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We both succumbed to a stubborn, worship-disrupting cough/cold, so rather than share it, we opted to stay home. We pray that you have been connected and blessed.

I have friends who seem obsessed with the weather, constantly checking the latest information from multiple sources. I notice when I state my narrow concern, “Is it going to rain?” the response is always the same: “Let’s check.” Perhaps it is better, more up-to-date, maybe just a chance to look at the Weather app, but it gives me pause to think.

People are always quick to quote biblical directives, whether or not they are actually from the Bible. This help is given freely and authoritatively (gospel, if you will), but not enough to check/quote the chapter and verse.

If we don’t look at the word of God, what are we citing? Are we helping or leading astray? Maybe we all need to check the app and witness for Him, making sure we are using His words.

Wayside Emmanuel Church

Today we worshiped at Wayside Emmanuel Church, 4437 Mitchell Road, New Castle, PA 16105, 724.652.6439, www.waysideemmanuelchurch.com, Pastor Bryan Warner.

Scripture – NIV

1 Samuel 20 –

Then David fled from Naioth at Ramah and went to Jonathan and asked, “What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to kill me?”

“Never!” Jonathan replied. “You are not going to die! Look, my father doesn’t do anything, great or small, without letting me know. Why would he hide this from me? It isn’t so!”

But David took an oath and said, “Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said to himself, ‘Jonathan must not know this or he will be grieved.’ Yet as surely as the Lord lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.”

Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do for you.”

So David said, “Look, tomorrow is the New Moon feast, and I am supposed to dine with the king; but let me go and hide in the field until the evening of the day after tomorrow. If your father misses me at all, tell him, ‘David earnestly asked my permission to hurry to Bethlehem, his hometown, because an annual sacrifice is being made there for his whole clan.’ If he says, ‘Very well,’ then your servant is safe. But if he loses his temper, you can be sure that he is determined to harm me. As for you, show kindness to your servant, for you have brought him into a covenant with you before the Lord. If I am guilty, then kill me yourself! Why hand me over to your father?”

“Never!” Jonathan said. “If I had the least inkling that my father was determined to harm you, wouldn’t I tell you?”

David asked, “Who will tell me if your father answers you harshly?”

“Come,” Jonathan said, “let’s go out into the field.” So they went there together.

Then Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the Lord, the God of Israel, that I will surely sound out my father by this time the day after tomorrow! If he is favorably disposed toward you, will I not send you word and let you know? But if my father intends to harm you, may the Lord deal with Jonathan, be it ever so severely, if I do not let you know and send you away in peace. May the Lord be with you as he has been with my father. But show me unfailing kindness like the Lord’s kindness as long as I live, so that I may not be killed, and do not ever cut off your kindness from my family—not even when the Lord has cut off every one of David’s enemies from the face of the earth.”

So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord call David’s enemies to account.” And Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him, because he loved him as he loved himself.

Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon feast. You will be missed, because your seat will be empty. The day after tomorrow, toward evening, go to the place where you hid when this trouble began, and wait by the stone Ezel. I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I were shooting at a target. Then I will send a boy and say, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I say to him, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring them here,’ then come, because, as surely as the Lord lives, you are safe; there is no danger. But if I say to the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,’ then you must go, because the Lord has sent you away. And about the matter you and I discussed—remember, the Lord is witness between you and me forever.”

So David hid in the field, and when the New Moon feast came, the king sat down to eat. He sat in his customary place by the wall, opposite Jonathan, and Abner sat next to Saul, but David’s place was empty. Saul said nothing that day, for he thought, “Something must have happened to David to make him ceremonially unclean—surely he is unclean.” But the next day, the second day of the month, David’s place was empty again. Then Saul said to his son Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse come to the meal, either yesterday or today?”

Jonathan answered, “David earnestly asked me for permission to go to Bethlehem. He said, ‘Let me go, because our family is observing a sacrifice in the town and my brother has ordered me to be there. If I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away to see my brothers.’ That is why he has not come to the king’s table.”

Saul’s anger flared up at Jonathan and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Don’t I know that you have sided with the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? As long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Now send someone to bring him to me, for he must die!”

“Why should he be put to death? What has he done?” Jonathan asked his father. But Saul hurled his spear at him to kill him. Then Jonathan knew that his father intended to kill David.

Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the feast he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.

In the morning Jonathan went out to the field for his meeting with David. He had a small boy with him, and he said to the boy, “Run and find the arrows I shoot.” As the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. When the boy came to the place where Jonathan’s arrow had fallen, Jonathan called out after him, “Isn’t the arrow beyond you?” Then he shouted, “Hurry! Go quickly! Don’t stop!” The boy picked up the arrow and returned to his master. (The boy knew nothing about all this; only Jonathan and David knew.) Then Jonathan gave his weapons to the boy and said, “Go, carry them back to town.”

After the boy had gone, David got up from the south side of the stone and bowed down before Jonathan three times, with his face to the ground. Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most.

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’ ” Then David left, and Jonathan went back to the town.

Bob’s thoughts:

It is always special to be greeted by a Marine at the door to the church.

Seeing the three crosses on the outside wall prepared me for the great wooden cross inside flanked by two smaller ones. We were warmly welcomed, including by another Marine, and a number who thanked me for my service.

I had hoped that we could offer to lay hands and pray over a woman who seemed to be in some distress during the service, but couldn’t locate her afterwards.

A recent sermon elsewhere dealt with friends from whom we should distance ourselves; today’s included some of the aspects of being a good friend. The odd part was both times I heard Christ’s message for me before the pastor spoke.

When Christ claimed me, all those I had thought of as friends left me, so that message was a little late for me. But I realized I was burdened just the same with too much stuff. Today it was clear that some of my friends about whom I have been judgmental are maybe those to whom I haven’t been enough of a friend.

We have a Friend to emulate in Christ, and I pray we are up to the challenge.

A member I spoke with was lamenting the lack of tithers. I would offer that there has never been anyone who was having financial troubles to whom I recommended tithing who came back to complain. You can’t out-give God.

Jan’s thoughts:

A Marine greeted us warmly at the door and others welcomed us as well as we made our way to the restrooms and then to the sanctuary.

The fellowship time was winding down as we found our way downstairs, and had we arrived earlier we would have enjoyed the coffee and donuts. It looked like a generous spread.

In addition to the three crosses we noticed on the outside of the building, there were three at the front of the sanctuary as well.

This traditional church and blended service included somewhat contemporary songs led by an organist and several women who exhibited a pleasant harmony.

The pastor referenced last week’s message about Ruth and Naomi and stated the takeaways: loyal love is important; we must be the reflection of Jesus; we must be an encourager; and friendships matter to God. Today’s message was Friends to be Thankful For: #3 Jonathan and David.

He pointed out that Jonathan was the eldest son of the king while David was the youngest son in his family and a shepherd. They could not have been more opposite, and their relationship of mutual respect and care could only have been orchestrated by God.

This message reminded me that I need to nurture the friendships with which God has blessed me.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, we pray You will continue to comfort and guide Your church to new life in You. Amen.

New Life Christian Ministries

Yesterday we worshiped at New Life Christian Ministries, 139 Knoch Road, Saxonburg, PA 16056, 724.524.1547 www.newlifexn.org, Dr. Chris Marshall, Lead Pastor.

Scripture – ESV

Proverbs 18:24 –

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 27:6 –

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:10 –

Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.

Bob’s thoughts:

Sometimes we are blessed to see God’s orchestration to get a message through to us.

I recently went to the VA to get my hearing aid repaired and, as usual, steered the conversation to Christ and our church visits. The church we talked about sounded familiar, and today, needing an early service, we came to take a look.

I don’t always remember a church, but this one was familiar right away. We first worshiped here the second week they were in this location and God has blessed them in growing His church.

I was lamenting the loss of the large cross that was on the wall until I looked up and saw the cross toward the ceiling.

We were greeted and some thanked me for my service, including a time later in worship. I was surprised that only once did the laser lights shine on the congregation. There were patterns projected on the ceiling and overhead cross. The volume was good and I liked the harmony and lead singers. The three screens made it easy to see, even when I had to sit down.

Christ’s message for me personally came through when I read the title of the pastor’s sermon, Necessary Endings: Friends. When Christ claimed me, I had a lot of friends and they all went away. I lamented the loss till I realized Who was doing the pruning.

I have been cleansed in that regard but have a lot of things weighing me down. After a few deaths in the family I received a lot of tools and other things. It wasn’t long before I realized they were more of a burden than a blessing. Many truckloads went away at that time, but now I’m sure it’s time to do it again. I worked in many fields and created artistically in mixed medium, but I know He will lead me through in prayer. I’m looking forward to where I’ll be next, and who I’ll be.

Jan’s thoughts:

Bob met someone from this church so we visited at her invitation, also because we sought an early service and they have one at 8:30 in addition to Sunday services at 10 and 11:30 and one Saturday evening at 6:30.

We last visited this church four years ago, and last week they dedicated a recently completed expansion. There seems to be a great deal going on here. The signage was helpful, as was the coffee, and the service began shortly after we found our seats.

Three projection screens in the front made it easy to see what was going on even from the very back.

The stage was lit with spotlights, which gratefully did not wander into the seats. The cross that was on the wall at our last visit had been moved to make room for one of the screens, and it is suspended at an angle above the stage. It was truly striking.

Veterans were recognized and prayed over, which was deeply touching.

The message began a new series based on a book by Dr. Henry Cloud called Necessary Endings. He began with a quote: “Sometimes, in order to thrive, something else must die. Nowhere is that more true than in relationships.” He emphasized his Take Home Point: True friends build us up, but false friends can lead us to destruction.

He pointed out that followers of Christ should approach necessary endings with truth and love, and that they are easier to embrace and execute when you believe something normal is happening.

I appreciated this message and have downloaded the church’s app so I can hear the subsequent parts to this series.

We were grateful for the time given in conversation by both the pastor and Bob’s friend.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, the growth is impressive, and we pray Your church continues to be a beacon where You have planted them. Amen.

Crossroads Church Cranberry

Today we worshiped at Crossroads Church Cranberry, 8533 Peters Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066, 412.494.9999, www.crossroadsumc.org, Mike Arnold, Campus Pastor.

Scripture – NIV

Matthew 28:1-10 –

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

James 3:4-5 –

Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Ephesians 4:29-32 –

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Bob’s thoughts:

With recent upheaval in our lives, we were looking forward to a quiet service where we knew what to expect. But today our grandson had a troubled day. It is easy to be upset when there is seemingly nothing you can do and most troubling when it is not the normal behavior. I didn’t expect him to sing along, but noticed he was watching the rear wall projection and mouthing the words.

An important thought from today’s message: “Jesus can change your path” …something He is doing in our lives right now.

I interpreted a line of the sermon, “Run toward the pain”, as a take-off of the Marine motto, “We run toward the gunfire”. We were admonished to pray and speak as bridge builders.

I realized that as annoying as it is to me to repeat a line from praise songs over and over, during Communion, it works. We were given a time for confession, and I got a personal message for me from God: I need to be more of a bridge builder.

Jan’s thoughts:

We had one of our grandchildren with us most of the weekend and wanted to make sure he attended church where he usually goes, so we found ourselves here.

As always, the coffee was delicious, the people were friendly and welcoming, and the music was well done.

The message was the last in the 3-part series and was called Encountering Jesus Redirects Us. This was timely for me, as He has done just that this past week when my job ended. The pastor pointed out that when we meet Jesus, we become messengers of hope, which means we run toward the pain in this world and we can pray and speak as bridge builders. He reminded us that we make a difference with the compassion we show and the hope we bring to others, and that courage is contagious.

This message reminded me that God indeed has good plans and that Jesus’ redirection of my life is an opportunity to discover those plans.

Our prayer for this church:

Father, we are grateful that You continue to guide Your church to where You want them to be. Amen.