Answered Prayer

Tuesday, March 31, 2020
30 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 8 and pages 69-70
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good afternoon dear ones!

I'm late getting started on
this Lenten Journey post today.
Hope your day has been great
so far!

I like pages 69-70 in Terry's
book today: two blank pages
for us to write down answered
prayers.

The Lord has been keeping us
all safe thus far, and that is
worth praising him for!
The social distancing is tough,
but it is working.  We are all
hidden away for the most part,
while some are still going to
work doing truly essential tasks.
Our people have been sending
checks in the mail to our three
churches, and that has
significantly helped us.
Praise the Lord!  Thank you!

We can thank God for our first
Zoom Bible Study that we last
Sunday. That was an inspiration
to me personally.  Already I am
working on this Sunday's Zoom
Bible Study.

Yesterday Sue and I were able
to ride bikes around town,
and we really enjoyed the empty
parking lot at the casino.
No cars. Quiet and fun.
That always lifts my spirits
to get out on two wheels.

What lifts your spirit?
What blessing has God given
you to encourage you to be
faithful and persistent?
Please send me an email
with something positive
that you are grateful for!

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you, Lord Jesus,
for the little blessings
you send to encourage us.
Thank you for hearing every
prayer we make.
Thank you for 
never giving up on us,
never leaving us alone,
and always being generous.
In your name we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 8  (RSV)
1 And Saul was consenting to his death.

Saul Persecutes the Church
And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samar′ia, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Preaches in Samaria
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to a city of Samar′ia, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

9 But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samar′ia, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that power of God which is called Great.” 11 And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samar′ia had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. 27 And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of the Can′dace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this:

“As a sheep led to the slaughter
or a lamb before its shearer is dumb,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken up from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, pray, does the prophet say this, about himself or about some one else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azo′tus, and passing on he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesare′a.

Much Rejoicing

Monday, March 30, 2020
29 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 8 and pages 67-68
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good morning dear ones!

It was fun seeing several of
you yesterday on the Zoom
Bible Study.  I want to do
that again this coming
Sunday for sure!

In Acts 8:8 the Bible says,
"There was much rejoicing 
in that city".
The city was Samaria
where Philip was proclaiming
Christ. Many people were
healed. Many people were
delivered from spiritual
oppression. And "many who
were paralyzed and lame
were healed."

When the Gospel changes the
lives of people groups
that is a cause for
celebration! That is what
is described in Acts
chapter 8.

Terry Teykl encourages us
in pages 67-68 to pray for
the people groups in our
area, specifically the
people working in the
court systems, the medical
complexes, police and
fire departments, and
commercial/industrial areas.
That describes our area
doesn't it? We have every
single one of those kinds
of places, and the people
who are our neighbors do
their work there.

Jerusalem has people like
us, that perhaps we already
know. Judea has people who
share our values. Samaria
is a different story.
Those are people whose
language, culture, and values
are not like ours. But the
Gospel laughs at barriers,
steps over cultural walls,
and breaks down spiritual
strongholds.

Our heritage as Christians
is to be led by the Spirit
to pray, to witness,
and to see entire people
groups transformed by joy.
The exciting ministry of
Philip the Evangelist
is our ministry!

Thank you for praying for
Samantha and me as we led
our first online Bible Study.
I was so focused on doing
a good job that I didn't have
time to enjoy being with the
people. That's an easy
mistake to make. It is good
to try and do ministry with
excellence. But it is better
to be present for God's people
and to spend time with them.
Best of all is true worship,
singing, praising, and giving.
Being in an online format is
not as good as going to church,
but with the current crisis
that is what we need to do.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you so much dear God,
for every single person who
is praying faithfully for 
our neighbors to be saved.
Call us like you called Philip! 
Send us people who are 
hungry for the good news
of Jesus. In the name
of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 8  (RSV)
1 And Saul was consenting to his death.

Saul Persecutes the Church
And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samar′ia, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Preaches in Samaria
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to a city of Samar′ia, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

9 But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samar′ia, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that power of God which is called Great.” 11 And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samar′ia had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. 27 And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of the Can′dace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this:

“As a sheep led to the slaughter
or a lamb before its shearer is dumb,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken up from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, pray, does the prophet say this, about himself or about some one else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azo′tus, and passing on he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesare′a.

Willingness to be led by God

Saturday, March 28, 2020
28 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 8 and page 65
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

A rainy good morning to you!

I look forward to tomorrow
and seeing some of you
on Zoom.  I look forward to
preaching a sermon
and talking about Jesus
and the grace of God.

Many of you don't have Zoom.
That's OK.
You can catch us on Facebook
or YouTube.
These technical wonders are
not as good as going to church.
But they are a blessing,
and I'm grateful that we are
doing our best to protect
our community from COVID-19.

As I read Acts chapter 8
one more time today
the travels of Philip
jumped out at me.
In verse 26 the Bible says
"Now an angel of the Lord
said to Philip,
'Go south to the road
—the desert road
—that goes down from
Jerusalem to Gaza.'”

It strikes me that Philip was in
Samaria which was about
seven hundred miles away
from Jerusalem.
All the Bible says about
that distance in verse 27
was "he arose and went".

Wow. What that really says
is that Philip got up and
walked for many days,
not knowing what God had in
mind.  Philip was in tune
with God.  Oh, I want that
in my life, don't you?
Not that I want to travel.
Right now, travel isn't
exactly safe.
What I mean is obedience,
and willingness to be led.
God has a lot of adventures
and blessings for us
if we will simply be open.
I'm praying that I will be
open, and that you will too.

Tomorrow I look forward to
sharing a message with you
about Spiritual Breakthroughs.
Samantha Sharp and I are co-hosting
what we call "Study as Worship"
which is an Online Bible Study.
Our first one is 10am this Sunday, 
March 29, 2020
at Zoom Meeting ID 302-000-9952.
We want as many of you as possible
to participate in the Zoom meeting
so please start working on that, OK?
And for those who are not yet able
to do a Zoom meeting, we encourage
you to watch the Bible Study on
Facebook Live or YouTube.
So you will have some choices.
Samantha has created a Facebook Group
called "Study as Worship".
If you can, please join that group
and encourage others to as well.
We are excited about being with you
this Sunday.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Lord Jesus, 
you spoke to Philip
and he listened.
Touch our hearts,
and make us like Philip:
willing to obey, and eager 
to share what we have.
In your name we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 8  (RSV)
1 And Saul was consenting to his death.

Saul Persecutes the Church
And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samar′ia, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Preaches in Samaria
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to a city of Samar′ia, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

9 But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samar′ia, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that power of God which is called Great.” 11 And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samar′ia had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. 27 And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of the Can′dace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this:

“As a sheep led to the slaughter
or a lamb before its shearer is dumb,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken up from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, pray, does the prophet say this, about himself or about some one else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azo′tus, and passing on he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesare′a.

Let go, and let God

Friday, March 27, 2020
27 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 8 and page 65
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good morning everyone!

Today is my birthday!
I am 64 years old today.
I've thought about it,
and I think I will skip
going out to dinner today.
Maybe later!  :-)

It is a treat for me to write
to you, because being your pastor
is the fulfillment of a deep
desire and calling in my life
from my childhood to this day.
It is such an honor to serve you!
God protected me, encouraged me,
and opened so many doors for me.
And I know that God's calling
and provision is moving you too!
We share a divine appointment.

This Sunday I look forward to
sharing a message with you
about Spiritual Breakthroughs.
Samantha Sharp and I are co-hosting
what we call "Study as Worship"
which is an Online Bible Study.
Our first one is 10am this Sunday, 
March 29, 2020
at Zoom Meeting ID 302-000-9952.
We want as many of you as possible
to participate in the Zoom meeting
so please start working on that, OK?
And for those who are not yet able
to do a Zoom meeting, we encourage
you to watch the Bible Study on
Facebook Live or YouTube.
So you will have some choices.
Samantha has created a Facebook Group
called "Study as Worship".
If you can, please join that group
and encourage others to as well.
We are excited about being with you
this Sunday.

On today's reading in Terry Teykl's
book, page 65, he said,
"As you pray, expect breakthroughs".
That is exactly how God works.
Prayer opens us up to God's plan
and power. Then our eyes are opened
to see what others miss:
divine grace setting prisoners free.
A Spiritual Breakthrough happens
any time God's mercy gives liberty
to someone. When we pray, the powers
of oppression that hold people down
are replaced by God's love.
Prayer is our greatest ministry asset.
One of the finest things we do as
Christians is to let go, and let God.

I've been calling my neighbors
this week. I need to check in with
the Neighbors Network Coordinators
and let them know who I have been
chatting with. It's best to pray
before we call.  And you have
heard me explain why we don't ask
questions. We simply check in.
God uses that to open doors.
As we see Spiritual Strongholds
(because we can't help but see
things that are wrong) we pray.
When the time is right, God
breaks through and sets people
free.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you, dear Jesus,
for empowering us to love
and serve you!
Sin had us all tied up.
But your grace changed that.
Thank you for all the people
who prayed for us.
Help us to pray, in the power 
of your Holy Spirit,
for Spiritual Breakthroughs.
In your name we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 8  (RSV)
1 And Saul was consenting to his death.

Saul Persecutes the Church
And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samar′ia, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Preaches in Samaria
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to a city of Samar′ia, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

9 But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samar′ia, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that power of God which is called Great.” 11 And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samar′ia had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. 27 And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of the Can′dace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this:

“As a sheep led to the slaughter
or a lamb before its shearer is dumb,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken up from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, pray, does the prophet say this, about himself or about some one else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azo′tus, and passing on he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesare′a.

Spiritual Breakthrough

Thursday, March 26, 2020
26 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 8 and page 64
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good morning dear ones!

What an amazing chapter of
the Bible is found in Acts 8.
Even the geography is
interesting.  It starts in
Jerusalem with the persecution
of the church. Then in verse
5 we see Philip go to Samaria.
That's almost 700 miles north.
Then in verse 26 Philip is led
to go to Gaza which is more than
a week away by foot.  And I don't
think Philip had his driver's
license.  Then Philip is
moved by God (like the transporter
in Star Trek) to Azotus
which is many miles to the north.
Wow. Chapter 8 is a geography
lesson!

Terry Teykl points out that
Acts chapter 8 is also a
lesson on windows of Gospel
receptivity. Terry says that
when someone is made ready to
accept Jesus, they can have
a "breakthrough".  Some Christian
leaders call these
"Spiritual Breakthroughs".
They are moments of personal
change that God works in our
hearts to put us in a better
place. Oh, we see these in our
churches!  We see these in our
shared ministry.  These are
real.  And God is using you
and me just like he did Philip
in Acts chapter 8.

I would like to ask for
your prayers this week,
for our Neighbors Network,
and for the Zoom Bible Study
I'm offering this Sunday at 10am
(Meeting ID 302-000-9952),
and for the Palm Sunday and
Easter Sunday Online Worship
Celebrations that I'm assigned
to lead on the Dover District.
Pray for me to be useful!
Pray that I don't mess up.
Seriously.  That is my prayer
request.

This is a bit of a long post
but I do want to mention that
it was exciting for me to see
our bulk mailing arrive yesterday
at the parsonage.  It gave me
great joy to put that in the
mail to you this week.
I put two mail-back offering
envelopes in each letter.
Pray that God will inspire our
people to be generous so that
the church can pay our bills,
AND be effective witnesses
for the Gospel in our community.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Holy Spirit,
move us just like you did
for Philip the evangelist.
Open windows of opportunity
to have spiritual conversations
with people we never imagined
we would talk to.
In the name of Jesus Christ
we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 8  (RSV)
1 And Saul was consenting to his death.

Saul Persecutes the Church
And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samar′ia, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Preaches in Samaria
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to a city of Samar′ia, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

9 But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samar′ia, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that power of God which is called Great.” 11 And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samar′ia had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. 27 And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of the Can′dace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this:

“As a sheep led to the slaughter
or a lamb before its shearer is dumb,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken up from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, pray, does the prophet say this, about himself or about some one else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azo′tus, and passing on he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesare′a.

Say "YES" to God

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
25 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 4 and pages 63
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Hello dear sisters and brothers!

Today is the start of week 5
in our Lenten Journey!
We change things up and start
reading Acts chapter 8 today.
We are skipping ahead over
several chapters.

As I read Acts chapter 8
this morning, I was once again
greeted by an old friend.
In this chapter the story of
Saul becoming Paul begins.
And the amazing adventures
of Philip also begin.

Philip was one of the seven
Hellenistic Jewish/Christians
(all with Greek names)
who were raised up in chapter
six. But that's a different
story. :-)
Anyway, that Philip started
having some amazing life
experiences because God opened
up opportunities (amazing
and astounding ones) for
Philip to share his faith.

Do you remember Acts 1:8?
That was the outline for
the book of Acts:
Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria,
and the ends of the earth.
In chapter 8 we are in Samaria,
where the culture is very
different, and people have
exotic backgrounds and
values.  But the Gospel
travels there with all the
same features: wonders,
miracles, and power.

What I love about these
accounts is that they happened
to regular people like you
and me.  Philip was no
different than us.
He simply said "YES"
to God's leading.
That's all God needs.
Terry Teykl wrote on page 63
about "divine appointments"
and "open windows".
Oh, those terms discribe
wonderful opportunities
to watch God at work.
When we say "YES",
God creates amazing
and delightful opportunities
to change lives.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Holy Spirit,
we want to say "YES".
Convict our hearts,
and move us out of our
Jerusalems into Judea,
Samaria, and the ends 
of the earth.
In the name of Jesus Christ
we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 8  (RSV)
1 And Saul was consenting to his death.

Saul Persecutes the Church
And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samar′ia, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Philip Preaches in Samaria
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to a city of Samar′ia, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city.

9 But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samar′ia, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that power of God which is called Great.” 11 And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samar′ia had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me also this power, that any one on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
26 But an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. 27 And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of the Can′dace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture which he was reading was this:

“As a sheep led to the slaughter
or a lamb before its shearer is dumb,
so he opens not his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Who can describe his generation?
For his life is taken up from the earth.”

34 And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, pray, does the prophet say this, about himself or about some one else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptized?” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azo′tus, and passing on he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesare′a.

Nothing is too hard for the LORD

Tuesday, March 24, 2020
24 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 4 and pages 61-62
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good morning Church!

I had an answer to prayer
yesterday because I was able
to send out a bulk mailing to
Prospect, Trinity, & Asbury.
It always makes me feel happy
to complete a bulk mailing,
and I am still rejoicing and
thanking God for that opportunity.
This time, instead of asking
for volunteers, Sue and I were
able to do this ourselves.
Nobody came to church.
Nobody was put at risk.

If you see your letter carrier
make sure you thank them for
their service!  I thanked the
Postal workers in Dover where
the Bulk Mail goes. There was
one lady in front of me in line
that sent out a package. It was
a sweater for her sister.
The Postal worker said,
"I don't think that is worth
coming to the Post Office for.
You are supposed to leave the
house only for essential activities.
Sending a sweater to your sister
is not essential." But the sweater
was mailed. And the Postal worker
didn't say anything to me. 
Perhaps sending out a bulk mail
to three churches is essential!
I hope so. I got nothing but
smiles and encouragement from
the folks behind the desk.

This morning I have a meeting with
Kyung Hee Sa and about ten pastors
on Zoom. We have been working
together on the Dover District
Strategic Leadership Team for
three years now. We recently had
free seminars on Hospitality,
Worship, and Discipleship.
We have a free workshop planned
for Saturday April 25 entitled
"Extravagant Generosity".
I wonder if that will be postponed?
It is a blessing to host these
events because they help make our
churches healthier and more vital.

Today is the last time we read
Acts chapter 4. Tomorrow we begin
to read Acts chapter 8.
Acts 4 has become a dear friend
that it has been fun to visit.
I especially like Acts 4:13.
"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."

Spending time with Jesus
will change you.
PRAYER IS SPENDING TIME
WITH JESUS.
Prayer makes you bolder,
and better able to trust
the Lord for what we need.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Lord Jesus,
bless all the families,
the friendships, 
and the relationships
we are in.  Help us to 
"bear one another's burdens, 
and so fulfill the law of Christ."
In your name we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 4  (NIV)
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 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. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers Pray
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.’

27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

ZOOM BIBLE STUDY

Monday, March 23, 2020
23 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 4 and pages 59-60
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good morning dear ones!

I missed seeing you yesterday
on the second Sunday our churches
were closed to worship.

When this crisis began,
we thought it would be over
quickly, perhaps in just two weeks.
That was not realistic was it?
The truth is that we have not yet
seen the peak of this virus.
We might have several more weeks
to go.  In the mean time, we need
to do what we can to support and
encourage one another.

In all sincerity, I want to
appeal to every family in our
churches: PLEASE get an
internet connected device
(desktop, laptop, tablet,
or smart phone)
and put Zoom on that device.
Come meet with me 
for a Online Bible Study
at 10am Sunday, March 29, 2020
at the following 
Zoom Meeting ID  302-000-9952.

And what if you cannot
obtain an internet connected
device before Sunday, March 29?
Well then, don't give up!
When Sunday arrives,
pick up the phone and call one
of the numbers below, and
you can participate in our
Bible Study voice only.

Lawrence Jameson is inviting you
to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Zoom Bible Study
Time: Mar 29, 2020 10:00 AM
Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/3020009952
Meeting ID: 302 000 9952
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,3020009952# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,3020009952# US (New York)
Dial by your location
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
        +1 253 215 8782 US
        +1 301 715 8592 US
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 302 000 9952
Find your local number:
https://zoom.us/u/ai6mIun9c

This is not going to be as good
as going to your church.
But it is going to be
a lot better than doing nothing.
For the last two Sunday mornings
we have done nothing.
That strategy is over.

Now dear ones, please pray for
our Online Bible Study.
Pray that God will empower us
to not only meet,
but to meet with excellence!
Pray that the lesson will be
encouraging, and that many
people will be inspired,
especially those who we don't
normally see at church.

Please pray for me that
I give good leadership to our
congregations, especially in
this time of crisis and
uncertainty.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Heavenly Father, 
on this rainy Monday,
bless all the families with
children at home who cannot
go outside today.  
Give them a keen and vivid
sense of your love and power
to meet their needs,
and the needs of their parents.
Since so many doors have closed
to us as a church,
open up a new door of 
encouragement and joy.
In the name of Jesus Christ
we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 4  (NIV)
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 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. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers Pray
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.’

27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

What To Say

https://youtu.be/llxv3hMdEzE

What To Say
by Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson

This video is an instructional sermon to teach you "What To Say" to their neighbors when you invite them to be a part of our Neighbors Network. 

Say: "Hi, I’m your neighbor at 123 Streetname. You know, the house with the green shutters and the white SUV. I’m creating a little network of neighbors here on our street, and my goal is to call you on the phone once a week, and check in, until this Coronavirus thing goes away."

Don't ask your neighbor a lot of questions, or ANY questions if you can help it.  The goal isn't for you to get information. The goal is for you to be able to call them once a week.  Don't ask yes or no questions.  Just accept your neighbor unconditionally in the name of Jesus.  And call them once a week until we are all safe.

This video was created for publication on Sunday, March 22, 2020 for Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury United Methodist Churches in Harrington, Delaware by the Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Jameson. Our worship services were cancelled due to the Coronavirus and a world wide pandemic shutdown. In this video Rev. Jameson encourages the people of Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury Churches to call and check on one another, AND on their neighbors.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Dear Lord Jesus, make us bold to check in on our neighbors. Help us to accept people for who they are, just as you accept us unconditionally.  Keep us all safe dear Lord, especially in the midst of the Coronavirus threat.  In your name we pray. Amen.

Dear ones, 
your church is struggling to pay their bills because Sunday services have been cancelled during the crisis. So please sit down with your check book and put a donation in the mail to your church.

Prospect UMC
PO Box 342
Harrington DE 19952

Trinity UMC
63 Commerce Street
Harrington DE 19952

Asbury UMC
200 Weiner Av
Harrington DE 19952

We thank God for your faithfulness!

in Christ's love,
Larry Jameson

Holy Spirit Boldness

William "Bobby" Robert Outten

Saturday, March 21, 2020
22 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 4 and page 58
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good morning dear ones!

Yesterday was so pretty.
Sue and I got to ride our bikes
just a bit.  And I mowed.
Our little dogs don't like
tall grass. So big improvement.

On Thursday I was able to do
a pre-funeral interview with
Lynn & Jeff Outten
for the Bobby Outten funeral.
I am working with Chaplain
Mike Layton of the Harrington
Fire Company to lead the funeral
today. It is a private funeral
because of the COVID-19 crisis.

It has been an honor to be
Bobby Outten's pastor, even
if it was only for a year
and eight months. I have
admired this man and enjoyed
seeing him serve the
Kent County community that
he absolutely loved.

Tomorrow will be the second
Sunday that the doors of our
churches have been closed,
and we don't know how many
more Sundays that will continue.
But the Gospel hasn't stopped!
Our relationships with one
another will not dim or fade.
The power of the Holy Spirit
is moving us forward
and God's amazing love
is our source of renewal.

In Acts chapter 4 we have
been reading about how the
Sanhedrin tried to stop the
Gospel. They arrested Peter
and John and put them in jail
to try and slow them down.
Peter welcomed the opportunity
to preach the Gospel.
In the center of the
courtroom, Peter said:
"If we are on trial today
for a benefit done to a sick
man, as to how this man has 
been made well, let it be known
to all of you, and to all the
people of Israel, that by the
name of Jesus Christ the
Nazarene, whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead,
- by this name this man stands
here before you in good health."

Such boldness! Such incredible
clarity and conciseness!
That is the hallmark of the
Holy Spirit working in the
church to empower God's people.
And the good news is
that same power for love
and confidence is at work
in every one of us RIGHT NOW
at Prospect, Trinity, and
Asbury. We may not feel
like powerful evangelists,
and that is OK. God's Holy
Spirit is the real evangelist.
God does what we cannot do.
God prepares the hearts and
minds of sceptics and brings
them to a place of personal
insight and repentance.
God did that in 33 A.D.
and he is still doing that
in 2020 A.D.

I am encouraged by the work
of our church members to
form Small Groups
for the purpose of mutual
friendship and support.
We really need each other!
And we all benefit when
we include our neighbors
in our groups. We really
need our neighbors!
The key to our success is
prayer.  God will honor
every prayer we lift up
for our families, our
friends, our neighbors,
and our country.

Please pray for our
Small Group Leaders
and Coordinators!

Prospect UMC 5183 Vernon Rd 
Harrington DE 19952
Lorraine Keller stubby1995@yahoo.com
Jeanne Camper  jeannecamper@aol.com

Trinity UMC 63 Commerce Street 
Harrington DE 19952
Caryl Warren  cwarren528@aol.com
Jim Callaway cabboc@msn.com

Asbury UMC 200 Weiner Av 
Harrington DE 19952
Franklin Hendricks fhendricks@comcast.net
Brenda Wyatt  bln_256@hotmail.com

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you dear God, for
the boldness that Peter
and John had when they stood
before the Sanhedrin.
Give us that same boldness
in our homes as we do our
best to care for one another. 
In the name of Jesus Christ 
we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 4  (NIV)
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 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. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers Pray
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.’

27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

This is our plan

Friday, March 20, 2020
21 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 4 and page 58
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good morning on this lovely day!

Dear ones, if you are tired
of being separated, isolated,
blasted by the media with bad news,
restricted from normal life,
and worried about your finances
and the economy,
welcome to March 2020!
We are in the midst of
a historic pandemic.
It could be a LOT worse,
and indeed it may very well
become more dire than it is.
Just live dear ones.
Comply with the social distancing
that our government
and medical leaders have required.
Do your very best
to get your family and friends
through this crisis.
This is a test of faith.
God will help you pass this test!

I met last night with
a dozen key leaders from
Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury
churches. We met on ZOOM
which is a video conferencing
service that works great.
We talked about being
systematic about checking in
on every single person in our
church families.  The way we
will do that is by using what
I call the Neighbors Network.
There are two coordinators
in each church.
Those coordinators are:

Prospect UMC 5183 Vernon Rd 
Harrington DE 19952
Lorraine Keller stubby1995@yahoo.com
Jeanne Camper  jeannecamper@aol.com

Trinity UMC 63 Commerce Street 
Harrington DE 19952
Caryl Warren  cwarren528@aol.com
Jim Callaway cabboc@msn.com

Asbury UMC 200 Weiner Av 
Harrington DE 19952
Franklin Hendricks fhendricks@comcast.net
Brenda Wyatt  bln_256@hotmail.com

The coordinators will depend upon
Small Group Leaders
to do the actual calling,
texting, emailing, or whatever
method of communication that works
to check in on our people.

What is a Small Group?
A Small Group is typically made up
of seven or so households.
Groups larger than seven households
require a lot more work from their
leaders.  That's why it is smart
to make small groups, so the system
works and does not break down.
Every Small Group needs two
Small Group Co-Leaders.
Those are the people who
check in with
the small group members.

Why am I repeating this information?
Well, I found out last night
during my meeting with key leaders
that my instructions about
the Neighbors Network
have not been generally accepted
by our church members.
So I will repeat. I'm OK with that.
We need to
DO EVERYTHING WE CAN
TO REACH AND LOVE
OUR PEOPLE.

We should also be checking in
on our neighbors.  
We should include non-members
in our Small Groups.
We should recruit and train
non-members to be
Small Group Leaders
& Coordinators.
We should embrace people who
are not Christians,
not believers,
people who are different,
people in our community.
Why?  Because that is what
Jesus did.  We are not better
than anyone else.
God has given us the power
of his Holy Spirit
to cultivate relationships
of integrity with secular people.
We need our neighbors
and our neighbors need us.
Perhaps we should see this
health emergency as a call
to become better citizens of
the United States of America.

In Italy, where the virus
has been most damaging,
they are playing their
National Athem over
loudspeakers in public places.
We need to hear that same
clarion call before our
communities see thousands of
deaths like Italy is having. 
This emergency will
bring out the best in us.
I for one am proud to be
with you as we go through
these days together.
I believe that our religion
is going to make us better
citizens and better people.

Dear ones, I encourage
every one of you to
DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN
TO REACH AND LOVE 
YOUR PEOPLE.

In Hebrews 13:16
the Bible says,
"Do not forget to do good 
and to share with others, 
for with such sacrifices 
God is pleased."

Please share these daily
messages with your friends
and family.  Forward this
email to a friend
and encourage them to get
involved in the Neighbors
Network we are forming.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you dear God
for every neighbor who lives
around us.  Help us to love
them in practical ways
with the integrity of your
grace and power.
In the name of Jesus Christ
we pray.  Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 4  (NIV)
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 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. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers Pray
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.’

27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Looking for Volunteers

Thursday, March 19, 2020
20 of 40 Lenten Journey
Today's readings: Acts 4 and page 56
in Terry Teykl's book: Acts 29
larryjameson.blogspot.com

Dear Prospect, Trinity,
and Asbury Church family,

Good morning on this rainy day!

Dear ones, I encourage
every one of you to
DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN
TO REACH AND LOVE 
YOUR PEOPLE.

In Hebrews 13:16
the Bible says,
"Do not forget to do good 
and to share with others, 
for with such sacrifices 
God is pleased."

We became a bit spoiled
and complacent because of
the ease we enjoyed before
the virus crisis.
We were able to travel,
fellowship, and go
to restaurants together.
Those days will return,
and our lives will reset
eventually!
In the mean time, we are all
learning how to be stronger,
and what is most important
to each of us.
I'm finding out that Sunday
worship in the sanctuary
is not the only way
we serve the Lord Jesus.
There are lots of opportunities
to serve the Lord, right now.

I have been praying for you
and preparing for a Zoom meeting
with key leaders of our churches
today at 7pm.
I hope to talk to them about
1) how we check in on ALL our people
to see if everyone is doing OK,
2) how we can offer Bible teaching,
prayer, and fellowship in spite
of closing our church buildings,
3) how we can encourage our people
to continue supporting the church
with our tithes and offerings.

Please pray for me that I provide
clear and effective leadership
as we consider those three areas
of need.  If you can discern
other needs that have been
overlooked, please text,
email, or call me!
larryjameson@gmail.com
home 302-786-2642
cell 302-519-1025

Yesterday I encouraged you
to take a few minutes every day
and write a letter to somebody,
especially the children of our
churches.  Were you able to
do that yet?  If you need an
address or don't know how to
start, just pray about it.
God honors prayer!
And you can always call one
of our church small group
coordinators to ask for
a suggestion or information.

I am looking for some volunteers
to do some phone base tech work.
I'd like to see more of our
church members set up with Zoom.
If you are good at doing
video conferencing,
please let me know.
I would very much like to
do a few Zoom conferences
with Sunday School classes
(children and adults),
and other church groups.
I'd like to do more Bible
teaching, have prayer,
and share testimonies
with groups of people.
I would welcome any help
with that sort of thing.
Please pray for our churches
to become more available
and useful.

Our bulk mailing is coming
along nicely.  Sue and I have
completed putting labels on
envelopes for every member of
Prospect, Trinity, and Asbury.
Now I need to write a letter,
run it off, and get them all
folded and enclosed.
We are doing this step by step.
Please pray that God will
inspire me to write something
encouraging and effective
in the bulk mail letter.

Remember to call someone
in your small group today,
and also someone new who
lives nearby.
Be warm.  Be yourself.
Say, "I'm just checking in. 
How are you doing?" 
God will open doors
for you if you do this.

Please share these daily
messages with your friends
and family.  Forward this
email to a friend
and encourage them to get
involved in the Neighbors
Network we are forming.

Prayer by Larry Jameson
Thank you, dear Holy Spirit,
for empowering your people:
in the midst of crisis,
in spite of opposition,
in practical ways.
In the name of Jesus Christ 
we pray. Amen.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Acts 4  (NIV)
Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin
1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 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. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers Pray
23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.’

27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions
32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.