Kresge United Methodist Church

Scripture Nugget 4.28.2021 Scripture Read: 1 Kings 16-18 ESV Nugget: Omri did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and did more evil than all who were before him. ... and Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. ... Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. ... When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, ‘Is it you, you troubler of Israel?’ And he answered,... ‘I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father’s house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the LORD and followed the Baals. ... And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ‘How long will go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.’ And the people did not answer him a word. ... And they (prophets of Baal) took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, ‘O Baal, answer us!’ But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. ... And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention. ... And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, ‘O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.’ Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, ‘The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God.’ (1 Kgs 16:25,30,33b; 18:17-18, 21, 26, 29, 36-39) Devotional Thought: Parents (mothers and fathers), and all others in leadership positions responsible for setting an example; ask yourself who/what do I follow and who/where am I leading others to follow? The sins and evil of Omri passed on to his son Ahab and with both became worse as if there was a competition to win. Sin is not isolated nor static, it grows, it causes more, it is passed on to others it is destructive! Jesus came to break the cycle of sin, our dieing to self, submitting to Him is the example needed to lead others to Jesus. To free us from the destruction. O God give me eyes and ears to see, hear , recognize and steer clear of the Omris and Ahabs and follow the Elijahs who turn to and follow You. May I always be an Elijah to others; that they only follow me because they see me walking after You. See more

Want some historical perspective on the Train Wreck of our Episcopacy evidenced in the mistreatment of Mt. Bethel and their Senior Pastor? This has been happeni...ng in smaller churches tor some time. Wake up, United Methodist lay folks! https://firebrandmag.com//a-spirit-of-tyranny-the-abuse-of

Scripture Nugget 2.18.2021 Scripture Read: Numbers 12-13, ESV Nugget: They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, ‘We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there.’ ... But Caleb quieted the people before Mose...s and said, ‘Let us go up once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.’ Then the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.’ (Num 13:26b-28, 30-31) Devotional Thought: When God leads you to the edge of a Promised Land, then gives you an opportunity to explore it and all is as He promises do you have faith to proceed? Do you see the milk, honey and fruit or are you distracted by difficulties? Let us be like Caleb, let us follow the Caleb’s God sends to lead. See more

Kresge Family, continue to pray for Debbi Z. Surgery went well and she is on her way home to continue recovering.