Church guide

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Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Debbie Payne, Prayer Ministry Coordinator May 18, 2019 “And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39 I found myself rereading the scripture describing the dark hours Jesus spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. The heartbreaking scene is a sober reminder of the importance of knowing complete and fearless trust in God. Picturing Jesus, prostrate and alone in intense and focused prayer, pleading with his Father to save him from the horrendous guilt of our sins, but only if it was his will. I’ve read several versions of the following scripture, and I’m sharing The Clear Word’s description… When they reached the garden called Gethsemane, Jesus told His disciples, “Stay here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with Him. After they had walked a little way, Jesus became very sad and very weak. He said, “I feel as if I’m dying. Stay here and pray for Me.” Then he walked a little way and fell to the ground. He prayed, “Father, what is happening? Please don’t leave Me! But whatever You want me to go through, I’m willing to do it.” Jesus struggled to His feet and staggered back to the three disciples, but they were fast asleep. He nudged them awake and said, “Couldn’t you stay awake for a little while and pray for Me? At least pray for yourselves. So that you won’t give in to the temptations that will come to you tonight. I know your heart is willing, but your body is tired.” Then Jesus felt another wave of sadness. He staggered back to where He was before and fell on His knees. “Father, I don’t want to die, but if You want Me to, I’m willing.” Again, Jesus struggled to His feet and returned to the three disciples. But they had fallen asleep again. So, He went back to the place of prayer a third time. He fell to the ground and prayed the same prayer. Then He went back to the three disciples. “Are you still sleeping?” He asked. “Wake up. Here comes My betrayer with the Temple guards.” Matthew 26:36-46 The Clear Word It is heart-wrenchingly clear that Jesus was desperately seeking sympathy, encouraging words, and the sustaining prayer of his friends during his darkest hours. Jesus was at an eternal life or death crossroads, and he alone could bear the guilt of the sins of humanity that we may have eternal life. His friends slept as he accepted the oppressive darkness of our sins and clung to his Father in prayer as his Father withdrew his presence. Jesus’ total trust in his Father, cultivated through Bible study and prayer, gave him the peace and strength to accept his Father’s will. Although he couldn’t feel him near, he fiercely trusted his Father’s promises and abundant, unfailing love for him. Consider copying Matthew 29:39 and putting it where you’ll see it every day as a reminder of the importance of knowing and trusting God in all circumstances. It’s imperative to keep putting God, his word and prayer first in our lives so that in the dark valleys we, like Jesus, can say through trembling lips, “Father, not what I want, but what you want.”

Glimpses of our church 💕

Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Debbie Payne, Prayer Ministry Coordinator April 24, 2019 “My brothers, when sufferings and temptations come your way, try to face them joyfully. You know that when your faith in God is tested, and survives the test, it will be stronger than before. So, hold on and let your faith be tested, because as it survives and matures, your character will mature as well, and you will become even more steadfast.” James 1:2-4 The Clear Word It’s incredible to see the difference that, sunny days, blue skies and the promise of spring, has made in countenances and dispositions. It’s fun to watch as people shed their cocoons of winter, and with happiness and anticipation embrace the promise of spring with its warmth and new life. This jubilant transformation from the dark coldness of winter reminded me of Paul, as he encouraged the people to “Always rejoice in the Lord. And, again, I say rejoice! Philippians 4:4-7 The Clear Word God has given us immeasurable things to rejoice about all day, every day and if we keep our focus on praising God, his peace will reflect on our faces and in our dispositions. Like, me, you may have noticed that praise and thankfulness aren’t always the first thought when confronted with life’s challenges. It’s easy to over-dramatize our trials, but not many of us could begin to imagine the abject devastation that Job felt as he found himself under multiple vicious attacks from Satan that cost him everything. Job could have responded that he had nothing to rejoice about, but he had cultivated a solid relationship with God, and trusted him during his overwhelming adversity, pain, and grief. “Though he takes my life, I would still trust him. I am not afraid to state my case in his presence.” Job 13:15 The Clear Word Job’s faith, in times of great trial, came from choosing to make his relationship with God first in his life. Just as our human relationships need loving attention to thrive and flourish, so does our relationship with our Heavenly Father. I’ve read that marriages, families, friendships and even businesses often fail because of lack of quality time spent cultivating relationships which include attentive communication (turn off the electronics). People feel connected and valued when they’re included in the everyday needs, joys and concerns of those they love. God made us in his image, so is it so surprising to know that he yearns for our constant loving inclusion and communication with him? It’s not by chance that we are admonished to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4 We are living in a high stress world and quality time with God means literally turning off the worldly distractions and focusing exclusively on Him. Spend time rejoicing in the Lord and liberally praise him with words of heart-felt thanks and joyful praise. No wants, needs, tears, or fears…just praise. Then, wait quietly in his presence and allow him to fill your heart with his peace that surpasses human comprehension. “Always rejoice in the Lord. And, again, I say rejoice! Philippians 4:4-7 “Let your gentleness and kindness be evident to all. Remember that the Lord is always near at hand and one day he will come again. Don’t worry so much about everything. When you pray, ask God for what you need. Don’t be afraid to plead with him, but always do so with a grateful heart. God’s peace which surpasses human comprehension will guard your hearts and keep your minds on Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:4-7 The Clear Word

Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Debbie Payne, Prayer Ministry Coordinator April 14, 2019 ”Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 Good Evening, Prayer Warriors! I think it's safe to say that each one of us has found ourselves facing overwhelming fear, grief, pain, hurt, and anger not once but many times during our lifetime. Although these are very human and normal reactions to the adverse events in our lives, they should never be allowed to take over and ultimately define us. Sadly, most of us can easily name someone who angrily spews their bitterness at every opportunity. How does a person reach the point of such despair that they no longer trust God’s love and will? This came to mind as I was reading in Exodus 17, "As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. When Moses' hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Exodus 17:11-12 Satan is waging a tireless and brutal battle for our souls. As I read this passage, I could easily see God’s children growing exhausted from Satan’s relentless and ruthless attacks. I could visualize that, just as Moses needed the strong, steady and supportive hands of Aaron and Hur, those who are fearful, depressed and exhausted from Satan’s attacks need our prayers lifting them up to God. I was saddened, that I allow myself to get so caught up in the dramas of my own life, that I miss divine opportunities to support and lift a brother or sister up in fervent intercessory prayer. We should be rejoicing and praising God for his loving gift of prayer as a prevailing weapon against the malevolent intent of Satan to wrest us from the loving saving hands of God. Inviting God’s will into our lives doesn’t always come easily. The saying, “Pray hardest when it’s hardest to pray,” reminds me that it is in those moments of pain, fear, anxiousness, grief, and despair that we need to pray the hardest. It is also during those times that we should unashamedly seek the prayers of others on our behalf. It is not a sign of spiritual weakness or unbelief to rest in the intercessory prayers of others. Jesus requested the prayers of others during his darkest hours. Allow the loving prayers of others to lift you into the presence of God and allow his peace to surround you. Each whispered prayer is valuable, needed and life-changing, so keep your prayers ascending to the throne of Grace, prayer warriors. Our loving Heavenly Father is listening attentively and, although our prayers may not change the circumstances, left trustingly in his loving hands, will change us. Faithfully pray for the salvation of all God’s children, which includes our families. Faithfully lift in prayer those on the frontline of Satan’s fiery arrows, our pastors and their families, our churches, conferences and schools, missionaries, religious leaders, camp meetings, youth camps, evangelistic efforts, and those fighting for religious liberty. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18

Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Debbie Payne, Prayer Ministry Coordinator March 2, 2019 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 There are many stories in the Bible about God being for us, but my favorite is of Caleb and Joshua. The Israelites were camped near the border of the Promised Land when they asked Moses to choose twelve spies, one from each tribe, to stealthily scope out the Promised Land. The spies were given instructions to bring back a detailed report of the land, its crops, cities, and people whether they be few or many. After forty days the spies returned, with two men triumphantly carrying just one cluster of grapes between them. The people gathered excitedly to hear the report, as ten of the twelve spies gave vivid accounts of the beauty of the land, the fertility of the soil and the size of the fruit of the land. The Israelites grew excited and anxious to possess the land that God had promised. However, they rapidly lost hope as the ten spies ominously reported that the people were enormous giants and their cities were fortified by high walls. The dire prediction, of these ten spies, did not include God’s leading and they darkly predicted that it would be impossible to defeat the people and take possession of the fertile land that flowed with milk and honey. Caleb and Joshua quickly spoke up and, although they agreed with the descriptions of the land and its people, they eagerly encouraged the children of Israel to trust God and his promises. They spoke with enthusiasm and confidence that, with God, they would be triumphant. Sadly, it quickly became evident that the Israelites had not surrendered their hearts to God and his will. Again, they loudly and bitterly complained against God. It’s at this point that the parallel between then and now becomes apparent. This story is in the Bible so that we can learn from the mistakes and follies of the Israelites that lost them entrance into the Promised Land. God is calling us to be like Caleb and Joshua, acknowledging the obstacles, but full of faith, trust, and the unwavering zeal to storm the gates of giants with God as our leader. Take time to read this story of the Israelites…and us. We, also too often, fail to keep our eyes on God and rejoice and praise him for his leading and unfailing love. Too often we, too, allow Satan to fill our hearts and instead of trusting, we complain. Instead of uplifting words of praise, we murmur. Instead of speaking words of hope, we insult God’s character with words of despair. Read about God’s swift judgment on the ten spies who stirred the people to doubt God’s leadership. Again, reread the blessings bestowed on Caleb and Joshua who kept the faith. Keep reading and learning God’s will for your life in his word. Seek him in prayer. When the storms of life threaten to overtake you, keep praying and singing words of hope and praise. I’m finding comfort in Steven Curtis Chapman’s song, “Halleluiah, you are Good,” as it touches my heart with its chorus. “When faith gives way to fear, I will trust your heart. I will trust your heart. When I cannot feel you near. I will trust your heart. I will trust your heart.” Stay strong, Prayer Warriors, we are on our way to the Promised Land and if God be for us, we can trust that if he brings us to it, he will see us through it.

Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Debbie Payne, Prayer Ministry Coordinator February 16, 2019 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. 2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. Isaiah 54:1-3 The PE teacher was sick, and I was asked to fill in for him for a few days. I showed up for my first class, with my cool whistle, to supervise some fun playground games. However, as soon as the class automatically lined up to choose teams, I was transported back to my grade school days and remembered waiting anxiously to be one of the favored chosen ones by the team captains. This memory surfaced as I was reading about just a few of God’s chosen. I’m relieved to know that God doesn’t choose people based on their looks, degree, skills, social adeptness or physical prowess. We are all God’s chosen; however, we don’t always live like we are God’s favored chosen children. I think, all too often, instead of believing and accepting our chosen status, we are mentally trapped, fidgeting anxiously in line hoping to be chosen. God wants us to BELIEVE that we have his love, his power, and his forgiveness. He wants us to grasp the truth of his prophecy; live as his beloved chosen, and share the good news of Jesus’ second coming. The passage in Isaiah 54 speaks to me as I visualize embracing my chosen status and stepping out of line and living daily as God’s favored child. Just as a loving husband encourages his wife, the Lord encourages his people Zion, the mother of his people, to DREAM BIG, and excitedly enlarge the family tent for her many children. “…This is what the Lord says: “Dream BIG! Move your tent stakes. Make your tent larger. My plan is to expand Jerusalem until its influence takes in the whole world.” Clear Word 54: 1-3 Take time to read this chapter and rejoice in the celebration of the Lord’s redemption of his people. Note that chapters 1-3 focus on how the multiplication of God’s people is likened to a widow without children and that God, again, would multiply his children like he promised Abraham. You are God’s chosen, and as such, you can boldly step out of line and accept God’s call to multiply his people before Jesus comes. Visualize God telling you to “Dream Big! Move your tent. Make your tent larger for my many children that I am calling to come out of this world and into the truth.” As Jesus’s second coming looms near, God is calling his redeemed to gather his lost sheep, lost coins, and prodigal children into the fold so that not one soul be lost for eternity. Rejoice as you catch God’s dream for his people in these closing days of history. Rejoice that our Heavenly Father will equip, energize, grant us confidence and the words to speak as we hasten to do his bidding. Pray BIG! Dream BIG! Believe BIG! Trust BIG! Forgive BIG! Love BIG! Thank BIG! You’ve got this, Prayer Warrior, for the Captain of the universe has chosen you for his team! Go, Team Jesus!

Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Debbie Payne, Prayer Ministry Coordinator February 8, 2019 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. Psalm 119: 73-74 “Oh, I see you’ve used a lot of hand sanitizer.” As I cleaned off the black fingerprint ink, the tech informed me that hand sanitizer, along with other contributing factors, had eroded my fingerprints, making them useless for identification. Although this made me feel like I’d lost something important, I rejoiced in the knowledge that my Heavenly Father doesn’t need my fingerprints to identify me. God knit each of us together in our mother’s womb. No one has our fingerprints; our eyes are personalized just for us, and God alone knows the number of hairs on our heads. This same loving Father celebrates our differences, because every battle scar, and perceived imperfection that we bear, is viewed by him as powerful opportunities! God has never asked for perfection from his children. He worked with Peter’s impetuous nature; Moses’s speech impediment; Pauls’ thorn in his flesh and Thomas’ doubt. He recognized Barak’s fear and sent Deborah into battle with him. Notice that God accepted each person as they were so that it would be evident to all that it was by HIS might, and not theirs, that battles were won, miracles happened, and multitudes saved. We are given opportunities each day to accept God’s leading to witness, even if it is the tiniest smile. That small smile of encouragement, in the hands of God, is more far-reaching and life-changing than we could ever comprehend. Imagine what God could do if you allowed him to walk with you throughout your day. Envision what God could do, if you purposefully laid your past mistakes, hurts and worries at his feet, and trustingly moved forward to do his will. Visualize what God could do in your life if you saw yourself as he does, the well-loved child that he lovingly created. I can’t overemphasize the priceless value of breaking the chains of Satan by reading your Bible. Choose a translation that allows you to quickly read and understand the messages that God has for you. Be inspired by an interpretation that causes you to turn off the television so that you can lose yourself in the stories of faith and inspiration that will change your life. Celebrate the unique and diverse personalities that God used to do wondrous things on his behalf. Appreciate that God is still calling his unique, beloved children, who have been strengthened by the fires of life, and are willing to move past their imperfections, and accept his call to follow. Shh! Listen. He is calling you! For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Luke 12:7 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. John 18:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. Exodus 4:10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. John 20:27 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go. Judges 4:8

2/2/19 Prayer and Praise Summary For open doors and opportunities among family members in the middle of trials. Many thanks to those who helped pack the U-Haul and praying for traveling mercies as Gabi & Nathan move to Washington For Levi’s finished room For Conference teachers as they minister to families and students daily For a friend going through a rough time, and not knowing Jesus For timely decisions for a lady in the hospital who has 12 children and whose husband is away on a trip For a friend’s pregnancy, she needs to be seen at Billings at the end of the month and may need to stay there until her baby is born. Also for a relative to be able to come take her of her son while she’s away.

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Season 7 of Discovery Mountain is in! If you haven’t heard the previous seasons, consider doing so. These are great audio stories highlighting favorite bible characters and showing the practicality of God’s Word in our lives today. Geared towards children, everyone is sure to get a blessing 😊 https://www.facebook.com/372077216461481/posts/804648873204311/

Happy Sabbath! If you missed today’s sermon, please check our YouTube channel later this week for the recording. You can find us at: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCAg6Ohg2qUHqk_DGH0kpltg We also had a delicious feast at potluck, including a variety of Peruvian dishes to say goodbye to Gabi & Nathan Shaw. They’re moving to Washington February 3rd. If you are able to help them pack, please let us know.

Montana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Debbie Payne, Prayer Ministry Coordinator January 25, 2019 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, hold onto your faith. Don’t be moved. Don’t let anything change you. Do all that you can for Jesus. He won’t forget what you do for Him. 1 Corinthians 15:58 The Clear Word I’m always a little startled at how my mind works. I was sitting in a rather intense training session, when a slide popped up with a quote by Ben Franklin, “Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.” The presenters meant for the quote to encourage us to embrace the new program, but my mind promptly wandered elsewhere. I marveled at how aptly this quote described us, God’s children, as we struggle to grow in him. “Tell me, and I forget,” reminded me of the times I’ve sat in church, listening to the sermon, and found that I could only remember bits and pieces of it afterward. Now I found myself listening to the drone of the presenter’s voice, instructing me on how to use the new program, but my brain was busy multi-tasking as I explored the quote. Just that quickly, my mind was diverted, and I think we’ve all experienced the results of not focusing entirely on conversations or directions. “Teach me, and I remember,” proves that all the hours spent in a classroom, have a purpose. Most of us can credit our knowledge of reading, writing, and arithmetic to those dedicated teachers who touched our lives. As a Christian, I attribute the beginning of my understanding of God, and the Bible, to those faithful people who came to my home for weekly Bible studies. It was their zeal for the Lord that started me on a journey that I quickly found I couldn’t do alone. I needed the camaraderie found within, small group Bible studies and Sabbath school, as we studied, learned and prayed together. I looked for those who were willing to share the word and bring new light to my seeking heart. I cherished those who, with praise and love for their Savior, shared their practical hard-earned knowledge of God’s faithfulness. “Involve me, and I learn,” has proven right in my walk with Jesus. I’ll admit that I was content to be a faithful pew warmer for years, never dreaming that I could be of service to God. I, too often, felt inadequate and spiritually uneducated, as I clumsily sought to find the scriptures presented during the sermon. However, God used my supportive, friendly and encouraging church family to inspire me to venture into working for my Father. I’ll never forget the day I found myself sitting in a child-sized chair, gazing into the trusting and uncritical eyes of primary-aged children, as I nervously presented the Bible story. Yes, making the decision to teach has led to a more profound knowledge of God’s word, and I’m still learning, as I continue to serve him. I am thankful for those who chose to get involved, trust and witness for God. How different my life would be, if two Pathfinders had decided to stay home, instead of knocking on my door to invite me to take Bible studies. I praise him for the sweet couple, who answered his call to go to my home each week to study, share and pray. I’m very thankful that they, and others, drove out of their way to pick me up for church each week and take me home. Enrich, strengthen and renew your relationship with God by choosing to serve him actively. Take the first step, trusting God to lead, as you witness, help and inspire others to know, follow and share his amazing love.

Thursday evening, Jan 24, is Mount Ellis Elementary's next Mackenzie River night which means you don't have to cook, will enjoy delicious pizza and support MEE all at the same time!! You can dine in or take out all day and we will get 20% of your bill donated to the school. If you need a coupon, please message us or Cathy Allen on Facebook. If you go or order and don't have a coupon, you can still mention Mount Ellis Elementary. Thank you for all the ways you support our wonderful school and I look forward to seeing a big crowd there!! Have a blessed day!! Cathy Allen

Live from the AMEN Free Clinic in Bozeman

Live from the AMEN Clinic in Bozeman

Special Music 6/24/18

Special music by the Taylor family last Sabbath 😊

Singing at the Gallatin Rest Home last Sabbath. Mark in on your calendars, it’s every 1st Sabbath of the month at 2:30.

Special Music 3/31/18

Special Music

Our children’s story today: Jesus is our friend and He loves us! We can face any problem with Him.

Help Is On The Way

The Schumacher Family