Decatur United Methodist Church
Decatur United Methodist Church
  • Home
  • Live
  • Plan A Visit
  • About Us
    • E-Update
    • Communion
    • Calendar
    • Connect With Us
    • Schedule
    • Giving Options
    • Pastor
    • Contact
    • Our Story
    • COVID >
      • Help
    • Youth
  • Give Now
  • Read. Reflect. Pray.
  • Christmas
  • Sermons
  • Ways of Hope
    • Camp
    • Study
    • Messy Church
    • Prayer Course
    • Request Prayer
    • Prayer Vigil
    • Mission
    • Health Clinic
    • SoulFest
  • Concord
  • Home
  • Live
  • Plan A Visit
  • About Us
    • E-Update
    • Communion
    • Calendar
    • Connect With Us
    • Schedule
    • Giving Options
    • Pastor
    • Contact
    • Our Story
    • COVID >
      • Help
    • Youth
  • Give Now
  • Read. Reflect. Pray.
  • Christmas
  • Sermons
  • Ways of Hope
    • Camp
    • Study
    • Messy Church
    • Prayer Course
    • Request Prayer
    • Prayer Vigil
    • Mission
    • Health Clinic
    • SoulFest
  • Concord

Read. Reflect. Pray.

Sign Up To Receive as a Daily Email
Download our Advent Devotional

FRIDAY - JULY 31

7/31/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 14:21-28

21 Paul and Barnabas proclaimed the good news to the people in Derbe and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, where 22 they strengthened the disciples and urged them to remain firm in the faith. They told them, “If we are to enter God’s kingdom, we must pass through many troubles.” 23 They appointed elders for each church. With prayer and fasting, they committed these elders to the Lord, in whom they had placed their trust.

24 After Paul and Barnabas traveled through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 They proclaimed the word in Perga, then went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been entrusted by God’s grace to the work they had now completed. 27 On their arrival, they gathered the church together and reported everything that God had accomplished through their activity, and how God had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. 28 They stayed with the disciples a long time.

Reflect. Paul and Barnabas experienced many hardships and many setbacks during this missionary journey. However, in v.21-22, we learn that many disciples were made—many people came to faith in Jesus through the labors of Paul and Barnabas. 
  • Paul was not concerned with making individual Christians; his mission was to create Christian communities. In v.23 he and Barnabas appointed elders for the church communities to help the communities grow in faith together. 
  • John Wesley once said, “No man ever went to heaven alone; he must either find friends or make them.” Growing in faith through Christian community is essential to the followers of Jesus. During our present challenges, a sense of community can be difficult to find. How are you finding Christian community right now? How are you struggling to find Christian community right now? What are things that you and your church can do to help build Christian community? Reach out to someone, today, and connect with them and share your thoughts. 
Pray. God of all, strengthen my church and my Christian community. Help those who might feel isolated to find their community, and place it on my heart to help us all connect together. Amen. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. 
Layman family. Charlene Withrow.
0 Comments

THURSDAY - JULY 30

7/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 14:1-20

The same thing happened in Iconium. Paul and Barnabas entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke as they had before. As a result, a huge number of Jews and Greeks believed.2 However, the Jews who rejected the faith stirred up the Gentiles, poisoning their minds against the brothers.3 Nevertheless, Paul and Barnabas stayed there for quite some time, confidently speaking about the Lord. And the Lord confirmed the word about his grace by the signs and wonders he enabled them to perform. 4 The people of the city were divided—some siding with the Jews, others with the Lord’s messengers. 5 Then some Gentiles and Jews, including their leaders, hatched a plot to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas. 6 When they learned of it, these two messengers fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding area, 7 where they continued to proclaim the good news.

8 In Lystra there was a certain man who lacked strength in his legs. He had been crippled since birth and had never walked. Sitting there, he 9 heard Paul speaking. Paul stared at him and saw that he believed he could be healed.
10 Raising his voice, Paul said, “Stand up straight on your feet!” He jumped up and began to walk.

11 Seeing what Paul had done, the crowd shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have taken human form and come down to visit us!” 12 They referred to Barnabas as Zeus and to Paul as Hermes, since Paul was the main speaker.13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was located just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates. Along with the crowds, he wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

14 When the Lord’s messengers Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes in protest and rushed out into the crowd. They shouted, 15 “People, what are you doing? We are humans too, just like you! We are proclaiming the good news to you: turn to the living God and away from such worthless things. He made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.[a] 16 In the past, he permitted every nation to go its own way. 17 Nevertheless, he hasn’t left himself without a witness. He has blessed you by giving you rain from above as well as seasonal harvests, and satisfying you with food and happiness.” 18 Even with these words, they barely kept the crowds from sacrificing to them.

19 Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and won the crowds over. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing he was dead. 20 When the disciples surrounded him, he got up and entered the city again. The following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

Reflect. This is kind of a crazy story. In Lystra Paul healed a man who had been crippled since birth, then the crowd wants to worship Paul and Barnabas like gods. Paul and Barnabas are trying to point them to Jesus, but the crowds see them as Zeus and Hermes and desire to offer sacrifices to them. Paul and Barnabas, “barely kept the crowds from sacrificing to them.” What do you make of this? 
  • In verses 15-17 Paul tells the people that even though they didn’t know the name of God, God still gave them a witness. The universal witness that God gives everyone is the beauty of nature (v.17). This witness of God doesn’t, necessarily, point someone to Jesus but is intended to point them to God. 
  • Reflect on ways that you have seen God in the witness of nature. In what ways has God met you in nature? What in nature makes you most aware of God’s presence? 
Pray. Take a moment, today, to experience God in nature. Maybe you see God written on the sunrise; maybe you see God in the middle of the forest; maybe you see God written in the stars. Find that place and space and reflect on God’s presence. Allow this act to be your prayer.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. 
Layman family. Charlene Withrow.


0 Comments

WEDNESDAY - JULY 29

7/29/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 13:42-52
42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people urged them to speak about these things again on the next Sabbath. 43 When the people in the synagogue were dismissed, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism accompanied Paul and Barnabas, who urged them to remain faithful to the message of God’s grace.
​

44 On the next Sabbath, almost everyone in the city gathered to hear the Lord’s word. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were overcome with jealousy. They argued against what Paul was saying by slandering him. 46 Speaking courageously, Paul and Barnabas said, “We had to speak God’s word to you first. Since you reject it and show that you are unworthy to receive eternal life, we will turn to the Gentiles. 47 This is what the Lord commanded us:

I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
so that you could bring salvation to the end of the earth.”[a]

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the Lord’s word. Everyone who was appointed for eternal life believed, 49 and the Lord’s word was broadcast throughout the entire region. 50 However, the Jews provoked the prominent women among the Gentile God-worshippers, as well as the city’s leaders. They instigated others to harass Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their district. 51 Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium.52 Because of the abundant presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, the disciples were overflowing with happiness.

Reflect. At this time in the ancient world, the Jewish religion was attractive to (non-Jewish) women. In his commentary on this, William Barclay, explains what’s happening with this and in v.50. 
In nothing was the ancient world more lax than in sexual morality. Family life was rapidly breaking         down. The worst sufferers were women. The Jewish religion preached a purity ethic and cleanness of         life. Round the synagogues gathered many women, often of high social position, who found in this teaching what they longed for. Many of these women became [believers] … The [Jewish leaders] persuaded them to incite their husbands, who were often the men in influential positions, to take steps against the Christian preachers. The inevitable result was persecution (Barclay, Daily Bible Study Series: Acts, p.106).
  • Upon being forced from this town and experiencing a severe setback where leaders conspired against them, Paul and Barnabas are still overcome with happiness. But it wasn’t just Paul and Barnabas; it was the “disciples.” Prior to Paul and Barnabas arriving, there were no Christians in the community, through their ministry, now there are disciples. Even though Paul and Barnabas faced hardship, the presence of the Holy Spirit among all of the disciples causes this happiness or joy. 
  • The presence of the Holy Spirit demonstrates that it is possible to find happiness despite setbacks and external conditions. Is this something you have experienced? Today, spend time seeking God’s Spirit. Reflect on ways that you can experience this happiness regardless of your external circumstances. 
Pray. Spirit of God, dwell in me and fill me with your deep presence. Help me to face this day with your joy and your happiness. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow.


0 Comments

TUESDAY - JULY 28

7/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 13:13-41

13 Paul and his companions sailed from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia. John deserted them there and returned to Jerusalem. 14 They went on from Perga and arrived at Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath, they entered and found seats in the synagogue there. 15 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders invited them, “Brothers, if one of you has a sermon for the people, please speak.”

16 Standing up, Paul gestured with his hand and said, “Fellow Israelites and Gentile God-worshippers, please listen to me.17 The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors. God made them a great people while they lived as strangers in the land of Egypt. With his great power, he led them out of that country. 18 For about forty years, God put up with them in the wilderness. 19 God conquered seven nations in the land of Canaan and gave the Israelites their land as an inheritance.20 This happened over a period of about four hundred fifty years.

“After this, he gave them judges until the time of the prophet Samuel. 21 The Israelites requested a king, so God gave them Saul, Kish’s son, from the tribe of Benjamin, and he served as their king for forty years. 22 After God removed him, he raised up David to be their king. God testified concerning him, ‘I have found David, Jesse’s son, a man who shares my desires.[a]Whatever my will is, he will do.’ 23 From this man’s descendants, God brought to Israel a savior, Jesus, just as he promised. 24 Before Jesus’ appearance, John proclaimed to all the Israelites a baptism to show they were changing their hearts and lives. 25 As John was completing his mission, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I’m not the one you think I am, but he is coming after me. I’m not worthy to loosen his sandals.’

26 “Brothers, children of Abraham’s family, and you Gentile God-worshippers, the message about this salvation has been sent to us. 27 The people in Jerusalem and their leaders didn’t recognize Jesus. By condemning him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 Even though they didn’t find a single legal basis for the death penalty, they asked Pilate to have him executed. 29 When they finished doing everything that had been written about him, they took him down from the cross[b] and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead! 31 He appeared over many days to those who had traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now his witnesses to the people.

32 “We proclaim to you the good news. What God promised to our ancestors, 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it was written in the second psalm, You are my son; today I have become your father.[c]

34 “God raised Jesus from the dead, never again to be subjected to death’s decay. Therefore, God said, I will give to you the holy and firm promises I made to David.[d] 35 In another place it is said, You will not let your holy one experience death’s decay.[e] 36 David served God’s purpose in his own generation, then he died and was buried with his ancestors. He experienced death’s decay, 37 but the one whom God has raised up didn’t experience death’s decay.

38 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, know this: Through Jesus we proclaim forgiveness of sins to you. From all those sins from which you couldn’t be put in right relationship with God through Moses’ Law, 39 through Jesus everyone who believes is put in right relationship with God. 40 Take care that the prophets’ words don’t apply to you:

41 Look, you scoffers,
    marvel and die.
I’m going to do work in your day --
    a work you won’t believe
    even if someone told you.”[f]

Reflect. In v.13 we are introduced to John (also known as Mark or John Mark). He is very young, and his mother’s house was important to the church in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12). We do not know why he deserted Paul and Barnabas. Later we will learn that Barnabas wanted to take John on another journey, but Paul found it hard to forgive. This disagreement caused Paul and Barnabas to split company. Tradition (not found in the Bible) says that John Mark later went to Alexandria and Egypt and founded a church there. In 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul writes to Timothy and describes John Mark as very useful. 
  • This is the only full-length report of a sermon by Paul, and if you compare it to Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, it is very similar. Paul shares the history of Israel with God not as a way of telling them what happened, but as a way of pointing to Jesus. 
  • As you read this sermon by Paul, what do you notice? What themes do you see? What image of God does Paul paint during this sermon? If you read this passage slowly, what questions come to mind? Try to think of 5 questions to help you reflect on this passage.
Pray. After you think of these questions, ask God to meet you in asking the questions and to fill your heart and mind with a desire to search for God’s presence. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST


Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. 
Layman family. Charlene Withrow.
0 Comments

MONDAY - JULY 27

7/27/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 13:1-12
The church at Antioch included prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (nicknamed Niger), Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen (a childhood friend of Herod the ruler), and Saul. 2 As they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul to the work I have called them to undertake.” 3 After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on these two and sent them off.

4 After the Holy Spirit sent them on their way, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 In Salamis they proclaimed God’s word in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their assistant. 6 They traveled throughout the island until they arrived at Paphos. There they found a certain man named Bar-Jesus, a Jew who was a false prophet and practiced sorcery. 7 He kept company with the governor of that province, an intelligent man named Sergius Paulus. The governor sent for Barnabas and Saul since he wanted to hear God’s word. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer[a] (for that’s what people understood his name meant) opposed them, trying to steer the governor away from the faith. 9 Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Saul, also known as Paul, glared at Bar-Jesus and10 said, “You are a deceiver and trickster! You devil! You attack anything that is right! Will you never stop twisting the straight ways of the Lord into crooked paths? 11 Listen! The Lord’s power is set against you. You will be blind for a while, unable even to see the daylight.” At once, Bar-Jesus’ eyes were darkened, and he began to grope about for someone to lead him around by the hand. 12 When the governor saw what had taken place, he came to believe, for he was astonished by the teaching about the Lord.

Reflect. This begins a new stage in the story of Acts. Paul now becomes the more central figure as he goes on three missionary journeys. This is his first journey. To view a map of this journey, visit: https://media.freebibleimages.org/stories/FB_BJ_Paul_Maps/overview-images/003-bj-paul-maps.jpg?1538663124. 
  • Prior to this point, Paul has been known by Saul. There have been many ways of understanding this change, but the most basic understanding is that, since Paul is a Roman citizen he has a Jewish name (Saul) and a Roman name (Paul). As Paul begins his mission to the Gentiles, Luke (the author) drops his Jewish name and refers to him only as Paul. 
  • The first part of this missionary journey was full of success. Paul rebuked Bar-Jesus and the Roman governor came to faith in Christ. How do you think this early success might have influenced Paul and Barnabas? Can you think of a time when you have encountered much success? How did/does this influence you in your life? Are there any downsides to this success when you encounter seasons of setbacks in life? 
  • Pray. God of Paul and Barnabas, you led these two faithful people to share your love and grace with others. Help me to be an agent of your love; mold and shape my life into a life that shares about your life changing love. Amen. 

​COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. 
Layman family. Charlene Withrow.













0 Comments

FRIDAY - JULY 24

7/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 12:20-25
20 Herod had been furious with the people of Tyre and Sidon for some time. They made a pact to approach him together, since their region depended on the king’s realm for its food supply. They persuaded Blastus, the king’s personal attendant, to join their cause, then appealed for an end to hostilities. 21 On the scheduled day Herod dressed himself in royal attire, seated himself on the throne, and gave a speech to the people. 22 Those assembled kept shouting, over and over, “This is a god’s voice, not the voice of a mere human!” 23 Immediately an angel from the Lord struck Herod down, because he didn’t give the honor to God. He was eaten by worms and died.

24 God’s word continued to grow and increase. 25 Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch from Jerusalem[a] after completing their mission, bringing with them John, who was also known as Mark.

Reflect. Tyre and Sidon were two leading cities of Phoenicia, modern Lebanon, north of Palestine. Herod could make their life difficult by not using their ports for trade in Palestine, and because they relied on Palestine for food during hard days. There is an historic record of this event beyond what we read in the Bible. A Jewish historian, Josephus, writes of how Herod met them in a public session dressed in silver cloth. The silver reflected the sun and caused people to exclaim that Herod was a god. Within days Herod is dead following severe stomach pain. 
  • This parallel between what we find in Acts and in the historic writings of another show that Luke, the author of Acts, is dealing with real events in history. This is not just something that someone made up or a story what was told. 
  • Following this, the Jesus movement continued to grow. Barnabas and Saul bring John Mark and return to Antioch for ministry. 
  • Do you ever find yourself thinking that the stories found in the Bible are just stories? What do you make of this story about Herod’s death and how it is also recorded in another historical writing? 
Pray. Lord, help me to believe even when I cannot see. Help me to listen to your spirit and share your love with others. Amen

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman.
0 Comments

THURSDAY - JULY 23

7/23/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 12:1-19
About that time King Herod began to harass some who belonged to the church. 2 He had James, John’s brother, killed with a sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter as well. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 He put Peter in prison, handing him over to four squads of soldiers, sixteen in all, who guarded him. He planned to charge him publicly after the Passover. 5 While Peter was held in prison, the church offered earnest prayer to God for him.

6 The night before Herod was going to bring Peter’s case forward, Peter was asleep between two soldiers and bound with two chains, with soldiers guarding the prison entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel from the Lord appeared and a light shone in the prison cell. After nudging Peter on his side to awaken him, the angel raised him up and said, “Quick! Get up!” The chains fell from his wrists. 8 The angel continued, “Get dressed. Put on your sandals.” Peter did as he was told. The angel said, “Put on your coat and follow me.” 9 Following the angel, Peter left the prison. However, he didn’t realize the angel had actually done all this. He thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself. After leaving the prison, they proceeded the length of one street, when abruptly the angel was gone.

11 At that, Peter came to his senses and remarked, “Now I’m certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod and from everything the Jewish people expected.” 12 Realizing this, he made his way to Mary’s house. (Mary was John’s mother; he was also known as Mark.) Many believers had gathered there and were praying. 13 When Peter knocked at the outer gate, a female servant named Rhoda went to answer. 14 She was so overcome with joy when she recognized Peter’s voice that she didn’t open the gate. Instead, she ran back in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.

15 “You’ve lost your mind!” they responded. She stuck by her story with such determination that they began to say, “It must be his guardian angel.”16 Meanwhile, Peter remained outside, knocking at the gate. They finally opened the gate and saw him there, and they were astounded.

17 He gestured with his hand to quiet them down, then recounted how the Lord led him out of prison. He said, “Tell this to James and the brothers and sisters.” Then he left for another place.

18 The next morning the soldiers were flustered about what had happened to Peter. 19 Herod called for a thorough search. When Peter didn’t turn up, Herod interrogated the guards and had them executed. Afterward, Herod left Judea in order to spend some time in Caesarea.

Reflect. We read here about King Herod, this is a different King Herod than who we encounter during Jesus’ ministry. This is Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great who was king when Jesus was born. He is the second cousin of Herod Antipas who was king during Jesus’ ministry. 
  • The Christians are experiencing persecution and harassment again. James is killed, and Peter is arrested. Peter’s imprisonment was guarded with the strictest precautions to ensure he did not escape. 
  • During this story we learn that the believers are fervently praying for Peter and during this time of prayer an angel comes to Peter and delivers him from captivity. The prayers of the faithful were answered. God’s deliverance comes even as those who were praying did not expect it to happen. 
  • Prayer connects us with God, though there is no mechanical connection between the power of prayer and God’s action or answering prayer. When have you seen God act powerfully in prayer? What answered prayers have you seen in your life?
Pray. Take time to intentionally pray today. If it is helpful, use the acrostic “PRAY” to help guide your intentional prayers: 
  • P — Pause. At the beginning of the time of prayer take a moment to pause. Focus on your breath; focus on God being present with you in this time. Maybe even say a brief breath prayer as you are breathing, such as “Come, Lord Jesus, come.”
  • R — Rejoice. Now move into worship and praise of God. You will notice in the prayer of the believers that they were facing immense obstacles, and as they began to pray they did NOT go straight to their desires and needs. The prayer in Acts begins by the believers praising God for who God is and what God has done in the past. When you pray, take time to rejoice and express thankfulness to God. At this point, you can say thank you to God for something in your life; or you can praise God for God’s character as they did in Acts. 
  • A — Ask. It is only after they rejoiced did the believers in Acts ask God for anything. Even though God knows what you need, God still wants you to ask. So take time to name your needs and desires to God. 
  • Y — Yield. In this concluding moment in prayer, you place yourself in a posture to yield to God’s Spirit.
COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman.
0 Comments

WEDNESDAY - JULY 22

7/22/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 11:27-30
27 About that time, some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.28 One of them, Agabus, stood up and, inspired by the Spirit, predicted that a severe famine would overtake the entire Roman world. (This occurred during Claudius’ rule.) 29 The disciples decided they would send support to the brothers and sisters in Judea, with everyone contributing to this ministry according to each person’s abundance. 30 They sent Barnabas and Saul to take this gift to the elders.

Reflect. In this passage we see the unity of the church and how the early church mobilized to help those in need. Through a prophet, the church in Antioch became aware of a famine in Palestine during the reign of Claudius (41-54 CE). The new believers in Antioch could have seen themselves as an individual community of Jesus followers separate from the believers in Jerusalem, but they did not. 
  • By showing their concern for the believers in Jerusalem, the church in Antioch shows that it is part of the much wider church. The church in Antioch has received leadership from Jerusalem (Barnabas and Saul), now they send gifts to support the Jerusalem community during its hardship. 
  • It is also important to note how this benevolent work is accomplished. This is not accomplished through the individual philanthropy of a few wealthy people, instead, the whole community contributed as they could and the official ministry of the church shared the gifts with the church in Jerusalem. 
  • We see early on that the church is supposed to be connected with and amongst various communities. You and your local church are connected historically, spiritually, and in mission with the movement of Jesus around the world. What does it mean to you to be connected with other Christians? What can you do to better live into this connected reality that God desires for Christians? 
Pray. Loving God, from the beginning of the church you have desired for the church and Christians to be connected. Too many times, we have failed to live into your plan and desire. Help me to be better connected with other Christians and to help my church connect more with other churches. Amen.  

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman.
0 Comments

TUESDAY - JULY 21

7/21/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 11:19-26
19 Now those who were scattered as a result of the trouble that occurred because of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. They proclaimed the word only to Jews. 20 Among them were some people from Cyprus and Cyrene. They entered Antioch and began to proclaim the good news about the Lord Jesus also to Gentiles. 21 The Lord’s power was with them, and a large number came to believe and turned to the Lord.

22 When the church in Jerusalem heard about this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw evidence of God’s grace, he was overjoyed and encouraged everyone to remain fully committed to the Lord.24 Barnabas responded in this way because he was a good man, whom the Holy Spirit had endowed with exceptional faith. A considerable number of people were added to the Lord. 25 Barnabas went to Tarsus in search of Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They were there for a whole year, meeting with the church and teaching large numbers of people. It was in Antioch where the disciples were first labeled “Christians.”

Reflect. In v.19 we learn that the message of Jesus has spread to Phoenicia (modern Lebanon), Cyprus (a large island south of modern Turkey), Antioch (a large seaport and seat of the Roman governor of Syria). Still we find that the Jesus movement is primarily a movement comprised of Jewish Jesus followers (v.19), but in Antioch this is changing. In v.20, we find that the message was being shared with the Greeks or gentiles. (Note, here, that some translations disagree on v. 20; some suggest that it is Jewish people who speak Greek, but it is probably more accurate to see these as non-Jewish, or gentile, Greek speakers). The Jesus movement is growing in Antioch among both Jewish and gentile believers. 
  • Barnabas is sent to help in Antioch, and Barnabas recruits Saul to help him. We will see Barnabas and Saul/Paul teaming up in ministry together for a while. Remember, Barnabas has a generous heart — he sold property and gave the funds to the church leaders, he vouched for Saul when he experienced conversion. Now Barnabas is going to see what is happening in Antioch. God clearly sent the right person for the right job in sending Barnabas. His generous spirit allowed him to see the new thing God was doing in Antioch among the Gentile believers. 
  • Think of a time when God sent the right person to you in your life. Who was this person and what did they do for you or your faith? Has God ever sent you as the “right person” in someone else’s life?
Pray. As you reflect on God’s timing and God’s sending, ask God to open your heart. Ask God to use you in the ways that God used people like Barnabas to really bless others.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST

Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman.
0 Comments

MONDAY - JULY 20

7/20/2020

0 Comments

 
Read. Acts 11:1-18
The apostles and the brothers and sisters throughout Judea heard that even the Gentiles had welcomed God’s word. 2 When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him. 3 They accused him, “You went into the home of the uncircumcised and ate with them!”

4 Step-by-step, Peter explained what had happened. 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying when I had a visionary experience. In my vision, I saw something like a large linen sheet being lowered from heaven by its four corners. It came all the way down to me. 6 As I stared at it, wondering what it was, I saw four-legged animals—including wild beasts—as well as reptiles and wild birds.[a] 7 I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter! Kill and eat!’ 8 I responded, ‘Absolutely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 The voice from heaven spoke a second time, ‘Never consider unclean what God has made pure.’ 10 This happened three times, then everything was pulled back into heaven. 11 At that moment three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them even though they were Gentiles. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered that man’s house. 13 He reported to us how he had seen an angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is known as Peter.14 He will tell you how you and your entire household can be saved.’15 When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as the Spirit fell on us in the beginning. 16 I remembered the Lord’s words: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, then who am I? Could I stand in God’s way?”
​

18 Once the apostles and other believers heard this, they calmed down. They praised God and concluded, “So then God has enabled Gentiles to change their hearts and lives so that they might have new life.”

Reflect. This is the same passage that we explored during worship, yesterday. If you missed worship or want to rewatch the message, you can connected on demand at decaturumc.com/sermons. 
  • Peter has experienced a new movement of God, the community in Jerusalem must still grant approval. At first Peter is criticized because he, “went into the home of the uncircumcised and ate with them.” Eating with someone in ancient Judaism was a marker for intimate fellowship, and was regulated by strict religious laws and customs. It is hard to capture the magnitude of Peter “eating with” a gentile, however, Fred Craddock & Eugene Boring suggest it is “somewhat like ‘sleeping with’ in contemporary American culture.”
  • The power of God caused Peter to transgress a powerful cultural taboo and religious understanding. Can you think of a time when God has challenged a cultural or religious understanding in your life? What did this look like? Is God challenging one of your cultural or religious understandings now? What is it? How does it make you feel? Have you sought guidance on this? 
  • Pray. Spirit of God, you offer hope and freedom to all people, yet sometimes we try to constrain your power. Challenge me when I am not in your ways. Help me to be fully devoted to living with your Spirit. 

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST
Doug. Bobby. Collier. Glenn. Adam.  Mary.  Clyde.  Linda. Betty Carolyn. Jeff. Albert. Richard. Lois. Ross. Tiny. Donald. Bill. Barbara. Andreas. Helen. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeremy. Jeff Green. Lyric. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Decatur UMC

    Grow in your faith daily with our Read. Reflect. Pray. Guide.

    Archives

    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020

    RSS Feed

Location

P.O. Box 1255 | 145 Vernon Street | Decatur | TN | 37322
423.334.4130

Worship

Sunday Worship | Weekly  @ 11am
Messy Church | 2nd Wed @ 6pm
GIVE NOW
Picture
To create hope in our community, we connect families and children with the life changing love of Jesus.