| 2025 Heirs Of God - 4 25 25 2024 Enough To Convict? 3 26 24 The Lighted Candle In The Window 12 24 24 2023 Prayer 3 18 23 The Advent Wreath 12 8 23 2022 It Is The Lord’s Plan 4 6 22 The Gift Received 12 18 22 |
2021 |
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Friday, April 25, 2025 - Eastertide |
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Scriptures: Romans 8:16-17 (ESV) – “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Ephesians 2:19a (ESV) – “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” Message: I don’t work jig saw puzzles, but it is a favorite pastime for many. They start with many pieces. Each piece by itself is not much to look at, most often, with seemingly random colors. Starting with the outside edge; then grouping together the different pieces of similar design and color. Before long all these groups of color are ready to fit together, delivering one glorious unit, a picture that the designer intended. This is not unlike God’s family, with a world of different souls, in shapes, sizes, colors and cultures. We pray for God’s family members as they battle wildfires in California, hurricanes in Florida and the East Coast, and tornadoes in the Midwest. And let’s not forget the war-torn countries that we are familiar with through television, the internet, or the newspaper. All mankind is part of God’s family. Difficult times bring us together, helping when we can; remembering others in prayer and providing them support, irrespective of all our differences. As Paul states in Ephesians 2:19a, we are “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God”. In 2004, hurricane Charlie hit the greater Orlando area, Florida. It was my first hurricane. We were without power and water in the house. Our neighbor ran a hose from his house to ours (they were on city water, we were not). The electricians restoring power to our house were from Texas. The men clearing the tree limbs that were still hanging in the trees were from New Jersey. We were “no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens of the household of God”. Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are honored and humbled to be part of Your family and acknowledge how fortunate we are as You bring us together, in the unity of mankind through oneness with Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in his name we pray. Amen.
Ann Gile |
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Tuesday, March 26, 2024 |
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Scripture: Isaiah 43:10-12 (NIV) – “‘You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed – I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘that I am God.’” Message: I present, perhaps a silly question to myself, but perhaps not. You may want to ask yourself the same question. The question is as follows: “If I were convicted in a court of law for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?” DNA will not be helpful with this conviction; I will need to prove motive and evidence of being a Christian. I read my Bible, and, yes, you will find that I have used my computer to research different areas of the Bible and marvel at the different Bible versions, and the wording offered to share the same message. I try to be there for others who are in need. First, I would admit and declare boldly to being a Christian, but would that be enough? Would the evidence found be enough to support a conviction. Do you have an answer? I will continue to talk with Jesus to find additional ways to serve. Prayer: Lord Jesus, I humbly come to You in prayer. I pray that with Your help I am leaving enough evidence to be remembered as a Christian. That the world around me will know I tried to walk in Your footsteps and that my love and devotion for You Lord Jesus, is as much a part of me as any other DNA. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24, 2024 |
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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NIV) – “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Message: The Lighting of the Candle in the window started as an Irish tradition during Christmas time. From 1691-1778, the British Government created many brutally oppressive laws, known as the Penal Laws of Ireland, targeting Catholics in an attempt to squash their religion and force the Irish to obey British Rule. Priests were not allowed to practice their faith and were ordered to leave the country, so they went into hiding. During Christmas time, Irish Catholics would light a candle in the window and leave the door unlocked, allowing priests to slip into their home safely to say Mass. When the British questioned the Irish about the candles, they said that it was a way to welcome Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus during Christmas time. Over time, it became a beacon of hope for any passerby. The lit candle signaled to strangers that there would be food and shelter should they choose to ask. It also became a hope that Mary and other saints would pass by their home and bless it. Following the Irish tradition, it was a beacon of safety and refuge. It was also a beacon to neighbors as homes were often very far apart. The light shining in the window lit the way for visitors as they traveled. Today the tradition continues with many of us still lighting a candle in the window during the celebration of Christmas, inviting Jesus into our hearts and our home. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the light sent to us with the birth of Your son Jesus Christ. Help us to remember that His sweet love for us is more powerful than any darkness we might encounter. It is in His name we pray. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Saturday, March 18, 2023 |
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Scripture: Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV) - "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Message: I have always felt embarrassed, because I am not a biblical scholar. It is very necessary for me to study the scriptures while preparing to write a devotional. My prayers have always been simple and to the point. At night, I sometimes choose to say the Lord's Prayer as it is written in a way that I understand and am not embarrassed. Recently, as I was reading through the Scriptures, I came across the above scripture. It captured my soul. My words, no matter how simple or small, are all God needs to feel my presence. Please join me in prayer, God is listening. Family Activity: Using a container of your choice (a bowl, a dish, a jar, a baggie, or anything can work), ask each family member to write down what they would like to pray about and store these prayer requests. As a family pray for each request. Repeat this family prayer time as often as you like during Lent. Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13 (RSV) - "Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." Amen.
Ann Gile |
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Friday, December 8, 2023 |
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Scripture: Luke 2:13-15 (NIV) – “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’” Message: Advent Season is a very special time of year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights of the Christmas season. The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins a four-week period of preparation for the nativity of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Like the shepherds, our anticipation runs high. The Advent Season reflects on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world, as it is today. It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music and good deeds, the true meaning of Jesus’ birth. One of the most significant traditions of the Advent season is the four-candle Advent Wreath. The concept of the Advent wreath originated among German Lutherans in the 16th Century. However, the modern four-candle Advent wreath, with its candles representing the Sundays of Advent, was popularized by Johann Hinrich Wicherna, a Lutheran Pastor in 1839. The evergreen wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the eternal life we find in Christ. Even the individual evergreens that make up the wreath have meaning. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering. The pine, holly, and yew signify immortality and the cedar signifies strength and healing. The pinecones that decorate symbolize life and resurrection. The wreath is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life through Christ. Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You in prayer. We are filled with joy and anticipation in celebrating the birth of Your son, Jesus. As we try to follow in His footsteps, may we never forget how fortunate we are to have You by our side. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Wednesday, April 6, 2022 |
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Scriptures: Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 3:6 (NLT) – “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Message: I moved to Sarasota, Florida, this past summer, and I’m delighted to be here. The move most likely wouldn’t have happened without God’s direction. At a Christmas party five or six years ago, I overheard a conversation about a retirement community in Sarasota called Sunnyside Village, a Christian Community. It sounded nice. Then in 2018, a close friend called and said her doctor recommended that she find a place to live that could support her growing needs. Our conversation led me to say that she might choose to stay in Tampa, Florida, near friends where she currently lived, or Houston, Texas, near her son, or maybe move to Sarasota and be my neighbor. She chose Sarasota. With the help of the internet, I quickly learned more about this Sunnyside Village. She moved in a few months later. I visited her many times, but she passed away before I arrived to be her neighbor. God works in ways we cannot anticipate, we just have to trust Him. God served my friend well and now I give prayerful thanks every day for guiding my footsteps here. Prayer: Lord, we are forever grateful for Your guidance in our lives and in the lives of others and that You love us unconditionally, in spite of our faults. All we have to do is open our hearts and minds to You. This we pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Fourth Advent Sunday, December 18, 2022 |
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Scripture: Ephesians 1: 3-6 (GNT) – “Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be His through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children – this was his pleasure and purpose. Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son!” Message: As we busy ourselves with the celebration of Christmas, Christ’s birth, let us take a moment each day to reflect on the greatest Christmas gift ever given, ever received. There in the manger, baby Jesus, a gift like no other. GRACE. Given to us by God because God desires us to have it. Not necessarily because of anything we have done to earn it. God’s grace, divine grace that precedes human decision, Prevenient Grace! Family Activity: During a Christmas service in 1747, a Moravian Pastor in Germany, gave children a lighted candle tied with a red ribbon representing Jesus as the Light of the World. The candle and ribbon became known as a Christingle, German for Christ’s Light. The benedictory prayer was: “Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these children’s hearts, that theirs become like Thine.” Today the Christingle includes: an orange representing the world; a red ribbon representing the blood of Christ; a candle representing the light of the world; 4 cocktail sticks with candies and fruit representing God’s love spreading to the corners of the world, the four seasons, and God’s bounty. (Instructions) Prayer: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the greatest gift we will ever receive. Thank You for the birth of Jesus. Forgive us for getting so wrapped up in the bright lights and gifting that we momentarily forget the reason we are celebrating. It is in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Ann Gile |
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Wednesday, April 14, 2021 |
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Scripture: Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV) - "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Message: When I lived in Kansas City, Missouri, it was my privilege to serve on the Kansas City Sister City Association Board. At that time, there were 10 sister cities from the countries of: Spain, Germany, China, Africa, Nigeria, Taiwan, Japan, Sierra Leon, and Mexico (2). It was a wonderful experience that allowed us to unite in common goals and respect. When sharing a meal, peace rather than war and hate among nations and neighborhoods seemed possible. Love is by far, stronger than hate. The beauty in the difference of each of God's children is a warm, humbling experience. We will benefit greatly when we keep our mind and heart open to all. Prayer: Lord God, we come to you in prayer. When we take communion, we hear your words "This is My body, broken for you" . Help us to remember, that you died on the cross for all of us. Help us to remember that we are all one in Christ Jesus. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Tuesday, December 28, 2021 |
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Scripture: John 12:35-36 (GNT) - "Jesus answered, 'The light will be among you a little longer. Continue on your way while you have the light, so the darkness will not come upon you; for the one who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Believe in the light, then, while you have it, so that you will be the people of the light '" Message: Sometimes I find myself in need of an emotional / spiritual lift. My thoughts of former days, events and loved ones who have passed, pull my emotions into the dark. When a hurricane is approaching, I'm advised to stock the pantry with non-perishable essentials. I've learned that I function better when I'm stocked up on non-perishable spiritual essentials as well. Choosing a scripture to put on the refrigerator door each day, or starting the day in prayer, asking God for His direction. When my spirit is feeling dark, God is with me, encouraging me, and bringing light into my life, Sometimes a friend is the light, sometimes it's something I've read, or the light might be a rainbow in the sky that has followed an afternoon rain shower.Sometimes I'm moved to be the light in someone else's darkness. Maybe a phone call or a note; maybe an invite for a cup of coffee and a cookie. Being the light and showing care lightens the emotions and the spirit two told, like a non-perishable, the light will never go bad When we put light into someone else's day, it brings out the light, not only for them, but for also for us as well. Prayer: Lord, as our paths cross with friends and strangers, help us to remember that, as we walk in Your light, we are commanded to share it with those around us; then we will feel our own darkness lift and Your light will grow brighter. In Christ's name we pray. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Monday, April 20, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scriptures: Psalm 100:2 (KJV) – “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:21 (GNT) – “Sing the Lord, all the world! Worship the Lord with joy; come before him with happy songs!” Message: Our choir practices each week to bring us heart felt songs and hymns; I feel certain they practice at home as well. They lift their voices to God each Sunday, for us to enjoy and enable us to recite the words to ourselves for the rest of the day. Let’s take the time to let them know how much we appreciate their musical ministry. Many times, as we go out to the car after the church service has ended, we find ourselves locked on the words of a particulars hymn. Sometimes it’s a treasured old hymn and sometimes it a new one that we’re being taught. We are so fortunate to have the visual / audio technicians putting the words on the video screen for us to read as well. May God bless each of them with their offering. Prayer: Dear Lord, may the glory in the music be offered back as praise to You. We recognize that it is a gift from God to these individuals and they choose to share that gift with Your followers. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:8-11 (MSG) – “Goliath stood there and called out to the Israelite troops, ‘Why bother using your whole army? Am I not Philistine enough for you? And you’re all committed to Saul, aren’t you? So pick your best fighter and pit him against me. If he gets the upper hand and kills me, the Philistines will all become your slaves. But if I get the upper hand and kill him, you’ll all become our slaves and serve us. I challenge the troops of Israel this day. Give me a man. Let us fight it out together!’ When Saul and his troops heard the Philistine’s challenge, they were terrified and lost all hope.” Message: I recently read the scripture of David battling Goliath. It put in mind for me that we all have battles to overcome, each battle testing our inner strength. After my husband’s passing and I was by myself, everything that could go wrong seemed to be going wrong. In addition to my grief, a tree fell on the roof. First, I had to get the tree off the roof. Next, I had to find a roofer and then someone else to paint the house. Then, I had to have a new well dug. Each of these battles tested my inner strength. No matter the size of the giant, I knew I would get through it. Through prayer with Jesus, and there were days when He carried me. I knew, with help from my Savior, I could and would overcome the giant. As you fight your giant, remember, the Lord is with you. It helped me feel better to talk with Him. Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the strength I needed to handle my giant just as You helped David so long ago. I pray for Your help with others who are battling their own giants. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Tuesday July 21, 2020 - "The Connection" Series |
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Scripture: Psalm 95:4-5 (GNT) – “He rules over the whole earth, from the deepest caves to the highest hills. He rules over the sea, which he made; the land also, which he himself formed.” Message: Live Streaming is a new experience for me. In front of my computer I see familiar faces in the sanctuary ready to lead our worship. I like what I see. Pastor Mike is there with his favorite Bible, along with some work sheets. And his laptop computer! Yes, there are changes from what we’re used to. Some of us remember when the pastor wore full dark robes, stood behind a lectern and was so serious it was scary (Mike’s, Cameron’s and Barbara’s sermons are so enlightening and meaningful). We are invited to light a candle at home as those on the altar are lit to signify the light of Christ. Mine is a battery-operated candle. Another change from the past. Gloria and Bill Gaither sang a hymn “God on the Mountain” with lyrics that connects Psalm 95 and Psalm 23. The 1974 © song by Tracy Dartt includes the words:
For the God on the mountain, is still
God in the valley
For the God on the mountain, is still
God in the valley God is always with us, on the mountain, in the valley, and when we’re live streaming. In the good times and the bad. God is with us. He’ll make it right. Prayer: Lord God, we come to You in prayer. Thank You for all the ways You choose to be with us. Thank You for the beauty of each day. We pray for those who are ill and despondent, asking that You comfort them in their time of need. This we ask in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. Ann Gile |
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Tuesday, December 8, 2020 and Monday, December 23, 2019 |
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Scripture: Luke 1:26b-28 (GNT) - "God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. He had a message for a young woman promised in marriage to a man named Joseph who was a descendent of King David. Her name was Mary. The angel came to her and said, 'Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and has greatly blessed you.'" Message:
Written by Ann Gile (2018) Prayer: Lord Jesus, each year we celebrate Christmas to honor Your birth. Your birth being God's gift of forgiving us our sins wrapped with the promise of life everlasting. Thank You for the hope You give us, the guidance to live more abundantly in our faith and enough love to pass it on. In Your name we pray, Lord Jesus. Amen. Ann Gile |
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