News (Page 23)
From our daily devotional to relevant local, state, national, and international church news, you can find information from Good Shepherd UMC here.
Daily Devotional: December 13th, 2019
‘Tis the Season We’re 12 days away from Christmas and I’m sure that the full swing of the hustle and bustle has started. Between the Christmas parties, gift buying, present wrapping, holiday baking, and family visiting have you taken the time to stop and truly focus on the reason for this season? We all know that the true focus that we should have during the season is the birth of Jesus Christ, but is His birth the actual reason? How…
Daily Devotional: December 12th, 2019
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 What do we treasure? Many of us said toys, our animals, electronics, friends and family, candy, comfort and even fancy cars! Matthew, the writer of this scripture, was a tax collector and was probably a rich man. He most likely had lots and lots of favorite “treasures” in his life , yet gave them all up to drop everything to follow and serve Jesus. He recognized Jesus…
Daily Devotional: December 11th, 2019
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Are you making time to listen to the Lord and be available for Him to use? We easily get caught in the distractions of this world, not making time to stop and listen to our Lord. When we do hear His voice we sometimes neglect to be obedient to His calling due to…
Daily Devotional: December 10th, 2019
As I plan each day, my hope is that it will turn out just right, no lumps, no bumps and no messes. Of course, that is not always the case. It’s like making a pie or a cake. We measure everything perfectly, mix it well and bake it just the right amount of time, but when we cut it, the slice doesn’t come out in that perfect piece like we wanted. Then we go one step farther, we taste it.…
Daily Devotional: December 9th, 2019
Strong and Courageous Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 When we face life’s obstacles, are we anticipating what the Lord can do through us or are we shrinking back in fear? The words, “strong and courageous” in this verse mean “to hold on to and anticipate.” When we face different obstacles in life that seem…
Daily Devotional: December 8th, 2019
Spend Less 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[a] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[b] your whole body will…
Daily Devotional: December 7th, 2019
The Gift of Giving Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 In Matthew, Mark and Luke, one out of every six verses touches on the topic of money. Of the 38 parables that Jesus told during His time on this earth, 12 dealt exclusively with this issue. We, as…
Daily Devotional: December 6th, 2019
Thanking God Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition. With thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 As we seek His direction for our future, are we consciously thanking God for all He has done through our church in the past? God has led us to reach out to our city in our current facility, and we can be confident that He wants us to continue reaching all the individuals and families…
Daily Devotional: December 5th, 2019
A few years ago…ok, several years ago when I was in college, we were required to take a ‘1 credit course’ in ‘logic’ to graduate. All I remember about it was the “if…then” formula that we had to use to ’prove’ any type of statement that was presented to us. At the time, as an “all-knowing senior in college,” I felt that the entire course was a monumental waste of ‘my valuable time.’ Over the years though, as I became…
Daily Devotional: December 4th, 2019
Strongholds Because God’s word is living, active and sharper than any two-edged sword: it penetrates to the point that it separates the soul from the spirit and the joints from the marrow. It’s able to judge the heart’s thoughts and intentions. Hebrews 4:12 What strongholds does God see in my life? Microbots are programmed to use different things for energy and an amazing array of medical bots are being developed to attack and address medical problems unseen to the human…
Daily Devotional: December 3rd, 2019
TO GIVE OR NOT TO GIVE? To give or not to give? That is the question. No, that is not the question. That may be the question for many people in our world, but it should not be for the Christian. Giving should be a natural part of our lives. We should want to give because of God’s example of giving to us. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not…
Daily Devotional: December 2nd, 2019
OUTREACH But you will receive power with the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 How can we be the most effective witnesses to the people around us in our city and to the world? We know from His Word that He wants us to be guided by His Holy Spirit in our own personal lives, as well as…