyzing depression.   We need to forget the past. What has happened cannot be changed, so why dwell on it? Jesus offers us forgiveness for all our past sins. Once we have accepted His forgiveness, we need to let go of the past and focus on Jesus.

While we cannot change the past, we can change the future. As we walk into the future hand in hand with Jesus, the possibilities are endless. Paul was a terrible person in his early life. He hated Jesus and persecuted Christians. Once converted he put that behind him and began to walk with Jesus. He changed history from that day forward. He wasted no time lamenting his past. His missionary journeys and writings changed our world forever. That’s what happens when we walk with Jesus.

Our Christian witness will not be on a par with Paul, but Jesus can do amazing things in us and through us as we press forward to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Will you put this verse into practice in your life?

Father, I know there is much wasted time and disobedience in my past. Please help me to forget the past and to walk with Jesus today, tomorrow, and all my tomorrows. I want to be useful in His kingdom. In His name, I pray, Amen. 

Easter is approaching rapidly. Last year we had no Easter celebration at church thanks to covid. We will be celebrating Easter this year.

Men’s group meets tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8 AM for breakfast and fellowship. Women meet Wednesday at 9:30. All men and women of the church are encouraged to attend these groups.

Our Bible study on Wednesday at 3:30 will continue our short series on “The Last Days of Jesus.” Our video teacher is Professor Susan Hecht from Denver Seminary, teaching on the Transfiguration of Jesus. Please join us.

There is a sign-up sheet in the hall for our annual Good Friday prayer vigil. Please sign up for 1/2 to 1 hour in one of the open slots.
We will also celebrate communion on Maundy-Thursday in our annual candlelight service at 7:30 on April 1st, no fooling!

This Sunday, I will complete the series from Genesis as we look at the story of Joseph. He occupies the last 13 chapters in Genesis.

I know you join me in praying that Covid will soon succumb to herd immunity as more and more of us are vaccinated. We sure miss those of you who have stayed at home due to the virus. The end of Covid is in sight; thanks be to God! Stay healthy, and God bless our wonderful church family.
Pastor Bowman

DAILY DEVOTION, MARCH 3, 2021

Psalm 92:14: They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,

Today is my 85^th birthday (feel free to break into the “Happy Birthday” song!). When I was younger, I never thought I would live this long. It does raise the question, “What good are old people?” The Psalmist suggests that age does not define us. He speaks of bearing fruit even in old age. God is still with us and can cause us to flourish.

What kind of fruit can we bear in old age? Well, I for one am still preaching and ministering to this congregation. Thank you for your kindness in putting up with me! I love preaching and teaching God’s Word and will do so as long as God enables me (or the church decides it is time for me to retire!). I want what is best for the church.

Years ago, I was visiting with an octogenarian in my church in Decatur, IL. She expressed frustration that she was not able to do much for her church. I said, “You can pray, can’t you?” As long as we have our mental faculties, there is something we can do. Is prayer important? I hope you are thinking, “Yes, prayer is the lifeblood of the church.” So, if your age or lifestyle precludes you from active participation in the church, let your contribution be your faithful prayers. Those of us who are still active in the church’s daily life depend on the prayers of God’s people. 

Father, thank You for those aged, faithful saints who pray regularly for our church’s needs and the needs of those on our prayer list. Thank You for causing us to flourish in our old age. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

DEVOTION, MARCH 1, 2021

I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved. (John 10:9).

I love the Gospel of John. While I love all four Gospels, I would have to say that John is my favorite. Over and over, he states so clearly how we can find salvation. Our verse this morning is just one of many examples. Jesus declares that He is the gate. He is the only gate leading to eternal life. That is clear in John 14:6, where He declares that no one comes to the Father except through Him. We have the assurance that as we place our trust in Him (enter the gate marked “Jesus), we will be saved.

By and through Jesus, we enter into salvation. As long as our faith in Him is living and active, we have the promise of eternal life. God has made the message of salvation very simple and straightforward: trust Jesus. As we identify with Him, trusting Him as our Savior and Lord, we will be saved. Many details in theology may puzzle us: God is a Trinity; Jesus is God and man in one person; the communication of attributes; how faith and good works interact; how the church fits into the picture; etc. You may not feel comfortable dealing with all the inroads of theology, but salvation is not contingent on your being able to pass a test in theology! The one thing God requires of us is simple: faith in Jesus. If you trust in Jesus, you have entered into the one gate that leads to life. Trust in Jesus and never let go of Him, and you will end up in heaven. That is His promise to you.

Father, I thank you for making the doctrine of salvation plain and simple. While as a pastor, I love delving into the inroads of theology, I pray I will never lose sight of the simplicity of the Gospel. May faith in Jesus always rule in my heart. May my trust in Him abide with me all the days of my life. In His name, Amen. 

Daily Devotion, 2/27/21

Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it (Mark 8:35).

Jesus cautions us regarding where we should center our lives. The one who seeks to save his life is the self-centered person. He or she is fixated on this life. The emphasis is on behaviors that will improve one’s position in this life. The person who wants to accumulate more and more “stuff,” or more status, is self-centered, focused too much on this life while neglecting the life to come. Such a person may give lip service to God, but his heart is in this world.

Jesus tells us to release our hold on this life and live for Him and the gospel. After all, this life is very brief and eternity is forever. When our focus is on this life, it raises this question – – – Do I believe in God and His Son? Do I embrace the gospel which promises forgiveness and eternal life?  If I believe Jesus is the Son of God, won’t that impact how I live? Won’t I turn away from the things of the world and make Jesus central in my life?

Father, help me to understand that this life is brief, and eternity is forever. May my efforts be focused more on Jesus and less on myself and this world. I know I will find true life through trusting and following Him. In His name, I pray, Amen