Online Ministry for the Week 10/03 - 10/09 2016

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

God, source of all light, by your Word you give light to the soul. Pour out on us the spirit of wisdom and understanding that our hearts and minds may be opened. Amen.

The Upper Room daily devotional: SHINING GOD’S GOODNESS

DAILY READING

• Monday (October 3, 2016): Psalm 137; Lamentations 1:16-22; James 1:2-11 OR Psalm 3; Habakkuk 1:5-17; James 1:2-11
• Tuesday (October 4, 2016): Psalm 137; Lamentations 2:13-22; 1 John 5:1-5, 13-21 OR Psalm 3; Habakkuk 2:5-11; 1 John 5:1-5, 13-21
• Wednesday (October 5, 2016): Psalm 137; Lamentations 5:1-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24 OR Psalm 3; Habakkuk 2:12-20; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24
• Thursday (October 6, 2016): Psalm 66:1-12; Jeremiah 25:1-14; 2 Timothy 1:13-18 OR Psalm 111; Leviticus 14:33-53; 2 Timothy 1:13-18
• Friday (October 7, 2016): Psalm 66:1-12; Jeremiah 27:1-22; 2 Timothy 2:1-7 OR Psalm 111; Numbers 4:34-5:4; 2 Timothy 2:1-7
• Saturday (October 8, 2016): Psalm 66:1-12; Jeremiah 28:1-17; Luke 5:12-16 OR Psalm 111; Numbers 12:1-15; Luke 5:12-16

ABUNDANT HEALTH

Turn Around

In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)

Did you know that the biblical word for personal change is repentance? Most people misunderstand the term. The popular conception of repentance is “Stop sinning! Quit doing bad things!” But the word actually means to change your mind.

So what kind of repentance do you need? Is it time to change your perspective, think in a different way, make a mental U-turn? When you change your mind, your behavior will follow because repentance starts in the mind, not in actions.
 

—Dr. Daniel Amen. 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.

NIV DAILY

Loss of Sensitivity (Ephesians 4:19)

Medical conditions that destroy nerves—leprosy, spinal cord injury, diabetes—are among the most difficult to treat. Without a sense of touch or pain, the patient can get a bedsore by lying in the same position too long or a foot sore by wearing too-tight shoes. The body no longer warns itself of danger. According to Paul, people can develop a similar kind of moral insensitivity, which silences their consciences and hardens their hearts. That condition can prove fatal.

Taken from NIV Student Bible©2014 HarperCollins Christian Publishing

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Merciful God, your steadfast love endures forever. We are grateful that when we are hungry in body or spirit, you give us food. Help our congregation to bring nourishment to those who are hungry for your good gifts. Strengthen and renew our ministries with children and those who are vulnerable. Use these tithes and offerings to reach people with your loving kindness. We pray through Jesus Christ, the bread of life. Amen. (Psalm 111)