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20
Apr '24

Hymn: Blest Be the Ties That Bind

Posted on Apr 20, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

20
Apr '24

Today’s worship song focus :

Blest Be the Tie that Binds

 Galatians 3:28 (NASB95)          

 

 

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is

neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

 

John Fawcett was born in 1740 and was orphaned at the age of twelve. Upon hearing a message from evangelist George Whitefield at the age of 16, he felt a call to full time ministry. He received his training in the Baptist Church where he was later ordained as a minister in Wainsgate, Yorkshire. He later married his wife Mary, and they led a small rural church in Wainsgate. The church grew, as did his reputation as a pastor, and he was asked to move to a larger church in London. On the day they were to leave, his wife said she could not go, and he felt the same. So they unpacked their wagon and stayed. The following Sunday, he wrote this hymn to go along with his sermon.

 

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.

 

We need to wake up to the realization that it is the love of God that binds our hearts to one another. We need to have the determination to love people through every circumstance, even those that try to pull us apart. We will find that it will make us stronger and that we are truly loving as God loves us.

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

 

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

 
1 Blest be the tie that binds
our hearts in Christian love;
the fellowship of kindred minds
is like to that above.
 
2 Before our Father’s throne
we pour our ardent prayers;
our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
our comforts and our cares.
 
3 We share our mutual woes,
our mutual burdens bear,
and often for each other flows
the sympathizing tear.
 
4 When we are called to part,
it gives us inward pain;
but we shall still be joined in heart,
and hope to meet again.
 
5 This glorious hope revives
our courage by the way;
while each in expectation lives
and waits to see the day.
 
6 From sorrow, toil, and pain,
and sin, we shall be free;
and perfect love and friendship reign
through all eternity.
 
 

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13
Apr '24

Hymn: Speak to the Mountains

Posted on Apr 13, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

13
Apr '24

Today’s worship song focus :

Speak to the Mountains

 

I John 4:4 (NASB95)          

 

“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them;
because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

 

Chris McClarney wrote this song from a season of personal struggles in his own life. After experiencing moments of fear, doubt and uncertainty, he wanted to share a message of hope, faith and unwavering belief in God’s ability to overcome every obstacle in our lives. Reminding his fellow Christian believers of the transformative power of speaking faith-filled words over our lives. By declaring God’s promises and standing firm in our faith, we are able to shift our perspective and find that we can overcome any obstacle that we may encounter.
 

Why would I worry when giants come calling my name?
My God is so much bigger than troubles I face

 

We need to wake up our worship and allow this song to ignite our faith and provide us with a renewed peace and confidence that God is bigger than any of our circumstances and experience the profound shift in our perspective of who is truly in control! His name is I AM!
 
 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

 

Speak to the Mountains

 
Why would I worryWhen giants come calling my name?My God is so much bigger than troubles I faceWhy would I hungerFor power or riches or fame?Oh, ’cause my God is so much better than all of these things
 
So I won’t be shakenI won’t be movedMy God is faithfulHis promise is trueSo I’ll speak to the mountains“Oh, it’s time to move‘Cause my God is bigger, better, stronger, greater than you”
 
My enemies scatter‘Cause they know the battle is doneMy God is stronger, the victory’s already wonYeah, He died for my ransomAnd rose up on the third dayOh, ’cause my God is greater than death, hell, and the grave
 
Oh, I won’t be shakenOh, I won’t be movedMy God is faithfulHis promise is trueSo I speak to the mountains“Oh, it’s time to move‘Cause my God is bigger, better, stronger, greater than you” oh
 
There’s no mountain too highNo valley too lowThere’s no fear that I haveHe doesn’t already knowThere’s no problem too bigThere’s no weapon too strong
There is nothing for God that’s impossible
 
There’s no mountain too highNo valley too lowThere’s no fear that I haveHe doesn’t already knowThere’s no problem too bigThere’s no weapon too strongThere is nothing for God that’s impossible(Nothing’s impossible)
 
I won’t be shakenNo, I won’t be movedMy God is faithful (oh, He’s so faithful)His promise is trueSo I speak to the mountains“Oh, it’s time to move‘Cause my God is bigger, better, stronger, greaterBigger, better, stronger, greaterBigger, better, stronger, greaterBigger, better, stronger, greaterBigger, better, stronger, greater than you”
 
 
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Ben Cantelon / Chris McClarney / Jane Williams / Whitney Taylor Medina
Speak To The Mountains lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Essential Music Publishing

 


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06
Apr '24

Hymn: God of Wonders

Posted on Apr 6, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

06
Apr '24
Seize the Moment – Day 1481
 

Today’s worship song focus :  

God of Wonders

 

Psalm 148:13 (NASB95)          

 

“Let them praise the name of the Lord,
For His name alone is exalted; His

glory is above earth and heaven.”

 

This song was written in early 2000 for the City on a Hill worship album by Steve Hindalong and Mark Byrd. Upon hearing the opening chords and Marc singing “hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth” Steve felt a stirring in his soul that this song had to have a loftier language than what they were typically inclined to use. Wanting the song to be a clear declaration of Who God is and what He means to us, the words seemed to flow quickly onto the paper. They asked Max Powell of Third Day to sing lead on this song which spread quickly throughout the Christian community as an anthem of worship.
 

God of wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy, holy                                          

The universe declares Your majesty, You are holy, holy                                           

Lord of heaven and earth, Lord of heaven and earth.

 

We need to wake up to the fact that the Maker of all creation wants to share an intimate relationship with each of his children! When we call out His name, the Savior recognizes our voice. For not only do we know the Shepherd’s voice, but He knows ours as well!
 
 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

 
 

God of Wonders

 
Lord of all creationLord of water, earth and skyThe heavens are your TabernacleGlory to the Lord on high
 
God of wonders beyond our galaxyYou are holy, holyThe universe declares Your majestyYou are holy, holyLord of heaven and earthLord of heaven and earth
 
Early in the morningI will celebrate the lightAs I stumble in the darknessI will call your name by night
 
God of wonders beyond our galaxyYou are holy, holyThe universe declares Your majestyYou are holy, holy
 
Lord of heaven and earthLord of heaven and earthLord of heaven and earthLord of heaven and earth
 
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earthHallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earthHallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
 
The God of wonders beyond our galaxy (You)You are holy, holyPrecious Lord, reveal Your heart to meFather, holy, holy (Lord God Almighty)
 
The universe declares Your majesty (You are holy)You are holy (yes you are), holy (holy You are)Holy (Jesus saves), holy
 
Hallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earthHallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earthHallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earthHallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earthHallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earthHallelujah! To the Lord of heaven and earth
 
 
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Steve J. Hindalong / Marc Byrd
God of Wonders lyrics © Never Say Never Songs, Meaux Mercy Publishing, Storm Boy Music, New Spring Publishing Inc
 
.

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30
Mar '24

Hymn: House of the Lord

Posted on Mar 30, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

30
Mar '24

Seize the Moment – Day 1474

Today’s worship song focus :

House of the Lord

Psalm 122:1 (NASB95)     

 

“ I was glad when they said to me,

“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
 

Written in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, Phil Wickham created this powerful song of worship as an anthem for all believers. Wanting to connect the church to the heart of God with the invitation to experience his love and grace, Phil composed the beautiful lyrics, moving melody and powerful instrumentals to remind the church that it is more than just a physical building. It is to be a place where we gather to worship, be encouraged, and experience the presence of God.

 

There’s joy in the house of the Lord,

There’s joy in the house of the Lord today       

And we won’t be quiet, We shout out Your praise.                                               

There’s joy in the house of the Lord,

Our God is surely in this place                

And we won’t be quiet,

We shout out Your praise.

 

We need to wake up and prepare our hearts for worship as we gather together tomorrow to celebrate Easter Sunday! We need to join our voices with other believers in declaring “He is Risen! He is risen indeed!” So shout out your praise!

 

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

 
 

House of the Lord

 
We worship the God who wasWe worship the God who isWe worship the God who evermore will beHe opened the prison doorsHe parted the raging seaMy God, He holds the victory
 
There’s joy in the house of the LordThere’s joy in the house of the Lord todayAnd we won’t be quietWe shout out Your praise
 
There’s joy in the house of the LordOur God is surely in this placeAnd we won’t be quietWe shout out Your praise(Oh-oh, oh) we shout out Your praise(Oh-oh, oh)
 
We sing to the God who healsWe sing to the God who savesWe sing to the God who always makes a way‘Cause He hung up on that crossThen He rose up from that graveMy God’s still rolling stones away
 
There’s joy in the house of the LordThere’s joy in the house of the Lord todayAnd we won’t be quietWe shout out Your praise
 
There’s joy in the house of the LordOur God is surely in this placeAnd we won’t be quietWe shout out Your praise
 
We were the beggarsNow we’re royaltyWe were the prisonersNow we’re running freeWe are forgiven, acceptedRedeemed by His graceLet the house of the Lord sing praise
 
‘Cause we were the beggarsNow we’re royaltyWe were the prisonersNow we’re running freeWe are forgiven, acceptedRedeemed by His graceLet the house of the Lord sing praise
 
There’s joy in the house of the Lord (there is joy in the house)There’s joy in the house of the Lord todayAnd we won’t be quiet (oh yeah)We shout out Your praise (I wanna shout out Your praise)
 
There’s joy in the house of the Lord (there is joy)Our God is surely in this place (there is joy)And we won’t be quietWe shout out Your praise (we gonna shout out Your praise)
 
There’s joy in the house of the LordThere’s joy in the house of the Lord todayAnd we won’t be quietWe shout out Your praise (we gonna shout out Your praise)
 
There’s joy in the house of the Lord (there is joy, there is joy)Our God is surely in this place (joy in this place)And we won’t be quiet (we won’t be quiet)We shout out Your praise
 
We shout out Your praiseThere is joy in the house, there is joy in the house todayWe shout out Your praiseWe shout out Your praise
 
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jonathan Smith / Phil Wickham
House of the Lord lyrics © Be Essential Songs
 
 
 
 

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23
Mar '24

Hymn: Hosanna (Praise is Rising)

Posted on Mar 23, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

23
Mar '24

Seize the Moment – Day 1467

Today’s worship song focus :

Hosanna (Praise is Rising)

Mark 11:8-10 (NASB95)

 

 

“And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which
they had cut from the fields. Those who went in front and those who followed were
shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Blessed is
the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!”

 

Inspired by a desire to write a song that expresses adoration and a surrender to God, Paul Baloche and Brenton Brown teamed up to create this powerful and impactful song. It encourages believers to be like those who proclaimed Jesus’s entry into the city, lifting up their voices in recognition and declaring who the Messiah is as the one who came to save us, our Lord and Savior!

 

Hosanna hosanna
You are the God who saves us
Worthy of all our praises
Hosanna hosanna.
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here Lord Jesus
 

We need to wake up and make this song one that we sing all week long as we prepare for Holy Week with the start of Palm Sunday tomorrow. Use this powerful song as part of your personal worship and express your love and adoration to God for sending us the Blessed Messiah! Let your praise rise up!

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 
 

Hosanna (Praising Rising)

 
Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You, we turn to YouHope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You, we long for You‘Cause when we see You we find strength to face the dayIn Your presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
 
Hosanna, HosannaYou are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praisesHosanna, HosannaCome have Your way among usWe welcome You here, Lord Jesus
 
Hear the sound of hearts returning to You, we turn to YouIn Your Kingdom broken lives are made new, You make us new‘Cause when we see You we find strength to face the dayIn Your presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
 
Hosanna, HosannaYou are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praisesHosanna, HosannaCome have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
 
‘Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the dayIn Your Presence all our fears are washed away‘Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the dayIn Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
 
Hosanna, HosannaYou are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praisesHosanna, HosannaCome have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
 
Hosanna, HosannaYou are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praisesHosanna, HosannaCome have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
 
Hosanna, HosannaHosanna, Hosanna
Source: LyricFind
 
Songwriters: Brenton Brown / Paul Baloche
Hosanna lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Integrity Music
 

 


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16
Mar '24

Hymn: The Blessing

Posted on Mar 16, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

16
Mar '24

Seize the Moment – Day 1460

Today’s worship song focus :

The Blessing

 Numbers 6:24-26 (NASB95)

 
 
 
“ The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;  
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

 

Taken from the priestly benediction of Numbers 6 and the prayerful blessing of Psalm 67, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick and Chris Brown created this anthem of hope and encouragement for all believers in the spring of 2020. We are reminded of God’s faithfulness and unfailing love for us with this message of peace and assurance even in the middle of our chaos.

 

The Lord bless you and keep you

Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you

The Lord turn His face toward you

And give you peace                  

 

We need to wake up and be reminded of this declaration of favor, peace and God’s presence in and over our lives! And by singing the “Amens”, which literally means ‘so be it’ or ‘let it be so’, we are joining our faith with others that we want this for our lives and their lives as well.
 
 
 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ55mDL7dA0

 

The Blessing

 
The Lord bless you and keep youMake His face shine upon you and be gracious to youThe Lord turn His face toward youAnd give you peace
 
The Lord bless you and keep youMake His face shine upon you and be gracious to youThe Lord turn His face toward youAnd give you peace
 
Amen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amen
 
The Lord bless you and keep youMake His face shine upon you and be gracious to youThe Lord turn His face toward youAnd give you peace
 
Amen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amen
 
May His favor be upon youAnd a thousand generationsAnd your family and your childrenAnd their children, and their children
 
May His favor be upon youAnd a thousand generationsAnd your family and your childrenAnd their children, and their children
 
May His favor be upon youAnd a thousand generationsAnd your family and your childrenAnd their children, and their children
 
May His favor be upon youAnd a thousand generationsAnd your family and your childrenAnd their children, and their children
 
May His presence go before youAnd behind you, and beside youAll around you, and within youHe is with you, he is with you
 
In the morning, in the eveningIn your coming, and your goingIn your weeping, and rejoicingHe is for you, he is for you
 
He is for you, he is for youHe is for you, he is for youHe is for you, he is for you
(Amen, amen)
 
Amen, amen, amenAmen, amen, amen
 
May His favor be upon youAnd a thousand generationsAnd your family and your childrenAnd their children, and their children
 
May His presence go before youAnd behind you, and beside youAll around you, and within youHe is with you, he is with you
 
In the morning, in the eveningIn your coming, and your goingIn your weeping, and rejoicingHe is for you, He is for you
 
Ohh
 
He is for you (ohh)
 
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Chris Brown / Steven Furtick / Cody Carnes / Kari Brooke Jobe
The Blessing lyrics © Worship Together Music, Capitol Cmg Paragon,
Be Essential Songs, Kari Jobe Carnes Music, Writers Roof Publishing
 
 

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09
Mar '24

Seize the Moment – Day 1453

Posted on Mar 9, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

09
Mar '24

Today’s worship song focus

Praise

Psalm 150:6 (NASB95)     

 

 

“ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!”

 

Released in the fall of 2023, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore and Elevation Worship wanted to create a song that would establish a feeling of joy and celebration. Taken from today’s scripture, as long as we are breathing, we have a reason to praise the Lord. In good times or bad, we are to praise. Praise is not only to bring glory to God, but also a powerful weapon against our enemies and a source of strength. This demonstrates our declaration of faith whether we feel God’s presence or not. When we praise, we not only remind ourselves that He is always with us, but we also put the enemy on notice that God is there too!
  
As long as I’m breathing, I’ve got a reason to praise, Oh my soul                          
Praise the Lord, Oh my soul. I won’t be quiet, my God is alive                                
How could I keep it inside, Praise the Lord, oh my soul               

 

We need to wake up and make this an anthem of encouragement, especially during challenging times. This song is a reminder that we are not alone and it helps us to shift our focus from the circumstance to the fact that God is in control! This is a truth we should not keep to ourselves!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

 
 

Praise

 
Let’s go, one, two, heyLet everything that has breathPraise the Lord (you got it), praise the LordLet everything, let everything that has breathPraise the Lord, praise the Lord
 
I’ll praise in the valley, praise on the mountain (yeah)I’ll praise when I’m sure, praise when I’m doubtingI’ll praise when outnumbered, praise when surrounded‘Cause praise is the waters my enemies drown in
 
As long as I’m breathingI’ve got a reason toPraise the Lord, oh my soul (c’mon)Praise the Lord, oh my soul
 
I’ll praise when I feel it, and I’ll praise when I don’t (yeah)I’ll praise ’cause I know You’re still in control‘Cause my praise is a weapon, it’s more than a sound (more than a sound)Oh, my praise is the shout that brings Jericho down (yeah)
 
As long as I’m breathingI’ve got a reason toPraise the Lord (c’mon), oh my soulPraise the Lord, oh my soulI won’t be quiet, my God is aliveSo how could I keep it inside? (I gotta)Praise the Lord, oh my soul(Yeah, praise the Lord)
 
C’mon let me see that dance, put a dance on it tonight (yeah)If you’re grateful, c’monHey, hey, yeah
 
I’ll praise ’cause You’re sovereign, praise ’cause You reignPraise ’cause You rose and defeated the graveI’ll praise ’cause You’re faithful, praise ’cause You’re truePraise ’cause there’s nobody greater than YouI’ll praise ’cause You’re sovereign, praise ’cause You reign (you reign)Praise ’cause You rose and defeated the graveI’ll praise ’cause You’re faithful, praise ’cause You’re truePraise ’cause there’s nobody greater than You
 
Praise the Lord, oh my soul(C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon)Praise the Lord, oh my soul (praise the Lord, oh my soul)Praise the Lord, oh my soulPraise the Lord, oh my soulI won’t be quiet, my God is aliveHow could I keep it inside? (How could I)I won’t be quiet, my God is aliveHow could I keep it inside? (I won’t keep quiet)I won’t be quiet, my God is aliveHow could I keep it inside? (I gotta)Praise the Lord, oh my soul
 
Jump, jump, jump, jump, jumpLet everything that has breath (hey, hey)Praise the Lord (hey, hey), praise the LordLet everything, let everything (c’mon, c’mon)that has breath (c’mon, c’mon)Praise the Lord (c’mon, c’mon)Praise the Lord (Let everything), let everything (if you got breath in your body)That has breath (if you got breath in your body)Praise the Lord (praise the Lord, c’mon) praise the Lord(Let everything), let everything that has breath (that has breath)(Praise the Lord)Praise the Lord (praise), praise the Lord
 
 
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Brandon Lake / Chandler Moore / Chris Brown / Cody Carnes / Pat Barrett / Steven Furtick
Praise lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Essential Music Publishing

 

 

 


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03
Mar '24

Heart of a Child

Posted on Mar 3, 2024 by Ken Durham in General, Sermon Notes, Special Message |

03
Mar '24

Heart of a Child

Matthew 18:1-5

 
 
Over the past few weeks, we have been on a journey through the scriptures. And while today’s message is not part of Pastor Jerry’s series, we are still accountable to this 90 day challenge, so I need to ask these questions:

 

  • Are you currently up to 2 Corinthians 9? Y or N
  • Are you using the S.O.A.P technique? Y or N
  • Pray and meditate on the Lord’s prayer? Y or N
  • Did you memorize Matthew 11:28-30? Y or N
  • Did you work with Jesus (not for Him),do everything for His glory, and truly abide with Him? Y or N

 

Today’s scripture was one of those that “jumped out” at me during this current challenge. The disciples have been with Jesus now for over two years. They had heard His teachings, witnessed His miracles and had even seen thing happen in their own time of ministry. But this scripture points out just how ‘human’ the disciples were…and it can also be found in Mark 9:33-37 and Luke 9:46-48.

 

Turn to Matthew 18:1-5.
 

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.”

 

The other Gospel accounts say that the boys were “discussing” (Mark) or “arguing among themselves” (Luke). In their minds, they saw Jesus establishing His kingdom on earth while He was on earth. They saw Him gaining popularity with the people, so they were jockeying for position in this new Kingdom. Jesus used this example of a young child to set these boys straight.

 

I don’t know about you, but ‘adulting’ can be tough sometimes and I would love to be like a little child with no responsibilities. To be able to be carefree, play games and enjoy life. I remember playing with my boys when they were kids, and now being able to repeat that with my grandkids.

Playing games like “Peek-a-boo”    (tell ‘dad joke’ here)

 

Or “Hide-n-seek”, not the one where you tell them to go hide, and then ‘forget’ to go seek them…but where they are able to use their creative thought processes to find a spot to hide where you would least expect to find them.

 

Adam and Eve were the first ones to play Hide and Seek…not a good outcome. But God came up with a plan to seek and save that which was lost.

 

So for today, I would like for each of you to find the ‘inner child’ inside each and every one of us and become the child of God we are called to be. Let’s look at the scriptures on how we have our own version of ‘Hide and Seek’:

 

  1. Hide His Word (Psalm 119:11)
  2. Hide to seek (Matthew 6:6)
  3. Seek to find (Matthew 6:33)

 

1. Hide His Word

 

Psalm 119:11:  “I have hidden your word in my heart,
    that I might not sin against you.”

 

Much like when you save money back in a safe place to be able to buy a big ticket item, the same is true when we mediate and memorize God’s Word.

 

But once they are discovered, we are not to keep them to ourselves. When we make them a part of our lives, it needs to be shared and be evident in everything that we do.

 

Psalm 78:4:    “We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.”

 

This echoes Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Deuteronomy 11:19 & Proverbs 23:13-14.

 

       How will they know unless we tell them???

 

2. Hide to Seek

 

Matthew 6:6:  “But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

 

Find a place to get away from the distractions of this life.

       Jesus did it, so you need to also!!! (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16)

 

              Bible, paper and pen

              Turn off the music, the phone, any distraction.

              There is a time for the music/worship, but you also need the “BE STILL” time.

 

ILLUS:     Intentional Time:  Sabbatical: Katie Kinnaird

TBH….this is a difficult one for me.

Does not come naturally for me. I have to be intentional!
 
 

3. Seek to Find

 

Matthew 6:33:   “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

 

       Other translations…”Seek FIRST..”

 

       The worlds says there is a proper order for things…. First things first!

 

*This idiom is used to tell someone that more important things should be done before less important things.

 

With God, we are told to keep Him first, seek Him and we are promised that we will find Him.

 

Matthew 7:7-8:  “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

 

This is in no way a one and done thing

We have to daily be working on this, especially for us slow learners!

 

The benefit of seeking and finding…

 

John 14:21:  “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

 

God never hides from us. He will hide us under His wings (Ps. 17:8),
He will hide us in the cleft of the rock (Ex 33:22)
and promises to draw near to us as we draw near to Him (James 4:8).
He has given us the free will to choose to seek Him, and that is what we have to do. (Ps. 119:2).

 

No matter how “old” we get, may we always have the heart of a child that is humble and full of faith.
 
 
 
 
 

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02
Mar '24

Seize the Moment – Day 1446

Posted on Mar 2, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

02
Mar '24

Today’s worship song focus :

First Things First

Revelation 2:4-5a (NASB95)     

 
 
 
But I have this against you,
that you have left your first love.
Therefore remember from where you have fallen,

and repent and do the deeds you did at first;”

 

The brotherly trio of Caleb, Jordan and Josh Ward make up the group “Consumed by Fire”. They grew up traveling with their father who was an evangelist, serving others through church planting and medical missions. After their father had a catastrophic stroke, the boys took a hiatus to care for him. Following his passing in the spring of 2022, they reemerged with a fresh passion and commitment to the calling of their ministry through song. Jordan said this song “spearheaded the creation of a new direction for us… We’re saying, ‘Lord, we want what You want.’”

 

First thing’s first I seek Your will Not my own
Surrender all my wants to you Keep the first thing first

 

We need to wake up and take the words of this song as a prayer for our own lives. By returning our hearts to our first love, Jesus, we are then moved to love others in the way that He loves us!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

 

First Things First

 
All the things that I have held dearThe vanities that whispered in my earWhat would I do if they all disappeared
 
Riches and fame and all that they could buyI’ve come to find they never satisfyWhat would I gain if my soul’s the price
 
I don’t wanna love what the world lovesI don’t wanna chase what the world doesI only want youI only want you
 
First thing’s firstI seek Your willNot my ownSurrender all my wants to youKeep the first thing firstTo live Your truthWalk Your waysSet my eyesLord I fix my face on youAll my desires reversedTo keep the first thing first
 
I give it allMy life an offeringMy heart is yoursSo have Your way in meYour kingdom’s all I wanna seek
 
I don’t wanna love what the world lovesI don’t wanna chase what the world doesI only want youI only want you
 
First thing’s firstI seek Your willNot my ownSurrender all my wants to youKeep the first thing firstTo live Your truthWalk Your waysSet my eyesLord I fix my face on youAll my desires reversed
To keep the first thing first
 
To keep the first thing firstAll my desires reversedTo keep the first thing firstTo keep the first thing first
 
First thing’s firstI seek Your willNot my ownSurrender all my wants to youKeep the first thing firstTo live Your truthWalk Your waysSet my eyesLord I fix my face on youAll my desires reversedTo keep the first thing firstTo keep the first thing firstTo keep the first thing first
 
All my desires reversedTo keep the first thing first
 
 
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jordan David Ward / Caleb Paul Ward / Jake Hess / Grant Timothy Bias
 

 

 

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24
Feb '24

Seize the Moment – Day 1439

Posted on Feb 24, 2024 by Ken Durham in Devotions, General |

24
Feb '24

Today’s worship song focus :

Every Move I Make

 

Psalm 139:1-3 (NASB95)     

“ O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

You understand my thought from afar.

3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down,

And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.”

 

Written by David Ruis and recorded by David Crowder Band in 1999, this energetic song of worship reflects our faith and trust in God’s plan. We are reminded that He is our guide, our protector and our source of strength because of His constant presence in our lives.

 

            Every move I make, I make in You, You make me move Jesus

            Every breath I take I breathe in You.

            Every step I take I take in You, You are my way Jesus

            Every breath I take I breathe in You.

 

We need to wake up and live our lives in alignment with God’s will each day. Then you will find joy and purpose as you surrender your will to His and move the way He wants for you. For He is the One who orders our steps.
 
 
 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPvnZILn6EY

 

Every Move I Make

 
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
 
Every move I make, I make in you
You make me move, (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
Every step I take, I take in you
You are my way (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
 
Every move I make, I make in you
You make me move, (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Every step I take, I take in you
You are my way (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Waves of mercy Waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God, this love, how can it be?
 
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
 
Every move I make, I make in you
You make me move, (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Every step I take, I take in you
You are my way (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Waves of mercy Waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God, this love, how can it be?
 
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
 
 

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