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CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DEVOTIONALS

VillageChurch Prayer Team 2014

Forgiveness and Cleansing

Mark 11:25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in Heaven will forgive you your sins too. TLB Colossians 3:13 Be gentle and ready to forgive, never hold grudges. Remember the Lord forgave you so you must forgive others. TLB 1 John 1:9 But if we confess our sins to Him, He can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins. TLB Unforgiveness and bitterness are two areas that will hinder our prayers, stifle our growth, and ruin our witness. We can decide and choose to repent of unforgiveness and bitterness and resentment or grudges. Forgiveness of others is not always a feeling. When we agree with God that it is wrong in our lives and repent, His Word says He is faithful and just to FORGIVE and CLEANSE us. The cleansing part is as equally important as forgiveness. Here is a comparison of cleansing to an everyday problem we may have in our lawns: We have a problem with dandelions in our lawn. If we pull them up they will return, for they have a deep tap root. We have to apply Round up weed killer for it to get to the root of the problem so it will not return. We need the application of the weed killer of God’s Holy Spirit to bitterness and unforgiveness or it will be sure to come back at some other time. One of the ways to assure that it does not come back is when we repent, accept God’s forgiveness and cleansing by asking Him to fill your life with ALL the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the place of that sin being removed. Heavenly Father, I ask Your forgiveness for unforgiveness and bitterness, resentment, and holding grudges, I thank You that I am forgiven and cleansed of those sins and I ask You to fill me with Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in the place of those sins. In Jesus Name, Amen

Submitted by Peggy Hood



Worship – Preparing Our Hearts in Humility before God

Psalms 84: 1-3. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord, my soul yearns for the courts of the

Lord, my heart and my flesh cry out and sing for joy to the living God. Yes, the sparrow has

found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young-even Your

altars, O lord of hosts, my King and my God..”

I will share an experience which a dear friend had, some years ago. Kevin had been very ill and his family feared for his life when he became nearly comatose. He continued to call on the Lord, and later stated that at that point, all he wanted was God’s presence. So he began to worship God in his spirit, with whatever little strength he had left. His family only had to wait, and go to God in prayer for their loved one’s life. I take the story as he told it in a book. “Kevin had been ill with a high fever for nearly two weeks. Despite the numerous medications he had conscientiously taken according to his physician’s instructions, he just was not getting any better, and remained homebound. On the twelfth day of his ailment, he dreamt that he was in a lush green meadow and the Lord Jesus came and asked him to make one request. He asked only for his sickness to be taken away. Kevin felt he was immediately transported to a temple with large circular pillars, and experienced such a reduction in size that he could not see around the girth of one pillar; each pillar seemed like it extended upwards as far as the eye could see to the heavens. Kevin experienced a peace and understanding that he never imagined possible, and awoke suddenly. His fever had broken! Kevin believes he was transported to the “Throne of Grace,” to the courts of our Lord Jesus in heaven. His descriptions and experience is consonant with the song of the Sons of Korah in Psalm 84. There is no doubt that there is healing, joy and peace in the courts of the Lord, and that His healing is permanent for those who believe. Kevin is a living testament to that fact.”

(Excerpt from Christ Led Rebound Principles, Ewulu K.D., 2013)

Father, I come humbly to You, through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Draw me into your loving arms,

Lord, into Your presence, where I can find rest, and peace, even in the center of a storm. Refresh

me, heal me, and strengthen me now, as I place my trust in You. Thank you for Your promise,

Lord. Amen.

Submitted by Ijea Kene-Ewulu



Developing a Hunger for Service

Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers

of the varied grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

There are multiple verses that talk about the various spiritual gifts God has given his children. In Romans 12 God talks about believers being the body of Christ and how we all must work together as one. The church body working together is what makes up the church and keeps the fellowship going so that others can come to know Christ. If you have never done an inventory on your spiritual gifts, I encourage you to read the verses below and to seek out a study on spiritual gifts. However, do we sometimes use these verses as an excuse to not do what the Lord is calling us to do because it’s not our “spiritual gift”? Are we in our comfort zone and don’t want to leave it? In Exodus 4, God is calling Moses to talk to Pharaoh about releasing the Israelites. Moses pleaded with God to send someone else because he did not feel speaking was a gift of his. Finally, in verse 14, “The Lord’s anger burned against Moses….” and the Lord agreed to send someone else. I believe this is how we are many times. As an example, when VillageChurch was on one of the mission trips to Haiti, an individual gave a testimony that there were various reasons they were resistant to going on the trip, one being the cost, two the thought of being in a third world country and not having the conveniences of life we have here, and third, not feeling that working with children was their gift. With much persuasion they went and were very blessed by their experience -and now can’t wait to go back. Chances are if you feel the calling to do something or serve in a certain area, or someone asks you to serve in a certain area, it’s because someone has been praying about this and you are the answer to this prayer. I Peter 4:10 says “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. If you have received your calling from God as to where your spiritual gifts lie or you have answered the calling to where God would have you to serve, I encourage you to “Keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you” 2 Timothy 1:6.

Verses on Spiritual Gifts: Romans 12:4-8; I Corinthians 12:7-11

Father, thank You that You have gifted EVERY one of us with spiritual gifts. Please give us the

courage to discover our gifts through service to others in Your name. Amen.”

Submitted by Lydia Thurston



Contentment in Hard Times 2 Corinthians 12:10. This is why, for Christ sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Question: Do you think it is possible to be content when your world as you know it seems to be crashing down around you? I would have never thought so, but I was surprised to learn that we can be content in the midst of our suffering. I am not talking about mere inconvenience, but severe, agonizing suffering. The issue, I learned, is that our circumstances don't determine our contentment, but our faith and trust in God does. Even in what I thought was my darkest hour, when it seemed like my world would surely crush me completely, I found peace in knowing that I was in the center of God’s will for my life- not at first, but when I humbled myself and confessed my own sins. I truly believe, if we are in the center of God’s will for our lives we can handle all the stress that the devil can throw at us. But if we are out of God’s will even winning the lottery can taste sour and bitter. Even though we cannot always see the light at the end of the tunnel, and even though our emotions are frayed, we can know contentment in hard times by the in audible voice of the Holy Spirit. We can delight in the fellowship which comes from sharing in Christ's sufferings. With a God as gracious as this, shouldn't we let him be the ruler of our lives? Father God, we thank you for your Holy Spirit. We pray Lord that when the world weighs heavy on our souls that we will just be still and listen to your Holy Spirit to lead us and guild us so we my always find contentment in you Lord. In your Son’s Holy name we pray. Amen

Submitted by Gary Collins



Leading Others Spiritually Through Personal Experiences

John 15:1-3, 5 & 8. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me

that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it

may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. I

am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth

much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much

fruit; so shall ye be my disciples”.

As ministers and aspiring leaders, we are encouraged to read the Word of God as often as

possible. In so doing, we undergo positive transformations in the spirit, our faith levels increase,

and we are able to lead by example and perform great exploits for the good of the Kingdom.

God expects us to lead and disciple others to Christian maturity; this is fruit-bearing! Lead

therefore, in word and in deed, backing up your words with selfless actions that bespeak Christ.

Use those tough personal experiences as pruning knives, knowing that they sharpen us,

strengthen us, and make us more compassionate and tolerant of others’ failures. The more the

Lord prunes us, the more fruit we bear for His kingdom, and the more His Mighty name is

glorified.

As Paul said to Timothy in 2 Tim 2:2 - “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many

witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also”.

Lord, teach me your precepts, that I might be your mirror - incorruptible, loving, teaching,

forgiving, and humble. Help me to be a shining example to others, and to help them keep the

faith through thick and thin. Thank you for choosing and empowering me, and take all the glory

for every breakthrough, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Submitted by Kene D. Ewulu



Complete in Our Relationship with Jesus Christ

The status of 'Single' encompasses never married, divorced, single parent, and widowed. Living a Christian life as a single adult is challenging. Finding connection, companionship and your niche takes time. Our Father in Heaven has ordained all aspects of your life, therefore He knows you better than any person. I was a single parent for 5 years with three small kids. What I ultimately learned was that "I am complete in Jesus Christ." When I truly affirmed that fact, my life fell into place. It was as if God was waiting on me to gain that level of Spiritual maturity. I don't know what your struggles are, but Jesus does, so focus on Him as your primary 'love' relationship, and everything else will take the proper perspective. Psalm 94:18-19 “When I said my foot is slipping, your love, Oh LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Jeremiah 31:3 "I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." I Corinthians 7:8-9 "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." Hebrews 4:15 "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." Dear Jesus - thank you for being my best friend and understanding my struggles. You guide and protect me when I walk with you. You give me peace and rest. Help me align my will with Yours and be fully satisfied with my portion. I am complete in Jesus Christ, and I will not let the enemy steal the hope I have in You. I have an overflowing cup, and I am satisfied in you. To You be the glory! Amen. Submitted by Anne Collins



Seeking Spiritual Growth in Small Groups

Acts: 2: 44-47 And all the believers met together constantly & shared everything with each other, selling their possessions & dividing with those in need. They worshipped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness praising God. The whole city was favorable to them and each day God added to them all who were being saved. Small groups provide a safe place to fellowship with other believers and learn His word together. Our VGroups encourage growth in our personal relationship as well – helping us to keep in touch with our Father, to talk to Him on a daily basis, thanking Him for His mercy and grace and asking for guidance, strength and direction to live and bring glory to His name. Father, we ask for Your instruction, to listen to Your word as we gather with fellow believers and study Your word, seek understanding of it, asking for Your will in our lives. Soften our hearts to be responsive to others and their needs that we may be a shining light to them and bring others to know your goodness. May we be still and listen for Your words. In our Lord Jesus' name. Amen.

Submitted by Jane and Daniel Fulmer



Modeling God’s Love and Training Our Children.

Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. If you are a parent, you know it is the most wonderful, yet most challenging, experience of your life. On the good days we all say we wouldn’t trade it for the world, but on the tough days, well, that can be a different story. On those days, look at your child as God looks at you. God looks at you and says, “This is just how I created you to be,” and He loves you despite your flaws. Rejoice in this and love your children with that same purity of heart. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." In doing this it is important that we model God's Biblical teachings. What better way is there than to show our children the unconditional, tender love that the Father shows to us? Abba, Father Lord, on the days that I struggle to love my child because his behavior tries my patience, please help me to remember that, just like me, he is flawed and imperfect. Remind me, O Lord, that you created all of us as wonderful beings in your eyes. I praise you Lord for loving me despite my dark spots, and I pray that You will help me to see my own child in that same light. I am so grateful You gave me this sweet child to raise up in Your ways, and I pray that he will see Your love shine through my actions. Amen Submitted by Susie Watts

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A13-16&version=ESV



“The Joy of The Lord is My Strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Whenever I am weak I recite to myself, “The Joy of the Lord is My Strength.” This promise of

God is comforting. It gives me security in an unsecure world. I meditate on what makes me

strong, what gives me strength, it is the Joy of the Lord. It means God’s joy can empower and

give me the strength to overcome any sorrow or circumstance.

Galatians 5:22, lists joy as the second fruit of the Spirit. Then in verse 25 it says, “If we live by

the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” Joy is a state of being that only comes from abiding in

Christ. The Holy Spirit is the conductor that brings Joy into our lives. The Holy Spirit administers

God’s presences in us and allows for the Joy of the Lord to be complete in us. We cannot

experience true joy apart from being a child of God. The apostle Paul tells us to, “Rejoice in the

Lord always and again I say rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

It is important as believers, young and old, to bear the fruit of joy so that we will prove to be

Christ disciples. If we abide in Christ, our joy will be full! Ask God to make your joy complete as

you dwell in Him. “Count it all Joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” James

1:2

Dear God: Today we come asking in Jesus Name, for You to bless the youth ministry at

VillageChurch with Joy! We ask a special blessing on Matthew Phillips, our youth minister and

his beautiful wife, Emily. We ask that Your Holy Spirit will fill the lives of the ministry leadership

team and revival will be part of their future! Please God, anoint their heads with oil and let Your

joy overflow! Help every young person that comes to church and every young person in our

community to hear the life changing message of the Gospel! Please let Joy be seen in our

church and leaders as proof that we are your Disciples! We ask for a hedge of protection to

surround our Christian Youth! Please, help them abide in you consistently! Provide wisdom and

knowledge for them in their decision making. To You, Oh God, Be all the Glory! Amen

Submitted by Dorcas Byrd



What Motivates Us to Give?

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing

up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of

that which is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19

What motivates us to give? It might be that we see there is a need to be met or that we

experience joy in giving. Or it may be that we feel we are expected to give, that we worry

about what others may think if we do not give, or that we want others to think favorably of us if

we do.

I have been part of two Capital Campaigns at VillageChurch as part of the Prayer Team Leaders,

and in reviewing my previous meeting notes, I found Pastor Erik’s words about giving from 2010

to be worthy of sharing: “Love is what prompts generosity. All gifts are equally important: 1

mite, 2 fishes and 5 loaves, or an expensive vial of perfume (worth one year’s salary). Mary did

not count the cost of the expensive perfume that she poured on Jesus’ feet. She didn’t

consider the criticism for being generous beyond “common sense” thinking. How can we

experience God’s provision if we never move beyond our ability?”

Additionally, at a recent meeting for the 2013 Campaign, Pastor Erik’s father, Wendell Estep,

spoke these words: “We can choose Convenience vs. Legacy; Reason vs. Revelation. Legacy

means ‘who we are and what we do determines what we leave behind’. With Revelation: God

will provide, and God will get the credit. With Reason: we provide, and we get the credit.

Revelation/Legacy giving requires sacrifice and faith. It is during those times we learn we can

trust the Lord. We have a church that is dreaming big. We can depend on God, for only God

can fulfill the needs of a big dream. We should expect these ministry expansions to have a long

life-span. If it’s God’s will, God will provide.

Father, thank You for the many blessings we can count in our lives and for VillageChurch. Every

good thing comes from You. We ask for Your leadership and guidance in our individual giving

decisions, and we trust You in faith for Your provisions. Please help us to give to the work of the

church cheerfully and not under compulsion. Bless the work of VillageChurch, each of the staff,

the volunteers, and advisors to bring many to salvation, deeper spiritual growth, and vibrant

worship of You and fellowship with You and other believers. In the name of Jesus we ask, Amen.

Submitted by Adele Little

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A18-19&version=ESV



Praying for our Church Leadership

Ephesians 3:16-17a I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power

through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

As we embark on this new adventure with Jesus to see more lives touched and changed for

eternity, let us pray for continued wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit for our leadership.

That each step they take will be following the path laid out for them by the Holy Spirit, as they

listen carefully to His voice.

Lord, we ask for your wisdom and clarity in every decision made by VillageChurch leadership.

Strengthen and renew them daily as they run the race marked out for them. That they may run

and not grow weary that they may walk and not be faint. Equip them for every good work.

Protect them from the enemy’s schemes and help them to stand boldly in and for the truth.

Help them be obedient to your Word. Show them the way out from temptation and grant them

abundant grace and mercy so that they may lead with grace and mercy. That VillageChurch

leadership would become more like Christ every day. May you meet all their needs according to

your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. In your Holy Name we pray, Amen.

Submitted by Kelly Steelman



Pouring Out Our Hearts…Lifting Up Our Children

Lamentations 2:19

Pour out your heart like water before the Lord’s presence. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives

of your children…

It is incredible when we consider the number of children who have been entrusted to our care

and teaching over the past 10 years at VillageChurch. Families seeking a safe place for their

child/children/youth to learn about the Good News of Jesus and grow in a walk with Him have

walked through our doors. God has not only blessed us with many families, but He has also

brought many of these children into a personal relationship with Him!

VillageChurch has a responsibility as a body of believers to pray for and support these children

and their families as they seek to develop a daily walk with Him. Let us join in unity and pour

out our hearts before our Lord…lifting up the lives of our children.

Father God, we praise You for Your faithfulness. Faithfulness in always providing for our

Children’s and Student Ministries. Lord, you have given us our spaces…elementary schools, our

church building, individual family homes, and now our new campus. You are the One that has

called numerous volunteers to step up and serve with our children and youth. We thank You

Lord for how we can see Your blessings poured out and we seek Your favor as we desire to see

more come into a personal relationship with You. Guide us a church family in unity and

boldness as we expand our reach into the community and transition our current spaces to meet

the needs of our children and students. Father, we lift up the lives of the children of our

church…those in our midst now and the ones to come. We ask that You would continue to

encourage parents to rear these children to seek you, bring about more volunteers with hearts

desiring to share your love with our VillageKids and Students, and most of all, that You would

protect and provide for our precious VillageChurch Children/Youth. In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

Submitted by Jeana Reidl



Praying for Strong Marriages

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

1 Corinthians 13 is probably the most quoted scripture at weddings and for good reason. These 'love' characteristics when practiced inspire and will transform any marriage.

In 2008, Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick wrote the book "The Love Dare." This hand book coupled with their Movie "Fireproof” gave many churches and small groups a tool to practically work on their Marriages. I would recommend "The Love Dare", it has 40 consecutive day challenges for a spouse to practice. The fruit of this book is the change of perspective you will obtain about yourself and your spouse.

A man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife: and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

This unity is vital! "The Love Dare" states that "if you're too tightly drawn to your parents, the singular identity of your marriage will not be able to come to flower. You will always be held back, and the root of division will continue to send up new shoots into your relationship. For without "leaving" you cannot do the "cleaving" you need to experience oneness. "Cleaving" carries the idea of catching someone by pursuit, clinging to them as your new rock of refuge and safety. This man is now the spiritual leader of your new home, tasked with the responsibility of loving you " just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her"'(Ephesians 5:25). This woman is now one in union with you, called to "see to it that she respects her husband" (Ephesians 5:33). As a result of this essential process, you are now free to become everything God meant when He declared you "one flesh." "

So a healthy marriage takes commitment, communication, respect, honesty, trust, patience, kindness and the love of God reflected in us through Jesus Christ. Along the way God uses the good and bad, our shortcomings and strengths to mature the marriage. Husbands and wives share a unique, unified relationship. This marriage relationship is so important to God that the imagery of marriage is used by God to describe God's love for the church.

Prayer: Holy Father, help me be mindful to see and overcome the areas in my marriage in which I struggle. Guide me through Your word and Holy Spirit. Impart to me the qualities of Love demonstrated by your son Jesus. Fortify me with Your strength and perseverance, so I may be a transformed husband or wife. All this I ask of my Father God through Jesus Christ. Amen and so be it. Submitted by Anne Collins



Courage and Boldness to Share the Good News

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in

him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

Romans 10:14

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary

men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

How can we share the gospel with others?

First, we can show God’s love by example by living obediently and in fellowship with Him. Others will notice His attributes in us and hopefully desire the same for themselves. We need to be in His word to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in us.

Secondly, we can pray, asking God to show us with whom He would like us to share His word and our own spiritual story/experiences. He will give us boldness and courage, just as he did with Peter and John!

Thirdly, we can invite people to VillageChurch or another Bible truth-teaching church where they will clearly hear the gospel message.

Take the first step: Create a “Top 10 List” of people to pray for - that they would come to know Jesus as a personal Savior and ask God how He would like you to either plant seeds of truth or have the joy of reaping a harvest.

Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness so that we may be clean vessels to be filled up by You and used to pour out to others. Help us to feel urgency and see it as our responsibility to share the good news with those who cross our path. Show us specific people with whom You would like us to share the good news, helping us also how to build friendships where it is natural to share about You. Please open doors for the gospel to be shared with them and remove the veil over their eyes to see You clearly. We rely on You to give us courage and boldness for any opportunity. Call us to go out of our way to welcome all people at VillageChurch, especially those new to our fellowship, and to love them as brothers and sisters. Call them to seek You themselves, believe Jesus died for their sins, call upon the name of Jesus, repent, and confess Him as Lord over their life before others.. In the name of Jesus, our Savior, we pray. Amen.”

Submitted by Adele Little