The opening of the new Children’s Wing allowed us to expand our adult education space on Sunday mornings. Four new ministry fellowships will begin Sunday, September 12, and several current fellowships will move to new locations. See the information below for your new class location, or visit the Ministry Fellowship page to read about the new classes. Read the rest of this entry »
Date: Sunday, October 3 – Wednesday, October 6
Service Times: 6pm Sunday, 7pm Wednesday
Service Location: KCBT Auditorium
Bible Assembly Location: Main Gymnasium
Childcare: Child care will be provided during services; see below for specific information.
Contact: Rachel Latore
We will be assembling illustrated children’s Bibles that will be routed to the middle East. Guest speakers will encourage us in our ministries to this region of the world.
Conference meetings will take place Sunday, October 3 and Wednesday, October 6 in the main KCBT auditorium. On Monday and Tuesday evenings a guest speaker will join us in the gym at 7pm and will speak while we assemble Bibles.
MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER
Chronological Reading: Proverbs 1-3 + 2Corinthians 11
Monday, September 6, 2010
John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
Jesus, the Great I AM:
You are the only admission into eternal life, and the only way of access to God himself. I plead these four promises for __________ and __________, because they are so far unsaved.
1.That they will be born again
Let them enter the “city of refuge” and be safe. Enable them to board the Ark and be secure. I want to explain to them how no one can be lost who takes Jesus Christ as the door of faith in his or her own soul. They can enter by Jesus into peace. He is the only door, but an open door—a wide door and a safe door. Help them rest their hope for entrance into heaven on Jesus, the only way.
2. That they will go in
They, too, can be adopted into God’s family, share the children’s food, and take part in all the honor and enjoyment of the only begotten Son. Let us go in—into the rooms of communion, into the buffets of love, into the treasures of the covenant, and into the storehouses of the promises. Let us go in to the throne of grace in the boldness of the Holy Spirit.
3. That they will go out
Then let us go out into the world to work and to suffer in the name and the power of Jesus. This is a blessing much forgotten: to bear witness to the truth through trials and bring glory to the gospel that way. Make me your messenger.
4. That they will find pasture
All our needs are met in your Son. In fellowship we grow, and in serving others we are satisfied. Let me direct them to the wellspring of the gospel. Amen.
TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY
Chronological Reading: Proverbs 4-6 + 2Corinthians 12
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Psa. 68:35 O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
We Present Ourselves Before You, Our King:
We pay our reverence and homage in front of your throne in prayer. You are God alone, and our hearts worship you passionately. Help our adoration grow, because we are less than nothing and you are all in all.
We confess our many sins with self-abhorrence. Forgive your servants of our lukewarmness, and revive our light again. Let each of us feel like we need to seek you for fresh power. May every child of God in our church know how he or she can be anointed for your service in everyday activities. Oh that we might be certain we are fulfilling your will by your word and in your way.
† Rom. 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Being justified by faith, give us peace and power in the Holy Ghost. Heal us of any wounds we receive in this great conflict. Some of us are in the very thick of the battle. Many temptations gather around us daily. Teach us to pray,
Matt. 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
If we get dirty, put it away. If in contact with the world we get dust on our feet, wash them blessed Master. Cleanse us through the water of your word! If our shield of faith suffers damage or our hope is not so bright, or if our love to you is not as fervent and hot and passionate as it once was, draw near to the warrior now and refresh us! If any soul is sinking under the pressure of the fight, relieve us! Have mercy on our marriages. Bring faithfulness to our families. Strengthen every single. Your every word is music and your every promise a healing balm. Put the enemy beneath our feet today for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING
Chronological Reading: Proverbs 7-9 + 2Corinthians 13
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Psa. 43:2 For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Holy Father:
Why have you cast me off? There are many valid reasons why you might, but no reason why you will. You sometimes treat me like a castoff for a while, but you have not cast me off altogether.
Why do I go mourning at my oppression? Probably because I am saved, and so must be made more like my Savior. Lord, help me not sin during the sorrow of stress. People can do so little to help me, but you can do all things with a glance.
Psa. 43:5 …hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
There is need for patience, but yet cause for hope.
Psa. 80:3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Don’t turn my circumstances around; just turn me! Everything will come out right if I am right. I need you Lord, to do this, because conversion (turning) is as much a “God thing” as creation. Restore me. Revive me again.
Psa. 85:1 LORD, thou hast … brought back the captivity of Jacob.
Many a time I have been brought into soul-captivity by my backsliding, but you have never left me there. Be favorable to me once again.
Psa. 85:4 Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.
That is the main thing. Revive me and all will be well. You don’t need turning from your anger so much as I need turning from my sin. Only you can turn me. If I turn to prayer, I am beginning to turn from sin. I am dead or dying, faint and feeble—you alone can revive me. Give me your grace as I give you my worship. I adore you today, O Jesus. Amen.
A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING
Chronological Reading: Proverbs 10-12 + Galatians 1
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Rom. 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
People get ready Jesus is comin’
Soon we’ll be going home
People get ready Jesus is coming
To take from the world His own
THERE will be a day when we will be divided right and left
For those who know Him and those who do not know
Those who know Him well will meet Him in the air
Hallelujah, God is with us
Those who do not know they will hear “Depart, I knew you not”
For my friends you see, there will be a day when we’ll be counted
So know Him well, know Him well
Lord I’m ready now; I’m waiting for Your triumphant return
You’re coming so soon, this world has nothing for me
I find my peace and joy solely in You, only in You
I want the world to see that You’re alive and living well in me
Let me be a part of the harvest for the days are few
He’s coming soon
—Melinda Watts, 2009
FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S CROSS
Chronological Reading: Proverbs 13-15 + Galatians 2
Friday, September 10, 2010
John 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
I Thank You, Holy One:
The ship of the church has never paused in its purpose because of persecution, affliction, or death. In looking back at her history, these were rough winds that only served to fill her sails. Help me also recognize that no progress is more certain in my life than that which comes through suffering and the cross.
Matt. 27:30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
I Thank You, Heavenly Redeemer:
You traveled a rugged path of suffering with heaving heart and heavy footsteps. But in taking that path you paved a royal road of mercy for all your enemies to follow in repentance.
Mark 15:20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.
I Thank You, Masterful Sufferer:
Your crown was not made of straw but of thorns, producing pain as well as picturing scorn. Your scepter was a reed, used by the guards to pummel your brow, used for blows that were as cruel as they were insulting. And after they mocked you, they pulled off the purple robe that had staunched the wounds on your back. Matted and then dried, this caused the furrows drawn by the scourge’s lash to flow afresh with a crimson tide.
Different clothing raises doubt about the identity of an individual, but the people saw you in the street in your own clothes, confirming you were really crucified, and no one was substituted for you. You carried your own cross as long as you could, proclaiming your guilt (falsely so), and intimating your doom. Condemned to die so I might live. My Lord. My God. I thank you. Amen.
SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS
Chronological Reading: Proverbs 16-18 + Galatians 3
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Psa. 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
Loving Heavenly Father:
David is enduring reproach. In this I can emulate also the great Son of David, who found comfort in concentrating on your word when he suffered. Sometimes I’m just worried and worn out. Lord, let the “unjust justice” cause my soul not to lash back, but to flee to you in prayer. Here is my daily affirmation: I will not use unrighteous means to gain release or to keep happiness.
I trust in you to providentially accomplish your own plan with me. Let the word of God do the work! Slippery though the slope may be, faith in your will keeps me from falling. Give me a straight but right path, and a strong but simple faith. Your goodness to me is the motive for all my conduct.
Psa. 26:11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
If I were not so forgetful of your mercy I would walk even more in obedience to you. Help me live so as to tell your worthy praises to the lost. Dogs may bark but let me, like the moon, shine-on in telling your grace. I don’t want to be silent today. Your love is more wonderful considering my unworthiness as an object of it, the high cost of its provision, and the great glory of its result.
I know people who like to discuss things that amaze them. So let me rejoice to talk about the great things you have done for me. I will swim against the stream, trusting in God to help me. The plain way of righteousness is my choice, and I cry and plead for redemption for __________ and for __________.
My integrity is not assured; it is only a work of your grace. I trust in your mercy to me. I am a saint by faith in the Redeemer, but I still bow before you as a sinner. Send salvation to many who are lost this Sunday, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Reverence Worship Service
Mosaic Worship Service
Progressive Worship Service
Team Leader: Jay Grimwood
Trip Type: Short Term – 2 months
Approximate Cost: Contact Jennifer Madsen for funding information.
Passport Required: Passport Information
Required Paperwork: Short Term Missions Application
Contact: Marc Heckman
MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER
Chronological Reading: Psalm 133-135 + 2Corinthians 5
Monday, August 30, 2010
John 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
Holy Father:
Make this case become the pattern for spiritual reproduction in my life.
1. As soon as I find Christ I should find others
True love puts an end to the spiritual monopoly on grace. Andrew found his own brother Simon Peter first, and then he found others.
2. Ministry runs on the rails of my relationships
Help me Lord, to witness to my own circle of friends as much as to anyone else. Do not let me neglect the special sphere of influence you have given me. I may not be called to go abroad, but certainly I am called to work and witness here at home. I am called to ministry and called to be the missionary. Help me.
Many businesses export their best products, but I should not. Help me be careful to put the sweetest fruit of spiritual life and testimony right in front of those people I already know. Andrew did it, and he couldn’t have guessed how prominent Simon Peter would become later.
3. Simon Peter might be worth ten Andrews, yet Andrew was instrumental in bringing Peter to Jesus
Oh Lord, I feel like such a failure in evangelism, because that is not my nature, personality or gift. But use me as the means to draw to Christ even one person, who will grow in grace and service, and be able to bring in many more.
What possibilities lie in this prayer? I can speak a word to a child, and within that child may be slumbering a strong heart that will stir the whole church in years to come! Andrew had only two talents, but he went and found Peter who had ten. Help me go out today and do likewise by your Spirit. Amen. TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY
Chronological Reading: Psalm 136-138 + 2Corinthians 6
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
Lord and Master:
Remember our city! The gospel is preached, but so many turn their backs on it. Raise-up more voices that will yet be heard. Open men and women’s ears to what is proclaimed. Compel them to come in to your house of mercy.
From Raytown to Midtown, help us be voices for God. May there be no silent member among us regarding the things of Christ. Show us how to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of his testimony.
Bless the various ministries carried out by our church. Right now we have sports leagues and detention homes. We remember the men and women who have been trained at our side and are serving you even now. Speak through them!
Make us be more and more a living church, a church in which God shows forth his power and his love. How we long to be one body! May all our ministries be Holy Ghost ministries, and an exercise of spiritual gifts among us.
We cast ourselves on you and implore you to make us useful today in our families, in our ministries, in the community, on our jobs, and in the world.
Convert those who sit with us on Sunday who are unsaved. Have mercy on some who once professed Christ but are now backslidden. Give them repentance. Let them turn back to the one they once professed to love.
Have mercy on others who are hearers, but hearers only. They are attentive hearers, but not doers of the word. Give us your Spirit so we can operate with anointing and power. Fill us so full of Jesus that we have no room for self! Make us more like your Son to the glory of God, and so that others will be drawn to Christ and be saved. Do this by Jesus’ power for his name’s sake. Amen. WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING
Chronological Reading: Psalm 139-141 + 2Corinthians 7
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Holy Father:
Sometimes the winds themselves are still. So if I walk in your Spirit and rest on your Spirit, I cannot always expect to feel his power. But I thank you Lord, that I can always know his presence. What could I do without his influence? I owe every forward movement of my life to that. Grant Lord that it might continue—both for me, for our church, and for our class.
Many a blessing has been lost when I have not recognized your stillness as a blessing. Help me not pre-judge what you have to accomplish, before I am willing to call it a success. I look to you, and not to my programs or plans.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
Lord Jesus, because you went up to your Father, you sent down the Holy Spirit. I recognize now in prayer that unless I honor your Spirit today I will not see him manifested in my life. Let me confess every day before I leave that I need your Spirit’s assistance. And if the Spirit does not blow, then let me lie still, because I depend upon him. Let me walk in him, but not move without him.
Micah 2:7 O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened?
Whatever your Spirit was at the first, so I believe he is right now. What you did in ancient days you are still well able to do. Your power is not diminished over the centuries. I need not expect and do not desire the physical miracles, but I both desire and expect spiritual wonders, and to have your power to reach the lost. Make it so today, as I desperately depend upon you. Amen.
A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING
Chronological Reading: Psalm 142-144 + 2Corinthians 8
Thursday, September 2, 2010
1 Kings 19:19 … and Elijah passed by [Elisha], and cast his mantle upon him.
HARK, the voice of Jesus calling, “Who will go and work today?
Fields are ripe and harvests waiting, who will bear the sheaves away?”
Long and loud the Master calls us, rich reward He offers free;
Who will answer, gladly saying, “Here am I, send me, send me”?
If you cannot cross the ocean, and the distant lands explore,
You can find the lost around you, you can help them at your door;
If you cannot speak like angels, if you cannot preach like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus, you can say He died for all.
If you cannot be the watchman, standing high on Zion’s wall,
Pointing out the path to heaven, offering life and peace to all,
With your prayers and with your bounties you can do what heav’n demands;
You can be like faithful Aaron, holding up the prophet’s hands.
Let none hear you idly saying, “There is nothing I can do.”
While the lost of earth are dying, and the Master calls for you;
Take the task He gives you gladly; let His work your pleasure be;
Answer quickly when He calls you, “Here am I, send me, send me.”
—Daniel March, 1868
FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S CROSS
Chronological Reading: Psalm 145-147 + 2Corinthians 9
Friday, September 3, 2010
John 19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
O Lord, My Savior:
The Old Testament tells me how the high priest brought the scapegoat and put both hands on his head, confessing the sins of the people in such a way that those sins were laid on that goat, before he was led away (Lev 16:10,21). Jesus, I know you carried away my sin, because I have lain my hands on your head, confessed my sin, and trusted in you to take it way. Thank you Lord for transferring my sin to Christ by imputation. You attributed my iniquity to him, and he bore it on his shoulders in the form of a rugged cross.
The lamb goes as willingly to the slaughter as he does to the green pasture. Just so Lord, you cheerfully took up the cross and went away, outside the camp. And so you give me a picture of what I myself should expect in this life if I am faithful to you. The world will count it a service to despise and reject the saints, just like it despises and rejects the message of the cross. But Lord, even if the worst befalls me, it is no strange thing. So you say,
† 1 Cor. 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Help me “act like a man” without being “of men.” I will do this by aiding, befriending, teaching, comforting and instructing with your Spirit’s help, but not sinning. Help me keep from compromising the faith, either to escape a frown or to win a smile, as I bridge the “great gulf” between the church and the world. A bridge is better for both. Better for the church as we complete the mission; better for the world as the lost reach the kingdom.
Continue to work, and to speak to others through my life, Jesus. Make me willing (like you) to bear the cross in order to proclaim the gospel. Amen. SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS
Chronological Reading: Psalm 148-150 + 2Corinthians 10
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Psa. 25:14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.
Merciful Father:
Not only have you sanctified my heart, but also enlightened my eyes. I often want to choose my own way; how much better when you direct my choice. You never violate my will, but you instruct it so I can choose what pleases you.
Phil 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I have learned by grace both to abound and to be empty, to suffer and yet be at ease, because the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him. I have confidential intimacy and special fellowship. Carnal minds cannot even guess at what God intends by their trials. Spiritual believers may not be able to put it into words, but they know, because we have been initiated into the fellowship of the skies.
Thank you Lord, for showing me the designs of your love in your word, and for leading me by your Spirit into the hidden mysteries thereof. I don’t have to open a commentary; I need only look to the cross. Help me add to the look of faith the look of obedience, and to the look of hope the look of ministry. Let me add today the humble look of reverence and the tender look of love, and let my eyes never turn from you no matter what I face today. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses (Psa. 25:15).
I turn to you, so I need not fear you will ever turn from me. When trouble fills my heart, let me use it as an argument for deliverance.
Psa. 25:18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
That is the source of all my difficulties. I am sicker from sin than from pain. Remove them for Jesus’ sake, for I would rather be forgiven than healed. Amen.
MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER
Chronological Reading: Psalm 115-117 + 1Corinthians 15
Monday, August 23, 2010
Eccl. 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
Heavenly Father and Holy Redeemer:
Everything under the sun is on the move. Time does not stop and rest. This planet is a spinning ball. The sun itself is a star in orbit. Tides move the sea, winds stir the air, friction wears the rocks; changes and death rule all.
By one force water flows into the seas, by another force water is lifted out. Men and women are born to die, but everything is in a hurry, worry, and frustration of spirit to get there.
Unchanging Jesus, be my friend in the midst of all this frustration. Be my resource. When the water is low, pour out more of your grace! I seek an eternal city beyond the changing skies. And be the friend of my neighbors, __________ and __________, and draw them to your self.
The ocean of your love is a great receiver, but also a generous distributor. What love I bring to you, you return in the form of blessing, and I give thanks. Love for Jesus is never un-repaid; it is always returned from the Father.
So many of my friends are out of sync with the universe. They take all, but they never return. Everything is for them, and there is nothing sown as seed.
Am I giving to you according to the benefit I have received? Do I tithe? How do I serve? Much has been planted in me, now what is my fruit? To be selfish is to be sinful. So Lord, free me from it!
Help me not live unto myself today, but be on the lookout for how I can serve others (especially those who need to know the gospel). All fullness dwells in you Jesus, and of your fullness I have received. Give me your Spirit so that I might not live unto myself. Please Sir, for Jesus’ sake do it. Amen.
TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY
Chronological Reading: Psalm 118-120 + 1Corinthians 16
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
† Col. 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Savior and Lord:
Though our mind has been turned by your Spirit toward holiness, there is still a death within. The old nature strives against the life of God, and the members of our body often join-in with our corrupt nature to try and lead us astray. We cry out to you to deliver us because of this.
We thank you that Jesus gives the victory, but we long to have that victory more consistently realized and more completely enjoyed. We seek you for it. We lie in the very dust before your feet because of our sins, and yet at the same time we rejoice in the great Sin-bearer who put away our sin by his precious blood. We thank you that we are accepted in the Beloved.
Even this does not content us. We are crying for the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst! Lord, you know the groanings of our heart. Our prayers right now cannot fully express it. We thank you there is One who makes intercession for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered (Rom. 8:26), who is with us and dwells in us, and is promised to be with us forever. We need your Spirit right now. We will overcome the doubts, we will win the victory, we will rise up from depression, we will conquer fears and foes as your Spirit leads the way. Victory lies at the cross. We claim it in your matchless and fully deserving name.
Visit us with your Spirit this Sunday. We all want renewing, refreshing, reviving. Some have sunken very low by reason of physical sickness and mental suffering. But Lord, when our soul cleaves to the dust you can still quicken us by your word. We ask you to do that in our experience. Renew our first love for you. May the childlike faith of our first “baby steps” come back to us, so we can rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him. Amen.
WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING
Chronological Reading: Psalm 121-123 + 2Corinthians 1
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Hab. 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.
Mighty God and Merciful Heavenly Father:
If I am not willing to hear your word I cannot expect you to hear my voice. Let my preparation for prayer be an attentive hearkening to what you say to me, and then an obedient application of your commands.
You speak to me constantly by the BIBLE. I repent of being so deaf to its teachings by being so lazy to read it. While I do not despise your words, yet I too often forget your word and go off and listen to the follies of my friends for counsel. Let me hear the wisdom of inspiration by your word.
You speak to me periodically by PROVIDENCE. Providence is your divine intervention, controlling things I cannot control. Some providences are afflicting and some are comforting, but all of them have a voice. Yet Lord, oftentimes it goes unheard because I wasn’t consciously looking for you in my circumstances. My focus was only on myself. I am ashamed.
You speak to me mystically by the HOLY SPIRIT. As you call today, let me listen; as you move, let me not refuse. Acceptance is the reaction I want the lost to have as you call them to be saved! Help me mirror that in my own life. I have ears to hear; let me not grieve the Spirit by neglecting his admonitions.
Open my spiritual ear to hear your still, small voice when others perceive neither sound nor speech. Keep me under the influence of your Spirit today to hold close communion with you. Make my heart like wax to your seal, receiving the impression of your mind, because then I will have power to convey God’s word to others. And then, O LORD, revive thy work, even in the mid-life of our classes and of our church. Do it for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING
Chronological Reading: Psalm 124-126 + 2Corinthians 2
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Josh. 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; …but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
GREAT is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
—Thomas Chisolm, 1923
FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S LIFE
Chronological Reading: Psalm 127-129 + 2Corinthians 3
Friday, August 27, 2010
Rev. 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Lord God of Heaven:
So many times I doubt my worth to you. But all it takes for me to start to see an open door in my life is to remain faithful to your truth. Let my soul resolve today to live and die by what you have revealed in your Word.
WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR, Lord let me enter by communion. Who can stop me from praying? Jesus removed my sin, gave me his righteousness, and told me to boldly enter. Lord, I do so by your grace.
WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR, Lord let me enter into your mysteries. Who can keep me from learning the Bible? Why, I can even enter into the deep things of God. Everything is set before me to enjoy. No promise and no doctrine remains locked-up when you but open the door of the scriptures to me.
WHEN YOU OPEN THE DOOR, Lord let me enter into ministry. Who can keep me from serving you? If you will hear me and teach me, then you will also use me to play my part in accomplishing your plan.
A door is opened for my onward march in growth
A door is opened for my outreach to others with the gospel
And a door is opened for my fellowship with other saints. No one else can shut me up or shut me out!
Soon I will see a door opened in heaven (Rev. 4:1). Then I will be with you Lord, eternally shut into your purposes.
Rev. 22:20 Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS
Chronological Reading: Psalm 130-132 + 2Corinthians 4
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Psa. 89:15 Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance.
We Have Heard the Joyful Sound!
Praise is an especially joyful sound, and I look forward to rejoicing this Sunday with others. In the mean time, there is no hour in the day and no day in my life I cannot rejoice in the name, the person, the character, and the works of the Lord Jesus. My all-sufficient Lord is an all-sufficient source for rejoicing.
Your righteousness rewards me and lifts me up. Your word encourages me, no matter what my past oppression or depression. Life would be filled with misery if I did not have you, Jesus!
In you I have both righteousness and strength. You are my beauty and glory when I am strong in you. You are my comfort and encouragement when I tremble because of conscious weakness in myself. You have made me strong, but I must not glory in myself. I ascribe all honor to you alone, dear Lord. I have neither strength nor beauty apart from you. The lost need material prosperity to lift them up from despair; I find encouragement in the secret of love God.
Psa. 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.
The almighty power of God abides permanently with you, Lord Jesus. You are redeemer and ruler of my life. We need you among us, so there will be no lack of power in our church!
You have been gracious and faithful. Restore your glory on earth today by the presence of your Spirit and the enthroning of your Son. Reveal even now a foretaste of all that your covenant holds for me in Christ Jesus. I exalt you as King of kings and Lord of lords forever. Amen.
CONNECT WITH JESUS
The main goal of the LifeLine Ministry Fellowship is to connect people with Jesus, relationally, emotionally, and biblically. The concept of a lifeline should be familiar. Anyone that has seen the movie Ladder 49 will remember that the story begins with the main character disconnecting himself from his lifeline to help a fellow rescuer. However, before he can reconnect, he falls through the roof, is never rescued himself, and ultimately perishes.
A lifeline is there for safety, security, and protection, but is of no use without a connection. We have a lifeline named Jesus Christ. The place of safety, security, and protection in the Christian life is our connection with Jesus, and we put ourselves in danger any time we are not connected to him. At Lifeline, we want to help people connect with and remain connected to Jesus Christ, our lifeline.
ENTER THE STORY
When Morgan Jackson visited KCBT several years ago, he relayed to us the concept of entering the story. In other words, make the story come alive to the point where we feel we are part of it. Movies have a way of doing that to the point where it affects our emotions; depending on the movie, we can leave the theater joyful, reflective, elated, angry, or sad. Emotions are not bad, but we need to learn how to use our emotions for our benefit, so that we can make life-altering changes.
As we teach through the Bible, not only will we be teaching doctrine, we will also look at the characters to determine emotional and relational aspects that we may not have considered before. The ultimate goal is that as we attach to the lifeline and connect with Jesus and others, our connections would not be superficial but personal and joyful.
PARTICIPATE IN YOUR OWN RESCUE
Recently, I had a friend and fellowminister recount the story of her whitewater rafting adventure. She said that before they went out on the raft, the party was told what to do in certain situations. The most important instruction was that if you fell off the raft into the water, you were supposed to “participate in your own rescue.” In this case, that meant putting your head down and swimming to a place of safety, either to shore or back to the raft. And back at the raft, there was someone there to help you get out of the water. But if you tried to stand or if you gave up, you would be swept away.
As part of LifeLine, there will be activities and exercises that will help us to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually so that we can be more effective Christians, spouses, parents, friends, and ministers. People need to be active in their growth as they rely on others for support and Jesus for healing.
Isaiah 41:17-20: When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together: That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.
Reverence Worship Service
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Reverence Worship Service
Mosaic Service
Progressive Worship Service
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