Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Sunday, April 26, 2020
He Looked Beyond Our Faults
He Looked Beyond
by Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson
www.larryjameson.blogspot.com
He Looked Beyond is a sermon that honors the song written by Dottie Rambo "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need". This sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson on April 26, 2020 for the Study as Worship Zoom Bible Study for Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury United Methodist Churches in Harrington, Delaware. This was the 7th Sunday all our church services were cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Study as Worship
Zoom Bible Study Agenda
Sunday, April 26, 2020
5 min Welcome and Prayer
5 min Ruth Layne plays Great Is Thy Faithfulness
2 min A little pandemic humor
5 min recorded interview
2 min Memory Verse John 11:35 Jesus wept. John 11:35
5 min Stewardship report
4 min Scripture Lessons 1 John 1:9 and Mark 11:25
3 min Stephen Akin - He Looked Beyond My Fault (YouTube)
15 min Lesson “He Looked Beyond My Fault” by Larry Jameson
15 min Small group discussion
Breakout Questions
1) What is a song that inspires you
or just makes you happy?
2) Is it OK to forgive
and not forget? Why?
3) How do you know if you have
really forgiven someone?
Take your time and be sure
to pray for each other.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
SCRIPTURES
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Mark 11:25 (NIV)
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
There are now SIX WAYS you can participate in Study as Worship series each Sunday at 10am.
1) Zoom on Sundays at 10am
Meeting ID: 302 000 9952
Password: 535456
2) Facebook Group "Study as Worship"
Join this Group for all
the latest updates.
3) YouTube Livestream Sundays at 10am
find the link on the Facebook Group
"Study as Worship"
4) Monday Email
gives you the link
to watch the sermon on YouTube.
Send us your email and we will
put you on our weekly invite list.
5) larryjameson.blogspot.com
provides the latest sermon
plus all past sermons
in this series.
6) Dial-a-Sermon 302-205-0770
To listen to this week's sermon
from Rev. Larry Jameson
just call this local number.
Monday, April 20, 2020
He Lives - a sermon about the hymn
He Lives
by Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson
www.larryjameson.blogspot.com
"He Lives" is a sermon that celebrates the hymn written by Alfred H. Ackley. Since "He Lives" the hymn is such a personal testimony, I talked about what can go into sharing your testimony. This sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson on the Second Sunday of Easter, April 19, 2020 for the Study as Worship Zoom Bible Study for Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury United Methodist Churches in Harrington, Delaware. This was the 6th Sunday all our church services were cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Study as Worship
Zoom Bible Study Agenda
April 19, 2020
5 min Welcome and Prayer
5 min Gospel Song UMH 364 Because He Lives
2 min A little pandemic humor (video)
5 min recorded greeting from Rev. Shannon Harris
3 min Memory Verse Luke 24:6 He has risen!
5 min Stewardship report
5 min Scripture Acts 4:33 Luke 24:6
5 min Gospel Song UMH 310 He Lives
15 min Lesson “He Lives!” by Larry Jameson
15 min Small group discussion
Breakout Questions
1) When did the resurrection of Jesus
become personal for you?
2) What makes you feel really alive?
3) Name one or two Christians
you look up to, and share why
you appreciate them.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Easter and the Lord's Prayer
https://youtu.be/oXqwS_lgENs
Easter and the Lord's Prayer
by Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson
Easter and the Lord's Prayer is a sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 at a Drive in Service at the Knutsen Dairy Farm near Harrington, Delaware. Rev. Jameson is the pastor of Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury United Methodist Churches in Harrington, Delaware. This event was held after all church services had been cancelled for the previous four Sundays due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. The Governor of Delaware allowed churches to hold outdoor drive in worship as long as they followed several restrictions: vehicles 15 feet apart, windows closed. Chad Robinson and Rob Taylor worked with the Knutsen family to host this event and used a small FM transmitter to broadcast the service over a limited area into the radios of the cars that were present. The only feedback those in cars were able to give was honking their horn for "Amen", and moving their wipers for "Praise the Lord!". After so many weeks being sheltered in place the congregations of our three churches were glad for this unique opportunity to worship together, even under these limiting circumstances.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday, April 11, 2020
40 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 10 and page 82
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
www.larryjameson.blogspot.com
Here is the link
to hear my recorded message
www.bit.ly/3b28Oig
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
Good morning dear ones!
It is Holy Saturday.
This is the last day of Lent.
Tomorrow we celebrate
the resurrection of Jesus.
When we started our Lenten Journey
on Ash Wednesday, February 26,
we had no idea that a pandemic
would reach our community.
We had no idea that all of us
would be sheltering in place,
church services would be cancelled,
and that social distancing,
hand washing, and face masks
would become our new reality.
So much has happened during Lent!
Hear the good news.
Just as God raised Jesus
from the dead on Easter Sunday,
he will raise us up!
No matter how difficult
the pandemic has been,
it will pass.
It is not over yet,
but it will pass.
In the mean time, be faithful
and do all the good you can
with what you have.
I have not preached
in the pulpit for four Sundays.
But tomorrow, Lord willing,
I will have the honor of
preaching on a hay wagon.
That will be different!
At 11am tomorrow, Easter Sunday,
Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury
Churches will hold a joint
Drive-in Worship Service
at the Knutsen family farm
located at
292 Prospect Church Road
Harrington, DE 19952.
It's 2.2 miles from Venon Road.
No one is supposed to get
out of their vehicle.
No one can sit in a
truck bed. You have to be
inside your vehicle.
Tune your FM radio to 90.1
to listen to the service.
New government rules require
vehicles to be 15 feet apart.
Instead of an offering plate
there will be a milk can
as you drive in.
So get your envelope ready
and put the name of your church
on your envelope.
Whew! That's a lot of rules!
But we are GRATEFUL FOR THE RULES,
because our Governor is letting
us gather while also preventing
the spread of Coronavirus.
So let's take this amazing
opportunity with an attitude
of gratitude. Make it more fun
by putting a sign on your car
that says something clever or
inspiring. This is a unique
opportunity. Pray for the
people that God will send us
who are ready to accept Christ.
Let your light shine.
Be a witness of grace.
Have fun. Be careful.
Be ready to be encouraged.
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Lord Jesus,
let your resurrection power
set many people free tomorrow.
Let those who testify
speak to the needs of
everyone who is
heartbroken and hurting.
Let the songs we sing,
the Scripture that is read,
and the sermon
share a common theme of
deliverance, liberty, and joy.
In your name we pray. Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 10 (NIV)
10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”
22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Peter at Cornelius’s House
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Friday, April 10, 2020
Good Friday
39 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 10 and page 80
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
www.larryjameson.blogspot.com
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
Good morning dear ones!
It is Good Friday.
That terrible day for Jesus,
became a "good" day for us.
An unimaginable sacrifice
for our Lord,
became our richest treasure,
and salvation for the world.
I pray that you are safe and well
in this midst of this pandemic.
Today is good,
and every day we have is good,
because of what Jesus has done
for all of us.
Normally, at noon on this day,
I follow Brenda Wyatt
who leads us through the streets
of Harrington,
helping us to carry the cross
in silent witness to the community.
For me, that tradition began on
Friday, April 6, 2012.
On March 29, 2013
we began to share our
Good Friday Cross Walk
with the members of the
Dover Miracle Revival Center,
and their pastors, Apostles
James and Joyce Warrington.
Our two churches
carried the cross together
for seven years.
Today that tradition has been
interrupted by a pandemic.
But God is good! We will
continue to cultivate our
friendships in the future!
I heard a New York City
hospital chaplain this morning
on a podcast, talking about
how Psalm 91 has become important
to him. That Scripture talks
about the protection of God
in the midst of a plague.
I encourage you to read
Psalm 91 today,
and thank God for the way
he has shielded us all.
On this Good Friday
remember what Jesus did
for us, and be grateful.
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank Lord Jesus Christ
for your sacrificial death
on the cross
for a sinner like me.
I accept your amazing gift
of love and grace!
Bless my family with your
protection in the midst of
the COVID-19 plague.
Inspire me with generosity
and make me useful
to my community.
In your name I pray. Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 10 (NIV)
10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”
22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Peter at Cornelius’s House
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Pray for your neighbor
38 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 10 and pages 80
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
Good morning dear ones!
Happy Maundy Thursday.
No communion service today
because we are all staying home.
But we remember what Jesus did
for us when he broke the bread
and passed the cup.
Acts chapter 10 is very special
because it tells the story
of how the Gospel moved
across an important boundary:
from only Jewish people
to Gentiles, i.e., you and me.
In Chapter 10 we get a glimpse
of the Holy Spirit working
in two places at once,
to change our world.
Over in Caesarea, a port city
on the Mediterranean coast,
the Holy Spirit spoke in a vision
to a Roman soldier, Cornelius.
Over in Joppa, also a port city
on the Mediterranean coast
just 33 miles north of Caesarea,
the Holy Spirit spoke to
the Apostle Peter.
God orchestrated this situation
perfectly so the Gospel would
reach your ears, and your heart.
Just think about all the amazing
things God has already done for you!
Millions of things really.
Too many to count.
Sometimes simultaneously
across vast distances,
across different levels of
culture, time, and circumstance.
God loves you so much
that nothing will stop his
campaign to bless and encourage you!
This is a beautiful story
of two cultures being reconciled.
No, not just the cultures of Jews
and Gentiles. It is the cultures of
heaven and earth.
Terry Teykl encouraged us on page 80
to pray for households.
That's what we are doing with our
Neighbors Network!
We are praying for families to
experience God's forgiveness and grace.
And we pray for groups of people
by name, because this is personal.
Terry wrote, "Think about the
unchurched households on your street
and pray for them by name."
When we do that, the Holy Spirit
moves in many places all at once
to change lives.
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you God for Caesarea and Joppa,
for Cornelius and Peter,
for the families on my block
and my church family.
Reconcile us Lord!
Show us how to care about each other.
By your grace, show us how to
respect people who are different.
In the name of Jesus Christ
we pray. Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 10 (NIV)
10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”
22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Peter at Cornelius’s House
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Honk if you love Jesus
37 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 10 and pages 79
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
Hello dear ones!
I was tired and fuzzy
yesterday, so I missed out
on writing to you.
Time for me to rest up
and prepare for Sunday.
I've noticed that when I kneel
and pray, things suddenly
start to click for me.
If I need an idea,
or I seem to be spinning
my wheels,
it all seems to get better
after I spend a few minutes
on my knees.
I'm sure this is different
for everyone. And what works
for me isn't necessarily
what you may need.
Let me know what helps you
get on track.
We have two lovely Easter
activities coming up.
At 11am on Easter Sunday
we are planning to have a
Drive In Church Service
at Gregg and Stephanie
Knutsen’s Dairy Farm.
The Knutsens live at
292 Prospect Church Road
Harrington, DE 19952.
EVERYONE WILL BE REQUIRED
TO STAY IN YOUR CARS
THE WHOLE TIME.
Vehicles will be parked
six feet apart.
You will hear the service
by tuning to 90.1FM
after arriving at the farm.
You are invited to make a
a sign or window decoration
on your vehicle to add
some Easter joy.
Chad Robinson, Rob Taylor,
and Stephanie Knutsen did
a lot of behind the scenes
work to get permission for
this event. It is all legal.
Just don't get out of your
car please.
There are no bathrooms, so
please go before you go. :-)
Gregg has mowed a field
and there is a spot for your
car to sit on.
They plan to put me up on
a hay wagon where I can preach.
I shared all these details with
my boss, the Rev. Dr. Kyung Hee
Sa. Her response? She said,
"Send me a picture of you
preaching on that hay wagon."
So somebody please take one. OK?
Stephanie told me she is going
to put an empty milk can out by
the driveway. It's going to be
BYOE: "Bring Your Own Envelope".
The offering will go to what
ever church name you put on
the check or the envelope.
Any undesignated offering will
be divided three ways between
Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury.
I told Chad and Stephanie that
when I preach, a honk means Amen!
And movement of windshield wipers
means "I see that hand!"
We hope we never have to have
another service like this
ever again. The pandemic
is not funny. We are serious
in our commitment to keeping
everyone healthy. But we can
still cope by laughter and fun.
Just don't get out of the car.
OK?
Samantha Sharp did a lovely job
creating a video explaining all
these points. You should view
that! Her post is on the
Facebook Group "Study as Worship".
She plans to live stream the event
at that same Facebook Group.
This is a long post!
Today we started reading Acts
chapter 10. Oh what an amazing
chapter that is! Most of us were
not born to Jewish parents.
All of us are spiritual
descendants of Acts chapter 10.
I absolutely love verse 28.
That's when Peter said,
"God has shown me that I should
not call any man unholy or
unclean." That sentence changed
the world for us.
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you dear Heavenly Father,
for Acts chapter 10
and how you accepted
us Gentiles into your kingdom.
By the power
of your Holy Spirit
open doors for us
like you did for
Peter and Cornelius.
In the name of Jesus Christ
we pray. Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 10 (NIV)
10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three[a] men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”
22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Peter at Cornelius’s House
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Monday, April 6, 2020
Please stay home this week
35 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 9 and pages 75-76
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
Hello dear ones!
Here is the link to the
sermon I've entitled
"Faith Over Fear"
preached by Samantha Sharp
at our Zoom Bible Study
yesterday.
https://youtu.be/-nTkCFU5Yts
We cannot ignore what our
Surgeon General Jerome Adams
said yesterday when he warned
that this week could be
the "saddest week of
most Americans' lives."
We pray that the spread of
SARS-CoV-2 will hit it's peak,
turn around, and start
going down this week.
This can happen if we all
continue to stay home.
We need to renew our
commitment to ourselves
and one another.
By staying home we are
protecting our families
and community.
Those who have jobs
outside the home are in our
prayers, and we respect every
person who is doing essential
and necessary tasks.
We all want to get out,
and go to the grocery store or
pharmacy just for a little
return to "normal life".
This week is set apart.
Stay home now if you can.
Don't go to the store this week.
If you stay home now
you are making a difference.
You might think I am being
too dramatic or over the top.
Nope! This is real.
There are 319
laboratory-confirmed cases
of COVID-19 in Delaware,
but in reality there are
hundreds more than that,
and perhaps thousands.
We now know that 1 in 4
persons in the early
stages of their illness show
no symptoms. No symptoms.
That's why the CDC changed
their recommendation about
non-medical masks.
Non-medical masks don't
protect the wearer,
they protect everyone else.
We are all asked to wear
masks in the grocery store
now because (in the first
few days of infection)
one in four people with
the illness look fine,
but they are not.
All it takes for
personal tragedy to unfold
in your family is one chance
encounter. Wouldn't it
be great if the danger
started going down
this week?
Let this Holy Week go by.
Stay home dear ones.
You might wonder,
"why is the preacher talking
like this instead of quoting
the Bible and helping us
consider spiritual things?"
It's because I love you
and want you to be OK!
I don't mind if you think
I'm being odd. Just live.
Just live and continue
being your amazing self.
We need you! God has a
wonderful plan for your
life. Let's continue
to enjoy being in ministry
together!
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you dear Heavenly Father,
for the hedge of protection
you have placed over
Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury
Churches. We don't deserve
your mercy and kindness,
your forgiveness and peace,
your blessings and prosperity.
But OH, we accept them!
We accept them and praise you.
Help us to be faithful in
this historic and important week.
In the name of Jesus Christ
we pray. Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 9 (NIV)
Saul’s Conversion
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Aeneas and Dorcas
32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
Pray for a Damascus Road Experience
34 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 9 and pages 74
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
Grace to you and peace!
And good morning!
Today is a good day to praise
and serve the Lord!
As I read Acts chapter 9
one more time today
I was encouraged by
the people God sent to help
Saul become Paul.
There must have been some
temple guards with Saul
because they were going to
Damascus to arrest people
for being Christians.
The Bible doesn't say much
about those soldiers, but I
remember my professors in
seminary talking about them.
These were not Roman soldiers.
These were temple guards working
for the Sanhedrin.
In Acts 9:7 the Bible says
"And the men who traveled
with him stood speachless,
hearing the voice, but seeing
no one."
OK, so they heard Jesus!
Can you imagine that?
They heard Jesus say,
"I am Jesus whom you
are persecuting."
Wow! I wonder what happened
in their lives?
Nobody who hears Jesus
will ever be the same.
God allowed that detail to
occur for a reason.
We don't know their story,
but God has a plan.
We just don't know what
God is doing in the lives
of secular people,
but we know God is doing
something. Methodists, who
have a word for everything,
call that "prevenient grace".
We do know that Saul had
a conversion experience.
His life took an about face
and he went from persecuting
people to living a life
of sacrifice and service.
Saul became Paul
who wrote 14 books of the
New Testament. As much as
that is, Luke the Physician
wrote even more words than
Paul. Both of these disciples
were used by God to profoundly
influence you and me.
In a way, the COVID-19 virus
has knocked all of us
off of our donkeys.
It has forced us to sit back
and reflect on what we have
been doing with our lives.
Congregations are rethinking
the way we do ministry.
One thing this crisis has
taught me is that
our congregations
really and truly need to be
more engaged with
the community all around us.
God uses simple friendships
and earned trust
to build bridges.
God's grace and transforming
power uses those bridges
to reach the last, the lost,
and the least.
On page 74 of Terry's book
there is a place to jot down
a few names of people you
are praying for to have
a Damascus Road Experience.
Your prayers are powerful,
not because we are all that,
but because God is faithful.
Yesterday I made a mistake
about the time for our
Study is Worship Zoom Bible Study.
It is at 10am on Sunday,
not 9am.
However, if you show up
at 9am I will talk to you.
We might pray together.
I'd love to hear from you.
Study as Worship
Zoom Bible Study
10am Sunday, April 5, 2020
Meeting ID 302-000-9952
Here is what Samantha Sharp
will be preaching about:
Matthew 21:18-22
Discussion questions:
1. What areas in your life
can you or do you need
to apply extreme faith?
2. What can you do
to strengthen your faith
when doubt creeps in?
3. Who can you enroll
in your faithful prayers?
Please continue to check in on
the members of your small group,
your neighbors, and other church members
as the COVID-19 crisis gets worse.
Pray for nurses especially.
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Lord Jesus,
please appear to ________________
and give her/him
a Damascus Road Experience.
Let them feel your presence
and the glorious power
of your love.
In your mighty name we pray.
Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 9 (NIV)
Saul’s Conversion
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Aeneas and Dorcas
32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Friday, April 3, 2020
PPP Birthday Present
33 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 9 and pages 73
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
God bless you today
and good morning!
So much is happening!
My dear wife pointed out to me
yesterday that I am busier now
that before the pandemic.
How is that possible?
But she was right.
I've got a lot to share with you
this morning, but before I do
I want to say that probably the
most important thing that any of
of us are doing today is prayer.
Nothing we do in our own power
is going to last or be a success.
When we humble ourselves,
and seek God's face
things always turn out better.
1st
I want to invite you to meet with
Samantha Sharp and me as we co-lead
a Zoom Bible Study this Sunday
at 9am, April 5, 2020
at this Meeting ID 302-000-9952.
We are going to talk about
John 12:16
"At first his disciples did not
understand all this. Only after
Jesus was glorified did they realize
that these things had been written
about him and that these things
had been done to him."
Here are the discussion questions
I'd like for us to share after
Samantha gives us a sermon.
1) What day in your past
made a big difference in your life?
2) How does God use our disapointments
and frustrations to help us grow?
3) How is Jesus working in your life
today to encourage and lead you?
As we did last Sunday, we will have
a Zoom meeting which ends by going
into breakout rooms for discussion,
fellowship, and prayer.
Please pray for this ministry!
Instead of regular worship,
this is our way to provide pastoral
care and outreach during the COVID-19
crisis.
2nd
On Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020
I'm co-hosting an Online Easter Celebration
with several pastors from the Dover District.
This is something new for us because
normally United Methodist pastors focus
all their attention on their churches.
This Easter our District Superintendent
has asked me to lead a group of pastors
to create a joint worship service online.
Oh, I'm having fun with that! :-)
It is all about web sites and Zoom and
online this and that! Such fun!
Please pray for me because this is very
new to all of our team members.
Please pray that God will help me to
not let anyone down, or mess up.
Please pray for us to shine for Jesus
so that many girls and boys, women and
men will hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ
boldy proclaimed in a way that moves them
closer to God. I cannot yet give you
specifics on the url or the time.
I will send that in a few days.
Meanwhile, please pray for this ministry.
I want to also have our regular
Bible as Worship Zoom Bible Study
on Easter Sunday too. So stay tuned.
I told I had a lot going on!
3rd
One week ago, on Friday, March 27,
2020 the US government gave me a
lovely birthday present! I didn't
know it at the time, but that is
when the CARES Act passed.
There is a part of the CARES Act
called PPP (Paycheck Protection Program).
I believe God may use that program
to help Prospect, Trinity, and
Asbury Churches. And I'm not
alone in that belief. Our Bishop,
Peggy Johnson, and the Cabinet
are now encouraging local church
leaders to take advantage of this
resource if they can. I have already
made a request to the Dover District
Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Kyung
Hee Sa, for permission to have a
Zoom Church Conference at 7pm on
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at this
Zoom Meeting ID 302-000-9952.
My request has been officially
accepted. I have asked Barbara
Liimatta (the Asbury Treasurer)
and Chris Wetherhold (the Asbury
Trustee Chair) take point and begin
to work with a local bank and other
leaders from Prospect, Trinity, and
Asbury Churches to start the process
of helping us qualify for this resource.
Technically this is a loan for two
and a half months of funding payroll
to help our churches meet our financial
obligations during the COVID-19 shutdown.
If we do this correctly, we will not
have to repay this loan. It will become
a grant. That's the birthday present!
So I'm excited about this, and I want
to encourage us all to pray for
guidance and a spirit of cooperation
with local bankers and for our church
leaders. If you would like to know
more about PPP you can take a look at
these two online resources:
newsletter from Joe Park
https://bit.ly/2JAVrcA
video on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=xEN5O4ckIU8&feature=emb_logo
4)
Please continue to check in on
the members of your small group,
your neighbors, and other church members
as the COVID-19 crisis gets worse.
Pray for nurses especially.
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Lord Jesus, please put your
arms of protection around the
nurses who are working in our
hospitals right now.
Give them the strength, skill,
and equipment they need to do
their jobs. We are asking so much
of them Lord! Reward them for
their faithfulness!
In your mighty name we pray.
Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 9 (NIV)
Saul’s Conversion
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Aeneas and Dorcas
32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Damascus Road Conversions
32 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 9 and pages 72
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
Good morning everyone!
We got up early this morning
and went grocery shopping.
Even at 6am the grocery was busy!
I had a couple of Zoom meetings
yesterday with preachers and we
planned a joint Easter Online
Celebration which you can see
on Sunday, April 12,
online of course.
We are working with the Rev. Dr.
Paul Moon who is one of our
Dover District coaches.
Paul has advanced degrees in
computer science and ministry.
He is a joy to work with.
He has agreed to help Prospect,
Trinity, and Asbury churches
sign up to receive online
donations via PayPal.
He is also building us a
website we are going to call
the Dover District Hub
which will become a portal
for a variety of ministries
in our churches.
In Terry Teykl's book on page 72
he talks about Damascus Road
conversions. I like how Terry
encourages us to "pray specifically
for people who are not Christians
to have a Damascus Road conversions."
Terry went on to say,
"write down specific names and
intercede for them to be
miraculously converted."
That is an excellent suggestion!
The Holy Spirit is the true
evangelist. When we pray,
people's lives are changed.
Every single one of us have
benefited from somebody praying
just for us, by name. Now it
is time to pass on that favor.
Our small groups can do that!
And as individuals we can
do that!
This bears repeating.
It is time now to start checking
in on one other, more frequently.
Perhaps every other day,
or every three days.
Get into that habit now
because the next two weeks
are critical to our country
and to our local community.
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Lord Jesus, we pray for
more Damascus Road conversions.
Put your hand on the people who
we think are never going to change.
You specialize in miracles.
Please work wonders in our midst.
In your name we pray. Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 9 (NIV)
Saul’s Conversion
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Aeneas and Dorcas
32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Start Calling Every Other Day
31 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 9 and pages 71
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com
Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,
Happy April Fools Day everyone!
This is going to be quick
because I've got to feed the dogs
then have a meeting with my boss
on Zoom. The world seems to be
a crazy place these days,
and what better tradition to
embrace than April Fools Day.
I always loved this day
especially when I was a kid.
It was fun thinking up crazy
stuff to do to pull pranks on
anyone and then just blame it
on the calendar.
Unfortunately, what we are facing
together today is no joke.
Lots of people are wondering
how to pay their bills
and how they are going to make
it through the month.
The President got on TV and told
us all that the next two weeks
are going to be pretty bad.
That's not funny.
The virus may peak around Easter
and a lot of people in our country
may die, maybe as many as 200,000.
That is not funny, even a little bit.
So here is my response.
Let's pray everybody!
Let's check in on each other,
start getting more committed to
shelter in place, and social distancing.
I said weeks ago, that when it started
to "get bad" that we need to start
calling people every day rather than
just once a week. Well, I think the
time has come for us to start calling
each other every other day.
Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you dear Heavenly Father,
for the courage and boldness
that you give each of us through
the power of your Holy Spirit.
Bless our relationships, Lord.
Help us to become people who
will be there when the going
gets tough.
In then name of Jesus Christ
we pray. Amen.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 9 (NIV)
Saul’s Conversion
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,[a] but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Aeneas and Dorcas
32 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. 35 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
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