Posts by sjifmc
Weekly Sermon Devotional
5-Day Devotional: When Jesus Finds You Inspired by Sophie’s testimony Day 1: God Is Pursuing You Scripture: Luke 19:10“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Sometimes we imagine that finding God is the result of our own searching. But Scripture tells a different story. Long before we ever seek Him, God is already pursuing us. Sophie’s story reminds us that God was working behind the scenes for years—through relationships, conversations, a gifted Bible, even…
Weekly Sermon Devotional
5-Day Devotional: Finding Rest in God Day 1: When Weariness Overwhelms Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-8 Devotional: Elijah’s collapse under the broom tree reveals a profound truth: even God’s mightiest servants reach their breaking point. After spectacular victory, this prophet found himself running for his life, exhausted in body and soul. Perhaps you’re there now—the journey has been too long, the battles too fierce, the disappointments too heavy. Notice God’s response: He didn’t rebuke Elijah’s weakness. Instead, He provided rest, food,…
Weekly Sermon Devotional
5-Day Devotional: The God of Second Chances Day 1: Running From God’s Call Reading: Jonah 1:1-17 Devotional: Like Jonah, we sometimes receive clear direction from God but choose our own path instead. Jonah knew God’s command—go to Nineveh—but he bought a ticket to Tarshish. His rebellion didn’t just cost him; it endangered everyone on that ship. When we run from God’s purposes, we pay a fare that extends beyond ourselves. Our disobedience creates storms that affect our families, friendships, and…
Kids Corner: July 12 to August 9
The Big Picture Question & Answer: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good. Memory Verse: (K-6) “Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle.” ~ Psalm 24:8
Weekly Sermon Devotional
5-Day Devotional: Roadside Assistance – God’s Provision in Our Breakdowns Day 1: God Is Our Refuge Reading: Psalm 46:1-7 Devotional: Life’s journey includes unexpected breakdowns—moments when everything seems to stop and we find ourselves stranded on the shoulder of life’s highway. The psalmist reminds us that God is not distant during these times; He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Notice the phrase “ever-present”—God is already there before we even realize we need Him. When the…
Weekly Sermon Devotional
5-Day Devotional: Journey of Grace Day 1: Salvation by Grace Alone Reading: Ephesians 2:8-9 Devotional: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Salvation is not a destination we earn through religious performance or perfect obedience. It is a gift freely given through Christ’s finished work on the cross. Many of us carry the burden of trying to be “good enough”…
Weekly Sermon Devotional
5-Day Devotional: Trusting God in the Detours Day 1: God’s Sovereignty in Our Exile Reading: Jeremiah 29:1-14 Devotional: When life takes us to places we never planned to be, our first instinct is to find the quickest exit. Yet Jeremiah’s letter reveals a profound truth: sometimes God Himself orchestrates our detours. “I carried into exile,” God declares—not Babylon, but God. This isn’t abandonment; it’s divine positioning. The Israelites wanted reassurance of a quick return, but God commanded them to build…
Kids Corner: June 14 to July 5
The Big Picture Question & Answer: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good. Memory Verse: (K-6) “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28
Kids Corner: May 17 to June 7
The Big Picture Question & Answer: Why do we need to be saved? People are sinful and cannot save themselves. Memory Verse: (K-6) “There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you! And there is no rock like our God.” ~ 1 Samuel 2:2
Kids Corner: April 12 to May 10
The Big Picture Question & Answer: Why does sin separate us from God? Because God is holy, sin has broken our relationship with God. Memory Verse: (K-6) “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.” ~ Psalm 34:17