God's Ministry of Restoration

04/26/2024

11/25/2022

Happy Anniversary to our beautiful and amazing Pastors David Citizen and Tonia Citizen

11/24/2022

Happy birthday to our very own Pastor David Citizen!

May God continue to bless you, and keep you, and make his face shine upon you, and be gracious onto you may He continue to lift you up with his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

04/18/2022

Happy Resurrection Sunday! Let Jesus be alive and active in your life!

And happy 5th year anniversary to our Pastors David and Tonia Citizen.

06/22/2021

CHANGING FOR THE BETTER
Devotional Reading: Jonah 2
Background Scripture: Jonah 3
Print Passage: Jonah 3:1-10
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
1. In what way was Jonah's recommissioning an act of grace?
2. What is the evidence that act of repentance is internal and not external?
3. What are some hinderances that prevent people from responding quickly to God's Word?

06/08/2021

THE CONSEQUENCES OF GIVING CHALLENGING ADVICE
Devotional Reading: Jeremiah 38:7-13; 39:15-18
Background Scripture: Jeremiah 37-38
Print Passage: Jeremiah 38:14-23
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
1. What is the right and wrong way to handle rejection for speaking God's truth?
2. In what ways do some Christians, preachers, teachers, and even some gospel songwriters water down or compromise God's Word?
3. Why do you think Zedekiah refused to take Jeremiah's counsel?

06/02/2021

EMPTY RITUALS ARE USELESS
Devotional Reading: Jeremiah 29:10-14
Background Scripture: Isaiah 29
Print Passage: Isaiah 29:13-24

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

1. Who receives the "applause" in your corporate worship setting-worship leaders or God?

2. How can experiencing spiritual worship become the focus rather than a "feel good" experience?

05/23/2021

LOVING JESUS

01/25/2021

LOVING OTHERS
Devotional Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8
Background Scripture: 1 John 3:11-24; 2 John 4-11; 3 John 5-8
Print Passage: 1 John 3:11-24

ANALYSIS OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT

Love: The Evidence Test (1 John 3:11-15)
1. What is the relationship between "settled hate" against another and actual physical murder?

Love Demonstrated (1 John 3:16-18)
2. According to 1 John 3:11-18, how can you recognize God's children?

Love Produces Confidence (1 John 3:19-24)
3. What assurance is given to those of us who may condemn ourselves for failing to live up to God's standards?

CLOSING THOUGHT
Loving others is the "brand" of the Christian life. It is the fundamental virtue that distinguishes the children of God from the children of Satan. It is also the source of confidence and a remedy for self-condemnation when we fail to reach God's standards. Strength for loving others is always available because of the abiding presence of our Christ through the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to consistently obey His commands and pray according to His will for our lives.

01/12/2021

LOVE CONNECTION
Devotional Reading: Psalm 80:7-19
Background Scripture: John 15:4-17
Print Passage: John 15:4-17

ANALYSIS OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT

Abiding in Christ Produces Fruit (John 15:4-8)
1. What steps are necessary for the community of faith to emphasize building a relationship with Christ rather than church member ship?

Love Perfected (John 15:9-13)
2. What are some visible examples of self-sacrificing love you have observed?

The Basis of Friendship (John 15:14-17)
3. What are the responsibilities and privileges of being a friend of God's?

CLOSING THOUGHT
The privilege of abiding in Christ carries with it non-negotiable responsibilities. Obedience and love for others must characterize the life of every "branch" of the "vine." Our challenge is to strengthen our personal relationship with God consistently through prayer, study, and the unconditional application of His Word.

01/04/2021

UPSIDE-DOWN LOVE
Devotional Reading: John 15:18-16:4a
Background Scripture: John 13:1-35
Print Passage: John 13:1-35

ANALYSIS OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT

A Reversal of Roles (John 13:1-5)
1. How can titles get in the way of humbly serving others?

Misunderstanding and Rejection of Roles (John 13:6-15)
2. Why does the biblical principle of functioning as a servant challenge believers?

A New Kind of Love (John 13:34-35)
3. Do those in your community who may not know Christ as Savior recognize that unconditionally loving others is a priority in your local congregation?

CLOSING THOUGHT
Following Jesus is a challenge to be radically different from the world in our relationships with others inside and outside the church. His expectation for His followers is to model His love through humble, sacrificial service to others. Our obedience to this command is a sign to the world that we belong to Him.

07/08/2020

WISDOM in ACTION

Devotional Reading: Matthew 10:1-14
Background Scripture: Matthew 11:1-19
Print Passage: Matthew 11:7-19

ANALYSIS OF THE BIBLICAL TEXT

John's Question (Matthew 11:7-10)

1. Can you think of examples of persons who behaved in unusual or unexpected ways, who really displayed true Christian character? What do these findings suggest about living a Christian life?

The Preparer (Matthew 11:11-15)

2. Why are some people today still waiting for Elijah's return?

This Current Generation (Matthew 11:16-19)

3. How would you respond to someone who said, "The Gospel message is foolish?

CLOSING THOUGHT

People often label unusual or unexpected behavior as eccentric, foolish, or even wrong; and the persons who act in such unusual ways are vilified. What should be our assessment when someone's behavior is unexpected? In Matthew, Jesus says His behavior and John's while unusual in their day, will eventually be proven wise by their subsequent results.