Online Ministry for Week 8/15 - 8/21 2016

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Prayer for Illumination

God of power and justice, like Jeremiah you weep over those who wander from you, turn aside to other gods, and enter into chaos and destruction. By your tears and through your mercy, teach us your ways and write them on our hearts so that we may follow faithfully the path you show us.

Amen.

Daily Reading

• Monday (August 15, 2016): Psalm 74; Isaiah 5:8-23; 1 John 4:1-6 OR Psalm 32; Jeremiah 23:30-40; 1 John 4:1-6
• Tuesday (August 16, 2016): Psalm 74; Isaiah 5:24-30; Acts 7:44-53 OR Psalm 32; Jeremiah 25:15-29; Acts 7:44-53
• Wednesday (August 17, 2016): Psalm 74; Isaiah 27:1-13; Luke 19:45-48 OR Psalm 32; Jeremiah 25:30-38; Luke 19:45-48
• Thursday (August 18, 2016): Psalm 71:1-6; Jeremiah 6:1-19; Hebrews 12:3-17 OR Psalm 103:1-8; Numbers 15:32-41; Hebrews 12:3-17Friday (August 19, 2016): Psalm 71:1-6; Jeremiah 6:20-30; Acts 17:1-9 OR Psalm 103:1-8; 2 Chronicles 8:12-15; Acts 17:1-9
• Saturday (August 20, 2016): Psalm 71:1-6; Jeremiah 1:1-3, 11-19; Luke 6:1-5 OR Psalm 103:1-8; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Luke 6:1-5

Super Powers to the Rescue

Today's reading is a brief excerpt from The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life by Rick Warren, DMin; Daniel Amen, MD; & Mark Hyman, MD (Zondervan). © 2013 by The Daniel Plan. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” Genesis 1:29 (NIV)

Did you know that some foods have super powers? It’s true. Many foods high in phytonutrients (plant compounds) are considered super foods. Super foods provide concentrated nutrients. Think of them as nutritional powerhouses. Super foods deliver by leaps and bounds beyond basic nutrition in terms of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients (plant nutrients) for stellar health benefits. You might be eating super foods already without knowing it. They are among the most health-promoting of all the foods you can eat.

Visit danielplan.com for a list of super foods. —Dr. Mark Hyman

Growing in Christ (Hebrews 6:11–12)

Spiritual discipline is essential for Christian growth and development. Though at first painful, spiritual discipline resulting from obedience and faith produces abundant blessings (Heb 12:11). Every believer should seek to become disciplined in order to grow spiritually.

Spiritual discipline is a continual process that helps the believer mature in Christ and know God’s will. It is as much an attitude of commitment as it is an activity in holiness. Specific spiritual disciplines may include personal training in Bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship, service or witnessing, among other godly practices. A conscientious, creative pursuit of these spiritual disciplines should continue throughout a believer’s life (Heb 6:11–12).

Spiritual discipline is essential to deliverance from the power of sin and obedience to God’s will. Without spiritual discipline, believers cannot walk with Christ, grow in faith or receive the heavenly rewards awaiting those who diligently practice spiritual discipline.

Taken from The Woman’s Study Bible ©2014 HarperCollins Christian Publishing

God Lifts You Up (Psalm 3:3)

As you survey your life, what situation seems most hopeless to you?

Now consider this: When Absalom tried to steal the throne from his father, David may have thought his reign was over. But rather than surrender to his enemies or listen to all the naysayers, David threw himself into the strong arms of God. In his prayer recorded in Psalm 3, David acknowledged the Lord as the ultimate source of protection, honor and restoration.

It’s not just a neat historical anecdote. It’s a promise. God wants to meet us in the depths and raise us to the heights. Trust him to be your shield.

God’s Promise to Me

• I am your shield.
• I am your glory.
• I am the one who lifts your head high.

My Prayer to God

You are a shield about me, Lord. Keep me from faithlessly and foolishly thinking that my life or my future is in jeopardy. You are my glory and the one who lifts my head.  

Taken from Once a Day Bible Promises ©2014 HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Prayer for Thanksgiving

Holy God, we rejoice in your loving kindness! You create us in your image with unique gifts, so that we may love and serve you in our distinctive ways. Thank you for guiding us continually as we seek to follow Christ, your Son. Empower our congregation by your Spirit to show and tell your good news of salvation to our neighbors. Use these offerings to bless all whose lives are touched by the ministries of this church. 

Amen. (Jeremiah 1:4-10)