Blog Archives - Decatur United Methodist Church

MONDAY - August 31

8/31/2020

Read. Acts 19:18-22

18 Many of those who had come to believe came, confessing their past practices. 19 This included a number of people who practiced sorcery. They collected their sorcery texts and burned them publicly. The value of those materials was calculated at more than someone might make if they worked for one hundred sixty-five years.[a] 20 In this way the Lord’s word grew abundantly and strengthened powerfully.

21 Once these things had come to an end, Paul, guided by the Spirit, decided to return to Jerusalem, taking a route that would carry him through the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia. He said, “After I have been there, I must visit Rome as well.” 22 He sent two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he remained awhile in the province of Asia.

Reflect. This is the passage of Acts that we explored during the message on Sunday. It looks at the life change that the people of Ephesus experienced due to the grace of God. Those that responded to God’s grace confessed their sins and got rid of the things that were holding them back in their faith.

Take a moment to reflect on the sin and the junk in your life. What do you need to confess? What do you need to get rid of in your life to help you connect with God? Take time to reflect on your sin and ask God for forgiveness.
For the prayer today, pray the Jesus prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This is an ancient prayer of the faith that can help you connected to God.
An ancient father of the church, John Chrysostom wrote about the Jesus prayer in the fourth century: “This prayer can expose the sin that is living in us, and this prayer can eradicate it. This prayer can stir up in the heart all the power of the enemy, and this prayer can conquer it and gradually root it out. The name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as it descends into the depths of the heart, will subdue the snake which controls its ranges, and will save and quicken the soul.”

Pray. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.

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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Thompson family. The coming birth of Titus. Family of Eddie Rynes.

FRIDAY - August 28

8/28/2020

The devotions this week are designed to help you go deeper in Sunday’s sermon and reflect on what it means to have a friend of Jesus. These devotions were written by Pastor and writer Rich Wilderson Jr. More on this can be found in his book, Friend of Sinners: Why Jesus Cares More About Relationship Than Perfection.

Click the link below for the Reflect Devotion.

Read. Matthew 26:47-56
47 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came. With him was a large crowd carrying swords and clubs. They had been sent by the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 His betrayer had given them a sign: “Arrest the man I kiss.” 49 Just then he came to Jesus and said, “Hello, Rabbi.” Then he kissed him.

50 But Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

51 One of those with Jesus reached for his sword. Striking the high priest’s slave, he cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put the sword back into its place. All those who use the sword will die by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I’m not able to ask my Father and he will send to me more than twelve battle groups[a] of angels right away? 54 But if I did that, how would the scriptures be fulfilled that say this must happen?” 55 Then Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come with swords and clubs to arrest me, like a thief? Day after day, I sat in the temple teaching, but you didn’t arrest me.56 But all this has happened so that what the prophets said in the scriptures might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Jesus and ran away.

Reflect. Friend of Sinners, Day 5

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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family.

THURSDAY - August 27

8/27/2020

The devotions this week are designed to help you go deeper in Sunday’s sermon and reflect on what it means to have a friend of Jesus. These devotions were written by Pastor and writer Rich Wilderson Jr. More on this can be found in his book, Friend of Sinners: Why Jesus Cares More About Relationship Than Perfection.

Click the link below for the Reflect Devotion.

Read. John 20:11-18
11 Mary stood outside near the tomb, crying. As she cried, she bent down to look into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels dressed in white, seated where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head and one at the foot. 13 The angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
She replied, “They have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they’ve put him.” 14 As soon as she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she didn’t know it was Jesus.

15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabbouni” (which means Teacher).

17 Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold on to me, for I haven’t yet gone up to my Father. Go to my brothers and sisters and tell them, ‘I’m going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene left and announced to the disciples, “I’ve seen the Lord.” Then she told them what he said to her.

Reflect. Friend of Sinners, Day 4

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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family.

WEDNESDAY - August 26

8/26/2020

The devotions this week are designed to help you go deeper in Sunday’s sermon and reflect on what it means to have a friend of Jesus. These devotions were written by Pastor and writer Rich Wilderson Jr. More on this can be found in his book, Friend of Sinners: Why Jesus Cares More About Relationship Than Perfection.

Click the link below for the Reflect Devotion.

Read. John 3:16
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him won’t perish but will have eternal life.

Reflect. Friend of Sinners, Day 3

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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family.

TUESDAY - August 25

8/25/2020

The devotions this week are designed to help you go deeper in Sunday’s sermon and reflect on what it means to have a friend of Jesus. These devotions were written by Pastor and writer Rich Wilderson Jr. More on this can be found in his book, Friend of Sinners: Why Jesus Cares More About Relationship Than Perfection.

Please click the link below to read the Reflect devotions.

Read. Matthew 9:9-13
9 As Jesus continued on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at a kiosk for collecting taxes. He said to him, “Follow me,” and he got up and followed him. 10 As Jesus sat down to eat in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners joined Jesus and his disciples at the table.
11 But when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
12 When Jesus heard it, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. 13 Go and learn what this means: I want mercy and not sacrifice. I didn’t come to call righteous people, but sinners.”

Reflect. Friend of Sinners, Day 2

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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family.

MONDAY - August 24

8/24/2020

The devotions this week are designed to help you go deeper in Sunday’s sermon and reflect on what it means to have a friend of Jesus. These devotions were written by Pastor and writer Rich Wilderson Jr. More on this can be found in his book, Friend of Sinners: Why Jesus Cares More About Relationship Than Perfection.

Please click the link to read the Reflect devotions.

Read. Luke 7:34
Yet the Human One came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’

Reflect. Friend of Sinners, Day 1

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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family.

FRIDAY - August 21

8/21/2020

Read. Acts 19:13-17

13 There were some Jews who traveled around throwing out evil spirits. They tried to use the power of the name of the Lord Jesus against some people with evil spirits. They said, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you!” 14 The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

15 The evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus and I’m familiar with Paul, but who are you?” 16 The person who had an evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all with such force that they ran out of that house naked and wounded. 17 This became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus. Everyone was seized with fear and they held the name of the Lord Jesus in the highest regard.

Reflect. In the world of Paul, exorcists were often hired to drive out spirits and heal people. Often, Jews were hired for this work by the pagan rulers and wealthy people because it was believed that they had some kind of special power. When we read about the exorcists in v.13, this is likely what is happening. These are likely Jews who have been hired as exorcists by the religious and civic (non-Christians) leaders in Ephesus.

These hired exorcists had seen Jesus followers using the power of Jesus to expel spirits, so they decide to try. These are not people of faith; they are trying to use the power of Jesus for their own benefit. The evil spirits recognize what is going on here and overpowers this false practitioner.
Reflect on the power that is found through the Spirit in the Christian community. This power is to be used for the goodness of God and the betterment of others. There is danger in trying to use the power of the Spirit for own’s own advantage. How have you seen people try to use the Spirit of God to manipulate people? The Holy Spirit is not some impersonal force that can be used in many ways, instead the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit that is active in the life of a believer through faith.

Pray. Lord, your Spirit is power and truth. You create life and give help. Guide me to live my life as a child of your life giving spirit and to never try to use your Spirit to manipulate 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. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family.

THURSDAY - August 20

8/20/2020

Read. Acts 19:8-12

8 Paul went to the synagogue and spoke confidently for the next three months. He interacted with those present and offered convincing arguments concerning the nature of God’s kingdom.9 Some people had closed their minds, though. They refused to believe and publicly slandered the Way. As a result, Paul left them, took the disciples with him, and continued his daily interactions in Tyrannus’ lecture hall. 10 This went on for two years, so that everyone living in the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the Lord’s word.

11 God was doing unusual miracles through Paul. 12 Even the small towels and aprons that had touched his skin were taken to the sick, and their diseases were cured and the evil spirits left them.
Reflect. Paul continues to witness to people in Ephesus about Jesus; in fact, Paul continues this work for around two years.

The power of testimony is real, and the most important testimony is the testimony that you can give. Imagine that you are put in the position of Paul. Take a moment to write what you would share with others. Tell of how God has touched and changed your life; then share how God can do a similar work in them.

Pray. Give thanks for God for the testimony that you are able to give. Perhaps, ask God to reveal a moment where you can share it with someone else.

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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family.

WEDNESDAY - August 19

8/19/2020

Read. Acts 19:1-7
While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul took a route through the interior and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2 He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you came to believe?”
They replied, “We’ve not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

3 Then he said, “What baptism did you receive, then?”
They answered, “John’s baptism.”

4 Paul explained, “John baptized with a baptism by which people showed they were changing their hearts and lives. It was a baptism that told people about the one who was coming after him. This is the one in whom they were to believe. This one is Jesus.” 5 After they listened to Paul, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in other languages and prophesying. 7 Altogether, there were about twelve people.
Reflect. Paul arrives again in Ephesus, this time he will stay for a while. When he arrives, he encounters some new disciples, and he asks them about the Holy Spirit. Evidently, they do not have an understanding of the Holy Spirit, and this seems similar to what Priscilla and Aquila teach Apollos. These Christians knew about Jesus and God’s message of living differently; however, they didn’t yet receive the freedom and power that comes from the Holy Spirit.

When Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus and lays hands on them, the Holy Spirit falls on them in much of the same way that the Holy Spirit fell upon the believers in Acts 2.
In William Barclay’s Daily Bible Study we read, “the incident shows one great truth—that without the Holy Spirit there can be no such thing as complete Christianity. Even when we see the error of our ways and repent and determine to change them we can never make the change without the help which the Spirit alone can give. (p.142)”
Reflect on how the Holy Spirit has enabled you to follow the will of God more closely. In what ways are you faltering in living the path of Jesus. How do you need the Holy Spirit in your life today?

Pray. Pray the prayer to the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you will renew the face of the earth.” 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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family.

TUESDAY - August 18

8/18/2020

Read. Acts 18:18-28

18 After Paul stayed in Corinth for some time, he said good-bye to the brothers and sisters. At the Corinthian seaport of Cenchreae he had his head shaved, since he had made a solemn promise. Then, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, he sailed away to Syria.19 After they arrived in Ephesus, he left Priscilla and Aquila and entered the synagogue and interacted with the Jews. 20 They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21 As he said farewell to them, though, he added, “God willing, I will return.” Then he sailed off from Ephesus. 22 He arrived in Caesarea, went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.

23 After some time there he left and traveled from place to place in the region of Galatia and the district of Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

24 Meanwhile, a certain Jew named Apollos arrived in Ephesus. He was a native of Alexandria and was well-educated and effective in his use of the scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and spoke as one stirred up by the Spirit. He taught accurately the things about Jesus, even though he was aware only of the baptism John proclaimed and practiced. 26 He began speaking with confidence in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they received him into their circle of friends and explained to him God’s way more accurately. 27 When he wanted to travel to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples so they would open their homes to him. Once he arrived, he was of great help to those who had come to believe through grace. 28 He would vigorously defeat Jewish arguments in public debate, using the scriptures to prove that Jesus was the Christ.

Reflect. Paul and Priscilla and Aquila travel to Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila were not new to Ephesus, and had already been there doing business and sharing the love of Jesus. In v.23 Paul leaves on this third missionary journey. Priscilla and Aquila remain in Ephesus to support the church.

A new teacher, Apollos, arrives in town. When Apollos begins to preach, you notice that he comes from a different tradition than the what the people in Ephesus knew. In v.26, we learn that Priscilla and Aquila take in Apollos, and begin to teach him the message of the Holy Spirit and baptism that we find in the rest of Acts. This is not a conversion moment for Apollos; instead, this is a discipleship moment where he grows in his understanding of faith.
Who has been a Priscilla or Aquila in your faith? Who are the people who have taught you what it means to be a follower of Jesus? Have you done this with someone else? Who are the people in your life right now that could use a Priscilla or Aquila? What can you do to share God’s love with them?

Pray. Take a moment to give thanks for the people in your life who have cared for your spiritual health. If they are still living, ask God to bless them. If they are no longer living, give praise for the legacy that they have left in your faith. Ask God to help you be this to someone else.

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. John. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr. Smith family.