A Fall Devotional
In late August, we invited several Smoke Rise members to share a story about a moment in their lives that has become central to their love for the Church. These personal stories help us get to know one another while reflecting on our own faith journeys.
These stories will be posted along with reflection questions, scripture, and a prayer each Tuesday, beginning September 16 and continuing through the end of November.
Mike Holt
Scripture Micah 6:8 He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?Story of Belonging Not long after I joined the church, Bill Blanton approached me to share about...
Bryan Dilks
Scripture Ephesians 1:20-24 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age...
Lou Tankersley
Scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.Story of Belonging Why do I love Smoke Rise? Let me count the ways. Forty-four years ago, Chuck and I were searching for a new church home for our family. With two...
MaryLynn Manley
Scripture Psalm 100:1-5 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness: come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates...
Evie Moore
Scripture Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”Story of Belonging I’ve been attending Smoke Rise’s Vacation Bible School for as long as I can remember. I grew...
Mack Bowers
Scripture Matthew 25:24-40 Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something...
Winston Murdock
Scripture John 13:35 Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples- if you have love for one another.Story of Belonging I am reminded of Doris Akers’ hymn “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” every time I think of Smoke Rise. Everyone here is full of the love of Jesus and...
Lauren Smith
Scripture James 5:13-15 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the...
Mike Jones
Scripture Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Story of Belonging Ever since I became part of a church family at the age of 17, the Church has always found meaningful ways for...
Dorothy Swindle
Scripture Genesis 12:1-9 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I...