Stewartstown United Methodist Church

Daily Devotions for Monday, December 14, 2020 Ephesians 6:10-17 The Whole Armor of God 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ...13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Notes and Prayer What does it mean to you that our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh? For your prayer time, name what is attacking your spirit before God. What do you need to do to equip yourself? Ask God for the resources that are specific for you. For example, all of the misinformation being spread may make you feel like you are falling apart - the belt of truth can hold you together.

Sunday, December 13, 2020 Worship at Stewartstown United Methodist Church

Daily Devotions for Saturday, December 12, 2020 Psalm 126 A Harvest of Joy 1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoiced 4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. 5 May those who sow in tears reap with shout...s of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. Notes How does it change your perspective if you believe that your tears in this difficult season may be planting the seeds for a harvest of joy? Prayer Lord, frankly, 2020 __________________ . In times of trouble remind me of the times you have turned my tears to joy. Even though good life sometimes feels like a dream, I place my hope in You.

Devotions for Friday, December 11, 2020 Philippians 3:12-16 Pressing toward the Goal 12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. 15... Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16 Only let us hold fast to what we have attained. Notes We are divided as a people because we all have different ambitions. Imagine a boat with many rowers each wanting to go a different way. How different if we are all rowing in the same direction. Mature people are of the same mind because they seek the same goal. How do those seeking power use division to win people to their cause? How would life be different if we sought the same thing together? How is God revealing to you how your life may not be aligned with God’s purposes? Prayer Lord, help me to pursue your heavenly call as I press on and strain for what lies ahead. Blessings, Pastor Keith

Daily Devotions for Thursday, December 10, 2020 Philippians 3:7-11 7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes... through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Notes During this time of pandemic there have been many losses. Some have found that they are able to spend more time with God, more time in the scriptures, and as a result they are finding their life and priorities changing. How can your loss heighten the value of knowing Christ Jesus your Lord? Prayer It is easy to focus on what I did not have or what I cannot not do, Lord. Create in me a new heart and mind that is focused on you, help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness so my heart may be filled and overflowing.