Be Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1:9  (NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; 

do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 91

Psalm 91  “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” … “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

Easter Egg Hunt Cancelled

EVENT CANCELLED!!

National Day of Prayer – March 15, 2020

As your President, I ask you to pray for the health and well-being of your fellow Americans and to remember that no problem is too big for God to handle.  We should all take to heart the holy words found in 1 Peter 5:7:  “Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.”  Let us pray that all those affected by the virus will feel the presence of our Lord’s protection and love during this time.  With God’s help, we will overcome this threat.

On Friday, I declared a national emergency and took other bold actions to help deploy the full power of the Federal Government to assist with efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.  I now encourage all Americans to pray for those on the front lines of the response, especially our Nation’s outstanding medical professionals and public health officials who are working tirelessly to protect all of us from the coronavirus and treat patients who are infected; all of our courageous first responders, National Guard, and dedicated individuals who are working to ensure the health and safety of our communities; and our Federal, State, and local leaders.  We are confident that He will provide them with the wisdom they need to make difficult decisions and take decisive actions to protect Americans all across the country.  As we come to our Father in prayer, we remember the words found in Psalm 91:  “He is my refuge and my fortress:  my God; in him will I trust.”

As we unite in prayer, we are reminded that there is no burden too heavy for God to lift or for this country to bear with His help.  Luke 1:37 promises that “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” and those words are just as true today as they have ever been.  As one Nation under God, we are greater than the hardships we face, and through prayer and acts of compassion and love, we will rise to this challenge and emerge stronger and more united than ever before.  May God bless each of you, and may God bless the United States of America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 15, 2020, as a National Day of Prayer for All Americans Affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic and for our National Response Efforts.  I urge Americans of all faiths and religious traditions and backgrounds to offer prayers for all those affected, including people who have suffered harm or lost loved ones.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Prayer Meeting

Prayer Time at New Song

Thursdays 5:30 – 6 pm

2 Chronicles; 7:14

No photo description available.

Radiant

Radiant

As I spend my afternoons and evenings shuttling my children between various activities, obligations, and appointments, I observe bumper stickers and different license plates. The other day, I pulled up behind a Massachusetts plate—one I often don’t see here in western Pennsylvania. I took note of its tagline: “The Spirit of America.”

I understand how Massachusetts can claim this phrase. Its rich history touts the pilgrims and Paul Revere’s ride during the American Revolution; it’s also where the typewriter, the game of basketball, and chocolate chip cookies were invented. (Thank you to my son’s fourth-grade state research project last spring for the added trivia.)

But all of this brought me into a deeper thought process. For those of us who claim to be Christians, can we truthfully wear “The Spirit of Christ” tag? It’s a humbling challenge. In Galatians 5:22–23, Paul gives us nine characteristics that flow out of a believer living in accord with the Holy Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Quite frankly, I don’t always exhibit these qualities because I’m a sinner. Yet, it is possible because the Holy Spirit’s indwelling produces these virtues in a Christian’s life. And when I feel guilty in instances where one (or more) of those attributes is clearly lacking in my life, I’m reminded of Psalm 34:4–5: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”

Have you met a radiant person? I have. Several, actually. They attend my church. They are in my family. They serve those less fortunate, giving of their time and resources when our culture screams greed and selfishness.

When the Holy Spirit produces fruit in us, we radiate. When we seek the Lord, we are radiant—this radiance is the Spirit of Christ. And it is meant to be seen by others.

I once heard someone say there are two things you cannot do in heaven. The first is you cannot sin. (Hallelujah!) The second is evangelize. The life we live here on earth is an opportunity to impact others.  So, first, turn to Christ and find all that you need to shine for Him, then turn toward others and allow His essence to radiate through you.

Be sure your actions also represent the Spirit of Christ. In doing so, the world may find the freedom and love He graciously offers to all who abide in Him.

Bethany Doyle

Bethany Doyle

After several years working in marketing communications within the sports industry and Christian higher education, Bethany is now a stay-at-home mom who manages the various day-in, day-out activities of her four young children. She and her husband, Stephen, are members of Washington (Pennsylvania) Alliance Church, where she serves in women’s, children’s, and small-group ministries. On any given night of the week, she can be seen driving her cool red minivan on the highways and side streets of her hometown.

Your Purpose

God has a divine design and unique purpose for your life,

and you’re the only one gifted to fulfill it!

Happy New Year

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Advent – Week 4

Advent Week 4 Reading, Music, and Candle Lighting

Today as we light the fourth and final candle on our Advent wreath we can see that the light comes very close to overcoming all darkness. … As a reminder of the order of our candles, the first represents peace, the second hope and the third joy. This fourth candle represents loveLove is a gift; a gift from God.