Epworth Church

Epworth Church Epworth Methodist Church. United as a body in Christ.

1 Peter 📖 5:1-11 NIV[1] To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who als...
09/08/2026

1 Peter đź“– 5:1-11 NIV
[1] To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: [2] Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; [3] not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. [5] In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. [8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. [10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Let’s return to the Emmaus road story that we reflected on yesterday. Two disciples, walking home in deep discouragement...
09/08/2026

Let’s return to the Emmaus road story that we reflected on yesterday. Two disciples, walking home in deep discouragement, are met by the risen Jesus. As they recall this encounter, they speak of their hearts burning within them—and one of the key reasons for that transforming experience was their renewed encounter with the Scriptures. They describe how Jesus opened the Scriptures to them and revealed their true meaning.

In our information age today, it is easy to treat the Bible like much of the content that scrolls endlessly past us—stuff we can engage with or just ignore if we want to. Yet the Bible speaks against being casually indifferent to its message.

Psalm 119, the longest chapter in Scripture, is a passionate love song to God’s Word: “Oh, how I love your law!” it declares. “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Jesus reflected this same deep devotion to Scripture throughout his life and ministry. As the Word made flesh, he is the ultimate fulfillment of everything the Scriptures proclaim.

The Bible is not meant to be skimmed or approached halfheartedly. Instead, it is meant to be wrestled with, meditated on, and absorbed deep into our hearts. When we create space to listen to God’s Word in this way, like those disciples on the road to Emmaus, we too will be changed.

Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures for us. May we be able to say with conviction that your Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Amen.

https://todaydevotional.com/

When God instructed the Israelites to build the tabernacle, He selected a man named Bezalel to lead much of the work.Bez...
09/07/2026

When God instructed the Israelites to build the tabernacle, He selected a man named Bezalel to lead much of the work.

Bezalel was not a priest, prophet, military leader, or public speaker. He was a skilled craftsman.

God gave Bezalel wisdom and ability to work with gold, silver, bronze, stone, wood, and other materials. His creativity and craftsmanship became part of Israel’s worship.

The work of his hands helped create a place where the people could gather and encounter the presence of God.

Bezalel’s story expands our understanding of what it means to be used by God.

We sometimes divide life into spiritual and ordinary categories.

Preaching, praying, and leading worship may feel spiritual, while designing, building, repairing, organizing, cooking, or managing details can seem less important.

But Scripture does not make that distinction in Bezalel’s life. God’s Spirit empowered him to create, design, and build with excellence.

The abilities God gives us do not have to look traditionally religious to serve His purposes.

Perhaps you know how to build things, solve problems, manage finances, teach children, organize events, write clearly, or make people feel welcome. Maybe you have an eye for beauty, an understanding of technology, or the patience to complete detailed work others avoid.

Those abilities can become instruments of service when surrendered to God.

Bezalel also did not work alone. He collaborated with other craftspeople to complete the tabernacle.

Using our gifts faithfully does not require us to receive all the credit. Sometimes our greatest contribution is helping a larger mission succeed.

Do not dismiss an ability simply because it feels ordinary to you.

What comes naturally may be exactly what God wants to use to meet a need, strengthen a ministry, or encourage another person.

Your skill may never place you in front of a crowd. It can still become an act of worship when it is offered to God with humility, excellence, and love

Action Step for Today:

âś… Identify one practical ability God has given you. Look for one specific way to use it this week to serve another person, your church, or your community.

Reflection: Where might God be inviting you to use an ordinary skill for His purposes? Consider how your creativity, experience, or practical ability could help build something that serves other people.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the abilities You have given me. Help me develop them with excellence and use them to serve others and honor You

-Ryan Miller

One of the ways we can speak of “resonance” is in terms of human connection. When a person says something that connects ...
09/07/2026

One of the ways we can speak of “resonance” is in terms of human connection. When a person says something that connects with us deeply, we might say, “Yes, that resonates with me,” or maybe, “I feel the same way. I’m totally in sync with you on that.”

We can find resonance in spiritual experiences as well. This happens in our story for today, about two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walk along, a stranger joins them and engages with them in a long and meaningful conversation about Jesus, his death, and what the Scriptures taught about the promised Messiah.

Yet only after the stranger breaks bread with them and then disappears do the disciples realize that they were walking and talking with Jesus. They didn’t realize he had risen from the dead! Notice what they say to each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” That description of burning hearts is a powerful description of resonance.

When we encounter Jesus in a true and meaningful way, we may sense that something is shifting within us. We are in the presence of life-changing truth.

Over the next few days, let’s explore more about this resonating experience. And, like those disciples, may we encounter the living Jesus as he breaks into our lives.

Jesus, may our hearts burn within us in response to your work in our lives. May your Word and Spirit enliven us today and make us more like you. Amen.

09/06/2026

Celebrate the life of Mitch Carter, Jr. and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

The Christian writer C. S. Lewis was a careful thinker. One day he was asked which of the world’s religions gave people ...
09/06/2026

The Christian writer C. S. Lewis was a careful thinker. One day he was asked which of the world’s religions gave people the greatest happiness. He thought for a moment and answered, “While it lasts, the religion of worshiping oneself” would do that. He was pointing out that when we focus on our own needs and wants, it is indeed possible to find happiness in the short term—“while it lasts,” but not for long.

In the long term we discover that worship of self can never satisfy. Our appetite for more pleasure, more comfort, more possessions, and so on will lead us on an endlessly futile quest. Most troubling is that when we focus inward and only on ourselves, that cuts us off from the important voices around us, particularly God's voice.

Many of us live in cultural settings where the focus on self has become the norm. All around us, people search for happiness as they follow personal dreams and pursue personal desires apart from God’s invitation to find life in him alone—life that brings true flourishing. We live in a thirsty world.

In this challenging environment, we hear the Lord’s invitation in Psalm 42 to meet with him in worship. May our thirst lead us, like the psalmist, to the living God, who alone can meet our deepest needs.

Heavenly Father, many people around the world will seek you in worship today. Quench the thirst of your people, we pray, and move us to sing your praises and listen to your Word. Amen.

Psalms 📖 121:1-8 NIV[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lor...
09/06/2026

Psalms đź“– 121:1-8 NIV
[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. [3] He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; [4] indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. [5] The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; [6] the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. [7] The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; [8] the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 19 asserts that the heavens declare the glory of God. I recently learned some things about the Hubble Space Telesc...
09/05/2026

Psalm 19 asserts that the heavens declare the glory of God. I recently learned some things about the Hubble Space Telescope and what it reveals about the known universe. Astronomers describe it in a way like this:

Imagine holding up your finger with a grain of sand on it and looking at the patch of sky that the grain of sand blocks out. That’s the field of space the Hubble telescope can zoom into. There are tens of thousands of galaxies in a patch of sky the size of a grain of sand held at arm’s length. If that tiny patch of sky is like every other, then we can estimate that the visible universe includes about 2 trillion galaxies. Each one of those galaxies contains about 100 billion stars. And this means the universe contains a number of stars that goes beyond any number we can even imagine. Astronomers say that there are easily more stars in the visible universe than there are grains of sand on the earth.

When I think of the unimaginable size of the universe, I can’t help thinking how true Psalm 19 is: “The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”

Creation resounds with praise for the Creator!

Dear Lord, although the heavens use no words, we join our voices with all creation to proclaim your praise. Thank you for making and redeeming us in love. Amen

Galatians đź“– 5:22-26 NIV[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulne...
09/04/2026

Galatians đź“– 5:22-26 NIV
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Waiting can wear on us.When prayers remain unanswered or circumstances change slowly, we may begin to protect ourselves ...
09/04/2026

Waiting can wear on us.

When prayers remain unanswered or circumstances change slowly, we may begin to protect ourselves by expecting less. We keep moving through our routines, but our sense of hope can grow quiet.

Anna’s story offers a picture of faith that remained attentive through the years.

Luke introduces her as a prophet who was very old. She had been married for seven years before becoming a widow.

Scripture does not tell us everything she experienced, but it does show us how she lived: worshiping, fasting, and praying.

Then Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple.

Anna approached at that moment, gave thanks to God, and began speaking about the child to others who were waiting for Jerusalem’s redemption.

After years of worship and prayer, she encountered the One through whom God would bring salvation.

Her response was gratitude, followed by testimony. She shared the hope she had encountered.

We should not assume that Anna’s faithfulness meant she never felt lonely, weary, or sad. Scripture does not say that.

Her story shows us that sorrow and faithful worship can exist within the same life.

That is encouraging when our own journey feels long.

Remaining faithful does not mean pretending we are never discouraged. It means continuing to bring our hearts before God, receiving support from His people, and making room for hope even when we cannot see what lies ahead.

Anna also reminds us that advancing age does not erase our spiritual purpose.

Her words about Jesus mattered. Whatever our age or circumstances, we can pray, encourage, give thanks, and help someone recognize the hope found in Him.

Throughout this week, Shiphrah and Puah, Abigail, Huldah, Tabitha, and Anna have shown us courage, wisdom, truthfulness, kindness, and perseverance. Their stories invite us to practice a faith that shapes how we treat people and respond to God each day.

You do not need a prominent name to live a meaningful life.

Keep your heart open to Jesus, remain faithful with what is before you, and share His hope with someone who needs it.

âś… Spend a few quiet minutes thanking God for His faithfulness. Then encourage someone who is waiting or discouraged with a personal reminder of the hope you have in Jesus.

Reflection: Where has waiting made you weary or discouraged? Ask God to renew your hope, deepen your faithfulness, and show you someone who needs encouragement through your testimony of Jesus today.

Prayer: Father, strengthen my faith through every season. Keep my heart attentive to Jesus and help me share His hope with others while I wait faithfully.

-Ryan Miller

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5876 Garland Highway
Clinton, NC
28328

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(910) 592-0203

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