Women’s Devotional & Book Recommendations
Dear Ladies of RBC,
Hope this finds you well. I’d like to share with you a couple of things that have helped and encouraged me so much during this quarantine.
The first is a 2 week devotional on the sermon on the mount by Kelly Minter. This devotional went a long way in helping me to focus on God and His goodness. I found it encouraging as well as challenging as we dug deep into the word. To sign up to receive a free copy of Kelly’s The Blessed Life: 14 Days of Hope from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, click here.
The second is a new book that I’m currently reading by Christine Hoover called With All Your Heart: Living Joyfully through Allegiance to King Jesus. The book is about finding freedom from the false allegiances that are vying for our hearts. She doesn’t do it by shaming us or teaching us how to modify our behavior. Instead she turns our eyes to Jesus to find our heart’s true King. Christine writes from personal experience. I find her honest, vulnerable, and very easy to read and relate to. Click here to get your own copy.
Please stay safe. I look forward to gathering with you all again soon.
Blessings,
Marsha Mathews
Director of Women’s Ministry
Preparing for Sunday | April 19
SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
Yes I Will | [listen + lyrics]
Eddie Hoagland, Jonathan Smith, and Mia Fieldes
Psalm 63:3-4
Goodness of God [listen + lyrics]
Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Ben Fielding, Ed Cash, Brian Johnson
1 Chronicles 16:34
Your Great Name | [listen + lyrics ]
Michael Neale, Krissy Nordhoff
Philippians 2:10-11
Living Hope | [listen]
Phil Wickham, Brian Johnson
1 Peter 1:3
It Is Well with My Soul [listen + lyrics]
Horatio Spafford, Philip Bliss
Psalm 46:1
SERMON TEXT
1 Corinthians 13
Shadow of the Cross – Saturday Devotional
If you missed any of this week’s devotional videos, you can click here to catch up.
Shadow of the Cross – Friday Devotional
If you missed any of this week’s devotional videos, you can click here to catch up.
Shadow of the Cross – Thursday Devotional
If you miss any of this week’s devotional videos, you can click here to catch up.
Preparing for Easter Sunday | April 12
SONGS WE’LL BE SINGING TOGETHER
Man of Sorrows | [listen]
Matt Crocker, Brooke Ligertwood
Isaiah 53:3
Death Was Arrested | [listen]
Adam Kersh, Brandon Coker, Heath Balltzglier, Paul Taylor Smith
Hebrews 2:9
Living Hope | [listen]
Phil Wickham, Brian Johnson
1 Peter 1:3
Resurrecting| [listen + lyrics]
Christopher Brown, Mack Brock, Matt Ntele, Steven Furtick, Wade Joye
1 Corinthians 15:57
It Is Finished [listen + lyrics]
Brett Younker, Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, Kristian Stanfill, Chris Quilala
John 19:30
He Shall Reign [listen + lyrics]
Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan
Lamentations 5:19
SERMON TEXT
1 Peter 1
Shadow of the Cross – Wednesday Devotional
If you miss any of this week’s devotional videos, you can click here to catch up.
Shadow of the Cross – Tuesday Devotional
If you miss any of this week’s devotional videos, you can click here to catch up.
Shadow of the Cross – Monday Devotional
As we begin a most unusual Easter week, let’s spend the next few days considering the magnificent reality of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
A couple years ago, we released a song called “Shadow of the Cross,” along with a devotional guide that follows the events leading up to the death and resurrection of our Lord. We invite you to join us in meditating on these amazing truths this week.
What Does the Bible Teach About Plagues & Pandemics?
Plagues, famines and pestilences are regularly mentioned in the Scriptures. Along with widespread pandemics, such as we are facing today, there is a tendency to assume that all events of mass destruction–including hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis, etc.–are signs of the end of days. Keep in mind that these disasters have been around for thousands of years, and almost every generation sees these things and says the Lord must be returning soon. Yet, “concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36). We ought not draw conclusions where Scripture does not, but we are to be ready and expectant, as this keeps us focused on Jesus and sharpens our eternal perspective (Matthew 24:42-44).
Such considerations usually lead to the age old debate as to whether the Lord allows these disasters or sends them. No matter where you stand on this issue, what is clear is that He is sovereign and we are to rest in Him (Psalm 115:3, Colossians 1:15-20, Matthew 11:28). I recently posted a video about three storms that are found in the Bible. Each storm has a different purpose and theme, some of which are clear and others, not so much. Those who are in Christ Jesus need not fear. Rather, “keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed” (Acts 27:22).
For further reading and consideration, you can download an article below from Joel Rosenberg of The Joshua Fund. His article includes a survey of instances of plague and pestilence found in the Scriptures and how we might respond today.
-pastor mike