5-Day Devotion

Pastor Paul Dancy • April 7, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Paul Dancy

Day 1: Running the Right Race

Reading: Philippians 3:7-11

Devotional: Paul's transformation from a self-righteous Pharisee to a humble follower of Christ reminds us that our own accomplishments and religious heritage are worthless compared to knowing Jesus. Today, reflect on what you consider valuable in your life. Are there things you're holding onto that don't truly matter in light of eternity? Ask God to help you see your life through His eyes, valuing Christ above all else. Consider what it means to "know Christ" in your daily life, experiencing both the power of His resurrection and sharing in His sufferings. How might this perspective change the way you approach challenges and blessings alike?

Day 2: Grace Over Works

Reading: Ephesians 2:8-10

Devotional: The sermon emphasized that our good deeds and religious background contribute nothing to our salvation - it's all about God's grace through faith in Christ. This can be both humbling and liberating. Today, meditate on the freedom that comes from knowing your salvation is secure not because of what you've done, but because of what Christ has done for you. How does this truth change your motivation for serving God and others? Reflect on ways you might be tempted to rely on your own "spiritual resume" rather than God's grace. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you rest in Christ's finished work while also empowering you to live out your faith in love and good deeds in response to the salvation you already have assurance of.

Day 3: Pressing On Toward the Goal

Reading: Philippians 3:12-14

Devotional: Paul's analogy of the Christian life as a race encourages us to keep moving forward, regardless of past failures or present struggles. What areas of your spiritual life feel stagnant or challenging right now? Remember that even Paul acknowledged he hadn't "arrived" at perfection which we know we can never do this side of Heaven. Instead of being discouraged by your shortcomings, ask God to renew your determination to "press on" and keep trying as we drown our “old Adam” daily. Consider one specific way you can take a step forward in your faith journey today, whether it's dedicating time to prayer, serving others, or addressing a persistent sin in your life.

Day 4: Letting Go of the Past

Reading: Isaiah 43:18-19

Devotional: The sermon highlighted the importance of "forgetting what is behind" and focusing on what lies ahead in our spiritual journey. God's forgiveness through Christ allows us to leave behind our past sins, hurts, and failures. Are there specific memories or regrets that you struggle to release? Today, spend time in prayer, visualizing yourself handing these burdens over to Jesus. Thank Him for His complete forgiveness and ask for the faith to remember your sins are as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). As you let go of the past, open your heart to the new things God wants to do in and through you.

Day 5: Finishing Strong

Reading: 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Devotional: Paul's confidence at the end of his life challenges us to consider how we're running our own race of faith. The Christian life isn't about sprinting ahead for a short time, but persevering until the end. Reflect on the "good fight" you're currently engaged in - perhaps it's a long-term struggle with doubt, a difficult relationship, or the challenge of living out your faith in a hostile environment. Remember that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory, securing your eternal future. How can this assurance give you strength to keep going, even when the path is difficult? Ask God for the endurance to "finish the race" well, keeping your eyes fixed on the prize of eternity with Christ.

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August Happenings

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August Opportunities for Fellowship & Learning (In alphabetical order) Altar Guild Annual Potluck Meeting Wednesday, August 19th @ 6:00 pm in the Cornerstone Room If you're one of the ladies in our Altar Guild thank you. Be sure to join us for our annual potluck supper with a meeting following. Bible Studies (click for details) New Sunday series continues, but summer plans for weekday studies will be ending soon. Stay tuned for dates of when those will start to meet regularly again. Christian Education Weekend (Backpack Blessing) During all worship services August 8-9th Rededicate our faculty and staff to their teaching ministry as well as rededicate ourselves as a congregation to praying for them, encouraging them, and supporting the work God has given us to do together. Students may also get their backpack blessing tag for this school year. School starts August 12th! At the 10:30 AM service, we will also install Janet Bahr as our assistant principal and Dianna Bultemeier as a called teacher of St. Peter's. Please join us for a reception honoring Janet and Dianna on the church's front porch following this service. Confirmation Kick-Off Sunday, August 9th during the Bible Study hour @ 9:15 am in the Sanctuary Parents and students (7th & 8th graders) of our day school and public school will meet to prep for the upcoming year with Pastor McDowell. Plan to attend and remember the Confirmation Site on The Hub will be updated soon with everything you need to know as far as expectations, handbook, assignments, deadlines, and event dates. Collections/Fundraiser (ongoing) The Compassionate Care Collection is prepping hygiene kits for the Lutheran World Relief: The LWR collection will be through July and August--details can be found on the LWR.org/kits site or HERE . Needed are: light weight bath sized towels (between 20" x 40" to 27" x52"), bath-size soap bars in original wrapper, adult toothbrush, sturdy comb, metal nail clippers--all items must be new and NOT have religious symbols or patriotic decoration. Special Monthly Offering: This month we collect for our Preschool which is so appreciated by the faculty and students. You'll also see their annual Giving Tree displayed in the Ministry Center soon. Take a letter of the alphabet off the tree and bring back the supply listed. Stay tuned for a video from our Preschool Director, Barb Christian, next week about these two opportunities to support our Preschool. Drums Alive Drums will take a break in August and come back in September with an updated schedule. Stay tuned! Monday Night Worship Summer Monday night worship ends August 31st. The following Monday is Labor Day and the church offices and schools will be closed. Senior Saints Monday, August 10th @ 11:30 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE for this month's Lunch N' Learn featuring our own Tina Acosta who does amazing work through Turnstone. Turnstone is a place unlike any other and anyone who knows about it only has good things to say. If you'd like to know another reason Fort Wayne is such a great place to be, come listen as Tina will offer an overview of Turnstone and their services. Serving in the Church Offering your talents or acts of service is often something we all want to do, but not always sure where to start. Opportunities present themselves, but it's hard to remember them all or keep track of something that called to you at one point. The Serve tab in the Realm Connect app continues to add areas that are open and looking for someone just like you. Log in on your computer or through the app on your phone and scroll through the Roles to see if one is a good fit for you. Remember, signing up doesn't commit you to it, but does share that you'd like to be contacted about it. Sisters in Christ: Simple Quilting Craft Saturday, August 15th starting at 10 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE FREE Regret never learning how to sew? Or haven’t picked up a needle and thread in a long time? Do not miss this opportunity to learn from ladies who’ve been sewing since 2nd grade! It’s nearly a lost art, but we’re bringing it back with Linda Thiele, Debbie Haenftling, Carol Nahrwold, and Jan Bultemeier who have curated a perfect practice project to teach you sewing and the basics of quilting in the form of a pot holder or trivet. Coordinate colors with your kitchen! It’s made for beginners, but any sewing ability is welcome. There’s so much knowledge combined in this room, if you have a question about anything related to needle and thread, they can answer it! We also gather the last Wednesday each month (July 29th this week and August 26th) at 5:00 pm Kekionga Craft Co, 7328 Maysville Rd. Come & go. Enjoy a little fellowship, prayer idea, and grab something to eat if you’d like. Young Adults Second Sundays, August 9th starting at 6 pm @ Pastor Nate's house Hosted by Ben & Gwyn Corley, we'll have dinner together, games, and devotion. Bring a friend and fellowship with us. REMEMBER August 9th is also the last day to sign up for Combat Ops Laser Tag. REGISTER HERE. You can pay later, but sign up today! Don't miss out! Get on the text thread to be sent reminders and invites. Text 'stpfw' to 94000 and follow the prompts.