March 17, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Esther 4:14    And who knows but that you have come to this position for such a time as this?

The man who came to be known as St. Patrick, was the son of a high Roman officer stationed in Britain.  He knew the life of privilege and wealth.  As a teenager, however, he was captured and sold into slavery to a Chieftain and Druid high priest in Ireland.  For six years, Patrick tended his master’s sheep, but he also used that time to learn to speak the Celtic language perfectly and to understand the details of Druidism (the pagan religion of the Irish people).  In this seemingly terrible situation, God was preparing Patrick for a great mission.

At age 22, Patrick escaped and returned to Britain where he began to study at a monastery so he could learn more about the God that had been with him during so many lonely nights, so far from home.  It was then that he knew God wanted him to take the Good News of Christ to Ireland, to the very people who had enslaved him.  And so he went…the rest is history.

In the worst of times, the loneliest moments, Patrick listened and learned so that, when the tide turned, he was ready to fulfill God’s plan for his life.  When our days are hard or lonely – recognize it as a time to listen and learn.  God has a mission for you too.

- Sue Breland

Prayer starter:

Dear Heavenly Father,
help me listen and learn even in times of despair.
I don’t want to miss a thing.

 St. Patrick’s Prayer

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun, Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.

I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me,
God’s hosts to save me.
Afar and anear,alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of Creation.

- Source: Traditional

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March 17, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    Psalm 126:2

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”

Read Psalms 126-128

A Dose of Discernment

Many people will search the bible in hopes of quick answers. Though growing in the knowledge of God is an awesome experience during these times, discernment must also be in place. There’s a story of a man who was searching the bible verses for direct answers. He came across Genesis 4:8. He read, ”And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.” Shocked, he quickly flipped over to Luke 10:37 and read, “Go and do likewise.”

Truly, a happy heart seeking God, His way for you and your willingness reaps plenty of rewards. Psalm 37:4 has a grand promise: “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Here are two verses that you can safely flip pages: Psalm 46:10 to Matthew 28:20

Prayer Starter

Dear God of Discernment –
Help me know the difference between my will and Your will for me.

- Ann Reilley

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