170 Years – Our Founding

01 / Sun  | Read Ps 145:4 / Matt 28:18-20 / 2 Cor 11:25-28, 30, & 12:9

Overview: Every story has a beginning. Officially, this church’s story began 170 years ago. But, just a year earlier, a small group meeting in a public hall was hard at work making plans to build their own church. Ours.

02 / Mon – It’s not random  |  Read Genesis 1:1 / Psalm 77:10-12

In the beginning, God had a plan for everything, and He’s been rolling that out ever since. Is that hard to believe at times? Often, you can’t see clearly until you look back and remember. It is an effective way to thwart discouragement. Remembering gives peace in the present and hope for the future. Having trouble remembering? Turn to the written history in the Old Testament. See how those promises were fulfilled in the New Testament. Remind yourself often that ‘this’ is all temporary and, according to Rev 22, it all turns out okay in the end. In fact, better than okay.

03 / Tue – In good hands  |  Read Isaiah 41:10 / Psalm 139:10 / Psalm 17:7

God gave human beings two hands. We teach little kids how to know left and right. The difference is important, especially if you are working with screws. Do you still use this ditty to help you remember…righty-tighty, lefty-loosey? In the Old Testament, God is portrayed as using His hands to accomplish certain things, as you see in the verses above. How does this encourage you? When you feel insecure, remember that God holds you securely in His right hand.

04 / Wed – Great value  |  Read Matthew 6:20 / John 1:1

What is most important to you? What do you treasure so dearly that you are willing to make any sacrifice to attain or protect it? What do you hang onto spiritually? What tempts you to let go? Your brothers/sisters in hostile nations know there is only one thing they can’t live without – the precious word of God. They press it into their hearts so it will go with them everywhere, even to prison or to death. Are you planting this treasure in your heart and mind?

05 / Thu – Words for life  |  Read Psalm 25:4-5

Some people have what they call a life verse or verses. It is something that they keep coming back to over and over because it’s a reminder of what is most important. It may be a promise or a prayer from the Psalms, but it has become an anchor that holds them steady. The verses above are one example. What verse(s) have become important to you over time? What is an example of how God used those words as a course correction in your life?

06 / Fri – God gets mad?  |  Read Exodus 34:6 / Psalm 78:21-22, 56-59

The Lord is slow to get angry, which means that sometimes He gets mad. In the Old Testament, He was literally furious with His people. What made Him so angry? Probably the same thing that makes a dad furious when his son or daughter disobeys the rules and puts themselves in danger. It’s all about love. God gives warnings, but then has to let us suffer the consequences. Was there a time when those consequences sent you running back for forgiveness? What happened?

07 / Sat – On purpose  |  Read Colossians 3:17

The early Methodists in Hastings had no idea what would happen to their work after they were gone. But it is also apparent they faithfully focused on what God gave them to do. Whatever they did, obeying v17, survived to become the foundation you now stand on. You also have no idea what will happen after you are gone, but when you live this way, too, you can be sure of the promise in Philippians 2:13. Thanks be to God.