Devotion from DHF Liason Rick Grace:

I think you would agree these are confusing times. The COVID-19 pandemic drags on; unrest still rages; and elections are looming. In the midst of the confusion, Solomon offers a simple, yet time-tested solution: “in all your ways submit to him” (Pro. 3:6). The keyword is “submit,” coming from a root word meaning “to know, to acknowledge.” This rich word of intimacy implies to be keenly aware of, to have deep fellowship with, the Lord. “All” my ways means I can’t limit my submission to God to only certain segments of my life. It is bringing every part of my life strategically and intentionally under the lordship of Jesus. In the words of the Apostle Paul, it is being “rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith . . .” (Col. 2:7). It is not just turning to God in moments of desperation but living in a consistent, intimate, and personal relationship with him. 

As an extension of that relationship, Solomon writes “he will make your paths straight” (Pro. 3:6). Old Testament commentator Derek Kidner writes, “this leads to the promise that closes the verse which offers more than just guidance, though it includes it: God will straighten out your paths and bring you to His appointed goal.” What a blessing, that even in my confusion God is moving me toward his goal and not just toward my desire. It recognizes God is working behind the scenes, whether I am aware of it or not. This is captured in the lyrics of the popular song, Way Maker: “even when I don’t see it / you’re working / even when I don’t feel it / you’re working / you never stop / you never stop working.” This echoes the words of Paul, “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).

Brothers and sisters, it is a joy knowing as we “submit” to God, he is working to make our “paths straight.” We can “trust in the Lord with all [our] heart and lean not on [our] own understanding” (Pro. 3:5), because He is, and has proven to be, worthy of that trust. 

Father, I thank You for the assurance that even when I don’t understand what You are doing, You are working behind the scene to lead me toward Your goal. Help me to submit to You, to resolutely trust in You, even when life seems to be topsy-turvy. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

DEVOTION, October 31,Christian behavior

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:9-10).

God wants those who trust in His Son to be a good example. Paul asks us to abound in love. The Greek word for “abound” means “to increase in magnitude.” To “go beyond,” to “excel.” This is no ordinary love. It is love on steroids. It is a love for God and others, which is so extreme that others cannot help but notice. It is Paul’s way of saying what Jesus said when He declared that we should love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. Those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb will strive to reflect this kind of love.

Then Paul want us to increase in knowledge and discernment. He wants us to study the Scriptures carefully in church, in Sunday School, in Wednesday Bible study, and at home. The more we understand God’s Word, the better we will discern the will of God. We will see more clearly those things which are excellent and avoid those things which are evil.

As we practice these things, we become more sincere in our faith. We are far less likely to offend others. Whenever your words or actions offend others, are you acting in love? Do you find anger and revenge arising when someone offends you? If so, you are not reflecting the truth of our text. What do you plan to do about it?

Father, I must confess that sometimes I feel upset and frustrated by the behavior of others. I do not always abound in love. Please forgive me and help me to live my life following Your will. I do not want to offend others, and when I do, please help me to get back on track. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 

DEVOTION, Oct. 30, creation

²⁰  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, ²¹  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:20-21. NKJV)

Paul tells us that God’s reality is seen clearly in creation. Anyone who can look at our world and conclude, “There is no God” is surely spiritually blind. Creation cries out to us, “There is a Creator.” Look at the complexity that God has created. Look at the variety and beauty of flowers. Examine our own bodies. Can anyone seriously believe that all this complexity happened by accident? Paul concludes that those who reject God are without excuse. They deny the conclusion demanded by their own senses.

Yet some people deceive themselves and conclude, “There is no God.” Deep down, says Paul, they know God is real. Yet they deny Him. What happens when we deny what our senses are clearly telling us? God deniers become futile in their thinking. Their hearts are full of darkness. They exclude themselves from the God who loves them and is willing to redeem them.

Sadly, our world is full of God deniers. Look at the mess we see in our world. Is the mess caused by believers, or by deniers? What do you think? We who believe in God wonder, “What is He like?” We see His awesome power in creation. When He wanted to reveal Himself more completely, He sent His Son into the world. Now we know that the omnipotent Creator is a God of love. We can relate to our Creator by trusting in His Son. That is good news, indeed! As we trust in God and in His Son, we learn that our sins are forgiven, and God is prepared to welcome us into His eternal kingdom when we leave this life. Thanks be to God!

Holy Father, we see Your almighty power in creation. Your awesome power can be frightening to us. Thank You for also revealing Your great love to us in the person of your Son. Thank You that His love led Him to the cross where He purchased our forgiveness. We will praise His name forever. Amen. 

Next Sunday I will continue the series from the Gospel of John. We will be looking at Chapter 14. The topic is “Holy Spirit Basics.” Jesus was preparing to leave His disciples but He will not abandon them. He will send the Holy Spirit to be with them always. Chapter 14 gives us some basic information about the Holy Spirit and how He relates to us.

Wednesday Bible study as usual at 3;30. We will continue our study of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Board members, we will have our November meeting early because of some changes needing to be made. We will meet this Wednesday (Oct. 28) at 4:30 following Bible study. Please wear masks during Bible study and Board meeting. We will have Subway sandwiches after Board meeting.

While our attendance is down and we have not yet resumed Sunday School, we continue to do our best to cope with the virus. I don’t like to brag on my wife, but I will! Thanks, Marie, for all the work you do to keep our building germ free. With the spraying and UV lights no germ would dare remain in our church!

We all hope and pray for a return to normalcy soon. Blessing in Christ, Pastor Bowman

Marie and I enjoyed a few days away but it is always nice to be back home. We attended the Methodist Church in Branson where Pastor Dierks is the minister. He was at The Warsaw Methodist Church for several years. Thanks to Mark Simmons for preaching Sunday. I have heard several good reports.

This coming Sunday is Reformation Sunday. I will be preaching on Martin Luther’s discovery of the Gospel. I have done Luther before but it is good to have an annual reminder of our heritage.

We continue to cope with the coronavirus. Thankfully no one has gotten sick from attending church. We do miss our members who have health issues that preclude them from attending. We have not forgotten you and look forward to the day when you can join us again.

Bible study will be on Wednesday at 3:30. We continue our study on discipleship. We begin a section entitled, “Twelve Things that Mark a Disciple.” If you come prepared to wear a mask then those who feel uncomfortable around those who are unmasked will be able to join us.

May the peace of God which surpasses understanding abide with you all. Pastor Bowman