Today we are imagining what it would have been like to be Simeon, Anna or Joseph of Arimathea. Those three historical figures are remembered for eagerly anticipating what God promised to do. They are credited with being actively hopeful as they waited for the Messiah.  In Luke 2:25-38, Simeon is presented as “prayerfully expectant,” while Anna is counted among those who are “waiting expectantly.” Later in the same gospel, Luke 23:50 describes Joseph as, “He lived in alert expectation of the kingdom of God.” Looking forward to something (like a birthday, seeing a loved one, opening a gift, playing with friends, etc.) makes everything better. We asked God to help you live with hopeful anticipation as you actively expect God to work in and around you regardless of your circumstances. Simeon, Anna and Joseph all saw something that the experts missed. The Temple was filled with scholars that were purportedly

In Mark 2:1-12 and Luke 5:17-26, God forgave and healed a paraplegic who had been lowered into a room through a hole in the roof on a stretcher. He did this because of the faith of the paraplegic’s friends. “Impressed by their bold belief” and in a different translation ”when he saw their faith,” Jesus went into action. Often it feels like I need to do something to “earn” a blessing. This story shows us that we don’t earn anything and that God loves giving gifts, even on behalf of four friends. We love asking God to bless you. Let us know what to lay on the stretcher before the Lord. Update us here: This passage is so rich that I’d encourage you to read it via the links above or look it up on your own. I love: We love having you as our friends and we love getting

We all follow someone or something. Many of us follow our own ambitions or fears as we elevate reputation and performance to create a “good life.” It’s easy to follow the God of comfort – upgrades on long flights, fancy cars, bougie coffee or career advancement. Some even overdo how they follow politics or their favorite sports team! In today’s prayers we thanked God for offering us a different leader. We can follow God by following Jesus. He doesn’t promise a painfree life, but He does promise that you’ll experience the real life that you were created to live.  Matthew 16:24-26 Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is

Today we were in what is often called the book of wisdom, Proverbs. Specifically, chapter 10:15-22. We prayed that you walk in wisdom and pursue a righteous life. We asked for your business to be rich in joy, peace, family love and co-workers’ cooperation. We implored that the messages you send out nourish many inside and outside your company. We prayed for you to receive incredible blessings as you focus on heaven first. We pray for encouragement as you give of your time and resources. Then we prayed for your workplace to be a slice of heaven overflowing with blessings. We asked God to protect you, your co-workers, your customers and your families. We prayed for an abundance of truth, honesty and vulnerability as you work.

Our stomachs direct us with hunger and our passions drive us with other desires. Sometimes our short-term needs seem so important that we trade in long-term objectives without fully considering the consequences. There is a story in Genesis about Esau trading his rights as the firstborn son to his younger brother Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew. We prayed for you to make better decisions than Esau. In Genesis 25:29-34 [ ]“On oath Esau traded away his rights as the firstborn. Jacob gave him bread and the stew of lentils.” [ ] We live in an instant world. When was the last time you had to go to the video store to get a movie? Stepped outside to harvest some veggies from the garden? Waited to ask a question rather than Googling it? I can’t count how many times each day I impulsively make a decision because I’m convinced

Paul Harvey built a legendary radio career by telling “The Rest of the Story” where he shared forgotten or little-known true stories. With so many profound truths available in the Holy Scriptures, the rest of the story that God shares often gets lost or forgotten. In Chapter 4, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that resting in God’s love and provision is the story. God’s overwhelming purpose in scripture is to draw us near to Him in a wholly trusting relationship.  We focused on Hebrews 4:16 So let’s walk right up to him (God) and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Accepting grace and mercy while asking for help may be the ultimate way of showing trust.  Resting and talking with God, Dayn and the prayer team P.S. As this is Easter week, I love spending time reading The Resurrection Story, where