Joy in My Heart

These things I have spoken to you, that My Joy may remain in you, and that your Joy may be full. John 15:11.

While waiting in the gate area of Singapore’s Changi Airport to board my flight, I noticed a young family; mom, dad, and son. The area was crowded, and they were looking for a place to sit. Suddenly, the little boy began loudly singing “Joy to the World.” He was about 6 years old, so I was pretty impressed that he knew all the words.
What captured my attention even more was the look on the boy’s face, his beaming smile matched the words he was singing as he proclaimed to everyone at the gate the joy of the Christ who has come.
This joy is not limited to exuberant children nor should it be confined to the Christmas season.

Fruit of the Spirit, Joy
Fruit of the Spirit, Joy

The overflowing joy of knowing Christ’s presence in our lives was one of the themes of Jesus’ final teaching with His disciples the night before He died on the cross. He told them of His extravagant love for them, that He loved them as the Father loved Him. John 15:9. After sharing what this eternal relationship looks like, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11. – Bill Crowder. Daily Bread.

Let Joy Begin! – Damon Gerber.

What a promise! Through Jesus Christ our hearts can be filled with Joy, Real Joy!

Lord, You have chosen me and redeemed me, crowned me with love and compassion. I can do nothing less than overflow with Joy at Your great love for me, for those I love, and for the world.
In every season of life we can know Joy in Christ. Amen.

Peace and Joy! Pastors Michael and Cathy.

War Room Observation

There are enormous numbers of people finding inspiration and motivation to pray after watching the movie, “War Room.”

War Room
War Room

Miss Clara and other role models in the movie impress the viewer with their style and conviction in prayer. In “A Simple Way to Pray,” Martin Luther instructs us to pray formal prayers, … The Lords Prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Apostles Creed.

Notable Quotations from the movie:

Marriage Is Based On A Person, Jesus Christ – Elizabeth states in her conversation with Tony, “I am His before I am yours. And because I love Jesus I am staying right here.”

Those Who Have Been Given Grace Should Willingly Extend Grace – The world desperately needs grace, grace from each other but ultimately the grace which can only be received from Jesus Christ. One of my favorite scenes is when Tony serves a former boss (who was very mean to him) by changing his flat tire.

The World Is Dying For More Godly Husbands And Fathers – “I would rather have a man chasing Jesus than a house full of stuff.” – Elizabeth

Husbands Either Serve Their Wives Or Serve Themselves – You cannot do both.

“Raise ’em up Lord! Raise ’em up!” – Miss Clara’s declarative plea to raise up more prayer warriors.

– Brian Dodd. War Room review. Brian Dodd On Leadership.

Inspired or Motivated to Pray or Not?

Please reply with your thoughts to Pastor Michael. Peace & Joy!

Spirit.Peace@outlook.com

Baby Steps

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer. – Psalm 18:33.

Baby Steps
Baby Steps

My baby is learning to walk. I have to hold her, and she clings to my fingers because she is still unsteady on her feet. She is afraid of slipping, but I am there to steady her and watch over her. As she walks with my help, her eyes sparkle with gratitude, happiness, and security. But sometimes she cries when I do not let her take dangerous paths, not realizing that I am protecting her.

Like my baby girl, we often need someone to watch over us, to guide and steady us in our spiritual walk. And we have that someone, God our Father, who helps His children learn to walk, guides our steps, holds our hand, and keeps us on the right path.

Baby Steps
Baby Steps

God keeps our feet steady and catches us when we slip.

King David knew all about the need for God’s watchful care in his life. In Psalm 18 he describes how God gives us strength and guidance when we are lost or confused. Ps. 18:32. He keeps our feet steady, like the feet of the deer that can climb high places without slipping. Ps. 18:33. And if we do slip, His hand is there for us. Ps. 18:35.

Whether we are new believers just learning to walk in the faith or we are further along in our walk with God, all of us need His guiding, steadying hand. – Keila Ochoa. Daily Bread.

Dear Father, hold my hand and lead me in the paths of right living.

God watches over me every step of the way.  Amen.

Challenging Words Reflection

Challenging Words Reflection
for the Community
Everyone is Welcome!

Evil Things that Come from Within. Mark 7:23.

Protective Intention
Protective Intention

Christ in Me Arise
– written and performed by Trevor Thomson

Christ in me arise and dispel all the darkness. Christ in me arise with your power and your strength. Christ in me pour out your blessing and healing. Christ in me arise and I shall rise with you.

Prayer: God, Wisdom of the universe,
you bear the pain of your people.
Grant us the gift of wisdom,
that we may discern your way
and live justly and graciously
amid the struggles of this world. Amen.
Trust in the Lord. Give our most pressing concerns to Jesus. Be open to what the Lord is doing in our lives.

Be Thou My Vision
Ancient Irish ca 700
Translator Mary Byrne Versifier Eleanor Hull

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me, save that thou art –
thou my best thought, by day or by night;
waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Prayer:
Lord God, friend of those in need,
your Son Jesus has untied our burdens
and healed our spirits.
We lift up the prayers of our hearts for those still burdened,
those seeking healing,
those in need within the church and the world. Amen.
Never Shaken Psalm 15 Song
Hoss Hughes

Prayer:
Blessed are you, O Lord and Lover of Mankind,
source of beauty and depth of passion.
Strengthen and inspire us to do the word we hear
and live the faith we confess. Amen.
One Bread One Body
John B. Foley
– performed by John Michael Talbot

One bread, one body,
one Lord of all,
one cup of blessing which we bless.
And we, though many,
throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

Prayer:
O Father of lights,
from whose word of truth
we have been born as firstfruits of your creatures:
make us quick to listen and slow to speak,
that the word implanted in us
may take root to nourish all our living,
and that we may be blessed in our doing and fruitful in action. Amen.
Sanctuary
Randy Scruggs

Lead Me on Lord from temptation,
Purify me from within.
Fill my heart with Your holy spirit,
Take away All my sin.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.

Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!
Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!
Contact Us with Special Requests!

Community Star Party Findings

Very Clear Night!
Some of Tonight’s Noteworthy Finds …

Planets: Moon, Saturn
Galaxies: Andromeda
Clusters: NGC 6231
Messier Objects: Butterfly, Messier 13, Wild Duck
Stars: Alberio Twin, Antares, Arcturus
Pulsating Stars: ENIF
Nebula: Dumbbell, Eagle, Lagoon, Ring, Swan, Trifid
Constellations: Cygnus

We initially planned for stargazing to fit within one hour or so but the clear starry night was so exhilarating that we closed near midnight.

it was a bit chilly at 45 F for an August night. This was a great excuse for hot chocolate and s’mores!

We decided that we would hold over and continue the event next week as long as the night sky is clear, people are interested and we still have our telescope available!

Pastors Michael and Cathy Hanus

Sponsored by: Spirit of Peace and AcademyScience.us

Star Party Gathering Community Activity

Spirit’s Star Party Gathering Community Activity!   Sunday August 23 at Dusk!

Come for fellowship, see Saturn and other planets, stars and constellations!

Join us sharing Star Party experiences as autumn approaches!

Dusk 9:00 Sunday night!   (weather permitting).

921 S Mayne Valley, NE

FREE Light snack available

Expect viewing and fellowship to last until 10:00 or so.

Sponsored By: Spirit of Peace

In Cooperation with:

United Faith Church Community and

AcademyScience.us

Questions? Contact Pastors Michael or Cathy:

spirit.peace@outlook.com

blog.peacelcmc.org

Albireo the Twin Star
Albireo the Twin Star

He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.  Ps.147:4-5.

FAQs

Doing FB?   spiritpeacechurch 

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please Contact Pastors Michael Hanus or Cathy Hanus
spirit.peace@outlook.com

 

Difficult Words Reflection

Difficult Words Reflection  for the Community

Everyone is Welcome!

We have Come to Believe and Know that You are the Holy One of God. John 6:69.
The Church’s One Foundation introduction:
Samuel John Stone, a clergyman of the Church of England, was the author of many original hymns and translations, which were collected and published. His hymns are hopeful in spirit and skillfully constructed. He published several poetic volumes.

The “Church’s One Foundation” was written as a direct response to some teaching considered unorthodox at the time.

The Church’s One Foundation
Author: S. J. Stone (1866)

– performed by Samuel Stone and Brian Moss, Indelible Grace.

The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord; she is his new creation by water and the Word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride; with his own blood he bought her, and for her life he died.

Prayer: Holy Wisdom, you granted Solomon’s request for an understanding mind and the knowledge to discern good from evil. Fill us with such understanding and knowledge that we may act as instruments of your loving desire for creation, working with you to transform our conceit into concern for others, our fear into love, our violence into peace, and our brokenness into wholeness. Amen.

Trust in the Lord. Give our most pressing concerns to Jesus. Be open to what the Lord is doing in our lives.

Be Thou My Vision
Ancient Irish ca 700

Translator Mary Byrne – Versifier Eleanor Hull

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art – thou my best thought, by day or by night; waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.

Prayer: Redeeming Sustainer, visit your people and pour out your strength and courage upon us, that we may hurry to make you welcome, not only in our concern for others, but by serving them generously and faithfully in your name. Amen.

O LORD of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you. Ps. 84:12.

How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place, O Lord. Ps. 84. song.

Prayer: Source of life, you feed us with the spiritual milk of your love and deliver us from darkness to light. Encompass us in the circle of your protection, that, secure in your sustaining power, we may find the wisdom and strength to challenge the evils of our time. Amen.

In Christ Alone – Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song; This cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My comforter, my all in all; Here in the love of Christ I stand.

We are all stewards spreading the Word of Jesus’ blessings for His people.

Picnic Fellowship Activities for the Entire Family!

Of course lively discussion and activities will be available!

Perhaps you may prefer to sit and visit!

Contact Us with Special Requests!

Star Party Activity

Spirit’s Star Party Gathering Community Activity!   Friday August 21 at Dusk!

Come for fellowship, see Saturn and other planets, stars and constellations!

Join us sharing Star Party experiences as autumn approaches!

Dusk 9:00 tonight!    921 S Mayne Valley, NE

FREE Light snack available

Expect viewing and fellowship to last until 10:00 or so.

Sponsored By: Spirit of Peace

In Cooperation with:

United Faith Church Community and

AcademyScience.us

Preceded By: Friday Evening Summer Fun in the Park

Questions? Contact Pastors Michael or Cathy:

spirit.peace@outlook.com

blog.peacelcmc.org

Albireo the Twin Star
Albireo the Twin Star

He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.  Ps.147:4-5.

FAQs

Doing FB?   spiritpeacechurch

EventBrite?  Spirit’s Star Party

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please Contact Pastors Michael Hanus or Cathy Hanus
spirit.peace@outlook.com

 

 

Friday Evening Summer Fun in the Park

Thank You for Your Suggestions and Participation!

This Way to the FUN!
This Way to the FUN!

Family Activities, Food, Fun!

– List is Growing! – Mix in Your Suggestions!

most Friday evenings – about 6:00 pm until done.

Valley City Park Large Pavilion, 400 West Vass Street

Tonight followed by Spirit’s Star Party

– sponsored by Spirit of Peace

Pastors Michael & Cathy Hanus – Visit with Pastor!

Connect with Your Spirit!

Spirit.Peace@outlook.com

blog.peacelcmc.org

Doing FB?  spiritpeacechurch

EventBrite?  Spirit’s Friday Evening in the Park

Check the blog! Contact Pastor!

Difficult Words of Jesus Reflection

Difficult Words of Jesus Reflection From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. John 6:66.

A company advertised a “huggable, washable, and talking” Jesus doll that recites “actual Scripture verses to introduce children of all ages to the wisdom of the Bible.” Its sayings include, “I have an exciting plan for your life,” and “Your life matters so much to Me.” Who wouldn’t want to follow a Jesus like this?

Jesus does offer a wonderful plan for our lives. But He does not serve us as a cosmic genie or cuddly doll to meet our every whim. John 6 gives us a picture of a Jesus who is not so cuddly, in fact, we may sometimes find His words offensive. This may be so because we do not understand His words. Instead of fulfilling the selfish desires of His followers, Jesus disturbed their expectations. He offered Himself as spiritual bread from heaven and said, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life.” John 54.

Jesus' Difficult Words.
Jesus’ Difficult Words.

This message can be felt as offensive and difficult. The image of eating flesh and drinking blood did not give His hearers “warm fuzzies.” Many stopped following Him. John 66. Jesus did not fulfill their wishes as the conquering Messiah – King they expected. Marvin Williams – Daily Bread.

The Last Song. Elton John.

Things we never said come together; The hidden truth no longer haunting me. Tonight we touched on the things that were never spoken; That kind of understanding sets me free.

Sometimes we want a Jesus who meets our selfish needs. Yet the wonderful life He offers is found only in strict obedience to His commands. Let us ask Jesus to show us what His words mean, and for the courage to act on His truth. Amen.

“We love You, Lord Jesus,” we often may say, But are we as ready His will to obey? Let us heed what God’s Spirit would have us to do, For that is how we show Him a love that is true. DJD.

Following the way of Jesus is not always easy.