Good morning, Lord Jesus. Open the eyes of my heart and the ears of my spirit, as I begin my day seeking Your face and embracing Your presence. ...
"Jesus said to them, 'Is not this the reason you are wrong, that you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?" (Mark 12:24)
Lord, give me a deeper hunger to spend time in and know Your Word. Let me be a source of Your power. Let the Word of God be my authority and the power of God be my testimony. As it was with Your first followers, let it be also with me: "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the Word through the accompanying signs" (Mark 16:20).
Let me have no part in the powerless, life-less form of Christianity Your Word says will come in the last days when some who will claim to be Your followers will insist on "holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:1). Your Word exposes this is as a "counterfeit faith" taught by those who "oppose the truth" (2 Timothy 3:8)
But You are the Truth, and Your ways are the only Way that leads to the Life we can only have in You (John 14:6). And Your ways are grounded in Your Word and confirmed by Your power. "The Word of God is living and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12). So let Your Word and Your power come alive and thrive in me and my life. By the power of Your grace at work within me, may I be found faithful to be one of Your true followers who knows both the Scriptures and the power of God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family,I pray you seek to know both the Word of God and the power of God in your life and everywhere you go today to share the message of hope and love through Jesus Christ, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support to share the Gospel those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Speak into my spirit as I listen for Your leading, I pray--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God. ...
"When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples and said to them, 'Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately'" (Mark 11:1-3).
What could God ever need? How could the Lord have need of anything? You are all-sufficient, all-knowing, all-powerful. You are our "All in All" (1 Corinthians 15:28; Ephesians 1:23). And yet, at the same time, the Word says You were in need of a donkey for Your triumphal, yet humble, entry into Jerusalem for the holy week before Your crucifixion and resurrection.
Centuries before, by the Spirit of God, Zechariah had prophesied of this joyful day that Messiah would come riding into Jerusalem: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your King comes to you; triumphant and victorious is He, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9). But though it was prophesied and pre-ordained by God, there was yet a part to be fulfilled by man. You had need of a donkey; and You had need of the obedience of Your disciples to go and get it and bring it You, that the prophecies and promises of God would be fulfilled.
It's the same for us today. It's Your will that none should perish, but that all would turn to You in repentance and faith to believe and embrace Your mercy and love (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16). But at the same time, You extend Your invitation through us, in the part of Your plan to be fulfilled in obedience by man. "So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
In a sense, You have chosen in Your sovereignty to be in need of us--needing us to be obedient to You to go and share this good news of Your mercy and love. "For 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without answering their call to be sent? That is why the Scriptures say, 'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'" (Romans 10:13-15 NLT)
Here I am, Lord; send me (Isaiah 6:8). Anoint me and empower me to be one of Your messengers of Your good news (Matthew 28:19). I'm happy to go and fetch Your donkey. I'd be happy to be Your donkey, to carry You and the good news of Your mercy and love to all who desperately need to know You and Your love for them. You've done Your part. You obeyed the Father and suffered more than I can imagine on the cross. Now, in the power of Your grace, may I be found obedient and faithful to do mine. If not me, then who? If not now, then when? In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
My family, I pray you are anointed and empowered by the Spirit of God to go and carry Jesus and His message of mercy and love everywhere He sends you with great joy and faithful obedience, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Take me by the hand and lead me by the heart throughout the moments of my day.
" 'Let the little children come to Me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not received the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.' And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them" (Mark 10:14-16).
Today’s reflection builds upon yesterdays reflection. Yesterday, the Holy Spirit reminded my I am to love and follow simply Jesus. This morning the same Spirit reminded me I am to love Jesus with the simplicity of a child.
With the innocent faith of a trusting child in the secure, strong arms of good father, I want to receive a Father's blessing upon my life today. You are my "Everlasting Father" (Isaiah 9:6). And in my faith, I seek to be Your ever-loving child. "For in Christ Jesus (we) are all children of God through faith" (Galatians 3:26).
In Your embrace of laughter and joy let me enter into the kingdom of God. And in my faith, let the laughter and joy of the kingdom of God enter into me. "For, in fact, the kingdom of God is within (me)" (Luke 17:21). "The kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).
In my Father's blessing, I find my righteousness; I find my peace; and I find my joy. Let no one stop me from entering in to the fullness of my Father's blessing in You. More importantly, don’t let “ME” stop my self from completely, unashamedly and fully loving you. Remove from me any “defenses” to your Spirit I have built in me out of dignity, self-conscience, and conformity and free me to express my love for you like a child. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you may you enter into the fullness of your Father's blessings and love with the laughter and joy of a child. May you tear down your defenses, remove your self-conscience and I pray you undignifiedly be filled with the righteousness, laughter. peace, and joy of the kingdom of God that wants to burst forth within you, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers on my blog in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/ Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support as we relationally reac those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
It’s not to late! IF YOU HAVE NOT YET, JOIN IN!!
We started 7 weeks ago beginning the journey of reading through the New Testament in a year and we still have 45 weeks to go! This plan has only one chapter to read each weekday. There are no assigned readings on the weekend. The plan we will use is from Bibleplan.org. Click the button below to go to the site, enter the starting date January 1, 2021, enter your email, and a time you want to receive an email reminder, then click subscribe. Every weekday then you will receive an email reminder of the chapter reading for that day.
Father, I bow before you this morning to receive strength to stand for you throughout my day.
“… Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John, and *brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.…Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone. (Mark 9:2-8)
Jesus took his disciples up on a mountain. And Moses and Elijah, two great men, leaders of the faith appeared along with Jesus. These two men represented all the freedom from bondage of their nation, all the traditions, Laws, prophecy, and founders of their religion. Yet God overshadowed both of them, so all the disciples could see was Jesus, and God said, “This Is my beloved Son, listen to Him.”
In a similar way, after Jesus rose from the dead in Jerusalem, He did not tell His disciples to meet Him in their church building, The Temple, he told them to go and meet Him in Galilee. “But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him.” (Matthew 28:16)
Galilee is a three day walk from Jerusalem! Yet again, God led them up a mountain where all they could see and all their focus was on Jesus. Jesus led them away from the Temple with its gold chalices and altars, familiar traditions, religious practices, rituals festival days, and practicing their faith “the way it always has been done” and declared “church” is now simply about me, following and imitating me.
Jesus,, last week you revealed this similar meditation to me. You are repeating it to me because you know that I tend to read and hear this message, agreeing with it, and then walk out my door living out the my faith in the same traditional and religious ways I am comfortable with. Help me today make a radical break from any form of religion I rely on and simply rely on you. Remind me that I am not called to imitate a religion, but a person, Jesus the Christ.
My family, I pray today through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, in the reading of the Gospels and prayer, your eyes will be fixed only on Jesus, and you will hear God’s voice speaking directly to you heart saying, “This is my Son, listen to Him!”
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Come into my heart and every moment of my day.
"(Jesus) said to them, 'Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship Me, teaching human percepts as doctrines.' You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition'" (Mark 7:6-8).
Not only with my lips, but with my heart also; not only with my morning prayers, but with my choices throughout the moments of my day also -- I worship You in spirit and in truth. May I be faithful and true from the inside out, rather than the outside alone.
Uproot and remove I me all that is merely ritual, tradition and religion. Give me a passionate desire and uncompromising hunger for an authentic and real relationship with You. May my actions and my heart be genuine expressions of my true faith in my one, true God. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family,may your actions and your heart be a genuine expression of your true faith in our one, true God throughout your day, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
Good morning Jesus, I surrender all to you as I begin this day.
Today is Ash Wednesday. The first Day of Lent. Lent is my favorite season of the church. It is a time of 40 days before Easter we, the church, set aside for self-reflection, prayer, fasting as Jesus did for 40 days in the wilderness after he was baptized before he began his ministry, and as the Israelite spent 40 years in the desert before entering the promise land. I would like us all to spend these forty days praying over our churches, and each of our roles and calling in our church and in Christ.
Jesus, at the beginning of the Lord's Supper states, "And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." (Luk 22:15) Jesus in complete love earnestly desired to be with and reach out into the lives of those around him. And he earnestly desires to be with you. A good question for each of us to honestly discern this Lent is, "What do I earnestly desire?" Because what you desire will control the one thing that controls everything else in your life, your heart.
In Lent, People traditionally give up or take on something. The giving up of something, or taking on of something, is to aid us in daily focusing in on Christ, his life, his sacrifice, his death and his resurrection at Easter, and how we are to live into the salvation these events provided for us. Please post what you are going to give up and/or take on during Lent so we can pray each other.
What is Lent? At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. There he fasted and prayed for 40 days over upcoming ministry his plan and purpose for taking on flesh. During his time there he was tempted by Satan and found clarity and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin his ministry.
As we are in a time of reflecting on the Holy Spirit, this passage reminds us that Jesus was completely connected to, led by and driven by the Holy Spirit. And as He exampled, Lent is a time we set aside for 40 days to reconnect to and let our life be driven by the the same Holy Spirit. We can use Lent to set aside time with God to sort through the major changes happening in our life. Maybe we need to get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in order to see God (and ourselves) more clearly. Perhaps we want some intentional time with God as we searched for direction and answers. Like Jesus, we need to take some serious time to pray and listen for God. Or maybe because of Covid, social distancing, and other changes caused by the virus in your life your connection with Jesus and your church has weakened., Maybe your devotion time reading the Bible and in prayer and acts of mercy in service to others has slipped.
During Lent, as we intentionally try to be reconnected and filled with the Holy Spirit, to do this we must empty ourselves and die to our fleshly desires. Christians use three things as aides to help them die to themselves, and focus, listen, reconnect and pray to God.: Fasting, Service/taking on things, and Prayer
FASTING: Going without food is the traditional form of fasting and what Jesus did. With holding what your body needs to receive what your spirit needs and using meal times as time of prayers. But that's not the only way to fast. You can fast by cutting out some of the things in your life that are physical cravings on idols and distract you from God. Some Christians use the whole 40 days to fast from candy, tv, soft drinks, cigarettes or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. You might skip one meal a day and use that time to pray instead. Or you can give up some activity that controls your time like TV, social media, gaming and other such things to spend that time outside enjoying God’s creation and in prayer. What do you need to let go of or “fast” from in order to focus on God? What clutters your calendar and life? How can you simplify your life in terms of what you eat, wear or do? Read Isaiah chapter 58
SERVICE: Besides giving up, Christians at the same time take something on for Christ. You can commit to take on more times set aside to read your Bible. You can collect food for the needy, volunteer once a week to tutor children, serve in an out reach ministry or food pantry in you community. Instead of time spent on TV, gaming and social media You can commit to prayer walking your neighborhoods, going to the ER of your hospital and sit and pray with people, helping a different stranger, co-worker or friend every day of Lent. Call a person each day to listen and pray with them. Serving others is one way we serve God. Read Isaiah chapter 58.
PRAYER: Christians also use Lent as a time of intentional prayer. You can set aside times to pray daily, prayer walk, use the Prayer Wheel daily, create music, art, poetry as a prayer to God, or savor a time of quiet listening. Attend The Well Night of Worship or other places of prayer. All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God.
We are holding our Ash Wednesday service this evening at 6:30pm at Toney United Methodist located at 5465 Old Railroad Bed Road, Toney, Al and are welcomed to attend. I hope you will attend the gathering at your church or if your church does not hold one, look up and find one in your community. We will also live stream the Ash Wednesday service on the Toney United Methodist Church Group and my personal Gary Liederbach FB pages.
Post your thoughts and reflections and what you are giving up or taking on so we can pray over them.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I would appreciate your prayer and any financial support for myself as we reach out to our neighbors with the gospel through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You!
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Good morning Jesus, this morning I choose your words of life.
“When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around Him; and so He stayed by the seashore. One of the synagogue officials named Jairus *came up, and on seeing Him, *fell at His feet and *implored Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death; please come and lay Your hands on her, so that she will get well and live.” And He went off with him; and a large crowd was following Him and pressing in on Him…..While He was still speaking, they *came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the Teacher anymore?” But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, *said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.”….. But putting them all out, He *took along the child’s father and mother and His own companions, and *entered the room where the child was. Taking the child by the hand, He *said to her, “Talitha kum!” (which translated means, “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl got up and began to walk, for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were completely astounded. “ (Mark 5:21-42)
In the past month I know several people who have died. Throughout the Bible, throughout the Gospels, and in our life death is the ultimate enemy. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy….” (John 10:10) And tomorrow is Ash Wednesday when we reflect on our mortality.
Death operates like an octopus, using its powerful tentacles to draw it’s pray towards its sharp beak of death and destruction. These tentacles must be seen for what they are. They are independent powers, but unified and cooperative, under the control of a single power. They cooperate with each other, often joining together to create multilayered bondages to entangle their pray as they draw them inwards towards ultimate destruction. The names of the 6 major tentacles of death are:
1. Satan and demons
2. Human structures of injustice, evil, violence, and warfare.
3. Sin itself, with its own corrupting and corrosive effects.
4. Sickness and disease of all kinds (including mental illness and addictions.)
5. Human ignorance, both in general and in relation to God’s character, God’s truth, and God’s love.
6. Nature “gone wild” in a destructive mode (storms, earthquakes, volcanoes, drought, flood…)
Death is the ultimate goal and outcome of each of these tentacles.
Yet Jesus demonstrates through the gospel stories his power to overcome and defeat all these tentacles. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10). Jesus defeats them by:
1. Exorcism vs. Satan and his demons
2. Justice vs. injustice
3. Forgiveness vs. sin
4. Healing vs. disease
5. Teaching vs. ignorance
6. Rescue vs, natures furry.
Jesus’ life and resurrection functions as the fundamental reversal of death itself, not only in the raising of Jairus’s daughter as in the passage above, but also in Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead by the power of the Father through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, you ultimate goal is life, and not simply life, but abundant, full, joyous, life in which I move and breath in the world fully alive! I want that life today! I desire that life today! I need that life today! In the face of death, The world, needs me and others in Christ to be examples of that life today! Jesus reveal to me now the tentacles of death that have attached themselves to me and are drawing me in and hindering or keeping me from the abundant life you have for me. In the name of Jesus I claim complete and total release from my body, heart, mind, and soul of all demonic control and the grip of the tentacles of death. I claim the power of Christ’s resurrection over my life. “Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power.” (1Cor. 6:14)
My family, I pray today you will claim the power of Christ’s resurrection over your life, and release from any tentacles of death you are experiencing, and live today in abundant life, completely alive! In Jesus’name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/ Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support of reach with the Gospel of gracethose on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. I want to start my day in the center of Your will and surrounded by Your presence--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God.
"Whenever the unclean spirits saw (Jesus), they fell down before Him and shouted, 'You are the Son of God!' ... He went up the mountain and called to Him those whom He wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve, whom He also named apostles, to be with Him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, and to have authority to cast out demons" (Mark 3:11-15).
Your first followers to came to You and were sent out by You. They were Your disciples, Your apostles--appointed and anointed to grow in the nature of Your character and to go in the authority of Your name. They were not "the Son of God," but they were sons of God. And so are we--the sons and daughters of God, coming to You and being sent out by You (Romans 8:16). We're led by the same Spirit (Romans 8:14). And the same Spirit and power that raised You from the dead lives in us and flows through us to proclaim Your message of forgiveness and freedom, healing and hope, by Your authority and in Your power, everywhere You send us (Romans 8:11)
Just as the Father sent You, so You send us--filling us with Your Spirit and grounding us in Your Word (John 20:21). Our names are written in heaven and on the palms of Your hands (Isaiah 49:16). And in the authority and power of Your name, even the demons must submit to us and our position in You as disciples of Christ and children of God (Luke 10:19).
Thank You for the invitation to keep coming to You in the intimacy of prayer and the communion of Your Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17). Thank You for the assurance of Your presence, that You are always with me, abiding in me as I abide in You (Matthew 28:20; John 15:4). And thank You for appointing me and anointing me to go with joy and faith, as You send me to be Your ambassador as an extension of Your Word and Your Spirit, secure in my identity and fulfilling my destiny. This is Your will and Your plan for every one of Your sons and daughters. And even all "creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God" (Romans 8:19). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you go in joy and faith everywhere Jesus sends you in His authority and power, growing in His nature and going in His name, appointed and anointed as a disciple of Christ and a child of God, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support reaching with the Gospel those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
It’s not to late! IF YOU HAVE NOT YET, JOIN IN!!
We started 5 weeks ago beginning the journey of reading through the New Testament in a year and we still have 46 weeks to go! This plan has only one chapter to read each weekday. There are no assigned readings on the weekend. The plan we are using is from Bibleplan.org. Click the button below to go to the site, enter the starting date January 1, 2021, enter your email, and a time you want to receive an email reminder, then click subscribe. Every weekday then you will receive an email reminder of the chapter reading for that day.
Jesus you are my everything, help me achieve everything you desire for me today….
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Good: It is a good thing when someone accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Better: It is a better thing when someone accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior and then leads someone else to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Greatest: It is the greatest thing when someone accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior then leads someone else to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and then spends time mentoring, discipleing that person and they lead someone to Christ.
Jesus was all about people achieving the greatest thing in their life He loved them enough that he did not want then to simply experience something good, he loved them enough to encourage and disciple them to experience something great. He loves you so much that he desires you to experience something great. And He calls us to love those we have a relationship with to enough to disciple them to experience something great. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34
One day we will all stand before Jesus. When we do he is not going to ask us about the good things: :our church attendance record, How many Emmaus, Chrysalis, Cursillo, or Kairos teams we served on, what percentage we tithed to ministry….or about other “good” things. His commission to us was not these “Good things,” but the “greatest thing” to “go and make disciples.” (v.19) When you and I stand before Jesus, he is going to ask us one Question, “I commanded you to go and make disciples. In all the years you called yourself a Christian, a follower of me, how many disciples did you make?” It was a “good thing” when you accepted me as Your Lord and were saved. However, I did that for you, that was my gift to you and was a good thing that flowed out of my love for you. How many people did you then with my love flowing out of you lead them to accept Me as their Lord and Savior, and then spend time mentoring, discipleing them until they lead someone to Salvation in Me? Remember the Parable of the talents we read earlier in Matthew 25:14-30 about the servant who was given a gift and did nothing with it? What did the master tell that servant? Go back and read it.
My family, I pray today you will not settle for the “good thing” that Jesus did for you, but seek the “greatest thing” that Jesus wants to achieve through you. In Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support as I relationally reach out to those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
As I end weekdays, I turn my eyes to the one who loving eyres are always turned towards me.
“The crowds that went ahead of him and those following kept shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” As he entered Jerusalem the whole city was thrown into an uproar, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:9-11)
Matthew chapter 21 is a convicting chapter to read . The crowds welcomed Jesus into their city, into their lives shouting, “Hosanna” which mean means “save us” or “deliver us.” Jesus did come to save them, however in the people inviting Jesus into their lives and welcoming His salvation, they did not realize what the results would be. “The whole city was thrown into an uproar” (v.9) is what Jesus’s arrival did. Jesus’s entry demanded a clear and honest assessment and revelation of their current life and worship, a calling out of their sins, and repentance and cleansing. It was the beginning of a revolution.
Jesus confronted them with the way they had perverted and materialized their Holy prayer and worship of God. “Then Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying in the temple courts, and turned over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. And he said to them, “It is written, ʻMy house will be called a house of prayer,ʼ but you are turning it into a den of robbers!” (v.12-13)
He saw what and what not was bearing fruit, and took down that which looked good, but produced nothing. “After noticing a fig tree by the road he went to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. He said to it, “Never again will there be fruit from you!” And the fig tree withered at once.” (V.19)
He revealed the wicked intentions of those “in the church” and exposed them for what they were- hypocrites. “They discussed this among themselves, saying, “If we say, ʻFrom heaven,ʼ he will say, ʻThen why did you not believe him?ʼ But if we say, ʻFrom people,ʼ we fear the crowd, for they all consider John to be a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We donʼt know.” (v.25-27)
He called out those who on Sunday mornings sing, “Mighty to Save”, cheer Jesus, and say “Amen” to the pastors benediction to go into the world and make disciples, and then do nothing. “What do you think? A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ʻSon, go and work in the vineyard today.ʼ The boy answered, ʻI will not.ʼ But later he had a change of heart and went. The father went to the other son and said the same thing. This boy answered, ʻI will, sir,ʼ but did not go. Which of the two did his fatherʼs will?” They said, “The first.” (vs.28-31)
Jesus knocked down the religious and leveled the playing field for those who will enter into heaven. “Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, tax collectors and prostitutes will go ahead of you into the kingdom of God!” (v.31)
Jesus declared the fate of those who enjoyed living in the wonderful world He created but reject His Lordship. “Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will utterly destroy those evil men! Then he will lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his portion at the harvest.” (vs. 40-41)
He states that those who do not obey Him, pick up their cross and following Him into the world and redeem the lost will not enter the kingdom..“For this reason I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (v.43)
My family, I know I will meditate on this chapter all day as Jesus words convict and asses the true nature of my heart, worship, and obedience to Him. I pray that you will do the same. In Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!!!
Please share your reflections and prayers on my blog in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support as I relational reach out to those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
t’s not to late! IF YOU HAVE NOT YET, JOIN IN!!
We started 4 weeks ago beginning the journey of reading through the New Testament in a year and we still have 48 weeks to go! This plan has only one chapter to read each weekday. There are no assigned readings on the weekend. Last week we started reading in Matthew chapters 1-5. The plan we will use is from Bibleplan.org. Click the button below to go to the site, enter the starting date January 1, 2021, enter your email, and a time you want to receive an email reminder, then click subscribe. Every weekday then you will receive an email reminder of the chapter reading for that day.
Good morning, Lord Jesus. I speak out Your name and declare Your authority over every dimension of my life this day. ...
This morning when I turned on the news the first report that came on concerned our children and the need for them to return to school, to in-class learning, friends, and remove the tolls on them physically, emotionally, and spiritually from this isolation. Then I turned off the TV, opened my Bible on my lap to today’s reading, and Jesus was all ready all over it.!
"(Jesus) called a child, whom He put among them, and said, 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in My name welcomes Me. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in Me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.... Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of My Father in heaven.... So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost" (Matthew 18:2-14).
For the "little ones," they all are always learning, always vulnerable, and always in need of our prayers and Your angels.
Thank You for these ministering spirits, guardian angels who go forth at Your command and watch over Your children -- not just when they're little, but all the days of their lives. "Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14) "Praise the Lord, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out His plans, listening for each of His commands. Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels who serve Him and do His will!" (Psalm 103:20-21)
Father, we entrust our children to You -- to Your word and Your will, Your protection and Your purposes, Your guidance and Your guardians, Your care and Your compassion, Your heart and Your hands. We entrust them to Your Holy Spirit in Your heavenly school, as they attend earthly school, secure in the Spirit. You love them more than we do and more than we ever could. And You'll watch over them sending forth Your word and Your warriors in ways we can't and never could. "The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him" and carefully watching over all those entrusted to Him (Psalm 103:13). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you take time out to pray over your "little ones," no matter how old they are. Pray the remain safe and secure in the Spirit of the Lord, with His holy word and His holy angels going forth to watch over them and protect them. Pray they will be confident in their identity and fulfilling their destiny in Christ, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
I want to encourage you to please share your reflections and prayers on today’s chapter reading in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your help. Please partner and support myself through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. I speak out Your name and listen for Your voice, for Your sheep hear Your voice and follow You (John 10:3). ...
"From that time on, Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to You.' But He turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things'" (Matthew 16:21-23).
You were determined to fulfill Your destiny. Even the anticipation of rejection, betrayal, and abuse could not dissuade You or distract You. Even the seemingly encouraging rebuke of love from an assuring friend and faithful disciple could not redirect Your steps, confuse Your thoughts, or alter Your course. You had set Your face and sights on going to Jerusalem and fulfill all righteousness with the holy sacrifice of Your holy life for all of us.
However, all along the way, You had the freedom to say "No," at anytime, but continued to say "Yes" -- "Yes" to the will and the way of God, "Yes" to Your identity and Your destiny (Luke 22:42). And all along the way, it was necessary for You to continue to set Your mind on divine things, not human things, to "set Your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2).
Peter thought he knew what best. for You. He even "took (You) aside and began to rebuke (You)" (Matt. 16:22). I look at Peter and I think, Wow, what an idiot! But how many times have I done the same --sometimes as directly, maybe a little more passively-aggressively, but with just as much insistence on the things and the ways of this world, instead of the things and the ways of God, nonetheless.
But in my arguing with You, You were resolute. So Jesus in Your grace and Spirit, give me the grace and resolve to do the same. Give me the humility to seek the will of my Father, the faith to believe God always knows best from heaven's perspective even if it doesn't look like it from earth's perspective, and the courage to simply obey. Let me like Jesus exhibit immediate Radical Costly Obedience, In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray this morning you will be empowered by the grace of God, in complete humility, faith, and courage to be determined in the destiny our Father has for your life, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
I also pray the Lord will encourage you to not simply read my reflections but actively participate in our journey through these Scriptures together by please sharing your thoughts, reflections and prayers as the Lord’s speaks to you from the daily reading in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support for One Direction Community, my family, and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
It’s not to late! IF YOU HAVE NOT YET, JOIN IN!!
We started three weeks ago beginning the journey of reading through the New Testament in a year and we still have 50 weeks to go! This plan has only one chapter to read each weekday. There are no assigned readings on the weekend. The plan we are using is from Bibleplan.org. Click the button below to go to the site, enter the starting date January 1, 2021, enter your email, and a time you want to receive an email reminder, then click subscribe. Every weekday then you will receive an email reminder of the chapter reading for that day.
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Take hold of my heart, as I take hold of Your grace to guide my steps throughout the moments of my day. ...
"Peter answered Him, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.' He said, 'Come.' So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Jesus immediately reached out His hand and caught him, saying to him, 'You of little faith, why did you doubt?' When they got in the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God!'" (Matthew 14:28-33)
At some time in your past you sensed Jesus calling you. You accepted His call and were baptized. And every day since then, He continues to call you to "Come." And every day He calls you to step out deeper in faith.
Some days I've realized and heard Your call to me more than others. Some days I've even thought I had much more of a measure of control over my life than I ever truly did. Some days there was no doubt in my mind that my life was desperately dependent upon You alone. But every day has been no less miraculous than walking on the water -- walking on the water of faith that You are real and You are good and You are worthy of all my trust, no matter how afraid or unworthy I've ever felt at any step along the way.
You've protected me in ways I never saw. You've provided for me in ways I never knew. But in every way on every day, I know Your hand has been there to catch me when I start to sink and strengthen me when I start to doubt. You remind that You are One who called me and invited me to "Come." And You are the One who speaks to my heart through the wind and the waves that You'll never call me to come to a place where You're not already there. You're with me always (Matthew 28:20).
So as I begin my day -- another day to walk on the waters of faith -- give me the grace to hear Your voice and answer Your call to "Come." In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you will hear and answer the call of Jesus to "Come" -- trusting in Him with all your heart to be with you always in every step, as you walk on the waters of faith, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support relationally reaching those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
It’s not to late! IF YOU HAVE NOT YET, JOIN IN!!
We started two weeks ago beginning the journey of reading through the New Testament in a year and we still have 50 weeks to go! This plan has only one chapter to read each weekday. There are no assigned readings on the weekend. The plan we will use is from Bibleplan.org. Click the button below to go to the site, enter the starting date January 1, 2021, enter your email, and a time you want to receive an email reminder, then click subscribe. Every weekday then you will receive an email reminder of the chapter reading for that day.
This morning I come to your Father with a heart in tune with the old hymn, “It’s me, it’s me, its me Oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer”…
“For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37)
Words matter. “The Word” was the Apostle John’s favorite term to refer to Jesus, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Words express meaning. Words explain. Words teach. Words convey what is in the heart of the speaker. Words are powerful. Words carry authority. Jesus was the “Word” of God. He was the true expression of God, completely in line with the heart of God in all his power and authority.
Words can build up, Words can tear down. Words are eternal. If I say something negative or evil about a person, my words bring that evil into existence when I speak them. That evil that never existed in this world now does. People hear it, they think it, they remember it, and that evil now exists and echoes in this world forever. If I say something positive or good about a person, my words bring that good into existence when I speak them. That good that never existed in this world now does. People hear it, they think it, they remember it, and that good now exists forever. Once I speak words out, I can never completely take them back. In this world of social media we live in now, the posting and reposting of words on the internet reminds us of that.
Words speak out of and point to the character of a persons heart. ““For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil.” (v.34-35) You may think you are a person who’s nature is good, however if you gossip, put some one down shame them, or speak harsh words against a neighbor, your words reflect the true nature of your heart.
So this morning God, through your power and presence of the Holy Spirit in me I cry out and ask, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me!” (Psalm 51:10) Align my heart completely to yours, then “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
My family, I pray this morning you will reflect on your words, what you said yesterday, what you are planning on saying today. Then more importantly, I pray you will reflect on what these words reveal about your heart, and allow the Holy Spirit to perform “heart Surgery “ on you where needed. In Jesus’ name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
As we start another week reading through the New Testament together, want you participate along by Please sharing your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support missionary reaching those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
It’s not to late! IF YOU HAVE NOT YET, JOIN IN!!
We started two weeks ago beginning the journey of reading through the New Testament in a year and we still have 50 weeks to go! This plan has only one chapter to read each weekday. There are no assigned readings on the weekend. The plan we will use is from Bibleplan.org. Click the button below to go to the site, enter the starting date January 1, 2021,, enter your email, and a time you want to receive an email reminder, then click subscribe. Every weekday then you will receive an email reminder of the chapter reading for that day.
Good morning, Lord Jesus. May my heart continue to celebrate the coming of Christ as the Light of the world. ...
"When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, 'Are You the one is to come, or are we to wait for another?' " (Matthew 11:2).
In the days of John the Baptist and all the long centuries before, the people of God longed for the coming of the Messiah, the Christ. They longed and looked for the One who was to come. Something in their hearts, deep down in their spirits, yearned to hear the voice and experience the Presence of the One who would be the Child of God and Savior of man, named "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
They believed the prophecies of God would be fulfilled in the perfect timing of God. And then, "when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children," that through the Christ, the Messiah, each of us would be "no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir of God through Christ" (Galatians 4:4-7).
And just as You came as Christ at Your first coming, You will come as Christ at Your second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). You are forever "the Alpha and Omega," the One "who is and who was and who is to come" (Revelation 1:8). And at the same time, You are the One who is always coming, again and again, into every heart that prepares You room -- our Immanuel, our God who is with us always (Isaiah 7:14, fulfilled in Matthew 1:23).
So Immanuel, our God who is with us, Jesus the Christ, the One who is "both Lord and Messiah," I open my heart to You today (Acts 2:26). I join in the adventure of today you have given me with expectant faith and excited hope to experience Your Presence as the Light of my world today. And may all the people who are walking in darkness yearn again to experience and embrace Your great Light (Matthew 4:16). "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you'll embrace the adventure of today with expectant faith and excited hope, longing and looking for Christ afresh in your heart by His Spirit today and every day. Please pray the same the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Want you please join me as we journey together by share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support as I relational reach out to those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
It’s not to late! JOIN IN!!
We started two weeks ago beginning the journey of reading through the New Testament in a year and we still have 50 weeks to go! This plan has only one chapter to read each weekday. There are no assigned readings on the weekend. The plan we will use is from Bibleplan.org. Click the button below to go to the site, enter the starting date January 1, 2021, enter your email, and a time you want to receive an email reminder, then click subscribe. Every weekday then you will receive an email reminder of the chapter reading for that day.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4
This morning I began my prayer time and I had so many deep, personal, prayer requests of friends and people which with whom I have formed relationships.
· A good friend of mine is in the hospital with Covid
· A friend battling cancer.
· A friend shared how he was molested by a catholic priest for years when he was young.
· A waitress struggling with Meth addictions.
· Financial fears and looming possible bankruptcy of another couple.
· Addictions of a father that is tearing a family apart.
And the list went on…
As I was praying this morning I was saddened by all of the prayer requests I had. But then I realized there was something sadder, not knowing anyone personally enough to deeply pray for them. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn…” (Matthew 5:4), because in order to mourn in prayer for someone, you first have to seek a relationship with them and be vulnerable enough to not only love them, but to allow them to love you.
You have to go beyond the shallow level of engaging a person in church or other places and exchanging the auto-pilot responses to each other of, “How are you” - ”I’m doing fine” and embrace the risk, compassion, access tp your life and time required to create a safe environment that allows the “Not so fine” responses to be heard.
A couple weeks ago we celebrated God’s ultimate example of “going” and embracing the risk, compassion and time required to enter into a world of “not so fine” and through becoming vulnerable he intimately bore our burdens and brought light and life into our darkness and pain. We are called to imitate Christ and follow his example. “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Take a moment and reflect on your prayer time. Are there those you are praying for you encountered through going out and embraced the risk, compassion and time required to hear their “Not so fine” prayer requests? General prayers for things like world peace and our government are good, however, who are those you mourn for in prayer because you stepped out of your comfort zone and sought and formed a relationship of intimacy? In this pandemic world we live in there are many people who are living in and experiencing “Not so fine” now. Pray today for a boldness to take the risk and go, and that God will give you the unmistakable opportunity to push past exchanges of “Doing fine” and into the “Not so fine.”
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:13-16)
I don’t want to travel this journey through the New Testament alone. I ask you to join me in this journey by please share your reflections, insights, and prayers from our daily chapter readings with us in the comment box below.
IF YOU HAVE NOT YET, JOIN IN!!
We started January 1st beginning the journey of reading through the New Testament in a year. This plan has only one chapter to read each weekday. There are no assigned readings on the weekend. The plan we will use is from Bibleplan.org. Click the button below to go to the site, enter the starting date January 1, 2021, enter your email, and a time you want to receive an email reminder, then click subscribe. Every weekday then you will receive an email reminder of the chapter reading for that day. Jump in an start today!
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/ Toney UMC
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
I could use your financial support to relational reach those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thanks You!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. On this day as I continue to celebrate Your birth, I welcome You into my heart, into every day of my year, and into every moment of my life. ...
"She shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
Son of God, Salvation of All, You've saved me from my sins. And You've saved me for a life wholly surrendered to You.
As we continue t remember and celebrate Your birth, may we surrender and embrace the life You've entrusted to every one of us who are called by Your name and seek to follow in Your ways.
You're the greatest Gift we could ever receive. May our surrendered lives now be the greatest gifts we could ever give in return to You. O come, let us adore You. O come, let us live for You. Christ, our Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, may you remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior called Jesus, for we are saved and surrendered for Him, in Jesus name. May your heart be filled with His joy and peace. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Give A Year End Gift
I could use the gift of your financial support for my family and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support my family and ministries through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, 102 Champions Green Drive, Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. All that I am and all that I have, I give to You in trusting surrender--as best as I can and all by Your grace. ...
"The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, 'Look, here is the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, He said to them, 'What are you looking for?' They said to Him, 'Rabbi' (which translated means Teacher), 'where are you staying?' He said to them 'Come and see.' They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day" (John 1:35-39)
Lord Jesus, I want to know where You're staying, so I can come be with You. I want to know where You're going, so I can come be with You. Where You are is where I want to be. You're the One I'm looking for.
So I accept Your invitation to 'Come and see,' so I can "Come and be"--come and be with You. To me, that's one of Your greatest promises in all of Scripture: "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Holy Spirit, take away my wordly blinders, interrupt my schedule, and open up my eyes and my heart to see Jesus in the people around me today. Guide and lead me to the places and encounters where I will walk away from them blown away by the “God thing” that just happened. Remind me that Christmas was a “Come and see” day. Wise men, shepherds and others all had to leave their place of comfort to see Jesus. And Jesus left the comfort and safety of heaven, took on a human body, the same as yours and mine, and went into a world that was dangerous, so he could be with and encounter the gift of humanity, people like you and me.
My family, I pray the Holy Spirit will take away your wordly blinders, interrupt your holiday schedule, and open up your eyes and heart to “Come and see” Jesus in the people around you today. I pray that you come and be with Him and allow Him to come and be with you in all you are and all you do, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Give A Gift This Christmas
I could use you’re the gift of your financial support for my family and those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please partner and support my family and ministries through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, 102 Champions Green Drive, Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Fill my heart with Your Spirit and guide my steps into Your will -Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God.
"In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Fruit of your womb.... For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy!" (Luke 1:39-44)
Deep calls to deep, as Spirit calls to spirit (Psalm 42:7). Elizabeth's spirit leaped with joy with Mary's spirit. And John, the child within in Elizabeth's womb, leaped with joy with Jesus, the Child within Mary's womb. When Elizabeth and her baby encountered Mary and her Baby, Elizabeth was "filled with the Holy Spirit" until joy overflowed! (Luke 1:41) "In Your Presence there is fullness of joy!" (Psalm 16:11)
Lord Jesus, we can encounter You every day. We can be filled with Your Spirit until joy overflows every day (Ephesians 5:18). We can welcome Your kingdom that has no end right here in the kingdom of our world, in the kingdom of our hearts every day to experience the same joy that Elizabeth and Mary experienced that day. "For, in fact, the kingdom of God is within (us)" (Luke 17:21). "For the kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).
The deep in me cries out for the deep in you. My very spirit that is at the core and essence of who I am desperately desires to encounter the very Spirit of God in a real way! So come, Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh with Your Presence and Your joy today. Let everything within me leap for joy! "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" (Psalm 103:1) And as we near the end this season we have set aside called Advent of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, help me set aside time to prepare my heart for the coming of Your Spirit every day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you intentionally set aside time to encounter the living Presence of the risen Christ today, and are filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, leaping for joy, as your spirit is overwhelmed with the love of Jesus’ Spirit. In Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC