Blessings for a New Academic Year and Community

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Community and Worship

Gathering together to worship and bless the name of the Lord is a powerful reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and to be uplifted by the collective faith of the congregation. Worship is not just a routine but a vital part of our spiritual journey, reinforcing our connection with God and each other. When we come together in worship, we create a space where God's presence is felt more profoundly, and our spirits are renewed.

In a world that often feels fragmented and isolating, the act of communal worship serves as a counterbalance, reminding us that we are part of a larger body of believers. This collective experience strengthens our faith and encourages us to persevere in our spiritual walk. It is in these moments of shared worship that we can truly appreciate the depth of God's love and the strength of our community. [31:54]

Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV): "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore."

Reflection: How can you make your participation in communal worship more meaningful this week? What steps can you take to deepen your connection with God and your church community during worship?

Day 2: Honoring Faithful Service

Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals like Deacon and Deaconess Kesey highlights the importance of faithful service within the church community. Their dedication, especially during challenging times, serves as an inspiration and a testament to living out the characteristics of a true servant of God. Faithful service is not just about fulfilling duties but about embodying the love and commitment that Christ showed us.

When we honor those who have served faithfully, we acknowledge the sacrifices they have made and the impact they have had on our lives and our community. It is a reminder that each of us is called to serve in our unique ways, using the gifts and talents God has given us. By celebrating their service, we also encourage others to step into roles of service and leadership within the church. [36:25]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: Who in your church community has inspired you through their faithful service? How can you express your gratitude and support for their contributions this week?

Day 3: The Importance of Prayer for Our Children

As our children face a new academic year, it is crucial to cover them in prayer daily. This act of faith acknowledges the challenges they may encounter and invites God's protection, guidance, and blessings upon them. It also serves as a reminder for parents and guardians to be vigilant and supportive in their children's spiritual and educational journey. In a world filled with uncertainties, prayer becomes a powerful tool to safeguard our children and to seek divine intervention in their lives.

Praying for our children is not just about asking for their success but also about seeking God's wisdom and strength for them to navigate the complexities of life. It is about entrusting them into God's hands and believing that He will guide them in the right path. As a community, we can come together to lift up our children in prayer, knowing that our collective faith can make a significant difference in their lives. [42:55]

Isaiah 54:13 (ESV): "All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children."

Reflection: How can you incorporate daily prayer for the children in your life? What specific prayers can you offer for their protection, guidance, and success this week?

Day 4: Generosity and Community Support

The congregation's response to the call for school supplies demonstrates the power of collective generosity. By coming together to support children and schools, we embody the spirit of giving and community care. This act of kindness not only meets immediate needs but also fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose within the church. Generosity is a tangible expression of our faith and love for one another, reflecting the heart of God who gives abundantly.

When we give, we participate in God's work of provision and care for His people. Our generosity can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to give and creating a culture of compassion and support within our community. It is through these acts of giving that we can make a real difference in the lives of those around us, showing them the love of Christ in practical ways. [57:06]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: What is one way you can practice generosity this week? How can you contribute to meeting the needs of your community and fostering a spirit of giving?

Day 5: The Role of Educators and School Staff

Educators and school staff play a critical role in the lives of our children, often spending more time with them than their parents. Praying for these individuals and recognizing their efforts underscores the importance of their work and the need for God's guidance and strength in their daily interactions with students. Their influence can shape the minds and hearts of the next generation, making their role both significant and challenging.

By lifting up educators and school staff in prayer, we acknowledge the weight of their responsibilities and seek God's wisdom and patience for them. It is a way of supporting them spiritually and expressing our gratitude for their dedication. As a community, we can also look for practical ways to encourage and assist them, showing that we value their contributions and are committed to partnering with them in the education and development of our children. [48:08]

James 3:1 (ESV): "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."

Reflection: How can you support and encourage the educators and school staff in your community this week? What specific prayers can you offer for their strength, wisdom, and patience in their roles?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to bless the name of the Lord and celebrate His goodness. We began with a heartfelt hymn, "Pass Me Not," and expressed our gratitude for the opportunity to worship together. We welcomed first-time visitors and celebrated their presence, hoping they will return to join us again. We also took a moment to honor Deacon and Deaconess Kesey, who are relocating to Tennessee. Their faithful service, especially during the pandemic, has been a blessing to our congregation, and we prayed for God's favor and blessings in their new chapter.

A significant part of our service was dedicated to anointing and praying for our children, educators, and school staff as they prepare for a new academic year. We emphasized the importance of covering our children in prayer daily, recognizing the challenges they face in today's world. We prayed for their success, safety, and the guidance of God in their lives. We also extended our prayers to teachers, administrators, and all school personnel, asking for God's strength, insight, and patience for them.

We expressed our gratitude for the congregation's generosity in donating school supplies, ensuring that children in need are well-equipped for the school year. We also took time to worship through giving, emphasizing the importance of tithes and offerings in supporting the church's mission and community outreach.

As we concluded, we prepared our hearts for the word of God, delivered by Minister Sheila Smith, and looked forward to the upcoming sermon series, "Victorious Secrets." We ended with a benediction, asking for God's blessings and protection as we go about our week.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Community and Worship: Gathering together to worship and bless the name of the Lord is a powerful reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness. It is an opportunity to express gratitude and to be uplifted by the collective faith of the congregation. Worship is not just a routine but a vital part of our spiritual journey, reinforcing our connection with God and each other. [31:54]
2. Honoring Faithful Service: Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals like Deacon and Deaconess Kesey highlights the importance of faithful service within the church community. Their dedication, especially during challenging times, serves as an inspiration and a testament to living out the characteristics of a true servant of God. [36:25]
3. The Importance of Prayer for Our Children: As our children face a new academic year, it is crucial to cover them in prayer daily. This act of faith acknowledges the challenges they may encounter and invites God's protection, guidance, and blessings upon them. It also serves as a reminder for parents and guardians to be vigilant and supportive in their children's spiritual and educational journey. [42:55]
4. Generosity and Community Support: The congregation's response to the call for school supplies demonstrates the power of collective generosity. By coming together to support children and schools, we embody the spirit of giving and community care. This act of kindness not only meets immediate needs but also fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose within the church. [57:06]
5. The Role of Educators and School Staff: Educators and school staff play a critical role in the lives of our children, often spending more time with them than their parents. Praying for these individuals and recognizing their efforts underscores the importance of their work and the need for God's guidance and strength in their daily interactions with students. [48:08]
### [48:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[31:54] - Opening Worship and Hymn
[32:27] - Welcoming First-Time Visitors
[35:26] - Honoring Deacon and Deaconess Kesey
[37:55] - Prayer for Deacon and Deaconess Kesey
[42:55] - Anointing and Praying for Children
[48:08] - Prayer for Educators and School Staff
[51:28] - Prayer for a Successful School Year
[57:06] - Gratitude for School Supply Donations
[60:14] - Worship Through Giving
[63:51] - Gratitude for Guest Preachers
[65:06] - Introduction of Minister Sheila Smith
[102:38] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[106:35] - Closing Remarks and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were some of the key activities and events that took place during the service as described in the sermon summary?
How did the congregation show their support for Deacon and Deaconess Kesey?
What specific groups of people were prayed for during the service, and why was this significant?
How did the congregation demonstrate generosity and community support according to the sermon summary?

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important for a church community to gather and worship together, as highlighted in Psalm 133:1?
How does 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 relate to the emphasis on prayer and gratitude in the sermon?
In what ways does Proverbs 22:6 underscore the importance of praying for and supporting children and educators?
How can the faithful service of individuals like Deacon and Deaconess Kesey inspire others in the church community?

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt uplifted by the collective faith of your church community. How did it impact your spiritual journey?
How can you personally contribute to creating a supportive and unified church environment?
What are some practical ways you can cover your children or the children in your community in prayer daily?
Think of a teacher or school staff member you know. How can you support and encourage them in their role this academic year?
How can you practice generosity in your community, especially towards those in need, as demonstrated by the congregation's response to the call for school supplies?
What steps can you take to ensure that your service within the church is faithful and impactful, similar to the example set by Deacon and Deaconess Kesey?
How can you incorporate the practice of giving thanks in all circumstances into your daily life, as encouraged by 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18?

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We are truly grateful for another opportunity that the Lord has gifted and graced us to come into worship. We don't take it lightly. We don't take it for granted. But we recognize that it is a reminder of God's keeping ability. Amen. Amen. God's ability to keep us." [32:27] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We live in a cruel and dangerous world. And not only do we, in prayer today, you all can position yourselves in the different aisles across the front. Not only do we cover our children with oil and in prayer today, but my challenge to you is each and every morning before they walk out of that door, cover them in prayer. Amen." [41:55] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We trust God in our giving because we believe that he's the way that we are transformed the world. It's the way that we help be the hands and feet of Jesus in our congregation and our community." [01:00:14] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We magnify we honor we exalt the name of the Lord we're so grateful for this time that we've had to share in worship together today all of our children students educators preparing to go back we send you back with God's greatest blessing blessing believing that this is going to be a phenomenal and successful year. Amen. Amen. Amen." [01:46:35] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "He embodies every single one of them. Started during the pandemic as we were rethinking our food distribution efforts, and he would go every time we had a distribution, he would load up his car, and he would literally drive boxes to each of our mothers, our senior members, to the point where, amen, he'd stand on the porch and have conversations with them. He'd take special orders that they wanted." [36:25] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We cover them in prayer because we do not know what awaits them in classrooms and in school buildings. But we know that God can be there when we can't. Amen. And as the people of God, we still believe in the power of prayer." [42:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We will be good listeners this year. Amen. We're going to follow instructions. We are going to be our best selves. We're going to make a positive difference in somebody else's life. We're going to learn as much as we can because ultimately God has a purpose and an assignment that you gotta fulfill." [49:38] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We decree and declare even before the year starts that success is going to meet you every step of the way. Father I need everybody remaining in the congregation stretch your hands towards those who've gathered at this altar father in the name of Jesus we come petitioning you even now god that you cover our babies our children as they prepare to start a brand new school year." [51:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We call it his tithe because it's what he requires from us, a dime from every dollar, ten percent, the first fruits of our increase, we bring that, we extend that, we sow that into God's kingdom, into God's house, so that we can continue to be a blessing in a multiplicity of ways to those within our congregation and community, and that's why we call it his tithe." [01:00:14] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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