Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Friday, March 29

Psalm 22

Psalm 22 (1040 BC) which propheticly tells of the suffering and death of Jesus (33 AD) also is a guide for meditating on his affliction. This brings him glory and helps us when we suffer as well. It is harmful for us to focus on our own suffering. Jesus redirects our ruminating thoughts, "To consider the Lilies of the field and birds of the air" he knows this is an effective method, he designed our minds to respond in this way.

St. Francis of Assisi (1206 AD) says:

"Perfect joy is not in the possession of all languages, understanding science, or even insight of scripture. (While these are good things.) If you arrive at your lodging cold, tired and turned away by extreme unkindness, and if you handle this with patience and without grumbling thinking of how Jesus suffered without complaint and how you share in His suffering, out of love for him, this is Perfect Joy."

Before you "Lie down in green pastures" in the next Psalm spend time reflecting on when "His Heart melted within him" in this Psalm.

  • Have you ever looked in the wrong places expecting to find Perfect Joy?

  • Where could God be speaking to you from Psalm 22?

Beth Rill

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Thursday, March 28

John 13: 8b~Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”

I  witnessed two foot washing ceremonies in my life that have truly impacted me in a powerful way. The first time was at my daughter’s wedding in 2020 and the second time was at Stillmeadow’s Maundy Thursday Lenten Service in 2023.

I used to view foot washing as an outdated “religious ritual.” And if I’m brutally honest, I’m ashamed to say that I thought it was a rather gross practice to get down and clean someone’s feet. However, now that I have a better understanding of this custom, I’m happy to say that I embrace the absolute pure beauty of this sacrificial practice. God is teaching me the importance of humility and pure servanthood.

The early Christian church introduced this custom for us to imitate the humility and selfless love of Jesus, who washed His disciple’s feet at the Last Supper. If we desire to partner with Jesus to love and serve better, we must allow Him to wash our dirty feet clean to walk in humility to build His Kingdom. HE is our only hope to walk righteously and clean.

  • Are you willing to humble yourself to serve your world sacrificially this Lenten season and beyond?

  • What is God calling you to surrender in humility today?

Lorraine Lauer

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Wednesday, March 27

John 13:21-32

In our verses for today, we see Jesus and His disciples eating at the Last Supper. Even here at this setting, Jesus was still teaching His disciples about the ministry that they were going to be carrying on.

He washed their feet at the beginning of the evening. Now they were eating, and Jesus was predicting His betrayal by one of His own close friends. Of course, none of them believed that it was possible for that to happen and each one thought that there was no way it was me that would do that.

I wonder what was going through Jesus’ mind. He was going to make the ultimate sacrifice in just a few hours for all twelve of His disciples, yes even Judas. Judas, just like the other eleven were worth dying for. You and I are worth dying for. When Jesus went to that old rugged cross, He had every human being on His mind and He said, “You are worth dying for, I love you.”

Maybe today, you feel like Judas, who sold out Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Maybe you feel like Peter, who swore to Jesus that he would never deny Him and yet he did. And the other ten disciples all ran out when Jesus needed their support the most.

Judas made a choice to not come back and tell Jesus he was sorry. Peter and the other ten came back and Jesus met with them after He arose from the dead, and He still continued to teach and train them to help carry out the kingdom’s work.

If you are faithfully serving the Lord today, praise God, keep on keeping on. If you need to come back to Jesus, He is waiting, and He wants to forgive you and then help you become a kingdom worker too. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We all are the whoever, the gift of grace is for everyone.


Brad Hankey

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Tuesday, March 26

John 12:20-36

In today’s passage we find Jesus in the final days of His earthly ministry visiting Jerusalem for what turned out to be the last time. While here some Greek (Gentile) believers who had also traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover encountered Jesus' disciples and requested a meeting with Him. Philip initially seems unclear on the protocol here and goes to ask Andrew what he thinks. The two finally decide to risk it and take these Greek believers to meet Jesus.

If these Gentiles had a specific question or request of Jesus it was not recorded, but it is likely they simply wanted to hear Jesus speak. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 “Jews demand a sign and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, it is the power and wisdom of God.”

And that’s exactly what happened here. Jesus had already predicted His coming death three times to His own people, and this time was no different. Jesus’ message was the same to the Jew as it was to the Gentile.

Today, consider from what you have been or need to be saved. Will you be the Jew who needs a sign? The Gentile who needs this to make sense or the one who sees this as both the wisdom and Power of God?

Nate Voorhees

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Monday, March 25

John 12:1-11

“Then Mary took a jar of expensive perfume made from the essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.” John 12:3

It was intended that this perfume/nard was to be used in burial preparation of Jesus’ body. Mary didn’t want to wait. Mary who had sat at Jesus’ feet hanging onto every word spoken by Jesus in time past, was now at Jesus’ feet humbling herself in an act of worship. I believe perhaps her thoughts were that Jesus is here now and I want to offer what I have in worship to him now, in this very moment.

In this season of Lent I ask you:

What are you waiting for? 

What is your act of worship? 

Is it your very best? What are you waiting for?

Have you sat at Jesus’ feet taking time to hang onto every word spoken by him? What are you waiting for?

Are those around you that need to hear of the one who loves them with an everlasting love who freely gave up his life for them and forgives them of all their sin. What are you waiting for? 

Are you comfortable serving where you are or are you being asked to step out of your comfort zone? What are you waiting for?

Prayer: “What extravagance Lord. A perfume so expensive that it took a year of labor to

purchase one small pint. A luxury such as this not daubed upon you but poured out dripping onto the floor filling the house with precious fragrance. Oh, that my worship would be so unreserved. Oh, that I would offer to you my very best without limit or hesitation. Jesus you are worth every drop.” (Worship Bible Prayer - Page 1444.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Ik-dg5eN8

Pastor Ronnie Vandervort

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Sunday, March 24

Mark 11:1-11

It’s the beginning of the week that we remember Jesus’ death and resurrection, and this is also when our passage begins. It’s the start of the Passover Festival and Jerusalem was filled with Jews from all around the Roman Empire. Jesus fulfills the over 500 year old prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 as He enters the city as the awaited King, riding on a donkey’s colt.

As He enters in this peaceful and humble way, the people recognize Him as their Messiah and create a parade for Him. They lay their coats down for Him to pass over and they shout praises to Him that show they recognize Him as the one to fulfill the prophecies. He’s the one they have been waiting for.

They shout, “Hosanna”, which means “Save!”, as they believed that is what He would do. They probably weren’t expecting Him to save them the way He did. This might be why this same crowd shouted “Crucify Him” just a few days later.

Many times, we expect God to answer our requests of mercy and justice in a specific way or time. When we don’t see the answer in the way or time we are expecting, we can feel abandoned or angry. God is at work in our world all the time, and as we cry out for mercy, justice, and help we also must open our hearts to see God at work in our world. We can get caught up in the excitement and emotions of the moment and forget to keep our hearts open when the excitement fades.

As we begin this week of the Passover Festival, what area in your life do you need to fully give over to God and trust that His way is the best way?

Household Challenge:

• Reenact the story: have someone ride in on a “donkey” (maybe on someone’s back) as others are waving their hands and shouting “Hosanna!”.

• Share of a way that Jesus worked in your life in a way that you didn’t expect.

Pastor Rachel Zeigler

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Friday, March 22

Jeremiah 33:1-9

Through this passage it is evident what a merciful God we serve. What worldly compassion he shows. History teaches us that God rescued the nation of Judah many times from unjust oppressors. For example when reading through the entire book of Exodus we often learn how harsh and judgmental God was. However, taking a closer look we realize that God always judges righteously.

Jeremiah receives Word that God has an astonishing, wonderful, and gracious plan. Judah would be restored to their former glory and prosperity, their sins would be forgiven, and they would receive a future blessing.

It might seem impossible to us that God would do this for Judah after allowing idolatry and immorality of all kinds. They turned their backs on God again and again. Therefore, you might be thinking, why would God do this? Well I believe the answer is that God is a God of mercy.

As we think back over our lives and the times we have received mercy, do we really believe we are truly forgiven? The image that comes to mind is when old snow lays on the ground and gets dirty, it isn’t very pretty. Just like sin doesn’t make us very pretty. But, when we receive a second snowfall, it covers the dirt and ugliness with a fresh layer of new fallen show. It renews my mind of how our sins have been covered and washed away by what Jesus did for us on the cross. Do we realize that God loves us so much that he never stops forgiving us? When we ask for forgiveness, God continues to wipe away our sin, because that is just who God is. As I watch the snow out my window this morning I am reminded that it is possible even for me. And it is possible for you as well.


Pastor Kathy Foltz

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Thursday, March 21

Philippians 2:1-11

Proverbs  23:7 relates: as a man thinks in his heart so he becomes. King Solomon rightly emphasized the impact of attitude on influencing outcomes. His wisdom underscores that attitude is vital in every area of life, including academic or vocational pursuits, outlook on life, daily challenges, and especially relationships.

If healthy relationships are our desire, then nothing is more harmful than an attitude of selfishness. In chapter 2 of his letter, Paul makes a passionate plea to the Philippian congregation, urging them to “make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other…don’t be selfish…don’t look out for your own interests only.”

Healthy relationships begin with the supreme example of Jesus. Paul admonishes: “you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Jesus is God. But though He has “divine privileges,” He did not insist on His rights, He laid down His rights in obedience to the Father and for the redemption of others. Jesus’ attitude is counter-cultural to a society that suggests the key to happiness and self-fulfillment is through self-absorption and self-indulgence. Jesus’ example proved the opposite. He taught and demonstrated it is better to give than receive.

As we follow Jesus’ example of selfless service to God and others we discover the happiness found in giving. We don’t possess the attitude of Christ perfectly. But Paul reminded the Philippians in vs. 13 that “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Jesus’ humiliation led to His exaltation. Jesus is Lord of all! As daily we live in surrender to His Lordship, we receive His power to display the attitude of Christ. As Proverbs 23:7 suggests, with His Spirit and His attitude in our hearts, we are becoming more and more like Christ.

How might Jesus’ example of sacrificial love motivate you to have the attitude of Christ?

Pastor Brad Shaffer

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Wednesday, March 20

Haggai 2:1-9

There is a lot to unpack in this scripture but the bottom line for me is that in this life we will be tempted to assimilate to the forces of this world. God’s reign is never ending, and it is always wise to stand firm and seek His will for us. If we persevere to the end, we will receive our portion.

Sometimes life is a gentle stream and at other times it is a raging torrent but no matter what God’s love is unfailing. If you are like me there are times when you are tempted to believe that faith isn’t enough. When I was young my Uncle Stanley taught me to float on my back, the key was to relax.

When anxiety fills your life and you feel like you’re sinking relax, the tomb is empty, He is risen!

How is your prayer life? It’s 21 inches from the soles of my feet to my knees (meaning God is always close by). What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

Steve Yinger

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Tuesday, March 19

Acts 2:14-24

In today’s reading, Peter is addressing the crowds in Jerusalem immediately following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Peter reminds the people of Jesus's promises, as well as what was prophesied by Joel, in which God says He will pour forth His Spirit on all mankind; that our sons and daughters shall prophesy, that our young men shall see visions, and our old men shall dream, dreams. (Joel 2:28 – 32)

A few years back, our family was going through a season of loss. My wife, Tabitha, lost her grandmother and I also lost my aunt. One night, as I was sleeping, God gave me this poem in a dream. I could sense God’s presence in my sadness, and these words kept flooding my mind. I was suddenly awakened from my sleep and was prompted by the Holy Spirit to write them down. This poem has been a blessing to me and my family ever since and brings me peace, comfort, and encouragement when I think of all those who have gone on before us and our cheering us on, as they wait for us to come home.


Don’t cry or be sad, my time here is done; Rejoice with me, for my new life’s begun

Wipe the tears from your eyes, I’m in a much better place; God’s shown me His mercy, forgiveness, and grace

No fear and no pain, the worries no more; At peace now and resting on God’s golden shore

I wish you could see it, I wish you were here; Unimaginable beauty, so be of good cheer

I’m in the presence of Jesus, with family and friends; I have hope everlasting, and joy without end

So put your faith and trust, in God’s only Son; And you’ll be here too, when your time has come

Life is so fleeting, it’s fading away; Don’t put off to tomorrow, what needs done today

Make the most of your life, with the time you have left; So you can stand in His presence, without any regret

May your life reflect Christ, in all that you do; May people see Jesus, when they look upon you

Remember death isn’t final, this life’s not the end; It’s just the beginning, I’ll see you again

When it’s your time to go, you won’t be alone; I’ll be here waiting, to welcome you home


I was reminded this Lenten season that anytime we have an encounter with the Holy Spirit, regardless of how personal it may seem, God never intends for us to keep any of His good gifts to ourselves, but to share them freely with others, as a witness and encouragement of His faithfulness in our lives!

  • What encounter with the Holy Spirit have you experienced that needs to be shared with others?

  • Who is the Holy Spirit bringing to your mind today that needs to hear your story?

Jon Martin

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Monday, March 18

Isaiah 43:8-13

Today’s reflection focuses on verses 9-10a. God declares you are my witnesses.

10a “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.”

The setting described in verse 9 is a court of law, where witnesses are brought to testify on a matter. In the Easter story we find witnesses that were brought to the court of Herod and Pilate and in both settings no witness came forth to speak on behalf of Jesus. Jesus even told Peter he would deny his knowledge of Jesus three times. But a few days later he declares in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” Yet here we see again that we are declared His witnesses.

  • So, in this Lenten season are you going to show up as a witness for Jesus?

  • When He is being disparaged?

  • Are You filled with the Holy Spirit and prepared to take your witness to the world around you?

  • Listen to “Witness” by Jack Halloran.

“Witness” - Jack Halloran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC95HDq_y1k

Pastor Kent Vandervort

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Sunday, March 17

John 12:20-33

Read John 12:20-33. [Family Reading Idea: Have different people read the different parts of the story. One person can be the narrator, another can be “the Greeks,” another Jesus, another “the voice from heaven” and another “the crowd.”]

When my dad was youth pastor in Wichita, we lived across the street from the church building. This gave me plenty of opportunities to use the building for “hide and seek.” But even better, “Sardines.” One person would hide and everybody else would try to find them and then hide with the “hider” until everybody finds the “hider.” Because I practically lived at the church building, I excelled in finding difficult to discover places. I remember hiding in a dark closet corner behind brooms and one kid literally had his face one foot from mine, but because it was so dark he didn’t see me! I won that round.

Well, at the start of this text, the Greeks are the ones looking for Jesus. And at the end of this text, it says “Jesus left and hid himself from them.” Does that mean that Jesus was playing some kind of “cosmic sardines”? No. Victory in Sardines means not being found. Jesus came to be found. But he wasn’t going to be found in the expected place of a Savior and King. He said, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). In other words, “when I am lifted up on the cross, I will draw people of every nation into my family!” Death on the cross was the place Jesus was going to be truly found.

Earlier in John 3:12-13, Jesus said, “the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” Now Jesus says, “Whoever serves me must follow me: and where I am, my servant will also be.” In other words, like the game of sardines, when you find the “Hider” you stick with Him. Jesus invites us to find and share eternal life, which means we believe in Him and become like Him, willing to sacrifice our lives to serve others.

Household Challenge:

  • Make a cross from objects you find around the house. Hide the cross somewhere for someone else to find. Talk about why it’s important to “look” for Jesus.

  • Pray for someone that you know who is searching for Jesus but does not yet know Him.

Pastor Josh Kleinfeld

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Friday, March 15

Psalm 51

A Psalm of David when the prophet Nathan came to him after he had gone to Bathsheba. When King David asked God for a clean heart and not to take away the Holy Spirit, he was not concerned about losing salvation. Remember the Spirit did not indwell Old Testament believers as he does New Testament believers. King David is asking God to return to him the joy of his salvation so that he would be energized to turn other sinners to the Lord in repentance, faith, and obedience.

When we find ourselves in a David moment how are we going to respond? We must first acknowledge who the true judge is, and who has the legitimate authority to judge anyone well, that is God period.

  • Will our hearts truly long for the joy of salvation, not so we can be blessed based on selfish intentions?

  • Will we seek to be energized to turn sinners, to the Lord in repentance, faith, and obedience? Let me be clear we do this to have our hearts in rhythm with God’s not to deflect from our sinful moments.

Share and declare! The song Flawless by Mercy Me comes to mind.

Wayne Rumsey

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Thursday, March 14

Hebrews 4:1-13

This passage today reminds me of when I taught my kids to learn how to drive. At first they had to start studying for the written portion of the test and pass that part. Once they passed the written test and proved they had the knowledge, they were allowed to drive a car with an adult by their side. To prepare for getting your actual license, you had to drive and put what you learned to use. There was a lot of work leading up to the final driving test, but once they passed the test they were able to relax and enjoy the freedom of driving. Can you imagine our highways if we only had the written test and never took the time to learn to put it to practice?

In our passage today, we learn that our weekly Sabbath is a taste of what our eternal Sabbath will be like. We see the importance of working hard and living our lives to the fullest for Him and in turn receiving eternal rest with Jesus. In our Christian walk we cannot just “pass the written test” of reading the Bible and praying. We have to learn how to put this knowledge and relationship to use by living it out in our lives and allowing others to come to know Jesus in their own lives. When we live our faith out to our fullest, we ultimately achieve eternal rest. As experienced drivers, driving becomes natural and part of who they are. As we live our lives with Jesus, growing closer to Him and sharing His love with others, this lifestyle becomes natural and part of who we are.

  • Are you just “passing the written test” by having the knowledge of living a life with Jesus or are you all in and living that knowledge out?

Ben Zeigler

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Wednesday, March 13

John 8:12-20

In our house, we have strategically placed our night lights. When we need to move around at night and not disturb others, those lights may be handy. However, If I really need to see in the dark, I will flip the switch and flood a room with light for an even better experience, possibly saving a few toe injuries.

Interestingly, this world offers what they believe to be light. Finances, social standing, and education are just a few of these “lights” that the world will say, if sought, will be fulfillment.

Jesus, however, says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12 ESV). All other “lights” will fall short. They will only bring us so far. The satisfaction they bring will leave us wanting for more. Jesus is the only Light. Following Jesus is flipping the switch to see everything. We will no longer stumble through life with Jesus in the lead.

  • What are the night lights in my life?

  • What do I need to do to flood my life with the light of Christ?

Pastor John Farley

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Tuesday, March 12

Numbers 20:1-13

This passage starts with a basic need unmet; the need for water. People who have done a 30-hour famine are familiar with going without food, but we know it's dangerous to go without water and fluids. So understandably the Israelites are walking aimlessly through the desert without water and they get feisty. They wish death upon themselves and begin to oppose and question Moses and Aaron.

In response, the two guides come to the Lord's presence and God instructs Moses to "Speak" so that water comes about "before their eyes" (v. 8, NIV). Moses turns to the people speaking in spite of them and strikes the rock. Yes, water still comes forth but the spirit in which Moses followed the Lord's instructions was not as God intended. Instead of responding to the outcry in humility and obedience, Moses responds crudely.

  • In what ways am I the Israelites; complaining, angry, and bringing negativity into my daily situations?

  • In what ways am I Moses; letting my mood affect the way I exemplify Christ to others?

  • In what ways can I make sure my physiological needs are taken care of so that I may better serve those around me through exemplifying Christ?

Aubrey Shaffer

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Monday, March 11

Hebrews 3:1-6

Have you ever created something? Something that you could even use? We look at our creation with pride, knowing we have created something with purpose. In Hebrews 3:1-6, we are reminded that we are the created thing. We are the furniture and the dishwasher and the carpet in God’s house. We are the thing created with purpose to be used in the task at hand.

And no matter how God has gifted us or how we are to be used, we are the created. Numbers 12:7 is referenced, “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house.” In Numbers, Moses is called a very humble man who spoke with God face to face. Even Moses was the created.

We are called to a life of humility, recognizing that Jesus is the one who does the work. Jesus was the created and the creator. Jesus wasn’t just the messenger but the message. He sets the mission to bring His kingdom to Earth. But He invites us to be His house if we hold to our confidence and hope in Him.

  • In what ways can we act like the creator?

  • How can we submit to be the created?

  • How is He calling you to partner with Him to bring His kingdom to Earth?

Pastor Tabitha Martin

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Sunday, March 10

John 3:14-21

Growing up I loved to play Flashlight Hide & Go Seek with kids in my neighborhood. We played this a lot on the summer nights and kids from blocks over would show up to play with us. Once it was really dark out, we would hide behind our neighbor’s houses, in the court that we lived on, and wait until the seeker would shine their light on you and call out your name. When the light touched us, we knew that it was time to come out of the darkness.

The passage today made me think of playing this game. Jesus came to this earth and is our Light that helps us find our way out of the darkness and into His Light. He offers us salvation from living in the darkness, overcome by the sin of this world, and salvation that allows us to have eternal life with Him.

Jesus came here as a gift for you. He is shining His light on you and calling out your name. When you believe in Him (vs 16) you are able to step out of the darkness of the sin of this world and into the light of His forgiveness, love, peace, joy, and eternal life. The darkness is still around us while we are in this world because we are surrounded by sin, but it does not keep us hostage because we are in Jesus’ light! His Light is stronger than the darkness! Thank you, Lord!

Household Challenge:

  • Play Flashlight Hide & Go Seek in your house. Make sure to sign your light on the person that is hiding in the darkness and call out their name.

  • Tell each other your salvation story.

  • Make a prayer list of others that you know are living in the darkness and pray for Jesus’ light to shine on them and that they hear Him calling their name.

Pastor Rachel Zeigler

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Friday, March 8

Daniel 12:5-13

In verse 10, Daniel writes, “Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but

the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.”

This makes me think of one of my favorite New Testament passages. In Matthew

7:13-14, Jesus tells his disciples:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road

that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate

and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

In John 10, Jesus refers to himself as the gate. He states that “whoever enters

through me will be saved” (v. 9). To find this gate to salvation, we need to seek Him and mature in our faith. This is a daily activity. This requires connecting with Jesus through His word and prayer. No One Matures Alone. As a church, we must support each other as we grow and bring Jesus to All Generations.

  • Are you actively seeking Jesus?

  • Do you have a network of fellow believers to support you in your journey?

  • Are you helping bring Jesus to All Generations?

Scott Rosenau

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Thursday, March 7

Genesis 9:8-17

My daughter had a beautiful snow globe I had bought her for her birthday that played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” It was special to both of us. We even have a picture of me giving it to her when she turned 6 years old. One day her and her brother were having fun in her room and with a swipe of an arm, the snow globe was knocked down, shattered on the floor. Her tears were the kind of tears that make a mother’s whole body hurt. I cried alongside her as we picked up each piece of the glass. After we cleaned up the glass and soaked up the water, we looked at the snow globe as a new creation. It was now a unicorn that we could touch, not surrounded by water and glass but that still played “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

In Genesis, God grieves over the pain in the world. He feels the grief of a parent over the brokenness of the world. And then the snow globe shatters and God sends the flood. However, He doesn’t wipe away all of creation but He wipes creation clean. He re-creates it. It is an act of God seeking us and wanting us to come back to the perfection He created for us.

Then He doesn’t have to play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” but instead hangs a rainbow in the sky to promise us that He seeks to re-create us and draw us into harmony. God still seeks for you to know you are a new creation that He has wiped clean. He calls us to live into this freedom, to pick up the broken pieces, and to see ourselves as His new creation and sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

  • Do you see yourself as a new creation in Jesus?

  • What areas of your life do you carry shame that you need to let Him wipe clean?

Pastor Tabitha Martin

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